Caraga InFocus - September 17 - 23, 2016

CONTENTS REGIONAL NEWS

8 economic growth decelerated 9 Caraga’s in 2015 says PSA 11 DPWH allots P23-B infra in Caraga for 2017 Caraga holds dialogue with RTC 12 DSWD judges, clerks of court, prosecutors on Army issues new combat trucks to field units in Caraga

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17 - 23 Sept. 2016 Volume 1, No. 25

COVER

adoption process

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PROVINCIAL NEWS 15

Cantilan mayor is new Surigao Sur LMP president

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SurSur solon favors abolition of irrigation service fees

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DTI, GIZ spearhead green economic development technical session to Surigao Norte MSMEs

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Surigao Norte launches eye care program

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Drug rehab center opens inside army camp in AgSur

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Surigao Norte SP employees undergo customer service seminar DAR AgSur conducts cascading on new issuances to harmonize interpretation of laws

Butuan City to implement no segregation, no pickup policy

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AgNor officials, employees to get free annual check up

28 HEALTH NEWS:

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National literacy validators give Butuan ‘positive’ feedback

More Pinoy babies breastfed in an hour after birth

MINDANAO NEWS

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Duterte switches on power plant to end Mindanao’s recurring power crisis

NATIONAL NEWS

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COMELEC suspends all preparations for 2016 Barangay and SK elections

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DAR Secretary bats for new land reform law in Senate budget bid

Butuan biz group promotes ‘Caraga Lobster’ as regional signature brand

News Briefs An urban drainage system project costing P96.5 Million in Butuan City that is part of Agusan River Basin Flood Control Project has been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DPWH reported the completion of the urban drainage system project which involves 2.77 km channel excavation, provision of slope protection with 2.05 km maintenance road, and construction of reinforced concrete box culverts barrels.

Barobo town recorded the highest number of drug personalities who have surrendered in Surigao del Sur with 726 users and 10 pushers, according to Police Provincial Office.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte assured the consuming public that there was no movement in the prices of basic commodities in the city since the declaration of the state of lawlessness in the country by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In adherence to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to put up a building facility where drug dependents will be housed for helping them transform back to their normal and productive life, the 401st Infantry Brigade, in partnership with the local gov’t of Agusan del Sur, has built a rehabilitation center inside its camp premises. Its dormitory can accommodate 60 drug dependent individuals. It also has a clinic, mess hall, staff office, sports facilities and an inspection area.

Cover Story

Butuan biz group prom as regional signature b

F

By: Venus L. Garcia

CARAGA INFOCUS

COVER STORY

or a region that envisions of becoming the fishery, agri-forestry, mineral and eco-tourism center of the country, the upcoming Caraga Agricultural Trade and marketing Exposition (CARAT Expo 2016) slated to open here on November 9-13, 2016 is seen to bolster a signature brand for the region – the ‘Caraga Lobster.’

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As the lead chamber in organizing the CARAT Expo, Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCFI) tagged it as the premiere agri-fishery-related event in Mindanao that targets to identify a local product that will significantly stand out as the trade opportunities for small producers chief and distinctive product of Caraga in Caraga. region.

Dan Gudhal, chief of party of

This 2016 CARAT Expo is also the Winrock International, underlined conceptualized to supplement the that the Philippine Cold Chain Project Philippine Cold Chain Project’s (PCCP) (PCCP) is a four-year United States thrust of providing more focused Department of Agriculture (USDA) marketing and trading initiatives to funded program implemented by help increase productivity and create the Winrock International in Caraga

motes ‘Caraga Lobster’ brand

We are very excited to have lobster as the signature brand for Caraga region because lobster is a high-valued product and it’s something unique to the Caraga region. It really exemplifies the wonderful opportunities that are available here in Caraga,” said Gudhal.

The abundant local products of Caraga provinces

Abundant in Agusan del Sur province is the palm fruit called ‘kaong’.

It is a main ingredient for the famous Pinoy ‘halo-halo’ and some other dessert salads, declared Freddie Mero, Agusan de Sur chamber president.

region. He added that it has two primary objectives. One is to increase the production of perishable highvalued commodities, and the other is to improve marketing of those same commodities.

Boosting also the Surigao del Norte’s product, Surigao City chamber

“We are working with things like president Conception Paqueo said lobster, vegetables, fisheries and the that swordfish, locally called ‘liplipan,’ other products here in Caraga region. is superb for kinilaw, grill, or paksiw. “It

CARAGA INFOCUS

BCCFI president Roger Ramirez said that “what makes the Agusan Norte mangos extraordinary palatable is because of the sea breeze and ideal amount of moisture that gives the right sweetness and healthy fiber.”

COVER STORY

Caraga region as an administrative region in the country occupying the northeastern section of the island of Mindanao is known to be rich and abundant in agricultural and aquamarine products.

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COVER STORY CARAGA INFOCUS

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is also top notch for the International “Among the many products Game Fishing Competition in Siargao,” which Caraga is planning to showcase she added. is the lobster because the people of Dinagat Islands have successfully

While king crabs in Bislig City is cultured lobsters and a lot of them considered to be the biggest type are already earning a livelihood from in the country with its distinct taste, raising lobster in captivity. So lobster ‘vannamie,’ also known as white shrimps, a variety of prawn which is is a very prominent product to be abundant in the municipality of Tagum, displayed during the CARAT Expo, Surigao del Sur which is seven kilometers including other aquamarine products away from Tandag City is the most such as milkfish, grouper, lapu-lapu popular in dishes and recipes. They are and seven other species which have also perfect for cocktail or events in a been declared by Bureau of Fisheries boodle feast, said Tandag chamber and Aquatic Resources as technically president Emma Guerra. feasible to be raised in captivity. Watch out for CARAT Expo coming very soon,”

In Dinagat Islands, ‘lapu-lapu’ or said Department of Trade and Industry groupers come in different colors and Caraga regional director Brielgo sizes yet has the same delectable taste.

Pagaran.

It is perfect for ‘escabeche’ dish.

On top of the provincial products, Caraga brings to the country and to the world its regional product brand the ‘CARAGA Lobster.’

Caraga Lobster will banner Caraga region as it projects the largest and fastest growing economic hub in Mindanao. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Photo Gallery BLESSING & TURN-OVER

CARAGA INFOCUS

COVER STORY

of 34 Units trucks - 27 KM450 Trucks & 7 KM451 Ambulance held at Division Advance Command Post, 4ID, Phil. Army, Bancasi, Butuan City 19 September 2016

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Army issues new combat trucks to field units in Caraga

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Venus L. Garcia

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BUTUAN CITY – A newly acquired 27 KM450 and seven KM451 purchased from South Korea were recently issued to supplement the existing operational military trucks and to enhance the mobility capability of the army troops deployed at the battalion headquarters in Caraga region.

Rev. Fr. Joshue Cadorna, rector of Order of Discalced Augustinians and Fr. Catalino Mabale led the ceremonial blessing of the 34 newlyacquired military vehicles held at the Advance Command Post, Camp Bancasi, this city.

as they perform internal and external operations and to provide operation convenience of medical staff and patients.

The KM451 units, which serve as military ambulance will be utilized not only by the soldiers but also by the civilian

The provision of the conveyance patients. It is fully airconditioned and assets also aims to upgrade the complete with emergency medical capability of the military personnel treatment equipment and drugs.

According to MGen Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Phil. Army, aside from acquisition of the new military trucks they have also improved the coordination with the hospitals through a memorandum to provide a speedy medical response in order to save more lives.

“It is part of the continuous modernization program in which these vehicles will serve as transportation equipment for humanitarian assistance

and disaster relief operations,” said Madrigal.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the 4th civilmilitary operations battalion, Phil. Army was grateful for the additional KM units. He assured that they will see to it that the vehicles will be mobilized accordingly to really serve its purpose, and that proper maintenance and driving protocols will be observed by the personnel incharge. (VLG/PIACaraga)

Caraga’s economic growth decelerated in 2015 says PSA

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga revealed during the Regional Development Council - Social Development Committee meeting conducted on Tuesday that the region’s economic growth decelerated from 9.4 percent in 2014 to 4.2 percent in 2015.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

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The region’s growth declined as agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing (AHFF) declined and industry and services slowed down during that period.

Also, the Industry sector has decelerated to 9.9 percent in 2015 from 14.8 percent in 2014. It says that the slowdown was attributed to the slowdown in mining and quarrying (MAQ) and manufacturing. MAQ,

It was also noted that the services which accounted for the largest share sector has continue to account for in the industry decelerated from 14.7 percent to 5.0 percent in 2015. the largest share in the region’s total economic output with 14.7 percent

Likewise, the manufacturing also followed by 37.2 percent of the industry slowed down from 12.7 percent to 2.6 sector while the AHFF also contributed percent in 2015.

17.1 percent.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

During the year, the overall performance of the services sector slowed down from 9.2 percent in 2014 to 5.3 percent in 2015 this is due to the decelerated growth of four subindustries.

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However, electricity, gas and water supply (EGWS) cushioned the decelerated growths of the first two sub-industries as it rebounded from negative 5.8 percent in 2014 to 24.1 percent in 2015.

Construction further improved

The transportation, storage and its performance by accelerating from communication (TSC) also recorded 20.6 percent to 22.7 percent in 2015. the biggest deceleration from 16.4 The AHFF has suffered a reversal percent in 2014 to 4.2 percent in 2015. from 1.3 percent in 2014 to negative 8.5 percent in 2015 due to the contraction

On the financial intermediation (FI), of agriculture and forestry by 9.6 percent it slowed down from 5.7 percent to 5.6 in 2015 from a positive 1.4 percent in percent and the public administration 2014. The fishing also contracted from and defense (PAD) decelerated from 0.8 percent in 2014 to negative 1.5 4.4 percent to 1.3 percent. percent in 2015.

Meanwhile, real estate, renting and business activities (RERBA) recorded an accelerated growth from 5.4 percent in 2014 to 7.4 percent in 2015 and other services (OS) expanded from 4.6 percent to 7.0 percent.

PSA further bared that the industry and services sector has contributed 3.5 percentage points and 2.4 percentage points to the region’s total growth for the year, respectively. (PSA/NCLM/PIACaraga)

DPWH allots P23-B infra in Caraga for 2017 By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

“It means more projects and more areas for development that will reap benefits for economic gains in the region. Of the said total budget, the biggest chunk which is P15,867,249,000 comprising 68.5 percent is to be utilized for Roads and Bridges projects which is the top priority of the department identified as its major final output one (MFO1),” underscored Versola.

comprised of improvement of local roads and bridges, flood control, water management systems, buildings like multi-purpose facilities and school buildings, which fall under local infrastructure categories.

For its Various Infrastructure Including Local Projects (VIILP), the programmed budget is P1,508,562,000 which is 6.5 percent, while the Local Infra Program (LIP) comprising locally funded projects gets P433,000 or two percent.

It was also learned that the department will also implement infra projects in the region under its Unified

Versola added that they Project Management Office that will continuously implements infra projects utilize about two percent of the total

REGIONAL NEWS

DPWH Caraga regional director Danilo Versola said in terms of budget allotment, from the P16-billion budget this year, it has increased to P23,161,792,000 or 44 percent for next year based on the department’s National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Photo from DPWH Caraga

CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga has programmed its infrastructure projects for 2017 worth P23billion to be implemented in the region.

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budget or P416,354,000, and the since I assumed office here,� stressed budget under the Foreign Assisted Versola.

Projects is P799,425,000 or 3.5 percent.

Versola further clarified that said

“The government is in serious amount based on NEP is not yet final business in its investments to boost the as it still needs to pass budget hearing in Congress before it will be approved. economic developments especially But based on experience over the in Caraga, by providing public past years, the approved budget infrastructure facilities that address the gets no big difference as compared needs of the people. This is so far the to the proposed. (JPG/DPWH-13/PIAbiggest infra budget in DPWH Caraga Caraga)

DSWD Caraga holds dialogue with RTC judges, clerks of court, prosecutors on adoption process

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Eunice G. Montaos

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BUTUAN CITY - With the objective to ensure common knowledge and understanding on the guidelines along adoption of children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)Caraga conducted recently the consultation dialogue with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges, clerks of court, and prosecutors in the region held at Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.

Thirteen (13) clerks of court and six provincial prosecutors also attended

“I would like to extend my gratitude the dialogue. to our Honorable Judges for heeding

The one-day activity focused our call. Their presence indicates that on attaining the appreciation of we are one in protecting our children participants regarding the issued and ensuring their welfare,” she said.

Memorandum 7 series of 2015 by DSWD which clarifies the matter on Brigoli also presented the various the adoption process. Furthermore, it is aimed that the mentioned advocacy activities on legal adoption professionals will understand the conducted by DSWD-Caraga together importance of the administrative with its partners in raising awareness of procedure stipulated under Republic the communities.

Act (RA) 9523 “Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption” as a Accounting on the adoption cases pre-requisite for the adoption of non- relative or outside the 4th degree in the region, as of today, there are 97 relationship. children who are subject for adoption which are reported to the regional

Assistant Director Rosalie Dagulo of office. This number comprises the Protective Services Bureau, Atty. Melissa cases handled by DSWD’s communityDe Villa Gorospe of Legal Bureau, and Social Welfare Officer III Maricel Bringas based social workers and the local were the invited resource persons from government unit (LGU) social workers.

DSWD Central Office to discuss on the Eighty-five (85) of the adoption cases provisions of the laws along adoption are handled by the Social Welfare and like the RA 9523 and RA 8552 (Domestic Development (SWAD) team leaders Adoption Act). assigned in the five provinces of the

The said experts emphasized region and only 12 cases coming from on the new concepts, processes, or LGUs. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga) provisions of the mentioned laws.

REGIONAL NEWS

DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli, who personally graced the occasion, expressed her gratitude for the presence of the participants.

According to her, it was the first time that the department has conducted the activity with the attendees to thresh out issues and concerns related to the adoption already filed and will still be filed in courts.

CARAGA INFOCUS

RTC judges present were Hon. Eduardo S. Casals (Br.1, Butuan City), Hon. Emmanuel E. Escatron (Cabadbaran City), Hon.Kimal M. Salacop (Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur), Hon. Hector B. Salise (Bayugan City), Hon. Rufo U. Naragas (Tandag City), Hon. Merlyn Pacaro-Canedo (Bislig City), and Catalina Sineta Tare-Palacio (Cantilan, Surigao del Sur).

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Photo Gallery

The Phil. Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter Board of Directors meeting & Different Committee 21 September 2016

Regional Development Council Caraga Development Administration Committe (DAC) 3rd Quarter Meeting

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

20 September 2016

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Cantilan mayor is new Surigao Sur LMP president By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

CARAGA INFOCUS

As per data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the other elected officers were: Mayor William Angos of Cortes was voted vice president; Carmen Mayor Jane Plaza, secretary; Mayor Maria Clarita Garcia Limbaro of Bayabas, treasurer; Cagwait Mayor Lilian Lozada, auditor; Mayor Vicente “VJ” H. Pimentel III of Carrascal, business manager; and Tago Mayor Rogelio Makinano Pimentel, public relations of Barobo, Mayor Libertad Alameda of San Agustin, Mayor Paul Cubil of officer (PRO).

Marihatag and Mayor Shem Garay of

The elected directors of the Hinatuan. board were: Mayor Roberto Luna Jr. The said occasion was witnessed of Lingig, Mayor Generoso Naraiso of Tagbina, Mayor Salvacion Azarcon of by LMP national chapter representative Lanuza, Mayor Mary Grace Kimura of NJ Bernardo. (FEA/NGBT/PIA-Surigao Madrid, Mayor Felixberto Urbiztondo del Sur)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Mayor Philip Pichay of the Municipality of Cantilan was elected president of the League of Municipalities of Philippines (LMP) - Surigao del Sur Chapter.

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SurSur solon favors abolition of irrigation service fees

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

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Photo from SDS NIA

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Surigao del Sur 1st District Representative Prospero Pichay said he is endorsing the stoppage of the collection of irrigation service fees (ISF) from farmers.

The ISF is being used by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to shoulder the operation and maintenance costs of the country’s irrigation facilities.

also supported by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol, it was learned.

Aside from the no ISF collection, Pichay said there is also a need to

Pichay believed that if the ISF would provide an additional subsidy to the be abolished, it could ease the burden agricultural sector. (FEA/NGBT/PIAamong the farmers. Said initiative was Surigao del Sur)

DTI, GIZ spearhead green economic development technical session to Surigao Norte MSMEs

According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the activity highlights the gains of the Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED) project and sustaining its promotion in the province.

“The activity will be a venue not only MSMEs to share their stories and the positive results of adopting green initiatives in their businesses but also inspire other MSMEs to go green through

testimonials of those who already implemented and benefited the green technologies in their establishments,” says Negapatan.

He says the event will also highlight the commitments of other national line agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in the province to jointly pursue green economic development. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CARAGA INFOCUS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zussamenarbeit (GIZ) in behalf of the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany conducts a twoday in-phasing event cum technical session on green economic development for the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the province from September 14 to 15, 2016 held at Parkway Hotel, this city.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Susil D. Ragas

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Surigao Norte launches eye care program By: Fema D. Bayana

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Truly a lucky year for the province of Surigao del Norte to be a recipient of the Fred Hollows Foundation, a global non-profit aid organization inspired by the work of an Australian eye surgeon named Fred Hollows, which focuses on treating and Photo from Mt. Bagarabon Beach Resort & Hotel preventing blindness and other visual problems in almost 22 countries worldwide.

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The foundation had recently began its work in the Philippines, where Tarlac as its first beneficiary and Surigao del Norte as the second with focus on developing sustainable Community Eye Care services through a thorough advocacy and influencing policy makers to include community eye care among its health services.

Series of project briefings/ presentations to all stakeholders and partners such as local ophthalmologists, optometrists, city health office, provincial and city DepEd health division personnel and provincial/city DSWD were conducted as well as role clarification for each level signaled the beginning of this journey.

Capacity building for the Municipal Health Officers, selected hospital and school nurses, and barangay health workers who will be instrumental in the case-finding and screening of clients will be the next step.

The Philippine Blindness Prevention Program envisions that all Filipinos specifically Surigaonons shall enjoy the right to sight by year 2020. With this premise, for the next two and a half years, the province’s eye care program shall be affordable and accessible to many especially the marginalized individuals with an effort to sustain and integrate the program in the health services of the province. (Fema D. Bayana, PHO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte SP employees undergo customer service seminar

The three-day activity aims to capacitate and enhance the skills of each employee on customer service and professional standards in line with the civil service code of the Philippines.

Provincial administrator Atty.

Premolito Plaza representing Governor Sol F. Matugas conveyed his profound congratulations and wholehearted felicitations to the rank-and-file personnel and legislative staff who attended the activity.

“To be candid, we date-stamp a cardinal leg of our journey toward values formation and characterbuilding through harmonious

partnership and pure understanding.

Indeed, the present administration endeavors to inspire moral revolution from the inside,” he said.

“The courtyard of development will never be complete if we do not apply the full force of the law in the discharge of our official functions and in the performance of our duties.

Proper etiquette and right protocol mean desirable qualities which involve a caring touch for the least of our brethren. It invites the best of our intentions, and the purest of our longings,” Plaza added. (John Glenn Platil, PGO-SdN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CARAGA INFOCUS

SURIGAO CITY – The employees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Surigao del Norte underwent recently a threeday Customer Service Excellence and Core Competencies SeminarOrientation Workshop held at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: John Glenn A. Platil

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Photo Gallery New Drug Rehabilitation Center in Agusan del Sur

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

19 September 2016

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Named as Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC), the facility was opened on Sept. 22 with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Atty.

Salvador Panelo as guest of honor representing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) Program to give drug use victims a second chance at life and avoid them from becoming victims of the drug syndicates who are trying to cover their tracks.

It will be managed and

The two-hectare facility administered by the provincial inside the army camp is part of the government of Agusan del Sur and provincial government’s Substance can accommodate 60 patients in

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The 401st Infantry “Unity” Brigade, Philippine Army based here was the first camp to host a drug abuse rehabilitation center in partnership with the provincial government here.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Drug rehab center opens inside army camp in AgSur

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the meantime while waiting for new Infantry Division, was also thankful to buildings to be constructed. the governor for involving the brigade in their program to showcase the

Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur collaboration of stakeholders in the Governor Adolph Edward “Eddiebong� province.

Plaza took pride in the partnership with the army for supporting his program to

Brigadier General Ronnie support the anti-drug campaign of the Evangelista, the Deputy Commander government. of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) also graced the said

Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, the activity. (401st Brigade, Phil. Army/PIA401st Brigade Commander of the 4th Agusan del Sur)

DAR AgSur conducts cascading on new issuances to harmonize interpretation of laws

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Clark Howell B. Yu

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PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) thru the Legal Services Division conducted the cascading on the features of the latest Administrative Orders and Memorandum Circular affecting the issuance of various certificates for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to its personnel and beneficiaries held recently at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

On the first day, Legal Officer Joven Tafalla discussed the features of Memorandum Circular (MC) 4 series 2016, also known as the “Procedure and Requirements for Issuance of Certificates of Finality for ALI, Land Use, and Cancellation Case Decisions of the DAR Secretary and Regional Directors.”

During the second day, legal officers Shelah Pal-Badiang and Adelo Estavas also discussed the guidelines on the issuance of DAR Clearance on Transfer of Agricultural Lands t o Private Persons contained in A.O. 6 and the Rules and Procedures Governing the Voluntary Transfer of Ownership of Agricultural Lands covered by Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) or an Emancipation Patent (EP) Prior to the Termination of the Holding Period in A.O. 7, respectively.

Meanwhile,

Atty.

Marie

Lou

“I believe that this new guidelines are products of the brilliant minds but I expect daunting tasks ahead, particularly on the provision of getting a unanimous consent from the community of collective owners or active members and I think we, along with all the MARPOs have the same wavelength on this matter. However, we will still surely give our unceasing effort to serve the stakeholders,” expressed MARPO Chito Tubin.

These guidelines were issued by then secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes before he stepped down in his office on June 30, 2016. (DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

“The ultimate objective for this cascading is not only for the participants to have the same interpretation of the laws but to have a concise and effective execution of the same. Minimize mistake, if there is any, however, at least to its tiniest state,” PARPO I Mundala stressed.

Nueva-Ruiz, also tackled on the third day the features of A. O. 3 otherwise known as the “Guidelines and Procedures to Stabilize Ownership and Tenureship of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries with CLOA.”

CARAGA INFOCUS

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Leoncio C. Bautista Jr.; PARPO I Allan Mundala, legal division chief of DAR regional office; and Atty. Marie Lou NuevaRuiz served as the speakers of said activity. The municipal agrarian reform program officers, and all the legal officers were also present.

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Butuan City to implement no segregation, no pick-up policy

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

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BUTUAN CITY – Effective October 1, 2016, the city government here, through its garbage collectors, will no longer conduct house to house or street by street collection of garbage.

City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, in a memorandum sent to the 86 barangays of the city has ordered the full implementation of waste segregation and waste reduction at source to all barangays.

“The city government shall limit the collection to residual and special wastes from Barangay designated Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) and/ or Barangay Pick-up Points,” Lagnada said. This would mean that it will be the

responsibility of the barangays to pickup the segregated waste/garbage from every household and be brought to their respective MRFs, he added.

the Philippine disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, Providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes,” and RA 7160 or “An Act Providing For a Local Government Code of 1991.”

Also, according to Lagnada, the disposal of non-segregated waste and the usual house to house collection will no longer be allowed as mandated under Executive Order No. 191, series of 2016. Except for what is termed as residuals, garbage that still contains The City Environment and Natural biodegradable as well as recyclable Office-Ecological Solid materials will not be allowed to be Resources Waste Management Division will be delivered at the MRF. responsible in transporting and dumping

Lagnada also enjoined all the residual or segregated waste at barangays to follow the order as its final destination at the Dumalagan provided for under Republic Act (RA) Sanitary landfill. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del No. 10121 or “An Act strengthening Norte)

National literacy validators give Butuan ‘positive’ feedback

Photo from Ma. Lourdes Pizarro Apego

CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY - A team of judges conducting validation of Butuan City as a nominee of the National Literacy Awards expressed admiration on the nutrition and women programs as well as the barangay justice system of the city.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Ma. Lourdes P. Apego

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CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

In an audience with city government officials and employees headed by Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, validator team representative Gemma Macatangay observed that nutrition has come out as a policy of the present administration.

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Aside from nutrition, Macatangay also observed that programs on women are present in Butuan City.

She also admired the “Katarungang Pambarangay” (barangay justice) system and hopes this system is being followed in the whole Butuan City.

For Butuan City, these projects are the ‘Farm: Trees and Trio’ of Barangay Tungao as a literacy tool for social mobilization, Sitio Nueva Estrella (Basic Literacy cum livelihood) of Barangay Manila de Bugabus as a tool for women empowerment, Butuan City Manpower Training Center as a literacy tool for job generation and empowerment, Food Always in the Table and Home (FAITH) program of Barangay Baan Km 3 as literacy tool for the eradication of malnutrition and the Katarungang Pambarangay of Barangay San Vicente as a literacy tool for peace and social order.

The National Literacy Award aims to recognize local government units in the country who have developed policies, programs or projects of learning and knowledge that help advance the quality of life of its constituents.

To date, Butuan City is facing stiff competition for the National Literacy Awards from two other Highly Urbanized cities in the country, these are: Cagayan de Oro City and Pasay City. (Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)

AgNor officials, employees to get free annual check up By: Aimee B. Sienes

This was sealed through Provincial include extraction and cleaning of Ordinance No. 422-2016 authored by teeth and also eye check-up.

Provincial Board Member Elizabeth

The said check-up, however, does Marie R. Calo. not extend to the families of the officials

The ordinance applies to all and employees.

elective officials and employees, Provincial governor Ma. Angelica whether regular, co-terminus, casual or Rosedell M. Amante-Matba will ensure job order. the appropriation of P1,000,000 for the implementation of the said ordinance

The medical services include effective January 1, 2017 and every urinalysis, stool, sputum and complete year thereafter. (LGU-Agusan del blood count (CBC) while dental services Norte)

CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY - All officials and employees of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte will soon get a free annual medical, dental and ophthalmology check-up at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital once at anytime of the year.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Photo from AgNor Bulletin

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More Pinoy babies breastfed in an hour after birth

CARAGA INFOCUS

HEALTH NEWS

Early initiation of breastfeeding is one of the core indicators of optimal feeding practices. It is the proportion of children aged 0-24 months who are breastfed immediately or within one hour after delivery over the total number of 0-24 months old children born on the same period.

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to 77.1% in 2013, according to nutrition surveys by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

This may be partly due to the strengthened implementation of the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives (MBFHI) in both public and private hospitals and clinics. The MBFHI facilities follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Statements published by the World Health Organization as follows:

Every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should:

Breastfeeding within one hour after birth establishes breastfeeding and ensures that the child will receive its first “protection” from the immunoglobulins found in “colostrum”- the first form of milk produced by the mother’s breast.

It also protects the child from infectious and chronic diseases and promotes cognitive development.

It also establishes mother-baby bonding and boosts the confidence of the mother to -Have a written breastfeeding breastfeed. policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.

A significant increase in the proportion of timely breastfeeding -Train all health care staff in skills initiation was noted from 51.9% in 2011 necessary to implement this policy.

-Inform all pregnant women For more information on food about the benefits and management and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario of breastfeeding.

V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department

-Help mothers initiate of Science and Technology, General breastfeeding within half an hour of Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; birth.

Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 8373164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk

- Show mothers how to breastfeed, Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; and how to maintain lactation even if e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at they should be separated from their mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST infants. website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

Like our Facebook page at facebook.

-Give newborn infants no food com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter or drink other than breast milk, unless account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. medically indicated.

(Mildred O. Guirindola, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

- Practise rooming-in - that is, allow mothers and infants to remain together - 24 hours a day.

-Encourage demand.

breastfeeding

on

-Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.

How the child was taken cared of at birth and how the baby was fed in particular, ultimately impact on health and survival.

Let us make breastfeeding the default feeding among infants and young children by ensuring that all newborn infants are initiated to breastfeeding within one hour of life.

WWW.RAPPLER.COM

CARAGA INFOCUS

HEALTH NEWS

-Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

Duterte switches on power plant to end Mindanao’s recurring power crisis

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VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental – Mindanaons will be embracing a new era of change leading to economic boom as President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the first Mindanaoan president of the country, switched on the biggest base load power plant in Mindanao during an inauguration ceremony held in Villanueva town, Misamis Oriental on September 22.

This is the first power plant in the X 135 MW) and is owned and operated country to be commissioned under by FDC Misamis Power Corporation, President Duterte’s administration. a subsidiary of FDC Utilities, Inc. and a member of the Filinvest Development

Envisioned to end the recurring Corporation (FDC). power crisis that has plagued the region for decades, the power plant All three units are now synchronized has a combined capacity of 405 MW (3 to the Mindanao Grid.

emissions. It creates negligible nitrogen oxide levels while generating useful byproducts such as calcium sulfate for cement production.

CARAGA INFOCUS

During the program, the power

Since the start of synchronization, plant was dedicated to the late founder the power plant’s commissioning power of the Filinvest Group of Companies. has greatly contributed to the stability of the Mindanao grid.

Jonathan Gotianun, chairman of FDC said, “The Filinvest Group has

Long term contractual invested in Mindanao for decades and commitments have been secured for we continue to place our confidence more than 85% of the project’s net in the region because the country’s capacity with various distribution utilities development can happen only if we and large industrial customers covering make sure Mindanao grows alongside 205 municipalities and barangays in the rest of the country.”

Mindanao.

Joining the President were

“We want to help this Mindanao Development Secretary administration by providing power at Datu Abul Khayr D. Alonto and local the most affordable cost and in the executives of Misamis Oriental and most reliable way with technology that Cagayan de Oro City. protects the environment,” according to FDC’s President and CEO Josephine FDC, the holding company of the Gotianun Yap. Gotianun-led Filinvest Group, is one of the Philippines’ leading conglomerates

The power plant is a multi-billion with interests in property development, peso investment by FDC Misamis banking and financial services, hotel that will use the latest in clean coal and resort management, power technology: the circulating fluidized generation and the sugar industry. bed boiler technology.

As of June 30, 2016, FDC had

Considered as the cleanest assets valued at P448.56 billion with process to burning coal, the technology stockholders’ equity at P100.54 billion. removes more than 95% of sulfur (FDC CorpComm)

MINDANAO NEWS

“Aside from being the biggest investment of the Filinvest group, it is the realization of the dream of our founder, Andrew Gotianun, Sr. to help in empowering Mindanao,” stressed Gotianun Yap.

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COMELEC suspends all preparations for 2016 Barangay and SK elections

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

MANILA - The Commission on Elections under Comelec Resolution 10164 has ordered the suspension of all activities pertaining to the 2016 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, including the conduct of public biddings and procurements for election paraphernalia.

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The Comelec was able to print 411,000 ballots for Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur until August 26 before finally stopping the printing due to clear indications of election postponement.

elections to October 2017 on Tuesday, September 13.

“We are only waiting for the law on the postponement to be signed.

The Commission is ready to register an

“We are now preparing for the estimated additional 5 million voters Barangay and SK elections in 2017. starting October,” Jimenez added.

Our field offices are gearing up for the resumption of the voters’ registration The continuing voters’ registration in October,” Comelec Spokesperson is set to start on October 3, 2016 and James Jimenez said. will end on April 29. Around 54 million voters registered for the May 2016

Both Houses of Congress passed National and Local elections. 3,095,187 on final reading their respective versions registered for the Barangay and SK of the bill postponing the October 31st elections. (COMELEC)

DAR Secretary bats for new land reform law in Senate budget bid

“At present, DAR’s legal mandate still emanates from Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988. This law continues to give DAR the power to acquire, administer, distribute, and develop agricultural lands for agrarian reform

purposes even after expiration of the period for Land Acquisition and Distribution in 2014. However, there remain several limitations in our current legal mandate,” Sec. Mariano told the Senate panel.

“This is why we take this opportunity for the Senate to also help the department in passing a new agrarian reform law that will expand the mandate of the DAR and facilitate the coverage of more than 621,000 hectares of agricultural lands not yet covered by our agrarian reform program,” the secretary explained.

CARAGA INFOCUS

During Monday’s deliberation of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) proposed P10.1 billion budget for 2017, Sec. Mariano urged the Senate Committee on Finance headed by Senator Loren Legarda to seriously study the possibility of passing a new agrarian reform law.

NATIONAL NEWS

QUEZON CITY - Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano has enjoined senators to pass a new law that will expand the coverage of the government’s agrarian reform program and introduce a free or low-cost land distribution scheme.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Sec. Mariano said that the new legislation should consider coverage of lands previously exempted or excluded from agrarian reform coverage at the least cost, if not free, to farmers.

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The allocation covering direct costs for land tenure improvement and the distribution of 95,000 hectares of agrarian lands totals P1.2 billion.

Data from DAR shows that from 1972 to 2015, 4.69 million hectares have already been distributed, of which 2.6 million hectares are private agrarian lands, while 2.1 million hectares are non-private lands.

The new legislation should also address problems encountered and presently faced by our agrarian reform beneficiaries, especially payment of amortization under pain of foreclosure by the Land Bank of the Philippines, the DAR forward estimates show that secretary added. there is a balance of 621,085 hectares for land acquisition and distribution,

Sec. Mariano emphasized that which is target for distribution to 568,575 only about a quarter of the 906,997 agrarian reform beneficiaries. beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) For 2016, the national budget have completed payment of lands funds the distribution of 105,000 hectares to 379,236 agrarian reform distributed to them. beneficiaries. For 2017, meanwhile,

“When we reviewed the books, it DAR aims to cover 95,000 hectares for was obvious that our farmer beneficiaries 95,454 beneficiaries. are finding it extremely difficult to pay DAR also allocated P391.5 million their monthly amortization. This is a big policy issue that the Legislature should for agrarian legal services, P119.1 million for the development of agrarian address,” Sec. Mariano said. reform policies, and P833.5 million for support services which include Leaner 2017 budget farm mechanization projects and the

extension of production credit to farmer

For fiscal year 2017, the beneficiaries. recommended DAR budget as included in the FY 2017 National “Using this proposed P10.1 billion Expenditure Program (NEP) amounts to budget, the DAR under the Duterte P10.14 billion. administration seeks to efficiently serve our farmers through the provision

As compared to the FY 2016 of ample support services, speedy Budget of the Department per General resolution of agrarian disputes, and Appropriations Act of P10.4 billion, the protecting the rights and welfare of FY 2017 DAR budget is down by P241.9 our poor peasants,” Sec. Mariano concluded. (DAR) million.

Photo Gallery RADIO PROGRAM BANTAYOG SA KAMATUORAN 17 September 2016

ORAS SA KINAIYAHAN

Amigo Rey Joy Chavez receives another Plaque of Recognition / Award from Northeastern Mindanao Mission & Hope Radio Philippines 93.5 FM 21 September 2016

ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

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VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

GERIE MAE G. COCO RONNIE E. MADANGUIT Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

MA. LOURDES P. APEGO FEMA D. BAYANA MILDRED O. GUIRINDOLA EUNICE G. MONTAOS AIMEE B. SIENES JOHN GLENN A. PLATIL CLARK HOWELL B. YU DAR-AGUSAN DEL SUR LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE RADYO NG BAYAN BUTUAN SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT 401ST BRIGADE, PHIL. ARMY /DSWD FIELD OFFICE CARAGA FDC CORPCOMM FNRI-DOST S&T / MEDIA SERVICE PHO-SDN, PGO-SDN COMELEC, DPWH-13 DAR, PSA Business Manager

ZARINA O. LASTRA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

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