Cover Story CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The completion of the coastal road is a symbol of what is possible when we have cooperation.
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Thus said Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar during the inauguration of the Coastal Road in Cagayan de Oro. The local government has worked together with the national government to make this a success and done this in a short period. According to DPWH region 10, clearing of obstructions along AgoraPhilippine Ports Authority (PPA) section was executed on November 7, in coordination with Task Force Hapsay Dalan, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cagayan de Oro and other line agencies.
More than 40 informal settlers encroaching the Road Right Of Way (RROW) in the said section were identified and accommodated by the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) and the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD). Equipment from the contractors and the DPWH 2nd District Engineering Office of Cagayan de Oro City were also deployed to assist the clearing operations. Sec. Villar said we have a president na may tapang at malasakit (who has courage and sympathy). Pres. Duterte has ordered DPWH to
complete unfinished projects. Thus, the coastal road in the city. He also said that the government has anticipated a heavy flow of traffic in December. Hence the need to finish this in November. DPWH region 10 Director Virgilio C. Eduarte said the construction of the 12.77 KM Cagayan de Oro Coastal Road will serve as a bypass road starting from Brgy. Gusa in the eastern side all the way to the western side in Brgy. Igpit, Opol in Misamis Oriental, thus connecting six barangays in the city and two barangays in Opol. He said the said project has been suspended for quite a while due to unresolved RROW issues however, one of the major RROW concern in Lapasan section has been
negotiated and demolished on August 25 that marked the resumption of the construction activities in the said section. While the Gusa-Agora Section of the Coastal Road will be opened this November, the construction of the Agora-PPA-Corrales section is also a work in progress. Furthermore, documents for 4 other RROW issues are also being submitted to the Solicitor General for preparation of the filing of expropriation case. For CY 2017, two contracts are ongoing for the eastern side in Lapasan under Gicar Construction worth P100 Million and another in Puntod section worth Php 200 Million under Equiparco Construction. Once project will be totally opened,
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it will help decongest traffic in the city proper since the heavy loaded trucks from the neighboring provinces going to the port may divert to the coastal road, thus, supporting the trade and commerce of the community. City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno said the plan was started in 1997. He cited the support of the community for allowing DPWH to implement adding that without your cooperation the government is nothing and cant move move forward in implementing projects. What the government is doing is for the people. Mayor Moreno said the project benefits not only Cagayan de Oro but the region and Mindanao as well. Given the strategic location and as midpoint where east meets west in the city, it is vital for moving forward for the people especially in northern
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Mindanao. He also cited the political will to complete this project. LGUs are awakened already for the national govt to succeed local level must give its support, the mayor said. He said now is the time we must learn to live peace and harmony so progress and growth will be achieved. For his part, Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B.Emano said the coastal road was built to benefit not only the city and also the province. Further, it will help ease traffic and help businesses in the city and the province. He assured DPWH of the support of the provincial government.(EOR/ PIA10 Misamis Oriental)
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MinDA holds ‘DNH’ workshop for media practitioners CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the crucial role played by the press in disseminating pieces of information to the public, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has conducted here a workshop on “Do No Harm” (DNH) and conflict sensitivity for some 20 government and private media practitioners.
The training, which was held last Nov. 9-10 in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit- Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (GIZ-COSERAM), has provided the media with holistic understanding of peace, conflict and violence as well as
conflict sensitivity. Walter Alquiza of GIZ-COSERAM discussed the conflicts on different social levels such as intra-personal, inter-personal, intra-group, intergroup, and inter-state. The participants were also made to conduct conflict mapping or
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1-15 November 2017 actors mapping of the Marawi siege, identifying the individuals and groups involved in the war, which forced thousands of families to flee their homes. DNH is said to be an important principle of conflict sensitivity that lays a solid foundation for peace building
REGIONAL NEWS | NORMINPlus to take place. After the training, MinDA believed the media practitioners could help minimize “the unintended negative impacts and maximize positive impacts” in their reporting. (FPG/PIA10)
DOLE MisOcc trains differently-abled beneficiaries on entrepreneurship CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental – Department of Labor and Employment Misamis Occidental (DOLE-MisOcc) conducted an Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) to 24 beneficiaries of the Differently-abled Person Action for Progress Inc. (DAPAPI) and barangay officials of Northern Poblacion, Calamba, Misamis Occidental.
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The one day training was intended for business counseling and planning. EDT is given to the beneficiaries of the said project as part of their needed social preparations. DAPAPI Assoc. was granted the amount of P350,000 for their Grocery and Product Wholesaler Livelihood project under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). As one of the vulnerable sectors of the society, the project is hoped to pave way for the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) through
enhancing their skills and participation for economic development. DOLE-MisOcc Chief Leonardo G. Rodrigo said, “I will be glad to be able to personally listen to the voice and concerns of the legitimate members of the association and that we are here to make sure that your project will be implemented pursuant to the project proposal that you have submitted to our office.” Rodrigo stressed the significance of Entrepreneurship for generating employment; mobilizing and utilizing savings; improving income
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levels; contributing to the equitable distribution of wealth; harnessing the delivery of goods and services; alleviating people’s condition and boosting the wheels of business and industry. “EDT is created to provide an alternative route to gainful employment for economically disadvantaged individuals through the establishment of their own business”, said Rodrigo. Also present during the EDT were Barangay Officials of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calamba headed by its Punong Barangay Marjorie A. Sarreal, Secretary Joi D. Adorable and Brgy. Councilors Manuel G. De Villa III, Sherlie L. Awa, and Perlalina P. Pondoc. Moreover, the steps on setting up the business were presented and
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the ways in running the business with its basic procedures and system such as keeping records; drawing up a work program; establishing a good purchasing and inventory policies; cutting costs; directing train and motivating people; controlling funds; and carrying out a public relations activity. With the help of DOLE-X Project Development Officer Marciano Cardente, the participants were able to see the advantages and disavantages of the business they will start up. Association President Paz Tomimbang said, “Nalipay mi nga tungod ani nga training nga gitawag ug EDT, nasayod mi sa among responsibilities sa saktong pamalakad sa negosyo. Ug mapasalamaton sa DOLE Region 10 pinaagi sa ilang
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16-30 November 2017 provincial office sa walay kahumanang pag-agpas para sa kaayuhan ug interest sa mga beneficiaries nga nanghinaut maka-negosyo.� (We are happy that through this EDT, we are now familiar to our responsibilities towards an effective way of running the business. And
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we are thankful to DOLE 10 through its Provincial Office for unceasingly pursuing its mandate of promoting the welfare and interest of the beneficiaries who are starting up a business).(Lorraine M. Roa/DOLE-X Mis. Occ. PFO)
Lending conduit receive checks for PLEA program CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of AgricultureRegional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) has turned over P54.43M worth of checks to the lending conduits in the pilot province of Bukidnon on October this year.
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The turn-over ceremony was done at the Northern Mindanao Agriculture Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, Malaybalay City. Led by OIC Regional Director Carlene C. Collado and ACPC Director Cristina G. Lopez, Team Leader for Bukidnon, the checks were given to three lending conduits: Sta. Monica of Pangantucan Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Pangantucan, Bukidnon (P9.95M), Mindanao Consolidated Cooperative Bank (MCCB) with
Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental as their service areas (P40M), and Lumintao Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LUFAMCO) of Quezon, Bukidnon (P4.48M). The amount of money entrusted to conduits were intended for the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) program of DA which aims to empower farmers and fisherfolks by providing them easy access to credit that intends to finance production of crops, livestock, poultry and fishing activities with minimum
16-30 November 2017 requirement. The said PLEA program has a very minimal interest rate compared to other lending institutions. Its loan limit is up to P50,000 at 6% per annum or 0.5% per month based on the project requirement and repayment capacity of the borrower, as evaluated by the lending conduit. The loan is payable in a span of two to 10 years depending on the commodity or project of which the 6% interest payment will go directly to their cooperative. With the implementation of the program, the government anticipated the abundance and economical food for Filipino people. In his message, director Collado pointed out that the PLEA program is a DA initiative conceptualized by the Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, himself.
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In addition, he encouraged the farmers to manage their funds properly. “Don’t waste this privilege given to you as this is just one program of the government that will help improve your livelihood,” he said. “We would like to thank the DA and ACPC for entrusting us this loan. This is really a big help to us small farmers and we hope that with the minimal interest, we would be able to pay our loans on time,” said Thelma Aguilar, manager of LUFAMCO. Furthermore, the event was attended by Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Alson Quimba, Deputy Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Lagamon, officers and members of the abovementioned cooperatives and coop banks and DA-ACPC staff. (DA10)
DSWD-10 names regional exemplary child reps CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 named the winners for the Regional Search for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Exemplary Child on October 31, in Cagayan de Oro city, who will represent northern Mindanao for the national search in November in time for the National Children’s Month celebration.
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Quirchie Kate Langala, 14, from El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental emerged as the champion for the said search as she upholds positive values despite the challenges that poverty causes, practices and promotes healthy living and environment care initiatives, actively involves in the community, serves as inspiration to other members of the community and strives to improve living condition amidst difficult situation. Tailing behind Langala are Claire Dolojol of Kapatagan town, Lanao del Norte and Dennis Kein Ramirez of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. The top three contestants of the regional search will vie for the national award of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The children were ranked based
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on behavior and practice which was measured through interviews and testimonials from their families, neighbors, friends, teachers and classmates, talent, intelligence and wit based on the scholastic records of the child, community and school participation which was measured through the child’s co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and presence and appearance based on how they communicate the thrusts of the program. Daniella May Cagampang of Tupsan, Mambajao, Camiguin and Deserie Moùasque of Don Carlos, Bukidnon also participated in the search and have bagged the fourth and fifth places respectively.(RTP/ PIA10)
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CHR-10 cites land rights, gender equality as major IPs issues CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In the last leg of the National Inquiry on the Situation of Filipino Indigenous Peoples (IPs) on October 27 at Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-10 reported that land rights, gender equality, migration, government service accessibility and employment are among the major issues of the IPs in Mindanao.
CHR Focal Commissioner on IP Rights Gwendolyn PimentelGana said that the inquiry includes three thematic areas which are the
protection and promotion of the IPs’ land and cultural rights, effectiveness of the current government process to obtain the Free, Prior and Informed
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Consent of IPs, and the state of economic and social development of IPs in the Philippines. “Layunin ng National Inquiry na alamin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo sa buong Pilipinas at ilarawan kung ano ang antas ngayon ng pagkilala at pagtupad sa inyong karapatang pantao,” Gana stressed. (It is the aim of the National Inquiry to know the current situation of the IPs in the Philippines and describe the level of recognition and fulfillment of your human rights) IP communities in regions 9, 10, CARAGA and BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi provinces of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) participated in the national inquiry. Community leaders and members from Bangigi, Subano, Manobo, Bajau, Kolibugan, Sama Bangigi, Sama Dilaut, Sama, Tausug, Bukidnon, Manubo Pulangyon, Yakan and Talaandig shared some of their experiences in their area which hindered them to establish their cultural identity and further brace development. Representatives from BaSulTa said that one of their primary concerns is the treatment of women in their area especially in Jolo noting that most women are not prioritized in accessing education since they will just be confined in homes as housewives. Aside from gender equality, illegal employment of Badjaos in
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Malaysia was also reported where the group’s representative stated that they are still seeking for a bilateral agreement of the two governments (the Philippines and Malaysia) to lessen undocumented employment in the neighboring country. When it comes to health concerns, most of the IPs mentioned that the government still lacks medical service and provision of medicines in their areas. They stressed that the proximity of their areas and the cultural practices of some groups may cause such health service gap. The Badjaos also cited less to no employment opportunities for their graduates. These concerns and more were tackled carefully by the CHR as these outputs of the National Inquiry will comprise the Indigenous Peoples’ Right Observatory (IPRO). The CHR also said that such issues will be raised to the national government agency concerned for appropriate actions. “Ang lahat ng mga kaalaman at datos na lilitaw sa National Inquiry ay gagamiting batayan upang magpadaloy ng kaukulang serbisyo at tulong para sa mga katutubo sa Pilipinas (All of the information and data that will emerge in the National Inquiry will be used as basis to provide appropriate service and aid to the Indigenous People in the Philippines),” Gana said.(RTP/PIA10)
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Proposal to create City Meat Inspection Division under study CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The proposal to create a City Meat Inspection Service Division (CMIS) as a regulatory service under the City Veterinary Office is now being studied by the 18th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy.
The proposed legislation covers the establishment and operation of the CMIS, its composition, functions and source of funds for the conduct of its services and implementation of the laws, rules and regulations on food safety and meat inspection.
The CMIS shall be composed of the Regulatory, Meat Establishment Inspection, Meat Safety and Assurance Sections. Among others, it shall be tasked to issue license to operate and register Meat Establishments, Meat Transport
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1-15 November 2017 Vehicles (MTV), Meat Handlers and Meat Control Officer. The CMIS shall also regulate the slaughtering, preparation, transport, marketing, inspection and hygiene of meat and meat products. As such, all applications for Business and Mayor’s permit of those engaged in the business of meat products shall pass the office of the city Veterinarian for proper recording and evaluation, among others. Under the proposed law, the CMIS will see to it that the city is implementing and complying with the meat hygiene and inspection laws, rules and regulations and ensure that the slaughterhouse facility equipment and utensils are in good operating condition at all times. HOT MEAT The proposed law provides that
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as the need arises Task Force Hot Meat shall be organized with members to be designated by the City Veterinary Officer. The proposed task force shall have the power to confiscate any carcasses or parts and meat products found to have been prepared, handled, packed, stored, transported or offered for sale within the city as human food not in accordance with any provision of the Meat Inspection Code, among others. The provisions of the proposed ordinance will be thoroughly discussed by the committees on health, sanitation and health insurance and on agriculture chaired by Councilors Maria Lourdes S. Gaane and Annie Y. Daba during a joint meeting on November 8, 10:30 a.m. at the City Council Session Hall.(SP)
Ozamiz CDRRMO trains on disaster preparedness OZAMIZ CITY – Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) conducted a seminar cum workshop where total of 100 barangay officials, health workers and Purok leaders learned about community disaster preparedness.
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1-15 November 2017 CDRRMO representatives conducted the series of workshops and First Aid training on disaster preparedness particularly during earthquake. 
Being prepared is the key to a community’s ability to respond to and recover from an incident, said CDRRM Training Officer Edison S. Agustin. He added that Ozamiz City Disaster Management team seeks to strengthen the community to face adversities and cope in the aftermath, enabling a quick recovery. The seminar aims to build disaster resilient communities with least number of casualties through a series of first aid training, workshops and development of a contingency
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plan. It hopes to change the mindset of the community from the barangay leaders down to the residents to strengthen their disaster preparedness, thus minimizing the need for rescue operations. Disaster Preparedness challenges everyone to ask the obvious question: Are we prepared?� Individuals and families of all types and sizes, whether single, married, with or without children; young or elderly, healthy or with special needs must know where to go, what to do, and how to survive and help others in the event of a disaster.(Shaine Mae Nagtalon/PIA Misamis Occidental)
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DA honors organic implementers CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The exemplary catalysts for the organic agriculture sector have been honored by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through its search for the National Organic Agriculture Achievers’ Awards (NOAAA). The awarding was led by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol before a crowd of nearly 2,000 organic farmer-practitioners, agricultural extension workers, exhibitors, enthusiasts and other industry stakeholders across the country during the 14th National
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Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC), held in Cagayan de Oro city. “Let’s work on feeding the Filipino people first…and, you organic farmers kayo ang may malaking papel dito,” underscored Sec. Piñol. He noted that while the agricultural sector is broadening its reach to the
1-15 November 2017 international markets, serving the country comes as top priority. The NOAAA winners were named by category, such as the outstanding provincial and municipal local government units, OA focal persons, agricultural extension worker, small individual farmer, farmer’s group and organic farming family. They were awarded based on their exemplary contributions to the implementation of Republic Act 10068 known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 and achievement of the envisioned goals of the NOA Program of DA that more Filipinos will engage in Organic Agriculture. The winners at the provincial category are the Provincial Local Government Unit of Ifugao (PLGUIfugao) and focal person Catherine V. Buenaventura. The Municipal Local Government Unit of Itogon, Benguet (MLGU-Itogon) won in the municipal category. While Dexter Mendoza, city OA focal person of Ligao, Albay and Rowena Gonnay, agricultural extension worker of Pasil, Kalinga are named winners in their respective capacity. On the other hand, Elmer Salzar of Tigaon, Camarines Sur triumphed as the outstanding small farmer individual. La Top Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) of La Trinidad, Benguet, and the Marsan Family of La Trinidad, Benguet garnered the outstanding farmer’s group and organic farming family awards, respectively.
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For earning the individual awards, Buenaventura, Mendoza, Gonnay and Salzar received each a plaque of recognition and P50,000, P40,000, Php30,000 and P20,000 cash prizes, respectively. The group winners such as the PLGU-Ifugao, MLGU-Itogon and La Top MPC were granted each a plaque of recognition and an OA project (proposal-based) amounting to P3 million, Php1 million and P500,000, respectively. For the Marsan Family, it received a cash prize of P300,000 and a plaque of recognition. Moreover, the DA chief looks forward to giving more incentives on top of giving citations and awards to the national organic achievers. He encouraged the Congress delegates to join him in this aspiration. “Let’s focus our advocacy on organic agriculture, tingnan natin kung ano pang incentives ang ating maibibigay for every farmer who embraces the organic farming system,” he urged. Despite the different technologies espoused by DA, according to Piñol, it is always the market which dictates the kind of farming systems that we should embrace, and he pointed the bright potential of OA. “The world is moving towards healthier food, organic food, and you are lucky because early on, andiyan na kayo, kayo ang unang makikinabang as the world goes craving for healthier
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1-15 November 2017 and safer food for themselves and their families,” said Piñol. “I assure you all of the full commitment of the DA to OA,” Piñol concluded. The occasion was also graced by lawyer Rhaegee Tamanya representing Cynthia A. Villar, senate committee chair on agriculture and food; DA Undersecretary for Agribusiness and Marketing and Regional Engagement Bernadette Romulo-Puyat; Engr. Christopher V. Morales, coordinator, NOA Program; heads of DA attached bureaus and agencies; regional
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directors of various regional field offices; organic focal persons and representatives. Hosting the 14th NOAC is DARegional Field Office 10 headed by OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado, along with assistant regional directors Engr. Roxana H. Hojas, and Carmelita T. Bajarla, and OA Focal Person Samuel C. Natindim, Jr. in partnership with the City LGU of Cagayan de Oro, Xavier University – College of Agriculture and the PLGU of Misamis Oriental.(DA10)
NPA rebels in Bukidnon surrender CAMP OSITO D. BAHIAN, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – Four disgruntled members of New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Bukidnon surrendered as the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division intensifies its operations against banditry and terrorism. At early morning of 01 November 2017, around 6:00 a.m., a NPA rebel surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion, giving up his Garand Rifle with rounds of ammunition. The next day, 02 November, around 6:00 p.m., another three NPA rebels surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion who also surrendered their one M16, one Garand, and one M1
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Cal. 30 Carbine rifles with rounds of ammunition. ese events brought in four surrenders in the first two days this November. All of them (surrenderers) are now undergoing custodial debriefing at the armed forces camp, where they related their ordeals while in the bandits’ group.
1-15 November 2017 They even revealed the group’s deceits while recalling the rebel leaders’ promises to support their families once they join the rebel forces. Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya, Army’s 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade commander, welcomed the four former rebels, citing that ideological differences can be resolved through peaceful means without resorting to violence. “I congratulate the 1st Special Forces Battalion and the 8th Infantry Battalion for facilitating the surrender of our four misguided brothers who finally decided to go back to the folds of law after being given false promises
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by the NPA and its leaders,” said General Vinoya. He also reiterated his appeal for other NPA rebels to end the fighting by peacefully laying down their arms. “Once again, I call upon other NPA members to go down now and surrender. I know that you are tired and that you miss your family and your loved ones. We are here to help you start anew through our government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program wherein you will get the benefits of livelihood, cash assistance, housing, and employment,” he said. (Norman M. Tagros, 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, PA)
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