AgSur farmers thankful after receiving aid from DA’s RRP

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, in partnership with the local government units in the province of Agusan del Sur has started the delivery and distribution of the subsidized inbred certified seeds in the region.

This intervention is part of the agency's “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19,” or the Plant, Plant, Plant Program under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP).

Of the total P8.5-billion national funds for the RRP, P207 million was allocated for Caraga region.

Around 60,000 local rice farmers in the region will benefit from this intervention provided by the government. Three sub-projects under RRP are also implemented which include the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, the Expanded Inbred Rice Production, and the Expanded Hybrid Rice Production.

Zenaida Quimno from Barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur was one of the farmer-beneficiaries who actively make use of the inbred certified seeds and fertilizers from DA.

“DA has greatly helped us make our work easier and we are able to produce more and earn more,” cited Quimno.

The said project targets to increase local rice production through the use of high-quality seeds and sufficient fertilization based on recommendations. Aside from the free rice seeds, farmers are also given two bags of fertilizers. To avail of free inputs, farmers must be listed in the Registry System For Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

The government continues to provide such assistance to the farmer sector to help them cope with their daily needs especially during this time of the pandemic. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

AgSur youth leaders share face masks, relief packs to villagers

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- While the local government unit of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur provides the needed services, programs and assistance to the affected local residents during this time of the pandemic, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Municipal Federation also conducts activities to support the government in helping fellow Agusanons.

"The SK Federation here in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur promotes the importance of backyard gardening and even farming. This would not only help them provide their daily consumption but also helping others who have less to consume during this pandemic," says John Carlo Perez, SK municipal federation president of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Apart from that, the SK Federation also realigns their funds in order to provide relief assistance to the locals of the 47 barangays especially those in the far-flung areas.

Perez cites that they opt to reach out to the youths and teach them how to use the computer and other gadgets which are useful in communication.

"We want to push through our plan to conduct activities that would intensify computer literacy among the youths and young adults because up until now, there are still those who do not know how to use the computer and other technologies," shares Perez.

Perez also calls on the youths to actively contribute to the development of the region even during this time of pandemic. "Let us all unite, instead of adding to the problems faced by our government. Follow the laws, protocols and help prevent the spread of the virus. We need each other for us to survive these trying times," he says. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Cops slam another ruthless killing of NPA in Surigao City

By PMaj. Renel E. Serrano

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 20 -- Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 strongly condemned the acts of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists who murdered another two innocent civilians in Sitio Tabasngan, Mat-i, this city, on July 11, 2020.

Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, Jr., regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, identified the victims as Jandi Limbona, 23 years old, a farmer, and Noel Estampa, 49 years old, a barangay Tanod. They are both residents of the said place.

Investigation revealed that the victims, along with their five companions, were at the mountainous area to cut lumber when the fully armed NPA members appeared and shot them at around 10:00 a.m.

The victims sustained gunshot wounds in the different parts of their bodies which claimed their lives while their companions managed to fled straight away after they were ordered by the assailants to leave.

"We will be working with our force multipliers and the intelligence community to help us track down these godless individuals. The full force of the law shall give justice to the victims and their family," BGen. Esquivel said.

The government's security forces launched a joint operation to capture those responsible for the killing. (PIO, PRO13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tourist guide in Siargao Island nabbed for peddling cocaine

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 20 -- The Caraga cops arrested a tourist guide and seized P10,000 worth of cocaine following a buy-bust operation in Siargao Island on July 14, 2020.

Police Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr., regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, identified the drug suspect as Karl Remlie Lozada Subayno also known as “Remlie,” 32 years old, a tourist guide, and a resident of Barangay 3 Poblacion, General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

The buy-bust operation was conducted around 12:03 a.m. in Brgy. 3 Poblacion after the personnel of General Luna Municipal Police Station received a report that a certain tourist guide is involved in drug peddling in the area.

Investigation disclosed that Remlie is a newly identified illegal drug personality and considered as a street-level individual (SLI).

The operating personnel confiscated one sachet of suspected cocaine weighing one gram with a market value of P10,000; one genuine one thousand peso bill as marked money and ten boodle money; one Huawei black cellphone; one lighter; and a cash amounting to P4,845 in different denominations.

A case for violation of Section 5 and Article II of the R.A. 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 was being prepared for filing in court against the arrested drug suspect.

BGen. Esquivel urged the active support and cooperation of other law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the members of the community in the PNP’s fight against criminality and illegal activities even during at this time of the pandemic due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). (PMaj. Renel E. Serrano, PIO, PRO13/PA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga cops arrested drug personalities in buy-bust ops

BUTUAN CITY, July 20 -- Butuan City police operatives arrested two illegal drugs personalities during a series of police operation on July 12, 2020.

Hamza Cayan, 20 years old, was under arrest through a buy-bust operation in Purok 3, Barangay Baan, Butuan City around 11:45 in the morning. Drug Enforcement Unit of Butuan City Police Stations 1 and 2, together with Butuan City Intelligence Branch and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga, confiscated two pieces of heat-sealed sachet containing shabu weighing 0.5 grams with Dangerous Drugs Board value of P5,900.

Also, at around 8:39 in the evening on the same day, the Drug Enforcement Unit operatives of Butuan City Police Office, Butuan City Police Station 3, Butuan City Mobile Force Company with PDEA Caraga arrested Joemari Cupay Lara, 22 years old, in Purok 2, Barangay Libertad, Butuan City through a buy-bust operation. Confiscated from Lara’s possession and control are four pieces of heat-sealed sachets of shabu weighing four grams with Dangerous Drug Board value of P27,200.

Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, Jr., regional director of Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, said that arrested persons were charged for violation of R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and now detained at the police custodial facilities in Butuan City.

BGen Esquivel, Jr. stressed that PNP Caraga’s campaign against illegal drugs will be relentlessly pursued in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to eradicate all forms of illegal drugs. (PMaj. Renel E. Serrano, PIO, PRO13/PIA Caraga)

DILG allows back-riding on motorcycles, conditions set

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, July 20 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued on July 15, 2020, the advisory entitled “Back-Riding on Motorcycles” informing local government units (LGUs) that back-riding on motorcycles shall be allowed anew but subject to certain conditions.

As specified to be strictly followed, the motorcycle back-riding shall be allowed for couples living in the same household. Valid identification (ID) card shall be presented as proof that said persons are living together or are married to one another or have any relation to one another, such as common law marriage, boyfriend and girlfriend.

The LGUs are also tasked to monitor in order to ensure its proper implementation such as putting a safety barrier/shield with a design duly approved by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for COVID-19 and must be placed between the driver and the passenger.

The persons riding on motorcycles shall observe the minimum public health standards set forth by the Department of Health (DOH), such as the wearing of face masks.

The riders shall also observe all road safety measures during their ride to include the donning of appropriate motorcycle safety headwear or crash helmets.

Coordination of the LGUs and the local Philippine National Police (PNP) offices is encouraged. This is in consonance to PNP memorandum dated July 9, 2020 entitled “Motorcycle Pillion Riding or Back-Riding” which was issued pursuant to the pronouncement of Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo M. Año and the supporting statement of Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on July 9, 2020. It includes the prototype submitted by governor Arthur Yap of Bohol province. (LGOO VI, DILG-13/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

PCOO, PIA and DICT launch unified website for COVID-19 info

To disseminate all relevant COVID-19 information into one platform, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), launches the Laging Handa Unified Website in its beta version on 20 July 2020, harmonizing all information from different sources and giving the general public easier access to information.

The website is powered by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Partner developer Dashboard Philippines created a Content Management System (CMS) and administrative interface for the unified website for easier and efficient interface. The DICT also ensures the security and privacy of the website against internal and external threats.

As recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning, the Laging Handa Unified Website will be designated as an official platform for all COVID-19-related matters.

The website features the 4Ks: Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kaayusan, Kinabukasan -- explaining the government's whole-of-nation approach in beating the pandemic. It also acts as a guide to direct the public to the information they need to acquire based from the 4Ks.

“Kalusugan” provides epidemiological data of COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 case maps, advisories and issuances from the Department of Health.

“Kabuhayan” Tab contains direct links to other government programs which are relevant to jobs, cash assistance, and other economic advisories and safety nets.

“Kaayusan” Tab provides practical information for interzonal and intrazonal guidelines, timeline of government policies and actions, and #DismissDisinformation, which debunks unverified reports and other forms of disinformation that may affect the overall unified response to the COVID-19.

Finally, the “Kinabukasan” Tab, contains list of government projects which aims to help the country rise aa one. There are sections explaining guidelines for the incoming school year, the Balik Probinsya program, small business wage subsidy programs, and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act accomplishment and transparency tracker.

The website also contains frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding COVID-19. It also features government resolutions, issuances, memorandum, and guidelines. It also contains news, presidential briefings, and Laging Handa briefings.

PIA Director-General Ramon L. Cualoping III emphasized the importance of having a unified message and a streamlined communication platform such as Laging Handa.

"The Laging Handa Unified Website will provide accurate information in the time of COVID-19. This will fight fake news and disinformation that only foster panic in people,” Cualoping said.

He added, “This is in line with our mandate as government communicators. We will Explain, Explain, Explain, until we kill the virus called fake news.”

The website can be accessed thru: <laginghanda.gov.ph>, <wehealasone.gov.ph>, or <covid19.gov.ph>.

Pagpalambo sa organikong agrikultura sa Carmen ipatuman

By Ramil L. Pasco

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Hulyo 21 -- Ipatuman na sa lungsod sa Carmen, Agusan del Norte ang Municipal Ordinance No. 21-2020 nga nag-organisar, nagpasiugda, ug pagpalambo sa organikong agrikultura sa maong lungsod human kini gi-aprobahan ug gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte bag-ohay pa lamang.

Ang maong lakang nga gipangamahanan ni Vice Mayor Ramon M. Calo, tumong niini nga mapauswag ug mapalambo ang malahutayong paggamit sa agricultural biodiversity sa sektor sa agrikultura sa lokal nga panggamhanan aron hatagan og gahum ang mga mag-uuma sa agrikultura sa maong munisipyo, lakip na ang value chain farmers alang sa organic agricultural products.

Nauyonan kini sa SP tungod kay ang maong ordinansa nahisubay sa R.A. 10068, ”An act providing for the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines and for other purposes”.

Subay usab kini sa Section 16 sa Local Government Code of 1991, nga nagtugot sa Sanguniang Bayan ingon man nga mag babalaod sa munisipyo aron maghimo og mga lakang alang sa kinatibuk-ang kaayohan sa munisipyo ug ang mga nalangkob niini ug alang sa usa ka epektibo nga lokal nga gobyerno.

Alayon usab kini sa Provincial Ordinance No. 292-2012, “An ordinance institutionalizing the promotion and implementation of organic farming in the provinces of Agusan del Norte”.

Ang maong lakang gipalabang ug naaprobahan pinaagi sa Sangunian Resolution No. 290-2020 sa pagpanguna ni Board Member Virgilio R. Escaseñas, Jr., tsirman sa Committee on Agriculture and Agrarian Reform. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Organic agri training sa mga kanhing rebelde gipahigayon sa PAO

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Hulyo 21 -- Kapin 29 nga kanhi mga rebelde ang mitambong sa gipahigayon nga Organic Agriculture Training kaniadtong Hulyo 8-10 didto sa 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army sa Barangay Del Pilar, syudad sa Cabadbaran.

Kini gipangunahan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) ug 29IB.

Ang nasangpit nga mga kanhi rebelde naggikan sa lungsod sa Kitcharao, Tubay, Jabonga, Santiago ug Cabadbaran nga mibalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno ug mitambong sa gipahigayon nga pagbansay.

Tumong niini nga mahatagan sila og dugang kaalam sa pag-cultivar ug paggamit sa organikong pamaagi sa pagpananom.

Ang maong aktibidad subay kini sa Republic Act 10068 o “An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and for other Purposes.”

Gidasig usab ang mga partisipante nga mibalik sa sabakan sa panggamhanan diha sa paggamit sa natural nga pamaagi sa pagpanguma. Gitudlo ang pagprepare sa mga nagkalain-lain nga organic fertilizer nga naggikan sa mga produkto sa agrikultura sama sa Indigenous Microorganism (IMO), Fish Amino Acid (FAA) o Kuhol Amino Acid (KAA), Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ), Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Oriental Herbal Nutrients (OHN) ug actual nga paghimo sa Vermi Tea.

Pinaagi sa hugot nga supporta sa mga opisyal sa probinsya ug sa 29IB nga sila 2nd Lieutenant Roselyn M. Matulac ug CMO Capt. Miguel O. Borromeo ang maong aktibidad nahimong magmalampuson.

Nahimong resource speakers sila Provincial Organic Agriculture Focal Person Julius Cesar A. Lomarda ug Oscar S. Tuyor, kanhi Supervising Agriculturist ug uban pang mga opisyales sa PAO. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DOH Caraga announces new COVID-19 positive cases

BUTUAN CITY, July 22– The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga announced on Tuesday, 121 RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) results received from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and Northern Mindanao TB Reference Center (NMTBR) sub-national laboratories.

Of the said RT-PCR results received, 91 tested negative while 30 turned positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus.

The negative RT-PCR results are from the suspect cases, probable cases and high-risk individuals who either have turned positive in the Rapid Antibody-based Test or with relevant travel and exposure to COVID-19 areas. These are cases from different quarantine facilities and hospitals in the region.

As mentioned above, 30 samples are new RT-PCR confirmed positive results for COVID-19.

Of the 30 new cases, 60% (18) are Locally Stranded Individuals, 26.67% (8) are Returning Overseas Filipinos, 10% (3) are residents of an area declared with local transmission and 3.33% (1) with a history of travel to Cagayan de Oro. As to sex distribution, 56.67% are males while 43.33% are females. For age group, 36.67% belong to ages 20-30 years old. Cases are distributed in the following areas: Butuan City (11), Carmen, Agusan del Norte (4), Bayugan City (1), municipalities of Agusan del Sur- Bunawan (1) and San Francisco (1); Surigao City (2), municipalities of Surigao del Norte - Alegria (1), Bacuag (3), Pilar (1), Placer (1), Sison (1) and San Isidro (1); Bislig City (1), Lingig, Surigao del Sur (1).

“We strongly remind the public to practice the minimum health standards. Let us BIDA Solusyon to COVID-19: B-bawal walang mask, I-isanitize ang kamay, D-distansya ng isang metro and A-alamin ang totoong impormasyon,” DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.

Twenty-four of the new cases are asymptomatic while six cases have exhibited signs and symptoms. Moreover, all cases are placed, admitted and isolated at designated quarantine and treatment facilities region-wide for monitoring and management.

“At the same time, we have already resumed our Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio campaign. Let us protect our children especially those aged 0-59 months or below 5 years old from this dreadful and debilitating immunizable disease. The campaign will end on August 2, 2020, with the hope that we will achieve the 95% national target. As of July 20, 2020, the partial vaccination coverage of the region is 27.14%. We can only get the target if we work together.

Health workers will observe the proper health protocols to ensure safety of the vaccination team and the community by wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) like face masks and face shields, gloves and regularly wash or sanitize their hands as they conduct the house to house strategy. Remember, there was already a polio outbreak before the COVID-19 pandemic,” the health chief concluded.

To date, Caraga region now has a total of 245 COVID-19 confirmed positive cases. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga)

DA Caraga turns over 50 cattle to Agusan del Norte provincial stack farm

By Kent Warren Fuguso

BUTUAN CITY, July 22 -- To create a breeding source of livestock animals in the province of Agusan del Norte, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through its Livestock Program turns over 50 heads of cattle to the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) held at the Capitol Grounds, recently.

DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo led the turnover ceremony and graced by Board Member Committee Chair on Agriculture Virgilio Escasiñas Jr., Jabonga Municipal Mayor Napoleon Montero, Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan, and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Belen Aruelo.

“We, in the Department of Agriculture – Caraga is here to perform our mandate which is to help and elevate the agriculture sector in the region. Especially in this pandemic, the need to produce more including livestock and poultry is vital in ensuring food sufficiency. Our efforts have doubled today to address the needs of our LGU’s and provinces with regard to livestock,” Monteagudo said.

The limited stocks of livestock and its by-products pushed the province of Agusan del Norte through the Agusan Up and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Agriculture Committee to request support from DA-Caraga on the emerging issues in the province's livestock sector.

“As the Committee Chair on Agriculture, I can really see that we are lacking in livestock products. I spoke with our Provincial Agriculturist; we really need a large supply because this will contribute to the economy of our province. Through this, we can produce dairy products, meat, and help the dispersal for our farmer’s livelihood,” said Escasinas Jr.

The initial 50 cattle released by DA-Caraga, according to Escasinas, will be a stepping stone for the province of Agusan del Norte for their proposal of creating the Regional Stock Farm in the province, which will benefit multiple livelihoods in the livestock sector especially the farmers.

“Through the proposed regional stock farm, it will really help our farmers that were greatly affected by many adversities, especially now. If we provide livestock sources, this can help them,” he added.

Twenty of these cattle will be managed by the PVO through their provincial stock farm, 15 to the chosen multiplier farm in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, and the other 15 to another multiplier farm in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. The cattle given are heifers or female cattle that have not had any offspring. With an age range of 18-24 months, weighing 180 kilograms (kg.) each.

Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan also stressed that the 50 cattle are the initial distribution of DA-Caraga to the Province of Agusan del Norte specifically to the recipients from LGUs of Jabonga and Las Nieves since they already have the facility and full plans and programs on running the production. (DA-13 RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Night market, taboan sa Cabadbaran gi-suspende

By Jessica O. Mellejor

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Hulyo 22 -- Gisuspende sa dakbayan sa Cabadbaran, sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang pagpahigayon og night market /fair kada Byernes ug flea market /tabo kada Biyernes ug Sabado aron malikayan ug masumpo ang pagkuyanap sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) subay sa Special City Ordinance Nos. 2020-001, 002.

Basi sa maong mga ordinansa nga gipasponsoran ni Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Judith P. Cueno, tumong niini usab nga masiguro ang kaayohan ug kaluwasan sa mga lungsuranon pinaagi sa temporaryo nga paghunong sa giingon nga night market ug tabo.

Nauyonan kini sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan tungod kay ang maong ordinansa nahisubay sa Proklamasyon Numero 922 ni Presidente Rodrigo R. Duterte, kabahin sa State of Public Health Emergency ug Executive Orders nga gi-isyo ni Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera, patuman sa mga lakang aron masumpo ang pagkaylap ug mapugngan ang COVID-19.

Subay usab kini sa RA 11469, o ang Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, “Act Declaring the Existence of a National Emergency Arising from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).”

Ang maong lakang gipalabang ug naaparubahan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 295,296-2020, sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on Laws, Ethics and Good Government. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Mahirap ang laban kontra COVID-19 ngunit patuloy at walang kapaguran pa rin nating hinaharap ang pagsubok na ito, masiguro lamang ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino.

Ating balikan at alamin kung ano na nga ba ang mga aksyon na naisagawa ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa nakalipas na apat na buwan sa pagsugpo ng COVID-19.

Hangad nating mas mapabuti pa ang ating pagresponde sa pandemya. Magkakalayo man tayo, iisa tayo sa puso't isipan. Together, we will #BeatCOVID19.

#WeHealAsOne
#COVID19PH

Nograles: We go full-blast with feeding and farmer assistance programs despite Covid-19

"We should be creative and think of ways to continue implementing our various feeding programs during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially those targeted at schools and schoolchildren. We're working the mechanics out with the DepEd and DSWD so that the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program achieves its goal of combatting hunger.”

This according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Chair of the Task Force Zero Hunger, when he pointed to the EPAHP as a key modality where Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), Irrigators Associations (IAs) and Farmers Associations can play key roles in the government's supplementary feeding and school feeding initiatives.

The Malacañang official spoke during the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Marketing Agreements Signing yesterday, July 21, 2020, attended virtually by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones, Undersecretary Emily Padilla and its officials and staff from the Central Office as well as Region 9, Deputy Director for Welfare and Development of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Jail Senior Superintendent Felly A. Cebuma and partners from the region, representatives from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and representatives from other agencies and ARBOs from Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur.

Nograles, who also serves as NIA Chair, encouraged the IAs and ARBOs to heighten their involvement in these government programs, emphasizing that "you can be crucial partners because of the important role you play. Through EPAHP, you will have easy access to a market because government will buy your produce. Market and network access is vital during this Covid-19 pandemic. This will create jobs, and establish link-ups, freeing you to focus on production."

In a brief message, Jail Senior Supt. Felly Cebuma noted that "no virus can stop us in pushing through with programs that uplift the lives of our people."

"We fully support the EPAHP program because it provides nutrition and needed dietary requirements at affordable prices and helps our farmers at the same time. Let's hope this programs gets replicated in other areas of the country," added the BJMP official.

For their part, the ARBOs and IAs expressed gratitude at the other partner organizations from government for easing the way to smoother business transactions and removing the "middle man" who eats up profits and hinders the selling of farm produce.

"We will now have greater access to consumers. We can directly sell our products to those who need them," said Ronald Diaz, head of the Magsaysay Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative from Zamboanga del Sur.

CabSec Nograles, a former representative of Davao, meanwhile, reiterated the need for more active involvement from LGUs and local chief executives.

"The National Government hopes that our local officials fully support and get involved in these initiatives. If you have your own community feeding and nutrition programs, let's align them with the EPAHP for a more comprehensive approach to combatting hunger. Unity and cooperation are important in providing life-saving assistance to those who most need it, especially during this ongoing health crisis. Together, we all need to say goodbye gutom and finally achieve zero hunger."###

Tulong para sa napag-iiwanang sektor tuloy-tuloy––Nograles

Kaugnay sa most vulnerable sectors ng bansa na lubhang nangangamba mula sa pang-ekonomiyang epekto ng Covid-19 pandemic, binigyang diin ng Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles nitong Miyerkules na ibinubuhos ng gobyerno ang lahat ng mga resources nito upang magbigay ng tulong para sa mga sektor na nangangailangan, tulad ng mahihirap, kabataan, displaced workers, at naghihikahos na mga magsasaka.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa pangatlong Pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) na inorganisa bilang introduksiyon para sa SONA ng Pangulo ngayong Lunes, ikinalulungkot ni Nograles na "tulad ng anumang natural na kalamidad, itong pinaka-mahinang sektor ng lipunan ang malakas na nahahambalos ng pandemyang ito: ang ating mga magsasaka, ating kabataan, ating mahihirap na kababayan."

"Matindi; malawak; at masakit ang epekto ng Covid-19. May mga pamilyang di makakain. May mga pamilyang di makakapag-paaral."

Ayon sa opisyal ng Palasyo, hindi ito lingid sa kaalaman ng gobyerno, ang dahilan kung bakit binibigyang diin ng Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary na si Rolando Bautista noong nakaraang linggo, na “patuloy na nagtutulungan ang lahat ng ahensiya… sa pagbangon ng ating kapwa Pilipino mula sa krisis na atin ngayong hinaharap.”

Sinabi ni Nograles na "malinaw po ito sa ibinuhos na pondo para magbigay ng ayuda at para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan."

"Tulad ng iniulat ni Secretary Bautista, mahigit sa 106 bilyong piso mula sa aming Social Amelioration Program o SAP ang ipinamamahagi upang magbigay ng tulong sa mahigit 19 milyong mga benepisyaryo sa panahon ng pandemya. Bukod po dito, naglaan din ng pondo ang gobyerno para sa ating mga manggagawa, mga magsasaka, at mga estudyante," paliwanag ng Cabinet official.

Halimbawa, binigyang punto ng dating mambabatas mula sa Davao na ang SSS ay "naaprubahan ang kabuuang 479,000 applications para sa calamity assistance na nagkakahalaga ng 7.5 billion pesos."

"Sa ngayon, naglabas ito ng 1.7 billion pesos sa 102,500 borrowers. Inilunsad din nito ang isang programa para sa mga na-lay off na manggagawa, at mula nang magsimula ang lockdown, na-aprubahan na ang 6,300 applications totaling 84.4 million pesos. Sa ngayon, ini-release na ng SSS ang 76.2 million worth ng benepisyo ng 5,740 applicants."

Ang Department of Labor and Employment, ayon kay Nograles, ay nagpalawig din ng tulong pinansiyal na may kabuuang halagang 6.4 billion pesos para sa mahigit 1.18 milyong displaced employees sa formal at informal sectors ng ekonomiya, kabilang ang pagbabalik o pag-uwi ng OFWs.

"Samantala, naglabas ang Department of Agriculture ng cash subsidies sa mahigit isang milyong apektadong magsasaka at mangingisda na nagkakahalaga ng anim na bilyong piso," dagdag ni Nograles.

"Para naman sa mga apektado sa sektor ng edukasyon, may mga hakbang at programa na inilunsad ang pamahalaan upang matugunan ang pangangailangan nila. Para sa mga nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno, ang Government Service Insurance System ay nagbukas ng new 30,000-peso computer loan program upang matulungang makabili ang mga miyembro ng isang computer bilang paghahanda sa paglipat natin patungo sa distance learning or online classes," paliwanag ng tubong Mindanao.

"Bilang karagdagan dito, sa Setyembre, ilulunsad ng GSIS ang isang educational loan program para sa mga miyembro nito upang matulungan silang makapagbayad ng matrikula at iba pang mga bayarin sa paaralan para sa kanilang nominated student-beneficiaries. Maglulunsad ang GSIS ng mga bagong programa para matulungan ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa pagpapa-aral sa kanilang mga supling. Maliban sa computer loan program, mayroon ding programa para sa matrikula at iba pang mga kaugnay na bayarin."

Ipinaliwanag ni Nograles na upang matugunan ang mga pakikibaka ng mga private schools, private educational institutions ay maaari ring humingi ng tulong mula sa Land Bank of the Philippines’ “study now, pay later” lending program. Iniulat niya na mula nang ilunsad ang programa dalawang buwan na ang nakalilipas, higit sa 80 ed ucational institutions nationwide ang nagpahayag ng interes sa pag-access nitong credit facility, at sa pagsisimula ng buwang ito, inaprubahan na ng bangko ang mga loan applications na umaabot sa 260 milyong piso.

"Ito ang iilan sa mga hakbang ng gobyerno para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga naghihirap na kababayan." ###

New TESDA chief in Agusan del Norte assumes post

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 24 -- The new provincial director of TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office has assumed his position recently.

As per TESDA Order 242 series of 2020 issued by Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña, Dir. Rey Cueva, Provincial Director of TESDA-Surigao del Sur Provincial Office is reassigned to Agusan del Norte Provincial Office while Acting Provincial Director Liza B. Budtan is reassigned back to her position in the Caraga Regional Office as Chief of the Regional Operations Division.

In his message during the turn-over ceremony held recently at the Regional Office, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto expressed his sincerest thanks and gratitude to the services rendered by Acting PD Budtan for eight months. He likewise welcomed Dir. Cueva to his new assignment in Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. It can be recalled that Dir. Cueva was assigned as OIC Regional Director of TESDA-Caraga Regional Office in 2016 while on concurrent capacity as Provincial Director of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Office.

Meanwhile, as part of the reassignment of TESDA-Caraga officials, Dir. Julius Sol O. Jamero who was assigned at the Office of the Deputy Director-General for Communities and Local Government Unit Services (ODDG-CLGUS) is also reassigned as the new Provincial Director of TESDA-Surigao del Sur Provincial Office replacing Dir. Cueva.

In a related development, TESDA-Dinagat Islands Provincial Director Engr. Florante L. Herrera was reassigned to the ODDG-CLGUS while Dir. Talib R. Bayabao from ODDG-CLGUs is replacing Dir. Herrera. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Agrarian groups prosper amidst pandemic

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, July 23 -- While the rest of the agrarian-organizations’ groan in the face of the recession due to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some of them were appeared unaffected.

The Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) in Agusan del Norte are the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR's) assisted organizations to continue their marketing activities during the impact on travel restrictions by issuing quarantine accreditation pass within and outside of the region.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Andre B. Atega, CESO V, said that the farmer-organizations, as frontliners in food sufficiency, remained profitable, which recorded millions of pesos in gross sales.

In a Facebook post, PARPO II Atega said that nothing deters our cooperatives and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Agusan del Norte to continue marketing their products to markets.

Planning Officer Annelyn R. Chan, Provincial Project coordinator of the Project ConVERGE, said that like the case of the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) in Santiago town, the cooperative, a Project ConVERGE assisted organization, continuously marketing their abaca fiber product during the pandemic.

Chan said that SIUFMULCO successfully took a number of deliveries during locked-down across Caraga region and earned a gross sales of more than P37-million from abaca fiber sold to a market center in Baybay, Leyte.

“Despite the challenge, the effort of partner-agencies on deliveries of abaca fiber was covered by certifications from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Philippines Fiber Development Authority (Phil-FIDA),” Chan added.

SIUFMULCO Manager Leonila Mila said that the volume traded from March to June reached up to 535.684 metric tons or 56% increase compared from 301.38 metric tons in the first quarter this year.

The venture earned a gross income of P37-million or 57 percent increased from a gross sales of P21-million from the first quarter, Mila added.

This was also the case of the Avanceña Beneficiaries Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ABFMC) in Cabadbaran City and Butuan-Agusan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAFMPC) that continuously supply milled-rice not only to the regular market but also to local government units' social amelioration program.

Both agrarian cooperatives earned profits by delivering thousands of sacks of milled rice which made the groups earned millions of pesos in gross sales.

DAR Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Ellen J. Torralba said that these cooperatives have shown their effort to reach out to their respective buyers where they could sell their produce.

In a separate interview with ABFMPC Chair Sergio Baguhin said, "We managed to deliver 1,600 sacks of milled rice from March 30 to April 6, 2020, which made the coop earned over Php3-million."

The BAFMPC also recorded millions of pesos in gross sales and continue serving its members amidst the pandemic.

Another three more cooperatives, whose entrepreneurship lies on the delivery of assorted vegetables, are the CLOA Holders and Vegetable Producers Association (DRCHVPA) in Tubay, Agusan del Norte; the Kilometer 7 Producers Cooperative (KM. 7 PC) in Butuan City; and the De Oro Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (DARBECO), of Brgy. De Oro in Butuan City.

These three cooperatives underscored by ensuring their steady supply of vegetables to Butuan City Jail Management and Penology (BJMPC) as part of their marketing tie-up arrangement facilitated by DAR under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty program (EPAHP). (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Farm machineries help boost FAs soybean production in SurSur town

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, July 27 -- Faster, less costly, and better in quality. These are the major changes that the members of the Meme Agricultural Farmers Association (MAGFA) of Tago, Surigao del Sur feel in their farming operations now that they have some farm machineries.

The Association which was organized in 2017 has 111 members who are engaged in soybean, corn, rice, and vegetable farming. They have a total of 100 hectares planted with soybeans.

The association Chairman Annabelle Dela Fuente Loja said that soybean is suitable in their area. “It thrives well especially here in our Barangay, in Layug, that is why we have been planting this crop for a long time now,” she said.

In June this year, MAGFA availed of a multi-grain thresher and a sorting machine from the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga. They also received soybean seeds last March. They were also able to avail of a water pump back in November 2019.

Loja narrates that their old practices in soybean farming were really time-consuming and laborious since they used to do manual threshing by stamping on the harvested soybeans.

“Back then, threshing 40 sacks would take us a month, but with the multi-grain master thresher it only takes a few hours,” she said.

As for sorting, they used to do the “paligid” wherein they used plywood on which the beans were placed to roll. “With that kind of system, we were able to separate the beans from dirt and other materials but it was not efficient in sorting the beans according to its sizes. Now with the sorter machine, in addition to removing dirt, the beans are also classified according to its sizes. Further, before with manual sorting, we can only finish 5 sacks a day, buy now with the sorting machine, we can finish 100 sacks each day, ” Loja added.

Joel Ochavillo, a member of MAGFA who is also into soybean production said that the machines made farming easier and more convenient. “Our labor cost, as well as the time we spend on our farming operations, have been lessened, thanks to the interventions we have availed from the DA –Caraga,” he said.

Loja said they used to spend P25,000 – P30,000 for labor but now they save to as much as P5,000.

Ochavillo said that the traders who would come to their place to buy their produce did not really offer them a competitive price before, ranging from less than P20 - P23 per kilo. Now though, with the assistance of the DA-Caraga’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, they have tied up with a buyer from Davao City which offered them a price of P30 per kilo.

On the other hand, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, who personally witnessed the farming activities of the group in their area was happy to note that the machinery from the DA is working and helping the soybean farmers in improving their farming practices. “Even before, with their not so advanced way, this town already produces more than half of the country’s soybean supply. So we hope to provide them with more of the Department’s interventions to help them further boost their production and sustain it,” Monteagudo said.

According to Loja, their average harvest for one hectare is 40 sacks per hectare at 50 kilos per sack. Caraga is the country’s top producer of soybean in the country with the bulk of it coming from Surigao del Sur. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PNP Caraga supports President Duterte’s SONA

By PMaj. Renel E. Serrano

BUTUAN CITY, July 27 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga expressed its full support on the government’s plans and programs that will be presented by President Rodrigo Duterte during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 27.

On the issue of Anti-terrorism Act of 2020, PNP Caraga regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. said that the PNP is sincere and progressively applying human rights principles and right-based approaches in the implementation of the law.

He also announced that PNP Caraga is in partnership with other sectors including local communities as it works hand in hand to combat terrorism while observing the rule of law.

“The PNP organization stands for freedom of speech, assembly and expression. We highly respect the rights of any people and adhere to the procedures of the law. However, I urge the groups that are planning to physically stage a protest to just do it online and avoid mass gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the further spread of the virus,” BGen. Esquivel said.

PNP Caraga completed its security preparations for the places where mass gathering is allowed and will continuously at maximum tolerance during the SONA 2020 to maintain peace and order at all times. (PIO, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Various concerns tackled in consultation with POs

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 28 (PIA) -- The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) led by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Surigao del Norte, together with the government line agencies and private sector conducted a consultation of the different people’s organizations.

Through the consultation held in barangay Sico-Sico, Gigaquit in this province, the people’s organizations were able to bring out the issues, concerns, and challenges on their chosen project. They raise some suggestions in which the government agencies are willing to help and provide allocation of financial resources.

According to TESDA-Surigao del Norte supervising TESD specialist Elena Cacho, the PRLEC members have agreed to identify the programs and projects to be implemented especially in the far-flung areas with particular problems on poverty, employment, and insurgency.

Meanwhile, Carmen Peruda, president of the Lawa-Lahi Women’s Association, is thankful for the swine raising project of the government as this according to her would give each of the member the opportunity to improve their quality of life.

PRLEC aims to develop self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable communities through harmonized and culturally responsive development programs. (VLG/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Government’s support rekindles hope in farming

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, July 28 -- In spite of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the flame of the passion of Caraga Farmers to plant keep on flickering.

This is how the farmers in the town of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte feels after receiving farm equipment from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga recently.

DA-Caraga distributed various post-harvest equipment in support to cassava and corn farmers in Butuan City and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte delivered right at their doorsteps.

The equipment distributed were four units of cassava chipper; four units of cassava granulator; and one unit each of vacuum pack sealer, cassava grater, cassava pulverizer, cassava digger, and a corn mill amounting to 2 Million Pesos.

Recipient of the said equipment were two farmers associations in Butuan City and six in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

One of the recipients is the Lingayao Kahayagan Cassava Farmers Association who received cassava chipper, granulator, pulverizer, and a digger.

“I am looking forward that comes harvest, cassava digger can help us to make harvesting easier, and we may engage in processing using the equipment we have from DA,” said Roberto Calapre, president of the association.

Lingayao Kahayagan Cassava Farmers Association currently planted around 20 hectares of cassava and set to harvest comes yearend.

“Though it is our first time to plant cassava, I am optimistic that something good will happen with the support from DA,” Calapre said.

DA-Caraga through the Agribusiness and Marketing Division (AMAD) and the LGU of Las Nieves has been assisting the association to market their products at a good price.

For the current year, Caraga Region has been targeting a production area of 2,766 hectares with a production of 24,322 metric ton (MT) for cassava.

“DA is focusing its support to the farmers to stand amidst the pandemic we’ve experience nowadays,” Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo said.

DA Caraga has been supporting Caraga farmers with production inputs, pre and post-harvest facility as well as technical support to help the farmers become prosperous and resilient. (DA Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Butuan demo farm to showcase hybrid rice technology

BUTUAN CITY, July 28 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) continuously provide all options for the Filipino rice farmers to select technologies that will improve their productivity. One of these is the adoption of the high-end technology for the rice industry – the use of hybrid.

In 2017, hybrid rice utilization is at 9.78%. For the following years, it posted an increase of 12.04% in 2018 and 17.11% in 2019 based on the DA-National Rice Program rice performance report.

The historical data of hybrid utilization in the country calls for a more strategic approach to convince more farmers to adopt the practices and technology of hybrid rice. Given that the wide-scale adoption of such technology could help attain the rice sufficiency goal.

With Caraga Region hosting the 11th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) on October this year, DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo leads the ceremonial planting to officially kick-off the preparations for the said forum held at Barangay Lemon, Butuan City on July 21. This is in collaboration with the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated or otherwise known as the Rice Board and the Local Government Unit of Butuan.

For the 2020 wet cropping season, 61 participating Farmer-Cooperators from the Barangays of Ampayon, Basag, and Lemon in Butuan City are taking part in establishing a 100-hectare area rice technology demonstration.

"The techno demo area is a learning site for the farmers to see the advantages of hybrid rice.

With this, Caraga rice farmers will have the opportunity to personally see the result and choose which among the best practices and technologies introduced are applicable to their farm conditions," said Dir. Monteagudo.

Currently, the farmer-cooperators are on their pre-planting activities. They are provided with seeds, input requirements, crop protection as well as technical assistance following the package of technology recommended for a particular hybrid rice variety by the seed companies and rice institutions.

The farmer-cooperators will also take the responsibility of the labor cost and expenses for the maintenance and the growth of hybrid rice until its harvesting.

Private seed companies such as SL Agritech Corporation, Seedworks, Bioseed, Ramgo, Bayer, Pioneer, Syngenta, Advanta, and LongPing are the partners of the farmer-cooperators in the development of the demonstration farms.

Alongside the private seed companies, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) – Agusan and Phil-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilScat) also participated in the technology demonstration.

Since water is very important in hybrid production, DA together with the National Irrigation Administration – Caraga is working closely to ensure water availability in the production sites.

As the country is facing the new normal, Director Monteagudo encouraged the key players by reiterating Secretary William Dar's three principles in surpassing the global crisis.

"The participation of the rice industry stakeholders is crucial to the success of the 11th NRTF. Together we will survive, reboot, and grow," Monteagudo said. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

AgSur town realigns local peace and order plan for 2020-2022

By Emmylou P. Burias

BUTUAN CITY, July 28 -- The local government unit of Rosario town in Agusan del Sur province conducted a workshop for the Local Peace and Order and Public Safety (LPOPS) Plan Updating on July 21-22 through the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), headed by municipal mayor Jupiter C. Abulog, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Rosario.

The LPOPS Plan of the municipality for 2020-2022 was formulated in 2019 but during an assessment conducted by the MPOC on July 13, 2020, the LPOPS accomplishment for the first semester of 2020 was only at 19 percent. This was primarily because its implementation was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MPOC decided to conduct an updating to reprogram the remaining 2020 LPOPS fund and make some adjustments on the programs, projects, services, and activities (PPSAs) for the years 2021 and 2022 of the plan.

Mayor Abulog emphasized the need to realign the unspent budget to fund the most urgent and relevant peace and order and public safety PPSAs.

The LPOPS is a three-year, term-based plan which shall be incorporated in the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) of the local government unit. Per Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), DILG, Governance Commission for Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), and Department of National Defense (DND) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2015-01, the Peace and Order Program of the LPOPS Plan shall be the basis in computing the ceiling or allowable amount of the Confidential Fund allocation. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

DOH mipahigayon og pagbansay bansay og crash course on donning, doffin ug specimen collection

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Hulyo 28 -- Ang buhatan sa Department of Health (DOH) pinaagi sa Provincial Health Office mipahigayon og usa ka pagbansay-bansay o crash course training sa donning, doffing ug specimen collection kalabot na sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nga gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang.

Tumong ug katuyoan sa maong pagbansay-bansay nga mahatagan og igong katakos ug kahibalo ang tanang indibidwal nga anaa sa frontline sa krisis sa COVID-19 aron paglikay nga matapnan sa virus pinaagi sa pagsunod sa mga protocol ug saktong bulahaton aron mahatag nila ang saktong serbisyo sa katahan sa luwas nga pamaagi.

Tumong ug tinguha usab niini nga mahatagan og saktong kahibalo ang tanang mga medical personnel sama sa doctors, nurses, ug medical technologists sa tukmang paggamit sa flocked swabbing-nasal and oral swab test ug andam nga makadumala ug swab test sa panahon nga adunay mga posibleng kaso o suspect case sa probinsya.

Gitudloan usab ang mga health care workers sa saktong proseso ug pamaagi sa specimen collection, packaging, transport, ug laboratory diagnosis sa emerging infectious viral diseases.

Dugang pa niini, gipasabot usab kung unsa kamahinungdanon ang saktong paggamit sa kumpletong Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) og madungagan ang ilang kahanas ug kaalam sa mas praktikal nga sistema.

Ang maong kalihukan gipasiugdahan kini sa mga personahe sa Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development-Caraga nga sila RESSU/HEM Cluster Head Dr. Dioharra L. Appari, RESSU/HEM Staff CHD-Caraga Arwin D. Tan, John Paul C. Luna, ug Ian Chester Tibe sa pakig-alayon sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa probinsya sa Dinagat Islands pinaagi sa Provincial Health Office (PHO) nga gipangunahan ni Dr. Jillian Francise A. Lee ug Provincial Department of Health (PDOHO) OIC DMO-V Lucita O. Tagudin ug gitambongan kini sa mga doctors, nurses, ug technologists gikan sa nagkalain-laing lungsod sa probinsya. (Dinagat-PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

HR Action Center tukoron sa lungsod sa Basilisa

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Hulyo 28 (PIA) -- Usa ka Human Rights Action Center ang pagatukoron sa lungsod sa Tubajon, Dinagat Islands sa pagpanguna sa Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga.

Agig pasiunang lakang usa ka panagpulong ang gipahigayon nga gipasiugdahan ni Provincial Legal Officer Jan Perry Eugenio uban ang mga personahe sa Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga na sila Information Officer II Joyce Ann P. Adlawan ug Information Officer III Mi-an Joy E. Taglucop, ug mga personahe sa Provincial Legal Office (PLO) nga gipahigayon didto sa Provincial Governor’s Conference Hall, lungsod sa San Jose.

Atol sa maong panagpulong, gituki sa representante sa CHR nga aduna silay himuon na Human Rights Action Center (HRAC) partikular na sa lungsod sa Tubajon nga maoy napili sa CHR-Caraga nga butangan sa maong Human Rights Action Center.

Kung mahinumduman, bag ohay palamang nagkahinabi na sila Gobernador Kaka Bag-ao ug ang CHR aron malakip sa pagplano ang tawhanong katungod sa mga programa sa probinsya, gikan sa paglungtad sa gender-responsive budget hangtod sa paghimo ug HRACs sa mga local government unit.

Sumala pa ni Gob. Kaka adeser siya nisulod sa pulitika, usa na siya ka advocate nga human rights lawyer, community organizer ug nakigbisog alang sa pagprotekata sa tawhanong katungod ug para kaniya, mahinungdanon nga masiguro nga kabahin sa pagpadagan sa gobyerno ang tawhanong katungod tungod kay may kalabutan kini sa nagkalain-laing isyu nga giatubang sa mga katawhan sama sa right to food, shelter, education, ug livelihood.

Lakip sa plano ug adyenda sa administrasyon ni Gob. Kaka ang tawhanong katungod alang sa probinsya. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Mga proyektong pangkaunlaran vs. insurgency sa Surigao Norte, inilatag

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte, Hulyo 28 (PIA) -- Isang konsultasyon sa iba’t ibang people’s organization ang isinagawa sa pamamagitan ng Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster ng Surigao del Norte Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sa pangunguna ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Surigao del Norte kasama ang iba pang government line agencies at pribadong sektor.

Ang nasabing konsultasyon ay idinaos sa barangay Sico-Sico, Gigaquit na dinaluhan ng mga opisyales at mga miyembro ng labing anim na aktibong people’s organizations ng barangay Lahi, Sico-Sico at barangay Camam-onan o LASICAM.

Dito ay tinalakay ang issues at concerns gayundin ang mga suhestiyon ng bawat people’s organization sa kanilang mga napiling mga proyekto na siya namang popondohan at tutulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan.

Ayon kay TESDA-Surigao del Norte supervising TESD specialist Elena Cacho, isa sa mga napagkasunduan ng mga miyembro ng PRLEC ay ang pagtukoy sa mga proyekto at programa sa mga lugar na malalayo at may matinding problema ng kahirapan, kawalan ng trabaho, at insurhensiya.

Samantala nagpasalamat naman si Carmen Peruda, presidente ng Lawa-Lahi Women’s Association sa ibinigay na swine raising project na malaking tulong para mabigyan ng pagkakataon na umunlad at guminhawa ang pamumuhay ng kanilang mga miyembro.

Isinusulong ng PRLEC ang pagkakaroon ng resilient and sustainable communities sa tulong ng mga akmang programa upang tuluyang makamit ang kaunlaran at kapayapaan. (Susil D. Ragas/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PNP Caraga officials lead turn over, blessing of new Basilisa police station

By Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, July 29 (PIA) -- Officials from the Philippine National Office (PNP) Caraga Regional Office recently led the turnover and blessing of the newly-constructed Police Municipal Police Station in Basilisa town, this province.

The PNP officials who attended the said activity and also conducted an inspection of the operational readiness of the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office was led by Police Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. and Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office Officer-in-Charge Police Colonel Rogelio Z. Raymundo, Jr.

BGen. Esquivel, in his message, urged the Dinagat police force to get the job well done especially during this time of the pandemic.

“If you cannot go over, go under. If you cannot get to the right, go to the left. If not, perforate. But the most important thing is to get the job done,“ Esquivel said.

During the said activity, strict observance of the minimum public health standards and the safety protocols as they enter the province, such as vehicle disinfection and mandatory thermal scanning for every individual, were also observed. (PNP-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Top NPA terrorist leader in Caraga dead after failed attack

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 29 -- The Communist New People's Army Terrorists' (CNTs’) failed attempt to burn the newly-constructed Department of Education (DepEd) Indigenous People's school, which will replace the CNT-linked Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) school in Sitio Simuwao, Diatagon, Lianga leaves Marcelino Navarro y Tampos, alias Marsing, the current Deputy Secretary and head of Education and Propaganda of CNTs’ North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) dead, according to a report on July 19 by the 401st Infantry “Unite and Fight” Brigade.

One other male cadaver was also found on the encounter site and is still subject to verification after being left behind by their fleeing comrades.

Two AK 47 rifles, ammunitions, anti-personnel mines, bomb-making materials, one portable generator, assorted medical supplies, laptops, cellphones, and handheld radio were also recovered by the troops of the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion.

Brigadier General Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade commander said, “we have intensified our security operations in the said area after receiving successive reports from the IP communities that the large groups of CNT are intruding inside their ancestral domains and threatening them. The CNTs had already mercilessly murdered four innocent tribe members since July 6, 2020."

"NPAs even planned on burning down the newly built DepEd's IP School at Sitio Simuwao. These vicious plans and terroristic actions of the terrorist NPAs must be stopped," added Gen. Hambala.

On the other hand, Lianga and San Miguel IP Mandatory representatives Datu Jumar S. Bucales and Datu Rico Maca lambasted Save our Schools Caraga and Sinag, believed to be CNT-linked front organizations for spreading fake news against the ongoing military operations to run after the terrorists. (CMO-3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Gov’t troops, IPs, FRs to undergo TESDA skills training

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 29– Government troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion headed by its Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, as well as Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and former rebels (FRs) are set to undergo skills training through TESDA-Agusan del Norte.

According to Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva, the training is planned to be conducted in August where each patrol base under the area of responsibility of the 29th IB will send three participants: a soldier or a CAFGU member, IPs and FRs.

“The battalion is composed of 12 patrol base, so we have to expect 36 participants who will undergo training by next month,” Dir. Cueva said.

The participants will be trained in organic vegetable and native chicken production that will run for three days. Right after the training, Cueva added TESDA will provide seedlings for them to plant vegetables and create demo farms in their respective areas, as well as poultries for the native chickens.

After a month, TESDA together with the 29th IB will inspect and assess the demo farms of each patrol base. Those who have made the best demo farm will receive an award. The participants who have finished the training are required to undergo trainer’s training so that when they go back to their respective areas, they will train other members of the community.

In a related development, TESDA-Agusan del Norte have committed to train the existing former rebels (FRs) that are now under the battalion’s custody in Food Processing, Entrepreneurship, and Tilapia production for which trainers of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) through the leadership of Mr. Romel M. Natad, Vocational School Administrator II will be the training provider.

Aside from this, Dir. Cueva said TESDA will also help develop the existing demo farms created by the FRs to be learning sites of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

This move of Dir. Cueva supports the agency’s slogan “TESDA Abot Lahat” which is one of the flagship programs of TESDA Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña in support to EO 70 institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DA Caraga turns over 33 heads of breeding gilts to swine raisers

By Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo turns over the 33 heads of breeding gilts to Caraga Swine Raisers Incorporated (CARSI).

The breeding gilts amounting to P1.1 million would serve as additional breeder stock or parent stock under DA's hog restocking program.

“We need to secure a steady supply of pork in the region and this response from the government is a good solution to it,” said Director Monteagudo.

According to Livestock Program Coordinator Jekem Sanchez, the association will equally distribute these hogs to its members in the different provinces of Caraga.

“This is DA’s initiative in the region to boost local pork supply even at the threat of the African Swine Fever (ASF) The region remains free at the moment and we are doing every possible measure to stay free from the disease as we aim to increase our swine population in the region,” Sanchez said.

Working in partnership with organized swine raisers in the region such as the CARSI, the DA is ready to provide the needed intervention to further strengthen the industry.

“This intervention given to us would enable us to produce more quality hogs which we can extend to all our members,” said CARSI President Lodela Antonio.

CARSI is an association of hog raisers all over Caraga with the objective of producing quality hogs and maintaining the sufficient supply of pork in the region. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

12 former rebels commit as peace, dev’t advocates

By Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr.

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 -- Twelve former rebels (FRs) agreed to become peace and development advocates after undergoing a four-day Deradicalization Training conducted by the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade held at the headquarters in Brgy Bancasi of this city on July 18 to 21, 2020.

The 12 FRs who have recently surrendered to the OPCON Battalions (23IB, 26IB and 58IB) of 402nd Brigade were selected to undergo the said training to encourage them to assist the government in its peace and development initiatives and contribute in the capitulation of ideological belief of their comrades that will hopefully transform their outlooks towards peace.

Their narratives and testimonies may also enlighten the youths especially the student sector and young professionals to be wary of the recruitment schemes of the CTG.

In his message during the opening program, Col. Cerilo C. Balaoro, Jr, deputy brigade commander of the 402nd Brigade, encouraged the FRs in their journey towards transformation and their reintegration back to the mainstream society.

He stressed the importance of the FRs who will volunteer as 3rd party advocates in enticing remaining communist terrorist group (CTG) members to surrender and become a living testimony of the government’s program for former rebels under the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and its initiatives to address the pressing concerns that caused the insurgency problem.

The deradicalization program is part of the E-CLIP process and a critical component of reintegration of the former rebels back to their communities. It redirects them from their deceptive views and delegitimize the CNT rhetorics and tactics in order to complete their transformation that will lead them to leave the path of violence and false indoctrination.

One of the highlights during the training was the psycho-social moral recovery session wherein the FRs conducted personal reflection and deepening of commitment.

To cap the activity, the FRs have expressed their support; accepted their past mistakes and start a new life with their acceptance; and commitment to become peace advocates.

The training was culminated with a closing ceremony attended by Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, as the keynote speaker.

BGen. Licudine emphasized the importance of the deradicalization training and expressed his gratitude to the FRs for the willingness and commitment they demonstrated during the training.

“I am really glad that all of you here are able to join the training and actively participated in the activities. This only proves that you shun involvement from CTG and wholeheartedly accepted and decided to support the government this time,” said BGen. Licudine.

He also said that FRs are the most credible person to convey the message of hope and to encourage the remaining CTG members to surrender and reconcile with the government.

“Kami isip parte sa kasundaluhan, mitoo kami nga dili pinaagi sa armadong pakigbisog ang solusyon arun masulbad ang atung problema karun. Busa sa inyung pagka intresado sa boluntaryong pagtabang sa atung gobyerno, kauban na kamo sa tahas nga magpahilona sa hunahuna sa inyung kanhing kauban nga ang gobyreno mutabang kanila ug naningkamot nga ayohon ang kinabuhi sa matag-usa kanato og hinay-hinay nga ibalik sa sakto nga kinabuhi ang atung mga kauban nga nagsurender og mutahod na sa atung bandila, sa atung gobyerno, ug sa atung konstitusyon,” BGen. Licudine said. (CMO Officer 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

PNP chief commends PNP-13 for KAPA founder arrest

By PMaj. Renel E. Serrano

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa commended the troops of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 following the arrest of KAPA-Community Ministry International founder and president Joel A. Apolinario along with 25 others in the hinterland of Lingig town, Surigao del Sur on July 21.

During the recent virtual press conference, General Gamboa lauded the joint operation of the PRO13 Regional Special Operation Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 10, 1st Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, Lingig Municipal Police Station, 67th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and Philippine Coast Guard in Barangay Salvacion.

The operation was based on the strength of search warrant for violations of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and R.A. No. 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosive issued by Atty. Catalina Shineta M. Tare-Palacio, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 11th Judicial Region, Branch 41 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

The operatives also executed the warrant of arrest issued by Atty. Gil G. Bollozos, presiding judge, 10th Judicial Region, RTC, Branch 21, Cagayan de Oro City against Apolinario for syndicated estafa.

“A gunfight ensued when the operating troops were fired upon by the members of Apolinario’s armed men. Two of his men, namely Allan Binongo and Denize Dialoding died while Melecio Siano was seriously wounded,” PNP Caraga regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr said.

Authorities confiscated several high powered firearms. These include the 30 units of M16 rifle; two units of M4 rifles; one garand rifle; four 7.62mm, M60 light machineguns; one caliber 50 sniper rifle; three caliber 22 rifles; one carbine; one shotgun; two RPG rifles; five caliber 45 pistols; two rocket propelled grenade; and several rounds of live ammunition of different caliber.

The suspects will also be charged for violations of the R.A. No. 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition), R.A. No. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosive), Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code (Direct Assault), and Article 147 of the RPC (Illegal Association).

According to BGen. Esquivel, the intelligence monitoring team had started to track down the whereabouts of the subject since January of this year upon receipt of a report that he bought a private resort in an isolated place in Lingig town.

“We believe that justice will soon be served to the victims of the KAPA. This operation shall serve as stern warning to all not to organize, entice or involve in Ponzi scheme. We will ensure the full swing of operations to stop similar Ponzi schemes and other pyramiding investment propositions that may proliferate in the region,” said BGen. Esquivel.

In his statement during the press briefing, Gen. Gamboa said that operating troops involved in the said police operation will be given appropriate awards and recognition, meritorious promotion and monetary reward for their significant accomplishment.

Meanwhile, BGen. Jimili L Macaraeg, deputy regional director for administration and chairman of the PRO13 Promotion Board also supported the statement of the PNP chief and stated that processing of the needed documentary requirements for the said promotion will commence immediately. (PIO, PRO13/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

MGB 13, mining group lead 2020 Environment Month Celebration

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 23 (PIA) --The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 in partnership with the Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc (CMEMCI) spearheaded the 2020 Environment Month held recently at the MGB-13 Training Center this city.

Amidst the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Caraga mineral industry joined the celebration with this year’s theme, “Protect Nature, Sustain Our Future.”

The celebration was aimed to heighten public environmental consciousness and encourage the mining companies to intensify their efforts in the conservation of natural resources through the environmental video and succulent dish gardening competitions.

The entries for the said competitions were submitted to the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division on July 6, exactly 12 days after the notice of competitions was communicated to the mining companies. Only a few participants from the Caraga mining companies were able to take part in the event due to the current health protocol of social distancing.

In his message, MGB-13 Regional Director Engr. Glenn Marcelo C. Noble hoped that the mineral industry will continue its work in protecting the environment and providing development in host and neighboring communities and to the country as a whole.

After the short program, the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the succulent dish garden exhibit followed. Similarly, the viewing and judging of the entries for the succulent dish gardening and environmental video competitions simultaneously took place.

The succulent dish gardening competition aimed to encourage and tap the potentials of emerging gardeners as they campaign for environmental preservation through dish gardening.

The board of judges for the said competition were Roselyn Armida Merlin from the Surigao City Tourism Office; Joel Sembrano, professional landscaper and flower arranger; and Wilmar Dubria, professional florist.

While, the environmental video competition was aimed at tapping the creative potentials of individuals to campaign for environmental preservation by capturing their vision and expressing their message through videography and can be used as their info materials.

The board of judges for the said competition were Susil Ragas from the Philippine Information Agency Surigao del Norte Information Center; Richie Reynan Tan, professional Photographer and Proprietor of Wedding and Events Digital Studio; and Guilbert Mantala, vice president for Student Services of St. Paul University Surigao.

The winners of the video making contest are: Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. for the 1st place, Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation- 2nd place; and Hinatuan Mining Corporation for 3rd place.

Winners for the succulent dish gardening competition are: CTP Construction and Mining Corporation for the 1st place; Taganito Mining Corporation for the 2nd place; and Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation for the 3rd place.

The winners of the said competitions were recognized during the awarding ceremony. (Lizlit C. Cabag, MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Gov’t agencies facilitate SAP payout

By Marlon C. Monterola

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 –- Different government agencies worked hand-in-hand for the conduct of the payout for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.

Receiving the cash assistance of P5,000 are waitlisted beneficiaries in Caraga region.

The payout, which began on Wednesday, July 29, was conducted through direct cash payout or through digital payment by a Financial Service Provider engaged by the DSWD. These modalities are an improvement from the methodology utilized during the previous distribution to ensure a safer yet a more efficient way of releasing such subsidy amid the continuing threat of COVID-19.

To ensure that health and safety protocols were observed, staff of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional office assessed the off-site payout.

“We want to ensure the utmost success of the distribution of the SAP payout to the left-out beneficiaries of the program in the region. Hence, DILG Caraga initiated the conduct of an assessment during the distribution in select barangays in Butuan City to see to it that health protocols are still strictly observed,” DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion said.

In addition, barangay officials and personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) facilitated the conduct of the payout and ushered the strict observance of the basic health standards and procedures. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Army gives recognition to wounded soldiers

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 30 -- The 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade of the Philippine Army conferred wounded personnel medals to the two soldiers who were wounded in action in the recent armed encounter against the Communist Terrorist Group, on July 21, 2020 in Alegria town, this province.

The awarding was made during the visit of 901Bde Commanding Officer Colonel George L. Banzon at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City where the wounded personnel are currently confined and recuperating from their incurred slight gunshot injuries.

Conferred with the award are Private First Class Kevin Cabugsa and Private First Class Jose Isagani De Guzman, both assigned with the 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion.

The soldiers sustained injuries in the recent encounter against more or less 30 members of the Communist Terrorist Group that resulted in the neutralization of one female communist terrorist and the recovery of five high-powered firearms in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria town, Surigao del Norte on July 20.

In his statement, Col. Banzon praised the wounded soldiers for their heroism and bravery in the performance of their sworn duty.

He further stressed that the actions displayed by the wounded personnel manifest the professionalism of every soldier who continue to risk their lives just to ensure the safety and security of everyone.

Col. Banzon mentioned that medals are not just being awarded because the soldiers became triumphant and survived any fierce battle but these are reminders of the high price that soldiers have to pay in order for our countrymen to continue living in peace and enjoy the freedom they deserve.

“Our injured soldiers took the risks and fought gallantly to preserve peace in Surigao del Norte. As professional soldiers, we are and will forever be grateful for their selfless service. Their acts of bravery must serve as a reminder for all of us that we are enjoying peace because somebody else is willing to sacrifice,” Col. Banzon said.

The Wounded Personnel Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who are injured or killed in combat. (901st Infantry Brigade/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Anti-illegal gambling operations in Caraga net 15 individuals

By PMaj. Renel E. Serrano

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 -- Fifteen individuals were arrested in a separate anti-illegal gambling operations conducted in the entire region on July 25, 2020.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., said during the conduct of anti-illegal gambling operations, the personnel of Butuan City Police Station at about 4:10 p.m. and Trento Municipal Police Station at 7:30 p.m. arrested six individuals who were caught in the act engaging in “tong-its” game. They are Ahlene Cornelia D. Pilo, Rowena N. Montajes, Virgilio T. Nibalisa, Norma C. Aparre, Meliton R. Ubatay, and Ruben D. Palma. Confiscated were one set of playing cards and P702 bet money.

Same operation was conducted by the personnel of Dapa Municipal Police Station at around 7:20 p.m which resulted in the arrest of Pastor C. Ampater, Randy C. Dulguime, Jeser E. Ortaniza, and Jigger B. Orejas who were playing a “pusoy” game. One set of playing cards and P600 bet money were also confiscated during the operation.

Meanwhile, the operatives of Tandag City Police Station nabbed Juanito L. Perez Jr, Cojetia Tiedra, and Antonio P. Suarez who were also caught of conducting illegal cockfighting and “cara y cruz.”

The operatives confiscated five fighting cocks, ten pieces gaffers, two pieces cara y cruz board, one piece cara y cruz ring, one piece calculator, and P2,356 bet money.

In Purok 6, Brgy Cabcabon, Butuan City, Evara A. Caluyong was also arrested around 1:30 p.m. and Marvin E. Ricabardo at 2:30 p.m. by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for Illegal Gambling.

“We will make sure that all gambling violators will be charged appropriately,” BGen. Esquivel said.

He likewise assured the public that massive crackdown on illegal gambling is in full swing amidst global pandemic. (PIO, PNP-13/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD official supports SurSur town's environmental initiative

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 30 (PIA)– Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Rhea Peñaflor has planted a bamboo tree as her of supporting and promoting the “KAWAYANihan” activity held at the riverbank of Barangay Magobawok in Bayabas, during her visit to the smallest town of this province on July 25, 2020.

The bamboo planted by ASec Peñflor was named “Mochi Kawayanihan.”

“Nakapagtanim po ako ng kawayan na ipinangalan ko sa mahal naming aso, si Mochi Kawayanihan,” Asec Peñaflor said on her Facebook post.

Bayabas Mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro said the KAWAYANihan is a riverbank stabilization initiative of the local government unit of Bayabas in response to the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation program of the national government.

Mayor Limbaro also extended her warmest gratitude to ASec Peñaflor. “Mochi Kawayanihan (your bamboo), will grow, thrive, and provide vast protection to the environment. Thank you for the great honor of making yourself part of this,” Mayor Limbaro said.

The report said the DSWD official and staff have visited the town for the interview on the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) implementation in the area. The said LGU is one of the partner local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of the Department's programs/projects.

Asec Peñaflor and the team were able to visit the Risk Resiliency Program Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (RRP-CCAM-DRR) projects in the following areas:

1. Barangay. La Paz

- Mangrove Reforestation (SAGIP-WAKATAN)

- Communal Gardening (GULAYAN-BAYANIHAN)

2. Barangay Cagbaoto

- Communal Gardening

3. Barangay Amag

- Communal Gardening

4. Barangay Magobawok

- Tree Growing (SAGIP-TUBIG)

- Riverbank Stabilization (SAGIP-ILOG)

“My visit to your humble town is a memorable one. Thank you for being the DSWD's partner in uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Asec Peñaflor noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Responsible parenthood og family planning assessment workshop gipahigayon sa Libjo

MUNISIPYO SA SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Hulyo 30 -– Ang probinsya pinaagi sa Provincial Population Office ug Barangay Population Volunteers (BPV) mipahigayon og Semi-Annual Assessment and Workshop on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa Barangay Garcia Covered Court, Libjo ning probinsya.

Ang maong kalihukan nagdala sa tema nga, "Putting the brakes on COVID-19: How to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now" tumong ug tinguha niini ang mapahingusgan ang family planning sa mga magti-ayon nga wala pa nagplano sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya ilabi na karon nga panahon nga adunay COVID-19.

Tinguha usab sa maong aktibidad nga makabalo ang matag usa kanila sa ilang mga katungod ug magbinantayon sa ilang panglawas aron mahilikay sa mga sakit.

Gipadayag sa mga tigpamulong gikan sa Provincial Health Office (PHO), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), ug Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang pipila ka mga hisgutanan kabahin sa violence against women and children (VAWC) ug ang mga angayang bantayan aron mapadayon ang kahimsog sa panglawas ug pag-igmat sa kanunay ilabi na sa sakit nga COVID-19.

Ngadto sa mga partisepante kung unsa ang sakit nga COVID-19 lakip na ang mga angaya buhaton aron malikayan kining maong sakit.

Madasigon si Provincial Population Officer Lucio Mercado sa gipakita nga kasibot ug pagkugi sa matag usa kanila sa ilang pagserbisyo ngadto sa mga katawhan.

Iya usab gikapasidad ang matag usa kanila sa mga angayang buhaton sa ilang mga katungdanan sa matag barangay nga adunay kalambigitan sa saktong pagplano sa usa ka pamilya panahon sa ilang pagbalay-balay aron mahibal-an sa hingtundan kung unsa ang angay nilang gamiton nga mga pamaagi ilabi na kadtong sayo nga nagmabdos nga kabatan-onan ug malikayan ang pas-pas nga pagdaghan sa miyembro sa pamilya.

Miduyog sa gihimong kalihukan si Board Member Anna Lyn Dialde (District 1) isip representante ug naghatod sa mensahe ni Gobernador Kaka Bag-ao ngadto sa mga partisipante nga gilangkuban sa Municipal Population Officers ug BPVs gikan sa lungsod sa Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, ug San Jose alang sa cluster 1.

Sa laing bahin, mitambong si Provincial Treasury Officer Maria Jocelyn Albores alang sa pagpanghatag sa honorarium sa mga BPV ug anaa usab ang Provincial Labor and Employment Manpower Office (PLEMO) nga misuporta sa gihimo nga kalihukan. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

SK officials, volunteers in AgSur village share food packs to over 1,500 households

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 4 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, together with other volunteers of Barangay Poblacion, Rosario, province of Agusan del Sur conducted a house to house delivery of foods packs, as their way of showing their concern to the families who are greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

More than 1,500 families have received the relief assistance which contains the pack of rice, canned goods, and noodles.

“We appreciate the effort of the SK officials and the council for this help. We hope that more could benefit especially during these trying times,” said Rechel Tindugan, a resident and beneficiary.

Alberto Picot, Jr., SK chair of Barangay Poblacion stressed the vital role of the youth especially during this time of the pandemic.

Hence, he called on the other youths and volunteers in other areas to be participative in conducting community activities as a way of helping also the government.

“The youths are one with th

e government in helping the people cope with life and their daily needs during this time of the pandemic, and we feel responsible that amid this crisis, we should be able to do something for our constituents,” bared Picot.

Meanwhile, punong barangay Joel Bantilan lauded the effort of the SK officials and youth volunteers in their area for the assistance they have extended to the locals.

“This is such timely since the people are really affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and our youths here are really helping them cope with life,” said Bantilan. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

BFP receives P54-M worth of supplies from U.S.

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 4 -- The United States, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), turned over a donation of P54.8 million ($1.1 million) in sustainment supplies to the Special Response Units (SRU) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Headquarters in Quezon City.

The supplies will assist the BFP in fulfilling their mandate as the Philippines’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response agency. The BFP is also one of the primary agencies conducting decontamination and response activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DTRA and the BFP have a longstanding partnership to strengthen the Philippines’ capabilities to respond to CBRN incidents and conduct chemical inspections and decontamination operations.

DTRA is also supporting the BFP and other Filipino agencies in their development of Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction capabilities. (U.S. Embassy/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

NPA killed, high-powered firearms recovered in Surigao Norte clash

By Cpt. Joash U. Pramis

PLACER, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 4 -- A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed and four high-powered firearms were recovered by operating troops of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion during an encounter with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria, this province on July 20.

Based on the report, civilians tipped off to the operating government troops regarding the presence of fully armed CTG in the area. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes and the responding soldiers were able to seize a hideout occupied by an estimated 30 members of the Guerilla Front, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Aside from the unidentified slain body, three AK47s and one M16 rifle were also retrieved from the encounter site while two soldiers were slightly injured during the clash.

In his statement, Col. George L. Banzon, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, expressed his gratitude to the community for providing timely information leading to the successful operation.

He also stressed that the 901st Infantry Brigade will continue to intensify focus military operations to flush those who refuse to surrender and abandon their armed struggle.

Col. Banzon also called on the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA to give peace a chance by going back to the folds of the law and avail the programs being offered by the government for them live normal lives.

On the other hand, he reiterated his statements when he took over the Brigade that he will not hesitate to use full military might to protect the people and the community against those who continue to pursue their twisted ideology and sow terror.

“We express our sincerest thanks to the concerned citizens who provided us with accurate information to prevent the CTG from their terroristic activities. Indeed, it was a clear indication that the local communities are already fed up with their wrongdoings. Our operation will continue and we will not stop in our quest to ensure the safety and security of the communities that were terrorized by these communist armed group. I urge the members of the communist terrorist group to lay down their arms and live a peaceful life. Using violence to impose will on the peace loving people have no place in our civilized society,” he said.

The troops are still conducting follow-up operations to go after the retreating armed terrorists. (CMO Officer, 901st Bde, 9ID, PA/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

U.S. donates P14.80-M worth of PPE to PGH, PH medical facilities

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 4 -– The United States (U.S.), through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), distributed P14.8 million ($300,000) worth of regionally manufactured personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and COVID-19 treatment centers across the Philippines.

This latest donation brings overall U.S. government assistance to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response efforts to nearly P981 million ($19.8 million).

“This delivery of PPE demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Philippines to stop COVID-19. During this month, which began with a commemoration of Philippine-American Friendship Day, we are honored to support our Filipino friends, partners, and allies with the PPE they need to assist communities confronting the pandemic,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.

Recipients for this donation were determined by a needs assessment based on pandemic infection rates, current PPE supply levels, and projected future needs. The United States will continue to support Filipino frontline workers.

Dr. Robert S. Pope, director of DTRA’s Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, said they are proud to support brave Filipino medical workers to ensure they are safe and healthy while providing essential medical care to those affected by this deadly virus.

“We value our longstanding partnerships in the Philippines. One day, we will look back on these events and know that our partnership helped enable a robust response that saved lives and prevented further contagion in the Philippines and surrounding region,” Pope said.

The PGH and the U.S. Department of Defense have a long history of mutual support dating back to World War II. During the War, Filipino and American medical personnel worked together to treat soldiers and civilians during the Battle of Manila, following the liberation of PGH through joint U.S.-Philippine effort. (U.S. Embassy/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Moderno, dekalidad na serbisyo, pwedeng ma-avail sa ospital ng Agusan del Norte

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 4 (PIA) -- Upang mas matugonan pa ang pangangailangan ng mga Agusanons at karatig bayan nito lalo na sa panahon ngayon na may coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, mas binigyan pa ng dagdag na atensyon ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte ang pagpapaangat ng serbisyo at pasilidad ang provincial hospital ng probinsya.

Sa pagtutulongan ng provincial government ng Agusan del Norte, Department of Health at Philippine Charity Sweeptakes Office, mga bago at modernong equipment na nagkakahala ng mahigit isang daan at dalawampung milyong peso (P120 million) ang kasalukuyang nasa provincial hospital sa ngayon.

Ayon kay Agusan del Norte provincial health officer at hospital chief Dr. Oodelio Y. Ferrer, malaking tulong ito upang magampanan at maibigay ang mga pangangailangan ng mga pasyente lalo na’t “State of the Art” ang mga ito. Siguradong marami ang makikinabang nito at hindi kailangan pang magpunta sa mga private hospitals at sa ibang lugar upang ma-avail ito.

Dagdag pa ni Dr. Ferrer, isa itong katuparan sa ilalim ng Amomang Agusan Program ng AGUSAN Up – ang development agenda ng Agusan del Norte sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera na gawing moderno ang mga equipment at magkaroon ng mga espesyalista upang mas mapaganda pa ang serbisyo nito at mas marami pa ang matulongan lalo na sa panahong may pandemya.

Anya, hindi na kailangan pang pumunta sa ibang lugar o sa pribadong ospital ang mga pasyente dahil pwede na itong ma-avail sa naturang ospital. Sa ngayon mayroon na itong intensive care unit para sa adult at pedia, neonatal intensive care unit, high risk pregnancy unit, respiratory unit, physical therapy unit, endoscopy unit, minimal access surgery unit, COVID-19 triage, queuing system and new admitting section at marami pang iba.

Ayon din kay Gob. Corvera na suportado at seryoso ang probinsya sa tuloy-tuloy na pagpapamoderno sa ospital pati na rin ang mga municipal at barangay health centers upang masiguro ang kalidad ng health services ng probinsya. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga region COVID-19 cases now totals to 336

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 5 -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga announces receipt of 155 RT-PCR (Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) results from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Northern Mindanao TB Reference Center (NMTBR) and Davao One World Diagnostic Center sub-national laboratories where 143 tested negative and 12 turned positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus.

The RT-PCR negative results are from the following cases: a) Seven suspect cases from Butuan Medical Center, Butuan Doctors Hospital, MJ Santos Hospital and Surigao del Sur Quarantine Facility, b) Twelve probable cases from Caraga Regional Hospital, Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital and Agusan del Sur Quarantine Facility, and c) 124 High risk individuals who had positive Rapid Antibody-based Tests.

Of the 12 positive cases, 58% (7) are Locally Stranded Individuals, 8% (1) is a Returning Overseas Filipino, 17% (2) are cases classified under local transmission, 8% (1) is a close contact of a previous COVID-19 positive case, and another 8% (1) is a resident of Bayugan City who is currently employed in Butuan City.

Per sex distribution, 75% (9) are females while 25% (3) are males. The majority of the cases or 58% (7) belong to ages 20-40 years old. The new confirmed cases are distributed in the following areas: Butuan City (3), Bayugan City (1), Bislig City (1), Nasipit, Agusan del Norte (1), municipalities in Agusan del Sur-Esperanza (2), Prosperidad (2), Tago, Surigao del Sur (2).

Most 92% (11) of the cases are asymptomatic while only one case has exhibited mild signs and symptoms. Moreover, those who are symptomatic are isolated at identified isolation facilities region-wide for strict monitoring and management whereas the lone case with mild symptom is admitted to a hospital facility.

To date, Caraga region COVID-19 confirmed positive cases now totals to 336 with 193 (57%) recoveries that have been discharged and released leaving a total of 142 (42%) active cases.

“We will continuously monitor the status of our cases in the different areas of the region now that we are placed on Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) while critical barangays in Butuan City are under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).

Our goal is to have reduced local transmission cases in a two-week period in these critical areas and contain COVID-19 cases among LSIs and ROFs by strictly following isolation and quarantine procedures," DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.

"We can only achieve this if we work together. We call on everyone to firmly observe and follow our health protocols. Only go out for work or if necessary. Wear facemasks at all times. Practice physical distancing. Lastly, report to your local health authorities when symptoms like fever, cough, colds, sore throat, and diarrhea of more than two days occur,” Dr. Llacuna, Jr. added.(DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga)

POPCOM, NGO partner for community health

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Aug. 5 -- The Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo, Incorporated (SIKAP, Inc.), a local non-government organization, together with the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) will soon implement a project for the town of Buenavista which aims to establish a culture of care and respect for men, women and children thus gradually eradicating gender-based violence.

SIKAP as the main implementer will employ strategies and facilitate processes to establish mechanisms which will effectively cover all the households in every barangay of the municipality.

The joint project is dubbed as Performance Accountability System (PAS) for Family Planning seeks to attain zero unmet need on modern Family Planning by making all methods including natural family methods, more accessible and available at Barangay Health Stations (BHS) and Rural Health Units (RHUs).

The project document as provided to POPCOM reveals the strategies on underlying causes that can be addressed. First, Community mobilization beyond demand generation which community should be actively involved in the entire scheme of problem-solving. Secondly, Barangay LGU mobilization is the most accessible that addresses health issues. Third, Local Government System which catalyzes the transformation of LGUs, health workers, and communities by making the collectively accountable. Lastly, Engagement strategy that engages both communities up to the level of families.

The joint project is patterned to the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Sub-National Initiative in Davao Region consistently exposes the highest maternal deaths. The dramatic increase in health indicators such as ani-natal care, deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants and facility-based deliveries resulting to the significant decrease in maternal deaths in a very short period of time.

POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano emphasizes that the commission continuously works for Filipino families providing technical assistance, demand generation and service provision which inspires SIKAP, Inc for the tie-up.

According to Christine Ampon, SIKAP Executive Director, the project implementation shall commence early of August. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DPWH Caraga patuloy ang konstrukyon ng farm-to-market road projects

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 5 -- Sa kabila ng banta ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), patuloy pa rin ang konstruksyon ng farm-to-market road projects o FMRs sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Ayon kay Department of Public Works and Highways Caraga regional director Engr. Pol Delos Santos, nasa 93 porsyento na ang natapos sa mga proyektong ito sa buong rehiyon at inaasahang matatapos sa nakatakdang petsa sa loob ng kasalukuyang taon.

Anya patuloy rin ang kanilang pagsunod sa health protocols para matiyak ang proteksyon ng mga manggagawa.

Kabilang sa mga natapos na major projects ng DPWH Caraga ay ang FMRs sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur, Dinagat islands, Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur.

Minamadali din ng DPWH ang konstruksyon ng nasirang bahagi ng Agusan-Bukidnon road sa barangay Calayagon, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Ito ay isang landslide prone area na sinira ng tropical storm Seniang noong taong 2015 at nasa mahigit nobenta porseynto na ang natapos dito.

Malaking tulong sa mga magsasaka ang farm-to-market roads upang mas maging madali ang pagbiyahe ng kanilang mga ani at produkto sa merkado. Isa rin ito sa mga susi para sa paglago ng mga negosyo at pagpapaunlad sa ekonomiya ng rehiyon.

Maliban naman sa mga proyektong pangkaunlaran, patuloy ang koordinasyon ng DPWH at LGUs sa rehiyon para sa paglaban sa COVID19.

May mga testing cubicles na natapos na sa lungsod ng Butuan na gagamitin sa rapid at swab testing activities.

Maliban sa konstruksyon ng cubicles, tutulong din ang DPWH sa konstruksyon ng 50-bed isolation facility na itatayo sa 1,000 square meter lot sa bawat distrito ng rehiyon. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

Agusan Norte mohatag 100K counterpart para sa Caraganon nga LSI, ROFs

By Jessica O. Mellejor

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Agosto 5 -- Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 339-2020, giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang paghatag tabang pinansiyal sa kantidad nga P100,000.00 isip provincial counterpart aron suportahan ang mga panginahanglanon sa logistik ug mga kinahanglanon sa kapanguhaan alang sa episyenteng pagdumala sa Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) ug Returning Overseas Filipino (ROFs) sa Caraga Region.

Ang paghatag otoridad giaprobahan pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot ni Bise Gobernador Ramon A G. Bungabong, tsirman sa Committee on Finance and Appropriation, kauban ang mga membro nga sila Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo ug Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. atol sa ilang ika 52nd sesyon regular niadtong Hulyo 27, 2020.

Ang nasangpit nga suporta gikan sa probinsya magamit alang sa pagpadayon sa mga panginahanglanon sa pagkaon ug transportasyon sa mga LSIs ug ROFs ug itunol ngadto sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Caraga Region nga mao ang nanguna ug awtorisadong ahensya nga magdumala sa pondo.

Kini nga lakang nahimutang sa mando sa COVID-19 Order No. 2020-02 gikan sa National Task Force Against COVID-19 nga naghatag alang sa mga panudlo sa operasyon sa pagdumala sa mga Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs).

Ang pagdonar nasabutan atol sa miting sa Regional Task Force for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield pinaagi sa pagpalabang sa Resolution No. 45, series of 2020, requesting all provincial and city governments in the Caraga Region to contribute One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) each to support the logistical needs and resource requirements for the efficient management of arriving LSIs and ROFs in the Caraga Region. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Combat operations ensure safe delivery of government services in conflict-affected areas - LGU, IP council

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 6 -- “The purpose of the combat operations in the hinterlands is to ensure the local government unit's safe delivery of basic services intended for the conflict-affected communities in Surigao del Sur,” said Lianga tribal chieftain Datu Constancio Duhac during the recent Lianga Serbisyo Caravan in Sitio Simowao (Km 9), Diatagon, Lianga.

The said caravan was spearheaded by the local government unit (LGU) of Lianga led by Mayor Novelita M. Sarmen, 9th Special Forces “Hounds” Company, 544th Engineer Battalion, and member agencies of the Local Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC). The services provided include the distribution of food supplies, hygiene kits, medical and dental missions, free haircut, registration of tribal members to the Local Civil Registry, fun and games, and distribution of free clothes.

“Contrary to the rehashed false statements of the anti-government groups accusing the military of abuses, the military immerses in the communities to complement the implementation of government programs for our communities,” Datu Duhac said.

“Hindi military ang lumapit sa amin, kami ang humingi ng tulong sa military para lumayo sa komunidad ang mga teroristang New People's Army (NPA) at ang grupong MAPASU (Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod or Persevering Struggle for the Next Generation) na pumipigil sa pagpasok ng serbsiyo ng gobyerno para manatili kaming mahirap at galit sa gobyerno,” Duhac added.

Sitio Simowao, a gateway to Andap Valley Complex, was once the comfort zone of the Communist NPA terrorists where Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) school, an NPA terrorist recruitment facility was located and a staging point of NPA-instigated taktikang bakwit.

Currently, with the strong support of the indigenous people (IP) community, the IP leaders and the local government unit, the sitio was transformed as a developed IP community where there is a rehabilitated farm-to-market road, a DepEd IP school, a CAFGU detachment, organized IP civilian volunteers for peace and security, registered women’s and farmers’ people's organizations, youth leadership summit trained IP youth leaders.

"This sitio has gone through a lot, we will do our best to do our job to support the Lianga LGU and the tribal council to reach far more sitios of Diatagon and provide what the IP communities deserve from the government,“ said Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3rd Special Forces Battalion commander.

Aside from the combat operations to drive them away from the sitios, Lt. Col. Baybayan vowed to uproot their system of recruiting the IP members through their Community Support Program and the IP tribal council’s traditional self-governance and self-determination. "We will be here to protect them to perform their customary laws and duties to save their tribe from CNTs’ corruption,” Baybayan said. (3SFBn-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

NPA cadaver exhumed in SurSur town

By Captain Edwin Leo Francsico

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 6 -- Government troopers retrieved the cadaver of a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Thursday last week who was allegedly killed in an encounter on May 18, 2020.

The members of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) together with the local officials found the body of a certain Dondon Montenegro Suazo alias Hill, 19, a team leader of Platoon 1, Squad Dos, Guerrilla Front (GF) 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).

The 75IB report also said the body was already on its advance state of decomposition that was exhumed in a remote area of Sitio Kiskis, barangay Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Investigation revealed that Suazo was with Joel Maca Mahinay, alias Niko/Ontong/Barok, commanding officer of Platoon 2, GF 30, NEMRC when they clashed against military forces on May 18, 2020.

The dead body was hastily buried by the communist terrorist group at a shallow grave to be forever forgotten, said 75IB civil-military officer Captain Edwin Leo Francisco in a statement.

Capt. Francisco also said the recovery of the cadaver was through the revelation of alias “Migs,” a former rebel, who was also a member of the platoon of Joel Maca Mahinay and was there during the encounter.

The former rebel said that Suazo is a Mamanwa and a resident of Sitio Libas, Brgy Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Alias Migs also disclosed that Dondon was with Mahinay and his platoon when the communist NPA rebels reportedly committed their murder of Datu Bernandino “Bandi” Astudillo,72, and Zaldy Ybanez, 52, at Sitio Inadan, barangay Magroyong on 19 March 2020. Both victims suffered 16 stab wounds.

The military brought Zuaso’s body to San Miguel police for proper documentation and then brought to a funeral parlor in Tandag City where Suazo was received with his grieving mother, Bernardita Suazo.

“Mag isa naman to ka tuig na nananghid ang akong anak nga manarbaho para makatabang sa amo ug labaw na sa iyang igsuon nga naay sakit nga cancer pero karon akong nabalitaan nga nadani ug giilad sa mga Terroristang NPA unya namatay ug gibyaan lang sa bukid,” Suazo’s mother said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Jeffrey A. Villarosa, 75IB commanding officer, extended his deepest sympathy to Bernardita and her family.

“Another innocent life was lost because he fell victim to the deception of the CNTs. What is more difficult to comprehend is the communist terrorist group wanting to keep the sad truth of Dondon’s death from his family,” said Villarosa, adding that if alias Migs did not reveal Zuaso’s remains, he will not be discovered and exhumed. (75IB-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga RPOC resumes implementation of projects amid pandemic

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, August 7 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Caraga region is set to resume the implementation of its various projects and activities on maintaining and enforcing peace and order in the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the virtual meeting for the 3rd Quarter of 2020 presided by Surigao del Sur provincial governor and council chairperson Alexander T. Pimentel held on Wednesday, July 29, a forum for an inter-disciplinary dialogue and deliberation of major issues and concerns affecting peace and order and public safety and anti-insurgency strategies was provided for the council’s 37 members.

The meeting yielded the creation of the Special Action Committees (SACs) in order to address and prevent specific incidents affecting the region such as on anti-insurgency and prevention of violent extremism, anti-criminality, public safety, and crisis management.

The council also agreed to converge efforts in the provision of support services to select barangays in line with the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

On the usage of schools as quarantine facilities for COVID-19, it was also discussed during the meeting that local government units (LGUs) may seek for the Department of Education (DepEd) approval to extend the usage of schools as quarantine facilities for COVID-19 cases.

The department has previously issued a directive that LGUs may only use schools for the said purpose until the end of July.

Request for extension shall be sent to the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Eduardo M. Año or Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr, Chief Implementer of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Diseases (IATF-MEID).

The council approved and adopted the Handbook in Handling Conflict-Induced Internal Displacement, which shall provide guidelines in the management of internally-displaced persons in the region.

The meeting also provided the council an opportunity to commend the efforts and achievements of various members to maintain the peace and order in the region.

Among those was the arrest of KAPA Community Ministry International leader/founder Pastor Joel A. Apolinario, his wife, and 23 of his men, which was made successful through the partnership between the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Local government leaders were also praised for accomplishing the establishment Home Defense Villages (HDV) and hallway houses in the various provinces and cities. An HDV had now been established in Sitio Amongon in Barangay Noli in Bayugan City. Meanwhile, the halfway house in Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City is already at 100 percent. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIACaraga)

Dinagat Islands PPOC initiative enforces intensified environmental laws

By Donna Dial D. Madelo and Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, August 7(PIA) -- The Dinagat Islands Alliance for Development (DIAD) is now enforcing intensified environmental laws in the province of Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies.

A joint meeting was conducted among municipal heads and agricultural officers of LGUs, the technical working group comprised of the line agencies such as the Department of Environmental and National Resources (DENR); Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Philippine National Police (PNP); and the Department of Agriculture (DA) was conducted on Wednesday, August 5, at the Provincial Governor’s Conference Hall, Capitol Compound, Brgy. Cuarinta in San Jose town.

The attendees of the said meeting discussed fishery and forest laws enforcement protocol, delineation of municipal waters and the proposed draft of the Unified Fishery Ordinance.

DIAD is a peace and order initiative of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the province which aims to sustain effective environmental governance through complementation of intervention to achieve a nurturing culture for meaningful people participation. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Locally transmitted cases continue to rise in Butuan City

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, August 10 (PIA) -- Despite the easement of community quarantine implementation in Caraga region, health authorities continue to detect a surge of locally transmitted cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region, particularly in the city.

As of August 8, Caraga region now has a total of 55 cases of local transmission. Butuan City holds the highest record, with 44 cases tallied in the city, followed by eight cases in Claver town in Surigao del Norte, all of which were employees of the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation. The remaining three cases had a travel history in Butuan City.

While the Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has recommended that the whole region be placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from August 1 – 15, the city government of Butuan continued to impose a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) on 36 barangays namely Agao; Agusan Pequeno; Ambago; Baan Km. 3; Baan Riverside; Bading; Bancasi; Bayanihan; Buhangin; Dagohoy; Diego Silang; Doongan; Fort Poyohon; Golden Ribbon; Holy Redemeer; Humabon; Imadejas; J. P. Rizal; Lapu-lapu; Leon Kilat; Libertad; Limaha; Maon; Masao; New Society Village; Obrero; Ong Yiu; Pangabugan; Rajah Soliman; San Ignacio; San Vicente; Sikatuna; Silongan; Tandang Sora; Urduja; and Villa Kanangga.

An enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed on Purok 6-A of Brgy. Buhangin, where local transmission is most prevalent.

The implementation of varying degrees of community quarantine was made effective on July 28 until August 10 through the Resolution No. 61 of the Caraga Regional Task Force on COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTF-COCS) concurring the request of the city government of Butuan.

Authorities are now hastening their interventions to address the ballooning number of cases.

The city government of Butuan inaugurated its molecular laboratory and COVID-19 facilities on July 28, which is the first in the entire Caraga region. Since staff members and technicians are still undergoing training, the laboratory will be allowed to operate upon the approval of the DOH.

The same facilities are also being established in the province of Agusan del Sur and in Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Surigao del Sur province.

Meanwhile, GeneXpert laboratories are now being established in different locations in Caraga. The construction of the said laboratory in Surigao City is now on-going while the laboratory in Manuel J. Santos Hospital in Butuan City had already been inspected by the DOH and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and is expected to be fully functional on August.

Local health authorities continuously appeal to the public to remain vigilant and abide health protocols even when heightened community quarantine has eased. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

SurSur coffee farmers receive P1.82M post-harvest facility

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 10– The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned-over a hauling truck worth P1.82 Million to the coffee farmer-members of the Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PARBMCO) in Poblacion, Tagbina this province.

DAR Provincial Office information officer Myra Yu said the project grant was part of the component B (I-SHARED) investment for Value Chain Equipment of the Project Convergence on Value Chain for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE).

Yu said the post-harvest facility will be utilized for the coffee trading and marketing enterprise of the coffee farmers in Barobo, Tagbina (BATA) Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Cluster in Surigao del Sur.

PARBMCO Chairperson Pastor Jerry Taguno thanked DAR for being the recipient of the program. “This is a great challenge for us because if there is an opportunity, it entails great responsibility being the lead ARBO on marketing activities of the project, and a consolidator of the coffee as well,” said Taguno.

Meanwhile, Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso encouraged the officials and members of the cooperative to always perform well and maintain the stability of the business operation. The official also encouraged the members to cooperate and help each other to reach the target of the program so that the government would not hesitate to extend additional assistance and support for them.

Meanwhile, DAR Surigao del Sur Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Office (PARO) chief Leoncio Bautista, Jr. acknowledged the local government unit of Tagbina for their cooperation and untiring support of the project.

“By providing the post-harvest facility, it will help PARBMCO in their marketing enterprise activities and in the delivery of coffee produced to potential markets,” PARO chief Bautista said.

Organized in 2006, PARBEMCO has 152 members. The cooperative's main business enterprise is a consumer store when they started, and currently, they now have two branches in Tagbina town.

It started on December 31, 2019, with a capital of P7,500.00 only. But based on the current financial condition of the coop, it has reached its cash flow liquidity to P6.5 Million, Yu noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

TESDA Training Center at skills training program inilunsad sa bayan ng Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Agosto 10 (PIA) -- Sa gitna ng banta ng pandemya, matagumpay na idinaos ang magkahiwalay na launching ng mga programa at proyekto ng Technical Education Skills and Development Authority o TESDA na dinaluhan ng mga opisyal at empleyado mula sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan sa bayan ng Marihatag, Surigao del Sur noong Biyernes, Agosto 7.

Unang idinaos ang launching ng Provisional Provincial Training Center o PPTC sa Poblacion Marihatag, pinagunahan eto ni Deputy Speaker at 1st District Congressman Prospero “Butch” Pichay na naging panauhing pandangal kasama ang mga opisyal ng probinsiya at lokal na pamahalaan ng Marihatag na sumusuporta sa pagpapatupad nang mga programa ng TESDA.

Kasabay nito, iginawad din ni TESDA Caraga Regional Director Ashary Banto sa local government unit ng Marihatag na pinamumunuan ni Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio ang Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR) nang Masonry National Certificate II (NC II), Driving NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, at ang Organic Agriculture Production NC II.

Sa kanyang mensahe, nangako si Mayor Pelenio na susuportahan ang lahat ng mga programa ng TESDA sa pamamagitan ng paglaan ng mga pasilidad at ekwepo ng lokal na pamahalaan para magamit sa implementasyon sa pagsasagawa ng mga iba’t-ibang pagsasanay sa mga benepisyaryo nito.

Napag-alaman, kasama sa scholarship packages na nakatakdang magsisimula bago matapos ang buwan ng Agosto ng kasalukuyang taon ang free training, free assessment, training support fund na nagkakahalaga sa P160 bawat araw, P500 allowance para sa personal protective equipment o PPE, P500 allowance para sa internet, at isang taon accident insurance coverage sa GSIS.

Bukod dito, inilunsad naman ang isa pang Skills Training Program na tinawag na “Barangay Mahaba Organic Agriculture Production Village Enterprise” sa isang kumunidad ng Sitio San Roque, Barangay Mahaba sakop sa bayan ng Marihatag. Layunin nito na sugpuin ang ugat na problema sa insurhensya sa pamamagitan ng “Whole-of-Nation Approach.”

Inilahad naman ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang ahensya na myembro ng Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) ang ibang ibang programa na pwedeng mapakinabangan ng mga taga Sitio San Roque. Kasama si Cong. Prospero Pichay na naglahad ng kanyang commitment na maglaan ng pundo para sa pagpapatayo ng kanilang Tribal Center sa kanilang kumunidad.

Nagtapos ang okasyon sa pamamagitan ng Tree Planting Activity sa komunidad na dati ng tinaguriang naimpluwensyahan ng mga makakaliwang grupo. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

U.S. provides technical training on COVID-19 testing in PH

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 11 -- The United States (U.S.), through the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), led a two-week molecular biology training to strengthen the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing capabilities of Philippine medical technologists.

From June 1 to June 12, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Philippines-AFRIMS Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) trained four medical laboratory technologists at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center, the biggest Philippine military medical facility, on biosafety, biosecurity, respiratory sample processing and storage, and COVID-19 testing techniques.

PAVRU and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have maintained a strong partnership since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic outbreak, during which they worked to support disease testing in the Philippines. With the onset of the COVD-19 pandemic, PAVRU is once again working directly with and supporting AFP personnel in the fight against the disease.

During the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, PAVRU provided Victoriano Luna Medical Center with testing and laboratory supply support, including reagents, laboratory consumables, access to equipment, and guidance for molecular testing.

In addition, PAVRU offered technical guidance as the Medical Center designed, renovated and equipped a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory that includes biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and biomedical freezers. With PAVRU support, Victoriano Luna Medical Center and its personnel have completed nearly 3,000 COVID-19 tests on behalf of the AFP.

AFRIMS is an overseas laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, headquartered in the United States in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since 1893, WRAIR has worked to reduce the impact of some of the world’s most debilitating diseases. (U.S. Embassy/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Vegetable production gitutokan sa probinsya

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Agosto 11 -- Gitutokan karon sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug Department of Agriculture-Caraga ang umaabot nga project partnership kabahin sa vegetable production.

Nakig-meeting bag-ohay pa lamang ang mga personahe sa Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga nga gipangunahan ni officer-in-charge Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega kauban ang mga representante gikan sa Office of Cong. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba ug Provincial Agriculture Office sa panguna ni Alvin P. Aclan aron mahisgotan og insakto ang maong project partnership on vegetable production.

Ang maong proyekto molangkob sa 50 ka mga barangays sa probinsya.

Lain na usab kini nga inisyatibo aron sa pagsagang sa impact sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Ang proyekto ma-implementar sa pakig-kolaborasyon sa Agricultural Training Institute ug Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Matod pa ni DA-Caraga regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo nga sa panahon karon sa pandemya, ang food production diha sa inyong kaugalingon nga backyard maoy importante.

Dugang pa niya nga ang pagtudlo sa katawhan sa simple nga pamaagi sa pagtanom aron makaangkon sa ilang kaugalingong pagkaon makatabang og dako sa panahon karon. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Lungsod sa Agusan Norte hingpit nga ipatuman ang pagbawal sa pag-ihi ug pagluwa sa pampublikong lugar

By Prisilina P. Amoroso

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Agosto 11 -- Hingpit na karon nga ipatuman sa lungsod sa Carmen ning probinsya ang ilang Municipal Ordinance No. 014-2019,” An Ordinance Prohibiting Spitting and Urinating in Public Places, Providing Penalty for Violation thereof,” human naaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, atol sa sesyon regular niadtong Enero 20,2020.

Ang ordinansa sa lungsod sa Carmen nagdili sa pagpangluwa ug pag-ihi sa mga publiko nga lugar ug adunay ipataw nga silot sa paglapas niini. Ang baho sa ihi ug ang panan-aw sa luwa sa palibut dili mahinlo ug dili limpyo tan-awon, kay ang usa ka buhat sa pagluwa ug pag-ihi sa mga pampublikong lugar dili insakto nga buhat ug nga kini maghatag sakit sa mga katawhan.

Ang makalapas ani nga balaodnon adunay ipataw nga multa:

First Offense – Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00)

Second Offense – One Thousand Pesos (P1,500.00)

Third Offense – Two thousand Pesos (P2,000.00)

Nakita sa Committee on Health and Nutrition diin tsirman si Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, nga ang ordinansa sa lungsod sa Carmen, nahisubay sa seksyon 16 (General Welfare Clause) ug seksyon 447(1) sa RA 7160 ang Local Government Code 1991, ug kini nagtumong sa paghatag usa ka himsog nga kahimtang sa mga residente ug mga lumalabay ug aron mapadayon ang usa ka limpyo ug sanitary nga palibot.

Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No.031-2020 gi-aprobahan ug gideklara nga balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Municipal Ordinance No. 014-2019 sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Calo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Mga pamaagi sa pagtudlo sa mga bata sa Day Care gipahiluna sa PSWD

By Karen V. Decamotan

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Agosto 11 -- Ubay-ubay ang giplastar sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) pinaagi sa Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council nga mamahimong alternatibong paagi nga pagkat-on sa mga bata nga nag edad og 3-4 years old o mga toddler aron magpabilin nga luwas ug makapahaum sa gitawag nga ‘new normal.’

Usa niini nga gi-tanyag sa konseho sa ECCD nga limitahan ang mga 'face to face gathering' hinungdan nga namugna ang duha ka alternatibong paagi.

Una, mamahimong alternatibong 'teacher' ang ilang mga ginikanan ug adunay sesyon alang kanila nga ipahigayon sa mga Child Development Teacher (CDT) kada semana aron mapasabot kanila ang ilang role ug angayan nilang buhaton alang sa mga bata.

Ikaduha, mamahimong ipadayon ang normal nga klase apan mamahimong katunga lamang kini sa regular nga kapasidad sa luna.

“Plano pa lang na tong una pa, kadtong wala pa nagpagawas og desisyon si President Duterte nga mag klase na karong September. Wala pay tukmang desisyon. Struggle sa amua kay ang pipila usab nga mga day care centers sa probinsya, gigamit sab isip isolation facilities,” pahayag ni Jeanette Paredes, ang ECCD/Children Coordinator.

Samtang wala pa nakanaug ang tukmang desisyon sa kaulohan, gipaneguro sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa pagdumala ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera nga talewala sa gisagubang nga mga kakulian dala sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa probinsya, padayon gihapon ang probinsyal nga panggamhanan pagpadangat og serbisyo alang sa mga bata sama sa pagpanghatag og mga educational kits aron naa silay materyal nga tun-anan ug mga logistics nga panginahanglanon sa day care centers sama sa bangko ug lamesa.

Gikatakdang panghatagan usab og module ang CDT aron mamahimo nilang giya sa pagtudlo.

Ipanghatag kini nga mga panginahanglanon sa umaabot nga mga adlaw.

Hugtanon usab nga misanong sa hustong health protocol ang mga personahe sa probinsya aron mahatagan og saktong amoma ang mga bata tungod usa sila sa mga vulnerable nga matakbuyan sa makalilisang nga sakit sa COVID-19.

Gi bana-bana nga moabot og 6,000 ka mga bata ang mo-eskwela na sunod buwan ug prayoridad niini mao kadtong nag-edad og upat ka tuig tungod kay sila ang sumusunod nga mamahimong Grade 1 sa umaabot nga tuig. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DOST-Caraga provides COVID-19 detection equipment to BMC

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga donated a unit of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machine and one class II biological safety cabinet to the Butuan Medical Center (BMC).

The RT-PCR is one of the most widely used devices to help detect and confirm the presence of the coronavirus in swab samples from a suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient.

The biological safety cabinet on the other hand is a containment device that would aid in the preparation of samples, protecting not only the sample material but also the laboratory worker from contracting the virus and the surrounding environment from contamination.

The total cost of the detection equipment is nearly P4 million.

“We provided BMC with the said machine because we will be establishing a molecular lab. With this, we can already perform confirmatory tests in Butuan City and probably could also cater to other provinces upon request,” said DOST-Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga.

The local government unit (LGU) of Butuan is currently waiting for the accreditation of the molecular diagnostic laboratory of the BMC in order to proceed with the COVID-19 testing.

Apart from the machine donated by the DOST Caraga, two other top-of-the-line RT-PCR machines were also given by the Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga and LGU of Butuan.

As of August 11, the total COVID-19 confirmed cases in the Caraga region have reached to 372 cases. The highest number of 113 confirmed cases are from Butuan City.

“The RT-PCR machines and molecular diagnostic laboratory will certainly increase the testing capacity for Butuan City and the entire region,” said Mallonga.

Meanwhile, Dr. Caridad Burdeos-Plete, officer-in-charge medical director of the BMC, said that the laboratory testing capacity will help to rapidly identify, treat, and isolate the positive patients. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands town eyes food supply production during health crisis

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, August 14 (PIA) -- Food security remains a great concern that continues to be addressed by the municipal government of Loreto in Dinagat Islands.

Loreto town mayor Doandre Bill Lagada reiterated in today’s episode of the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar the measures they have done to maintain food production in the locality.

They have continuously advocated for their residents and constituents to embark on backyard gardening by distributing seedlings. Mayor Ladaga noted the improvement of their agriculture, stating that even those who are not familiar with gardening are now eager to expand their own gardens.

As to food self-sufficiency, the local government unit of Loreto has implemented strategies to transport goods to the mainland of the province.

The mayor admitted that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic served as a ‘wake-up call’ for their local government to boos their local agriculture.

“When we experienced the effects of the pandemic on March, we were able to see the insufficiency of our food supply, which our Municipal Agriculture Office quickly addressed,” he said.

With the presence of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar in the same episode, the mayor took the opportunity to solicit additional assistance to help farmers in increasing food production.

The agriculture secretary was quick to answer to the call, stating that they may approach their regional office in Caraga to voice out their concerns. The department will make sure to tend to their appeals as they are also promoting the Plant, Plant, Plant program of the government, wherein all aspects of food production such as crop, livestock, and fisheries are being targeted.

Furthermore, the secretary has stated that he will personally coordinate with DA Caraga regional director Abel Monteagudo to help farmers not just in Loreto town as well as in the whole Dinagat Islands province and in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte in marketing their products by establishing market linkages. Teams will be deployed to tackle on the matter. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands town to improve tourism facilities amid pandemic

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) -- With the whole nation grappling with the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the municipality of Loreto in Dinagat Islands province aimed to make use of the temporary suspension of accommodating tourists in the area to improve their facilities.

During his guesting in today’s episode of the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Municipal Mayor Doandre Bill Lagada bared that they aim to make use of the travel restrictions to improve their local tourism.

“Boosting our local tourism after the pandemic is admittedly a great challenge to the local government unit,” he furthered.

The municipality is known for its ecotourism. Tourists flock to witness its famous Bonsai Forest, which is currently under a mining claim.

“Despite this, both the municipal and provincial governments are coming up with strategies to preserve the forest,” Mayor Lagada clarified.

According to the mayor, preserving the forest is important to the town, since it has been part of the town for hundreds of years. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga RDC supports inclusive education amidst pandemic

By Hazel O. Fuentes

BUTUAN CITY, August 14 (PIA)– In preparation for the resumption of classes during the ‘new normal’, the Caraga Regional Development Committee (RDC) has extended their support to the implementation of inclusive learning despite the challenges posed by the current health crisis.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga has been preparing for distance learning through alternative learning modalities such as online learning, blended learning, modular learning and TV/Radio-based instruction for the opening of classes on August 24. Radio and television will be used as a mode of teaching delivery for students who do not have access to a computer and/or other similar devices or the internet.

To date, 649,000 or 85 percent of learners in the region have been enlisted.

DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas disclosed that while a concrete strategy to implement the said learning modalities, enabling TV/radio-based instruction remains a challenge due to the lack of funding to secure airtime.

The Social Development Committee (SDC) of the council has initiated to lobby the said concern to the DepEd Central Office and engage the Congress to authorize DepEd for the said expenditure to be used in light of the 3- or 6-hour daily air time.

“Aside from the 30-hour per month free of charge public service time provided by TV/radio stations, DepEd needs to earmark budget for the airtime of the educational materials to the far-flung areas,” said cluster chairperson and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Bonifacio Uy.

The Committee agreed to endorse to the Caraga RDC the request for Congress through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to provide funding for the procurement of airtime to broadcast educational materials and instructions for SY 2020-2021.

Director Bringas also noted that the welfare of all those involved in the implementation of the blended learning will be given the utmost attention.

“DepEd Caraga will give utmost priority to the health and safety of the teachers, parents and learners as the department prepares and ensures that education continues under the “new normal,” he affirmed. (NEDA Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands town establishes isolation facility

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, August 14 (PIA)– In line with the intensified efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amid the continuous growth of confirmed cases in Caraga region, a local elementary school was converted to a Municipal Care and Containment Center (MCCC) by the municipal government of Basilisa town in the province of Dinagat Islands to serve as an isolation facility for the returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and suspect and probable cases in the municipality.

Its 80-bed capacity has been allocated to cater in equal number of female and male patients, equipped with fixtures to maintain patient privacy, among others.

The said facility had been operational since August 11.

While funding posed as a challenge due to the pandemic, the municipal government was able to source out funds for the facility by realigning its existing budget for unprogrammed projects and activities for Gender and Development (GAD) and Peace and Order (POC) under the FY 2020.

The setting up and operationalization of MCCCs in municipalities is deemed crucial as more and more Basilisanhons are still coming in the ports of the province to come home in the midst of a health crisis.

In addition, this served as a compliance to the call of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. Epimaco V. Densing III enjoining all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to render full assistance and coordinate among line agencies to mobilize the necessary resources efficiently to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19, through a memorandum issued on April 14, 2020.

As it is situated in the Tag-abaca Central Elementary School, the newly-established MCCC will cater in as many patients up until the resumption of classes.

To date, the province of Dinagat Islands is one of the two provinces in the whole country to maintain a COVID-19-free status, along with Batanes. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIACaraga)

OWWA-13 now accepts online scholarship application for AY 2020-2021

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14–The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office Caraga is once again calling for applicants for its two baccalaureate scholarship programs, namely OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) and Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for A.Y. 2020-2021.

The OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) is a scholarship program that offers P20,000.00 financial assistance per academic year to qualified dependents of active OWWA members whose monthly salary is not more than US$600.

The applicant must be an incoming 2nd year to 5th year college student, intending to enroll or currently enrolled in any four to five-year baccalaureate degree of their choice in any CHED accredited State Colleges or State Universities. The legal dependent must be the child of a married OFW-member, or sibling of a single or childless OFW-member.

Meanwhile, Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is a scholarship program that offers P60,000.00 financial assistance per academic year to qualified dependents of active OWWA members who shall enroll or is currently enrolled in any four-year or five-year baccalaureate course in any college or university.

The scholar will be entitled to a financial assistance of P30,000.00 per semester to be paid directly to the school. If the tuition fee is more than the financial assistance, the scholar must shoulder the difference; if less, the difference shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the semester.

For incoming freshmen, meaning, grade 12 graduating students, they must be single and not be more than 21 years old, with a general weighted average (GWA) of 85 percent or higher for the preceding school years (Grade 11 and Grade 10) and belonging to the top 20 percent of the graduating class. They must also belong to the top 400 qualifiers of the OWWA qualifying exam to be administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Applicants who are already enrolled in 2nd to 5th year must be single, not more than 30 years old to qualify, with a grade not lower than B or 85 percent in all academic and non-academic subjects from the previous school years.

The acceptance of the application starts this August 2020 and deadline of submission will be on August 30, 2020 or until slots are available, but not later than September 15, 2020.

For more details, interested applicants may call the OWWA Regional Welfare Office-Caraga’s Education and Training Unit at telephone number (085) 815-1894 or hotline numbers 09399259895 (Smart) / 09383163838 (TnT) / 09173150590 (globe). (OWWA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Monday, July 20, 2020

Caraga cops arrested drug personalities in buy-bust ops

Monday, July 20, 2020

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Friday, July 24, 2020

New TESDA chief in Agusan del Norte assumes post

Monday, July 27, 2020

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Butuan demo farm to showcase hybrid rice technology

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Friday, August 7, 2020

Monday, August 10, 2020

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Friday, August 14, 2020