Private entities can now import COVID-19 vaccines “at will” after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gave the go ahead allowing them to bring in the vaccines they need for their workers in addition to those secured by the government.

In a public address Monday night, President Duterte said countries now compete over vaccine supply as they grapple to inoculate their respective population against the highly contagious coronavirus that has put the world in a standstill.

“Nag-aagawan sila ngayon at ang sabi ko hinold (hold) ang ano, hinold. Now, dapat sabihin ‘yan kasi para malaman rin natin na how unfair it is really, especially if we are on the side of the poor na ‘yong ma-hold ‘yong bakuna,” President Duterte said.

“So wala man tayong magawa. Ang akin ng decision is I have ordered Secretary Galvez to sign any and all documents that would allow the private sector to import at will. Maski magkano o ilan ang gusto nilang ipasok okay sa akin,” he added.

There’s no assurance that the private sector can secure COVID-19 vaccine supply, the President said, noting dozens of business entities have shown intention to buy the vaccine for their workers.

Private companies are eager to vaccinate their workforces so that the economy could reopen and their business operations could return to normalcy, according to the President.

The Palace has said previously that all private firms could opt to procure COVID-19 vaccines by getting into a tripartite agreement with the national government since procurements for commercial purposes are still not possible.

On Monday afternoon, President Duterte welcomed the arrival of one million vaccine doses procured by the government from China’s Sinovac BioTech, which are intended for the country’s healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, President Duterte warned those importing and distributing counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines to stop their illegal activities citing their threat to public safety.

“Ito bang nagpapabili ng mga fake, itong nag-i-import na ‘yong walang ano, walang source tapos peke, tapos ang mga tao magpabakuna, magbayad nang mahal dahil nga may bakuna available hindi na maghintay,” he said.

“I’m just warning you, huwag na huwag kayong magkamali dito na hirap na ang Pilipino tapos dagdagan mo ng ganitong pamaraan ng hanapbuhay, pupulutin ka talaga kung saan.”

Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal were placed under enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 4 to curb the increasing number of COVID-19 infections. 

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 10, 016 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 731,894 as of March 29 with 603,213 recoveries and 13,186 deaths. PND

Duterte admin enhances strategy against COVID-19

In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said 2021 is intended for containment strategy with the government securing steady vaccine supply and scaling up its vaccination through the mobilization of the national government, LGUs, and the private sector.

Under the strategy, the government will boost vaccination in April and May, targeting to inoculate 500,000 to one million per week, said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

And then in June and July, once the bulk of the vaccines arrive, the government eyes two million to three million per week. In August to December, three million to five million per week.

To achieve herd immunity, Galvez said there’s a need to maximize the vaccination drive, with the government administering more or less 450,000 to 500,000 doses a day. “Ang parang pinakatarget po natin is we will have a better Christmas sa 2021.”

The main goal is to completely eliminate COVID-19, according to Galvez. To achieve that objective, he said they are communicating with the different vaccine manufacturers developing booster vaccines. Those are second generation or third generation vaccines that can prevent and neutralize new COVID-19 variants.

The government will authorize local pharmaceuticals companies to directly communicate with their foreign counterparts in order for the country to attain vaccine security by 2022, he added.

The Philippines is looking at India’s self-sufficiency strategy, he said, stressing if the country can establish its own manufacturing capability, there is no need for importation of vaccines and other medicine.

“So iyon po ang isang nakita po namin na magkaroon po tayo sana ng aside from the Universal Health Care Law, magkaroon po sana tayo ng Health Security Act na 'yong ating DOH at ang ating health care system will be modernized,” he said.

“So to 2023, at least we can start ‘yong health self- sufficiency to next pandemic so that we can prepare just in case na magkaroon po ng next pandemic.”

The government has vaccinated 668,018 healthcare workers comprising 81.65 percent of its target for the first vaccine dose, Galvez reported. It targets to inoculate 1.7 million health workers.

Some one million vaccine doses from Chinese drugmaker Sinovac BioTech arrived in the country on Monday, the first tranche of the 25 million procured by the government from China. PND

Caraganon stakeholders celebrate 2021 Women with Disability Day

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 31 (PIA)– The different stakeholders in Caraga region actively took part and participated in the celebration of this year’s Women with Disability Day via online platform on Monday, March 29 along with the  member agencies of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA).

“The rights of the women with disability should be respected at all times and their welfare should be given due attention. Despite their disability, they have shown us their courage to help in solving the pressing issues we have today, even during this time of the pandemic,” Jamen cited.

Engr. Emerito Rojas, executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) also emphasized that the women with disability sector have continued to show their passion and determination to fulfill their goals and achieve their aspirations in life despite their disabilities.

“They always strive for excellence in all they do. They continue to learn and relearn everything. They begin in empowering themselves and later become good leaders, who will not only be part in identifying the occurring problem in the society but also in solving those problems,” bared Rojas.

Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of Protective Services Division of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and focal person for the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) recognized the women with disability, who should not go unnoticed especially during Women’s Month celebration.

“We are hoping that our partner government agencies and private stakeholders in the region will continue to give their full support to the committees that protect the rights and welfare of our women and the women with disability sector, and we continue to be very aggressive in implementing the programs for them especially during this time of the pandemic,” Aranas underscored.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution enshrined a State policy for the total development and empowerment of women which specifically provides that “The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men” (Section 14, Article II). Women with disabilities are also part of society and deserve equal rights in the field of law and in all aspects of human endeavor. Their desires of full participation and inclusion in all fields of endeavors are brought about by international mandates and national policies instituted for their empowerment.

In response to this and fully commemorate this celebration, the Women with Disabilities Day is being observed every last Monday of March of each year which is supported by Proclamation No. 744 (2004).

For this year, Women with Disability will celebrate its 17th year with the theme "Women with Disabilities in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world". This theme seeks to celebrate the tremendous efforts not only for women but also for women with disability around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Dinagat Islands conducts capability-building seminar to local price council members

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 31 -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Dinagat Islands recently conducted the Capacity Building Seminar to the members of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of San Jose town.

The activity aims to make the members more aware and equipped on certain provisions of the Price Act and the Joint Administrative Order No. 13-1 series of 2013.

DTI Dinagat Islands Provincial Director Arnold Faelnar said the activity also tackled the issues and concerns they received about the complaints on alleged overpricing of basic goods such as medicines, chicken, pork, and fish.

He said that one recommendation of the DTI is to establish a Consumer Care Center (CCC) to consolidate price and supply monitoring reports from concerned agencies, facilitate and endorse complaints, disseminate information, and coordinate LPCC meetings and joint monitoring activities.

Meanwhile, San Jose Mayor Yngwie Hero B. Ecleo and the rest of the LPCC members agreed on the recommendation and vowed to establish the said Consumer Care Center by the second quarter of this year. (DTI-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Market vendors in AgSur town thankful to Sen. Bong Go's assistance

The drastic economic effects due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have hampered the lives of many Filipinos in the country, particularly the market vendors in the province of Agusan del Sur.

Duqueline is one of the 212 market vendors in Prosperidad who received assistance from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. Through his team, Go distributed meals, food packs, masks, face shields and vitamins to the market vendors in a distribution activity held at the Barangay Poblacion Covered Court on Tuesday, March 16.

“Nagpapasalamat ako at nabigyan kami ng tulong ni Senator Bong Go. Nagpapasalamat ako kasi ganito ang aming sitwasyon pero natulungan kami. Salamat talaga (I’m thankful as I received the aid from Senator Bong Go. Despite of our situation, we were able to receive help from the government),” Duqueline said in an interview after receiving aid from the Senator.

On the other hand, the Senator expressed that he will continue to support Filipinos especially those in crisis. In his short message to the beneficiaries, Go said that everyone must work together in order to survive the pandemic.

“Sa mga kababayan ko diyan sa Prosperidad, sana nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Mayroon akong kaunting tulong na ipinadala diyan sa inyo dahil alam kong hirap ang pamumuhay ninyo ngayong panahon na ito kaya magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan, kung hindi tayong kapwa Pilipino lang (We hope that all the AgSurnons are in good health condition. I have something for all of you to help lessen the burden that you feel during this time of the pandemic. Who should all be helping each other as Filipino people),“ Go said.

Selected beneficiaries were given new shoes while some received bicycles so they can commute to work with ease while transportation remains limited. Another set of residents were provided computer tablets to help their children access educational materials while studying at home.

The Senator, also chair of the Senate Committee on Health, assured struggling beneficiaries, like Duqueline, that after frontliners, the government would prioritize the distribution of vaccines to poor and vulnerable sectors, particularly those in crisis situations, so they can safely earn a living. Until then, he reminded them to strictly follow the health and safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present during the distribution activity and provided beneficiaries with separate financial assistance. The Department of Trade and Industry also validated potential recipients for their livelihood program. The Department of Agriculture distributed vegetable seeds.

Additionally, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided scholarship grants and livelihood training to the market vendors. The Department of Labor and Employment provided a temporary livelihood for displaced or disadvantaged workers.

Go also offered to help those who need major health operations and urged beneficiaries to conveniently seek medical assistance from the government at the nearest Malasakit Center located at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital in Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Valley.

According to the Senator, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop where agencies, such as the DSWD, Department of Health, PhilHealth and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are housed under one roof to provide convenient access to medical assistance to cover hospital and medical-related bills, especially of poor and indigent patients.

Go also thanked local government officials for their untiring service to their constituents, particularly Prosperidad Mayor Frederick Mark Mellana and Punong Barangay Alicia Demecillo.

Since Typhoon Vicky struck last December, the Senator’s team has assisted more than twenty thousand other victims from various towns in Agusan del Sur. In February, Go continued to distribute aid to nearly 8,000 residents from Bunawan and Trento who were affected by the typhoon. (Office of SBG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

RTWPB Caraga conducts career coaching for productive workers

By Sara Mae Cassion-Dahuyla

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 31 --  The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) – Caraga recently  conducted a Training of Trainers on Work Ethics of a Productive Worker here.

Naomi Lyn C. Abellana, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE Caraga, said career coaching is no longer the traditional one wherein you talk of topics that are keep repeating every year, it has an add-on specifically on productivity. She encouraged the PESO managers to take advantage of the activity for them to be equipped in introducing the new system, new methods of re-engineering the attitude of our new entrants to become a productive worker.

During the activity, DOLE-Caraga Regional Director Chona M. Mantilla also said that in competing in this kind of training, productivity plays a very vital role and work ethics can be a useful tool in helping our new entrants to be more competitive.

“Knowledge and skills can be developed but possessing a set of work values once imbedded into a person is a tough task to change or influence," she emphasized.

Also, an overview of the Memorandum of Understanding between NWPC and BLE was shared by Atty. Claire L. Jamero. She also shared the RTWPB-Caraga basic programs and services and its mandates and composition.

Earl D. Dela Victoria, Board Secretary VI, discussed the module on Work Ethics of a Productive Worker. During his discussion, he elaborated that, the region has a glut in the supply of labor force especially nowadays given the impact of the pandemic to businesses resulting to the displacement of a lot of workers. 

"Hence, it is of utmost importance that our new entrants to the labor force who would be competing with more experienced workers be equipped with positive work values," he said. (RTWPB Caraga/PIA Caraga)

TUPAD program orientation gipahigayon sa Loreto

LUNGSOD SA SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Marso 31 -- Ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Dinagat Islands mipahigayon og pagbansay-bansay alang sa programa nga Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) o emergency employment sa lungsod sa Loreto niadtong March 18, 2021.

Tinguha sa TUPAD program nga mahatagan og temporaryo nga trabaho ang mga nahisakop sa impormal sektor ilabi na kadtong wala'y igong trabaho, self-employed, o aduna'y mga gagmay nga negosyo sama sa sari-sari store ug uban pa nga labing naapektuhan sa pandemya nga COVID-19.

Sila magtrabaho upat ka oras kada adlaw sulod sa 15 ka adlaw. Mao kini ang first batch sa pinakaunang programa sa TUPAD ilalom sa Provincial Government nga gipondohan ni Senador Joel Villanueva ug sa pagpaningkamot ni Gobernador Kaka Bag-ao nga magahinan kini ug pondo gikan sa Provincial Labor, Employment, and Manpower Office (PLEMO).

Sa iyang mensahe madasigon si Gob. Kaka nga taliwala sa pandemya misaka ang pang-ekonomiya sa probinsya kini pinaagi sa suporta nga gipakita sa mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda sa panahon nga aduna'y pandemya ug gidasig niya ang mga katawhan nga padayon kining suportahan aron molungtad kini.

Nanghinaot siya nga pinaagi sa programa nga TUPAD mas modaghan na ang tanom nga punoan alang sa pagsulbad sa problema sa tubig ug pinaagi usab sa pagtinabangay sa mga katawhang Dinagatnon ug pinaagi niana aduna na usab dugang kapanguhaan sa panginabuhian ang mga katawhan alang sa pagpalit sa nag-unang panginahanglanon.

Personal usab nga gipasabot ni Gob. Kaka ang kabahin sa gipagawas nga patakaran sa paggawas ug pagsulod sa probinsya diin iyang gipahingusgan nga kinahanglan ang doble nga pag-ignay ug dili magkompyansa mahitungod kay nisaka na usab ang confirmed cases sa COVID-19 sa ubang lugar.

Malipayon nga gipadayag ni Gob. Kaka ang mga proyekto nga naimplementar sa lungsod sa Loreto sukad pa niadtong anaa pa siya sa kongreso hangtod karon nga gobernador na siya ug iyang ibutyag usab nga aduna na'y pondo nga iyang gitagana ug nanghinaot siya nga daghan pa ang oportunidad nga moabot diin usa usab siya sa makabenepisyo niini isip lumulupyo sa naasoy nga lungsod.

Sa laing bahin, gibutyag usab ni Gob. Kaka ang kabahin sa pagsugod sa vaccination sa COVID-19 sa duha ka district hospitals ug ang sunod niini ang Loreto District Hospital (LDH) diin iyang gihatagan ug assurance ang mga Loretonhon nga safe ang bakuna nga gipili sa probinsya.

Pagkahuman sa pagbansay-bansay gipapirma sa ilang kontrata ang 70 ka mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo nga gikan sa Barangay Magsaysay, Helene, Liberty, Panamaon, Ferdinand, Santiago, Esperanza, San Juan, Carmen, ug Sta. Cruz isip pagpamatuod nga ligal ang ilang sudlan nga trabaho adeser sila magsugod.

Mitambong sa maong tigum mao sila Board Member Lyn Dialde (District 1) diin mibati usab ug dakong kadasig sa mga programa alang sa kaayuhan sa mga katawhan. Hugot usab nga gisuportahan sa bag-ong provincial head sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nga si Supervising LEO Buhawi C. Correa ug Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Lilibeth Paragamac ang gipahigayon nga kalihukan. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands) 

Dugang gulayan gipahiluna sa AgNor kaabag ang DOLE ug ubang ahensya

By Shena Mae Pabia

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Marso 31 -- Gihimo bag-uhay pa lamang ang oryentasyon ug site validation sa gulayan sa mga mag-uuma ubos sa Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Disadvantage Workers [TUPAD] Program sa probinsya sa Brgy. Casiklan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

Mokabat sa 366 ka mga benepisyaryo ang gitarget ubos sa TUPAD nga gilangkoban sa mga lungsod sa Las Nieves, Carmen ug Nasipit.

Ubos sa programa, pundohan sa DOLE ubos sa TUPAD program ang sweldo sa mga benepisyaryo sulod sa 15 ka adlaw aron mapahiluna ang gulayan.

Gi-orient sa personahe sa Provincial Planning Development Office [PPDO] ang mga mag-uuma bahin sa TUPAD ug mga mando niini sama sa pila ka-oras ilang trabaho, pila ilang sweldo, ug gipasabot kanila nga isa lang ang benepisyaryo matag pamilya.

"Dako mi ug pasalamat kay gihatag ni nga kahigayunan sa amo, kay kini para sa among mga anak nga makapa eskwela mi ug makapakaon mi sa ila" Matod ni alias TM.

Gitudloan usab ang mga mag-uuma sa  hustong paagi sa pagpananum ug gihatagan og vegetable seeds sa mga personahe sa Department of Agriculture [DA] Region.

Nagpahigayon usab ang Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority [TESDA] og individual profiling aron mahibaw-an unsay mga skills nga ilang gusto matun-an ug gikinahanglan sa maong lugar.

Mahinumduman nga gihimo usab ang maong kalihukan niaging semana sa Brgy. Camagong ug Aclan sa Nasipit, Brgy. Rojales ug Kabayawa sa Carmen ug Brgy. Durian sa Las Nieves.

Ang pagpananum og gulay kabahin sa Food Security Enhancement Project ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) 

AgNor vegetable growers journeying towards success

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 5 -- A thirst for knowledge and a desire for an improved way of living served as the driving factors for a vegetable growers association to rise above their olden ways.

The Nasipit Vegetable Growers Association (NAVEGROWA) is made up of 35 vegetable growers with 80% of their members coming from the highland areas of the municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

NAVEGROWA President Raquel Alaman shared that before they were organized, they only followed the traditional ways in farming which they learned from either family or other farmers. 

“We used to spend so much on seeds and fertilizers because we lacked awareness of the new technologies in farming,” Alaman said.

It was an Agricultural Technologist from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Nasipit, who encouraged them to organize themselves into an association. Realizing that there is much to gain in belonging to an organization, it was then that they formed the NAVEGROWA in the year 2018.

The interventions then started pouring in, starting from the Local Government Unit through the MAO helped them in strengthening their association and providing technical assistance.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)– Caraga, meanwhile, assisted the group through the provision of farm inputs such as vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides as well as plastic mulch, knapsack sprayers, plastic drums, and HDPE pipes. There were also trainings and technology demonstration on vegetable production conducted late last year.

According to Alaman, the techno demo was like a turning point for them. “We really appreciated the conduct of the techno demo because we learned so much from it. Through the techniques taught to us, we realized that we can do vegetable production with minimal expenses but gain a big income,” she narrated.

According to Alaman, they earned around P40,000 from the demonstration area which only measured 1,500 square meters which is way higher compared to her own personal experience of earning P70,000 from a one-hectare production area.

Alaman added that now that they are knowledgeable on the new technologies and convinced of their efficiency, they are leaving behind their old farm practices. She said that they have started to apply what they have learned on their individual farms.

She also said that they were also taught about organic farming which they are now practicing. She said that they have chosen to adopt organic agriculture since it is less costly and it is also not harmful to consumers.

For now, the group is planning on renting an area for another round of techno demo which will also serve as their communal garden.

They also plan on expanding their areas so that they can also increase their production. Further, the association plans on establishing a “bagsakan” which will serve as a consolidator for vegetables in Nasipit.  

Alaman said that although they are relatively still a young organization, she is optimistic that they will really prosper because everyone is eager to learn and willing to cooperate. (DA 13 – RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte) 

Pagpasemento sa Alubihid-Manlangit Provincial Road sugdan na

By Jessica O. Mellejor

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 5 -- Giimplementar na ang pagsemento sa Alubihid-Manlangit Provincial Road (Phase ll), Barangay Alubihid, lungsod sa Buenavista nga mokabat sa P19,993,965.51 nga gigahin sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte. 

Kini adunay gitas-on nga 1,890 linear meters.

Alang sa hapsay nga implementasyon sa maong proyekto gihatagan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 092-2021, og otoridad si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera isip tubag sa hangyo niini pinaagi sa sulat pinitsahan Pebrero 17, 2021 nga hatagaan og pahanugot sa pagpirma sa ngalan sa probinsya tali sa JD-RG Construction nga maoy motrabaho sa maong proyekto.

Ang Manlangit usa ka sityo sa Barangay Alubihid nga nahimutang ibabaw sa bukid diin didto madungawan ang Buenavista ug Butuan City apil na ang Butuan Bay.

Giaprobahan sa 18th Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte, sa pagpanguna ni Bise Gobernador Ramon AG. Bungabong, ang maong proyekto tungod kay ang pag-improve/upgrade sa maong provincial road mahinungdanon kaayo ilabina panahon sa emergency aron sayon ug luwas ang pag-agi sa katawhan ug aron usab molambo ang ekonomiya sa maong dapit.

Ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 092-2021 nga naghatag og otoridad sa pagpirma sa Contract Agreement gipangamahanan nila Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva ug Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona isip principal authors, ug naaprobahan atol sa ika 79 nga sesyon regular kaniadtong Marso 1. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DA Caraga wages campaign on RSBSA registration

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 6 -- Be counted and be part of the agricultural development.

Hazel Colinares, Regional Focal Person of RSBSA of DA-Caraga, said that as of March 22, 2021, close to 97,000 farmers and fishers were already RSBSA registered.

“We are appealing to other farmers and fishers who haven’t registered yet to report to their nearest Municipal Agriculture Office to be counted, “Colinares said during the DA-Caraga’s radio program "Bahandi sa Kaumahan."

The registration of RSBSA is open to all farmers, farm laborers, and workers, and fisherfolks.

“The registration is not just limited to the farm owner but including tenants that should be properly identified,” Colinares clarified.

“For the tenant, they just have to bring certification from the Punong Barangay where the farm is located. However, if the Punong Barangay is not aware of the tenant and owner’s agreement, he or she must bring the written agreement between the lot owner and the tenant as proof,” she added. 

Colinares, who is also the Chief of the Extension and Partnership Section of DA-Caraga, said that to be enrolled, farmers are required to bring a 2x2 colored ID picture and the farm ownership documents such as the land title, tax declaration, and or the barangay certification.

The registration form can be obtained at their Municipal Agriculture Office. A successful registrant will receive a stub and they are advised to keep it as proof of being an RSBSA registered.

To fast-track the registration, Colinares revealed that DA-Caraga hired 51 enumerators, 40 encoders, and 5 clerical staff.    

DA Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo reiterated that RSBSA registration is the most basic requirement to avail various services, programs, and projects of the government.

“Through RSBSA, we at the DA will have a clearer picture of how many persons are directly involved in the agri-fishery sector and this forms part as the basis for coming up with a comprehensive agricultural project or interventions,” said Colinares. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

TESDA continues toolkit distribution in Agusan Norte

Rice fertilizer support worth ₱169.21 Million boosts Caraga’s production

By Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 7 -- To boost the country’s rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Plant, Plant, Plant, Program (DA-Agri 4Ps) urges farmers to use quality seeds and appropriate fertilizers.

With that, the Department implemented the Rice Resiliency Program (RRP) I in 2020 to increase farmers’ productivity and ensure food security amid the pandemic.

To sustain productivity, DA is now implementing RRP 2 for the dry cropping season (September 2020 - March 2021). It provides inputs to farmers under the four subprojects –the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Enhanced, Expanded Inbred Rice Production, Expanded Hybrid Rice Production and Fertilizer only for Home Save Seeds Users.

Around 91,800 farmers in the Caraga region will receive fertilizer subsidy worth ₱169.21 Million under the RRP II.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that RRP II targets to sustain the gains of RRP 1. Fertilizer under the project is provided to farmers in the form of subsidy.

RRP II allows farmer-beneficiaries to procure inorganic fertilizers at accredited fertilizer dealers, distributors, and accredited Farmer Cooperatives and Associations using a voucher with an amount equivalent to ₱2,000 per hectare for inbred and home save seeds and ₱3,000 per hectare for hybrid seeds.

“We encourage the farmer-beneficiaries to utilize the fertilizer subsidy as an add-on to their fertilizer requirement and shall not be treated as a substitute. The additional fertilizers are needed to optimize the yield and profit of Caraga rice farmers,” said Monteagudo.

Based on the Rice Crop Manager, a digital tool developed by International Rice Research Institute that provides farmers with timely field-specific guidelines for crop and nutrient management, fertilizer recommendation is at least 4-5 bags per hectare to match the region’s field condition.

The Philippine Statistics Authority data revealed that the average fertilizer usage of rice farmers in the region is only 3.32 bags per hectare that translates to an actual yield of 3.30 ton/hectare.

The fertilizer assistance along with other rice interventions paved the way for the region’s palay production to increase by 12% from 449,369.83 metric tons in 2019 and 503,330.88 per hectare in 2020.

As DA-Caraga continues to distribute the vouchers on the fertilizer subsidy, RRP II is expected to contribute to the increase in production by 5% for the 2021 cropping seasons.

Director Monteagudo added that the recorded achievement was a result of the Department’s interventions from the benefits of Rice Tarrification Law, particularly from the ₱10-billion RCEF, and the regular rice program and RRP.

As per memorandum order, No.19 series of 2021 farmer-beneficiaries can claim vouchers until June 15, 2021. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

DA Caraga conducts survey for abaca enterprise

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 7 -- In a bid to determine the impact of the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprise Subproject of the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP 13) recently conducted a Rapid Appraisal of Emerging Benefits (RAEB).

Apart from the Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) staff, the RAEB was also participated by personnel from the Project Support Office (PSO) – Mindanao, and personnel from the Provincial Project Implementing Unit (PPMIU) of Agusan del Norte.

To obtain the needed data, a Focused Group Discussion with the Coop Officers and a household survey with the other project beneficiaries were conducted. In addition, the production areas of the farmer recipients were visited.

The SIUFMULCO availed of the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprise Subproject in the year 2017. Under the said subproject, the cooperative received a 900 square-meter warehouse and a 600-square meter drying pavement. They were also provided with two units of hauling trucks with 18.3 tons capacity, 30 stripping machines, a nursery, planting materials, and organic fertilizers.

According to SIUFMULCO President Leonora Mila, they have benefitted a lot from the project. “Our production went up from 80 – 150 metric tons prior to the PRDP project, now, our production is at 200 metric tons per month,” Mila said.

Further, the two hauling trucks given to them have made transporting their produce to their buyer easier. She shared that before, they had to wait for their buyer to pick up their products, but now, they can do the delivery anytime.

Mila also said that their members were also encouraged to plant more abaca after seeing that they can really earn a lot from this enterprise.

The conduct of the RAEB aims to gauge the effects of the interventions given to the beneficiaries so far so as to determine also sustainability measures for the continued implementation of the subproject. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

SurSur negatibo na muli sa ASF

By Raymond Aplaya

LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Abril 7 --  Kinumpirma ni Dr. Jun Latore, Provincial Veterinary Office chief ng Surigao del Sur, na African Swine Fever (ASF) - Free na muli ngayon ang buong lalawigan.

Sa isang panayam, inihayag nito na matapos makontrola ang mga una nang naitalang kaso nito sa mga bayan ng Cortes at San Miguel, wala nang naidagdag pa na mga kaso sa ibang mga lugar.

Gayunpaman, nagpapatuloy pa rin ang kanilang monitoring sa pamamagitan ng mahigpit na pakikipag–ugnayan sa mga City/Municipal Veterinarian sa bawat munisipyo at lungsod na siyang nagsisilbing entry points papasok dito sa lalawigan upang masiguro na hindi na muli mapasukan ng ASF ang probinsya.

Ito ay dahil sa kabila ng kanilang pagsisikap na hindi malagay sa kompromiso ang industriya ng babuyan sa lalawigan. Meron pa rin umanong ibang mga magbababoy na sapilitang nagpapasok ng mga processed meat products, at ang masaklap pa ay nagmumula pa ang iilan sa kanilang mga produkto sa mga lugar na kinokonsiderang Red Zone ng ASF. (DXJS Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Magkakasunod na sunog sa SurSur ikinaalarma ng BFP

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Abril 7 -- Ikinaalarma ng punong-opisyal ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) sa Rehiyon ng Caraga ang naitalang bilang ng malalaking insidente ng sunog sa Surigao del Sur, makaraang masundan pa nang panibago dito sa lungsod noong Sabado Santo, Abril 3.

Hindi kaila kay BFP Caraga Regional Director FSSupt. Fred Trajeras, Jr. na umabot na sa kabuuang anim ang naitala sa taong kasalukuyan. 

Mula sa naturang bilang, dalawa ang nangyari sa loob ng pagdiriwang ng Fire Prevention Month sa buwan ng Marso—isa sa bayan ng Barobo (March 28) habang isa sa lungsod ng Tandag kung saan dalawang magkapatid na bata ang namatay (March 17).

Bunga nito ay sinabing magsasadya siya mismo dito sa lalawigan upang mapag-alaman kung ano ang mga nagbunsod sa pangyayari. (DXJS Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

P500 financial subsidy madawat sa DepEd Cabadbaran non-teaching personnel

By Jessica O. Mellejor

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 7 -- Makadawat na og P500 kada bulan isip financial subsidy ang tanan non-teaching personnel sa Department of Education (DepEd)- City Schools Division sa syudad sa Cabadbaran human gi-aprubahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug gi-deklara nga balido ang City  Ordinance No. 2021-002, “Granting a monthly financial subsidy in the amount of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) to all non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd)- City Schools Division of Cabadbaran City, appropriating funds thereof and for other purposes,” sa pagpangamahan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Leo Dale A. Corvera.

Nakita sa mga lokal nga opisyal sa syudad ang mga nahimo sa mga non-teaching personnel sa DepEd City Schools Division sa Cabadbaran, nga  karon naggasto og igo nga kantidad aron makahatag teknikal nga tabang sa mga magtutudlo sa eskuylahan pinaagi sa online, paggasto sa gasto sa transportasyon alang sa pagmonitor sa eskuylahan ug sa pagtambong sa mga virtual nga miting ug seminar nga nanginahanglan nga gamiton nila ang kaugalingong kuwarta aron matuman ang mga maong buluhaton.

Tanan nga mga dili magtutudlo nga mga kawani sa DepEd City Schools Division sa syudad sa Cabadbaran apil ang Division School Administrators ug Division personnel, kwalipikado nga makadawat og subsidy apan ang mga job order (JOs) ug mga trabahante sa contract of service (COS) wala’y labot nga makadawat sa nasangpit nga benepisyo.

Mahinumduman  nga kaniadtong tuig 2018, ang Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Cabadbaran nagpatuman sa City Ordinance No. 2018-041 nga naghatag bulanan nga allowance sa tanan nga magtutudlo sa publiko nga tunghaan sa Deped City Schools Division sa Cabadbaran, sa ingon naghatag kanila sa kantidad nga P500.00 matag bulan gituyo aron matabangan sila alang sa pagpalit sa mga materyales sa pagtudlo sa klasehanan.

Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 145-2021, sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Rodulfo A. Pitogo,  tsirman sa Committee on Education and Culture, atol sa ika-82nd nga sesyon regular. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

18K more priority individuals in Caraga to receive COVID-19 vaccines

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, April 8 (PIA) -- At least 18,000 members of the priority sectors in Caraga region will be receiving jabs for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the third batch of vaccines having arrived in the city on Wednesday, April 7.

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga received 30 boxes containing 36,000 doses of CoronaVac vaccines from the one million doses procured by the Philippine government from the Chinese manufacturer Sinovac Biotech, the highest number of vaccine allocation from the current batch.

DOH Caraga Asst. Regional Director Dr. Sadaila K. Raki-in said the current batch of vaccines is intended for the remaining healthcare workers (A1) in Caraga region.

“We are aiming to vaccinate a total of 53,362 individuals belonging to the A1 priority group. To date, around 19,270 have been vaccinated so we still have more than half of the target to vaccinate,” the health officer said. Allocation of the newest batch of vaccines will be made public by the regional office soon, she said.

The DOH Caraga also reports that 98.7% of the previous batches of vaccines were already consumed, with only 200 more doses at their disposal.

Meanwhile, only 3.5% of the vaccinated population in Caraga have experienced adverse effects following immunization, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Caraga.

“Three or .15% are serious [cases] and the rest are minor cases [experiencing] fever, chest pains, sore throat, those sort of adverse effects following immunization,” said Perla B. Alvizo, Regional Supervisor.

With the health department aiming to inoculate all identified priority sectors, DOH Caraga reiterated its call to implementing partners and local health offices to vaccinate only those identified in their masterlist and avoid giving vaccines to those who do not belong to the eligible population. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Pagtukoy ng mga nararapat na proyekto tinutukan ng mga barangay leaders sa Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Abril 8 (PIA) -- Sa layong maresolba ang mga issue at concern sa mga barangay, naging aktibo ang mga barangay leaders sa lungsod sa pagtukoy ng mga nararapat na proyekto sa kani-kanilang lugar upang mas maging maayos at matiwasay ang pamumuhay ng mga residente dito.

Parte ito sa mas pinaigting na implementasyon ng Barangay Development Program (BDP) sa ilalim ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) sa Caraga region.

Isa si punong barangay Florencio Cagas ng Sto. Nino sa mga umaasang mas mapapaunlad pa ang kanilang barangay sa maibibigay na proyekto mula sa iba’t-ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno. Mahalaga aniya ang partisipasyon ng mga barangay leaders sa ginagawang Town Hall Meetings ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) upang malaman ang kanilang mga hinaing at kinakailangang intervention.

“Magandang hakbang ito ng gobyerno dahil natutugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga residente sa barangay sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng mga proyekto na malaking tulong sa pagpapaunlad rin ng kabuhayan ng mag tao,” ani ni Cagas.

Nanawagan din si Cagas kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na mas mapalawak pa ang implementasyon ng BDP hanggang sa kasulok-sulokang bahagi ng rehiyon.

“Sana mas marami pang barangay ang makinabang sa programa ng gobyerno para matugunan din ang problema sa patungkol sa mga makakaliwang grupo at ng sa ganun ay marami na rin ang magbalik-loob sa gobyerno,” dagdag ni Cagas.

Binigyang diin naman ni Annabel Yangson, local government capability development division chief ng DILG-Caraga, ang mahalagang tungkuling ginagampanan ng mga barangay leaders sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan, lalo na sa pagsugpo ng mga ilegal na gawain sa barangay, maging ang problema sa insurhensiya. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Sewage treatment ug septage management sa Cabadbaran gi-establisar

By Jessica O. Mellejor

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 8 -- Atol sa ika 81st sesyon regular sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte niadtong Marso 15, 2021, gipalabang ang resolusyon nga nag establisar usa ka husto nga sistema sa pagdumala sa mga hugaw ug septage management sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, lalawigan sa Agusan del norte.

Tumong ug tuyo sa City Ordinance No. 2020-054 sa syudad nga gidiklara sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga subay sa balaod, nga mailikay ang katawhan sa syudad sa epekto sa water pollution pinaagi sa pag establisar og mga mekanismo batok niini.

Gilangkob sa maong ordinansa ang mga residential structures, commercial ug industrial establishments, lakip na ang government al  ug institutional structures.

Basi sa Section 13. Prohibited Acts - Gidili ang mga mosunod:
a. Pagdumili sa pag desludge o paghinlo sa septic tank;
b. Pagdumili sa mga bag-o ug adunay na puy-anan, komersyal, pang-industriya, pangagamhanan, ug pasilidad sa institusyon nga makakonektar sa magamit nga mga linya sa imburnal;
c. Pag-labay sa septage wastewater sa mga kanal, suba, ug uban pang natural ug artificial waterway ug uban pang bukas nga lugar;
d. Paghinlo ug pagdala sa septage nga walay mga permiso ug accreditation gikan sa mga otorisadong ahensya; ug
e. Ang pagkuha / paggamit sa serbisyo nga iligal / dili akreditado nga desludger, transporter sa bisan kinsa nga tawo o pagtukod aron mawala ang septic tank o ilabay ang ilang wastewater.

Multahan kadtong si bisan kinsa nga magalapas sa mga mando sa maong balaod.
A. Para sa mga Residential Homeowners (Cities)

Unang paglapas - P1,500.00 ug ang pag-isyu sa usa ka pahibalo sa paglapas; Ikaduhang paglapas - P2,500 ug mandatory environment related community service;   Ikatulo nga paglapas - P5,000.00 ug dili pag-isyu sa clearance sa barangay; ug ang mosunod pa nga paglapas – P5,000 may kalabotan sa palibot nga serbisyo sa komunidad, ug padayon nga pagdumili sa pag-isyu sa clearance sa barangay hangtod nga ang tag-iya ug/o mogamit nakasunod sa mga probisyon sa kini nga ordinansa.

B. Alang sa mga tag-iya sa negosyo (Cities)

Unang paglapas - P2,500 ug ang pag-isyu sa usa ka pahibalo sa paglapas sa komunidad;  Ikaduha nga paglapas - P5,000.00 ug Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order.

Ang ordinansa gi-aprobahan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 126-21 sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Pagtabang nga mahimong paspas ang pagpaangat sa kahimtang sa IPs gihisgutan tali sa probinsya ug NCIP

By Shena Mae Pabia

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 8 -- Gihisgutan niadtong Miyerkules sa miting tali sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center ug National Commission for Indigenous People kun NCIP ang posibleng mga lakang aron makatabang pagseguro ug mahimong paspas ang pagpaangat sa kahimtang sa pagpuyo sa mga Indigenous Peoples kun IP sa Agusan del Norte.

Giila ang IPs sa nasudnon ug probinsyal nga panggamhanan nga usa sa mga priority sectors nga kinahanglan abagan aron mahimong takus sa pakiglambigit sa mainstream society ug mogawas nga malamboon ang pagpuyo.

Alang sa NCIP upat ka batakang development concerns ang buot nilang ipaneguro ug kini mao ang mosunod: 1) Maseguro nga ilhon ang katungod sa mga IPs sa ilang ancestral domain, 2) Self-governance ug empowerment, 3) Social justice and human rights, ug 4) Cultural integrity.

Sama ra niini ang pangtan-aw sa probinsya sa direksyon sa panerbisyo niini nga gilatid diha sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrsayon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba.

Ang gilantaw lang karon ubos sa kampanya mao nga mahimong mas paspas pa ang mahimong dagan sa paglambo.

Sa samang diskusyon gilatid sa AGUSAN UP! ang posibleng mahimong development target nga hiusahan sa tanang IPs sa probinysa ug hiniusang tabangan pagpahiluna sa probinsya, sa NCIP ug uban pang mga ahensya.

Gibanabana nga naay 5,000 ka pamilya ang mga IPs sa tibuok probinsya karon. Kung ekonomikanhong paglambo ang hisgutan ug kung puntingon ang average household annual income nga Php240,000 (Php20,000 ang bulan) pag-abot sa 2027, kinahanglan makamugna ang mga IPs og Php1.2 bilyones nga Gross Value Added (GVA) matag tuig.

Aron mamugna ang maong GVA, kinahanglan makagama ang mga IPs og mga produkto o serbisyo nga mohalin og kapin kon kulang balor Php2.4 bilyones.

Niini, ang tutokan sa suporta sa ekonomikanhong kalihukan alang sa mga IPs mao ang pagmugna og mga produkto og serbisyo nga mohalin og labing ubos Php2.4 bilyones.

Kung kapanukarang resources aron mamugna ang mga produkto nga mohalin sa maong kantidad ang hisgutan, naay kapin sa 100,000 ektaryas ang siyam ka Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title [CADT] nga naa sila karon. Bisan katunga o 50,000 ektaryas lang ang mahimong productive hangtud 2027 ug makahalin lang gikan sa lainlaing tanum og Php60,000 matag ektarya mokantidad na kini og Php3 bilyones.

Kung pananglitan usa sa tutokan ang pagpananum og commercial trees (falcatta) sa mga CADT areas, nagkinahanglan lang og 19,200 ektaryas nga plantasyon aron makahalin og Php2.4 bilyones matag tuig.

Ang maong 19,200 ektaryas ipailawom sa walo ka tuig nga plant-harvest-plant cycle ug maghatag og 2,400 harvest area matag tuig. Gibana-bana nga mohalin og kapin kon kulang Php1 milyon ang matag ektarya sa falcatta ug niini mohalin kini ug Php2.4 bilyones matag tuig.

Ang maong halin gikan sa raw logs lang. Mas taas pa unya ang mahimong mamugnang bahandi gikan niini tungod kay ipahiluna usab sa probinsya nga naay motumaw nga mga planta nga maoy moproseso sa mga kahoy dinhi sa probinsya mismo.

Nasabutan sa maong tigum nga inisyal nga hiusahan ang maong development targets ug danihon ang ubang ahensya aron hugopan kini ubos sa kampanyang “CADT OG-KAAGPAS!” (Higaonon for “CADT Express”) nga dalhon isip kabahin sa mga programa sa AGUSAN UP!

Gipresenta usab sa NCIP ang pagmugna og usa ka Demonstration Farm nga magsilbi usab nga Eco-Tourism Spot sa Balaatan, Camagong, Nasipit, usa sa mga proyekto nga gipahilunaan og inisyal nga pundo sa buhatan ni Kong. Amante-Matba, isip kabahin sa ilang Rights-based Develeopment.

Approach thru Culturally Responsive Environmentally Adaptive and Time-bounded Enrichment (RDA-CREATE). Gilantaw nga ipahiluna usab kini sa laing mga CADT areas.

Apil usab sa CADT OG-KAAGPAS ang mga sosyal nga mga serbisyo kalabot sa panglawas, edukasyon, mga pagbansay lambigit sa mga kahanas nga gikinahanglan subay sa kalihukan pangkalambuan nga himoon.

Kabahin usab sa kampanya ang organizational development nga tutokan sa NCIP ug institutional capability building nga pangunahan sa probinysa kaabag ang mga nasudnong ahensya.

Nauyonan nga dad-on kini nga mga ideya sa mga konsultasyon sa mga IPs ingon man sa ubang mga ahensya sa gobyerno alang sa mahimo nilang suporta sa mosunod nga mga semana. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Tulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda ng Tandag patuloy

Nograles, Nutrition Council launch Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program in Negros Occidental

DOH-13 IDs 41 areas with local transmission in Caraga

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- At least 41 areas across Caraga region have been identified by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga with cases of local transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

As of Wednesday, April 7, Surigao del Sur tops the list of areas with recorded local transmission cases, with 12 out of 17 of its municipalities (Barobo, Cantilan, Carmen, Carrascal, Hinatuan, Lanuza, Lianga, Lingig, Madrid, Marihatag, Tagbina, and Tago) and its two component cities, Bislig and Tandag, affected.

Agusan del Sur follows the list, with eight municipalities (Bunawan, Loreto, Rosario, San Fransisco, San Luis, Sta. Josefa, Talacogon, and Trento)  and the city of Bayugan grappling with the impact of the local transmission of COVID-19.

Seven municipalities of Agusan del Norte (Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Magallanes, Nasipit, and Tubay) were not able to prevent the transmission, affecting especially its capital city, Cabadbaran.  

Despite the strict implementation of community quarantine and travel protocols, four municipalities in the Surigao del Norte (Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, and Placer) as well the municipalities of Dapa, San Isidro, and Socorro in the Siargao Islands were unable to preempt the transmission of the fatal virus locally despite being geographically-isolated from the mainland.

This was also the case of the municipality of Loreto in the Province of Dinagat Islands, with its point of entry in San Jose town located 26 kilometers away from Surigao City. 

While strict implementation of travel protocols is still in place in some provinces coupled with an intensified enforcement of minimum health standards across Caraga region, DOH Caraga predicts that local transmission may reach areas with zero local transmission cases in the incoming months.

“An influx of returning residents is anticipated in the summer season so we can expect cases to rise during that time period,” said Dr. Dioharra Aparri of the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit of DOH Caraga during the 29th Regional Task Force against COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) Meeting on Thursday, April 8.

As prevention, coordination and close monitoring are still being done by government agencies and local government units handling returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFs), returning residents, and local tourists.

The Province of Dinagat Islands requiring incoming travelers to contact the local government unit of their destination and prepare health declaration forms while a negative RT-PCR test result is required for all those entering the province of Surigao del Norte via sea or air travel while those traveling via land are to adhere to the travel protocols set by the LGUs.

The province has also issued an order on Tuesday, April 6, prohibiting the entry of those coming from Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal except residents of the province, government Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) on a special mission, and private APOR with urgent transactions in the province. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

Farmers get drinking water through DAR’s CP-WASH Project

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 12 -- An Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte is now enjoying a safe drinking water after the agency has recently turned over the Community-Managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CP-WASH) project.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) for Agusan del Norte, Andre B. Atega, CESO V noted that the DAR turned over the project to Samahang Magsasaka ng Rizal Association (SMRA), a DAR-assisted organization in Brgy. Sumile of Butuan City.

PARPO II Atega noted that the agency’s CP-WASH project aimed to shore up the community’s supply of water they need at home and to address the threat of water-borne diseases.

Ellen Torralba, officer-in-charge Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of DAR-Agusan del Norte said the project directly benefitted to at least 549 households that include 577 ARBs within the barangay of Sumile.

Project Coordinator Engineer Raul Hermoso said that the agency provides technology trainings and materials including the construction of water and sanitation facilities amounting to PhP50,000.

Chairman Rufino Ladao of SMRA said that the project is indeed a blessing that brings a huge impact in the lives of the farmers in his community.

According to Ladao, they are planning to make this project an income-generating to significantly increase the organization’s income in the future.

“Kaniadto problema namo ang tubig mainom, pasalamat mi sa DAR sa tabang dinhi sa among dapit (We used to have a problem with drinking water, we thank DAR for the help here in our village)," said Ladao. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Improved technology for increased productivity

SurSur farmers, fisherfolks receive cash, food subsidy from DA

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 13 (PIA) -- More than 1,400 farmers (coco, and corn), and fisherfolks have availed the cash and food subsidy from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), and Corn Program in Surigao del Sur.

DA-Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) chief June Anthony Ouano revealed that the Cash and Food Subsidy for Marginal Farmers and Fisherfolk (CFSMFF) program was aimed to help the beneficiaries recovered from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and damages caused by the recent typhoons that affected the province, under the Bayanihan II or the “Bayanihan to Recover As One Act.”

Based on the report received from DA-Agricultural Program Coordinating Office, the beneficiaries of CFSMFF program are from the municipalities of Lianga, San Agustin, Barobo, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Miguel, Tago, and city of Tandag.

Each beneficiary received P5,000.00 composed of P3,000.00 cash, and a voucher worth P2,000.00. The voucher contained 25 kilos of rice, two trays of eggs, and two big-sized dressed chicken.

Meanwhile, Tandag City has 294 beneficiaries who received the Cash and Food subsidy from the DA thru the PCA, BFAR, and NCIP on April 6, held at Telaje Covered Court in Tandag City. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Marihatag hog raisers avail P3.4 million-worth feed milling equipment

MARIHATAG, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 13 -- Twenty-six members (26) of the Marihatag Hog Raisers Association (MAHRA) in Surigao del Sur availed a Php 3.4 Million-worth of feed milling equipment through the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga Livestock Program on March 24, 2021.

The production support includes one unit each of 3-in-1 feed miller, vacuum dryer, micromixer, soybean extruder, heavy-duty weighing scale, and a shed/storage building.

Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) chief Marcos Quico reported that the hog industry in Surigao del Sur produces only 26% of its annual commercial demand. This, according to DA Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega, poses a huge potential for Marihatag farmers to step up their production.

MAHRA President Virgilio A. Dalman said that the group envisions becoming an established hog supplier in Surigao del Sur. With the milling equipment, they will be able to cut down a portion of their production cost.

This year, MAHRA will also obtain 40 heads of hogs worth Php 1,398,000 with feeds support worth Php 1,016,000 from the Livestock Program. The said support contributes to the strengthening of the livestock industry in the region.

Personnel from the DA RFO 13 led by Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega and Livestock Coordinator Jekem D. Sanchez spearheaded the event in coordination with OPAg chief Quico and Marihatag Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio, and Municipal Agriculturist Bernardino attended the said event. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Matatag fighters reaffirm oath of duty during Army’s 124th anniv

By 1Lt Edmar C. Colagong

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte, Apr. 13 --  The 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army reaffirmed and honored their sacred oath of duty during the simultaneous conduct of flag-raising ceremony in a nationwide celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Philippine Army at the 29IB headquarters, Brgy. Sangay, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, recently.

During the event, each troop has pledged and took an oath to continuously perform their mandated duty to Serve the people and Secure the land. 

Likewise, 29IB Acting Commanding Officer Lt. Col Aristotle Antonio read and narrated the message of Lt. Gen Jose Faustino Jr., the Acting Commanding General of the Phil. Army in which he challenged every soldier to continue to be firm despite the many challenges they have encountered. “Kahit na marami ang pinagdadaanang pagsubok ng ating bansa ngayon, sana ay manatili tayong matatag sa pagtupad ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin - ito ay ang pagsilbihan at protektahan ang ating bansa kahit ang kapalit nito ay ang ating buhay,” he said.  

The event proceeded with the donning of ranks to four newly promoted officers and enlisted personnel. This was further followed by the turn-over ceremony for the First Sergeant of the Headquarters Service Company of the battalion. As part of the NCO empowerment program of the unit, the outgoing and incoming First Sergeants delivered their respective speeches with remarkable excellence.

“As we commemorate this day of the 124th Anniversary of our organization, may we not forget the valiant sacrifices of our predecessors and also that we may learn to appreciate and take pride as well in the standard of honor, patriotism, and duty which each of you has shown forth. I want all of you to know that I am proud to have worked with you all my fellow comrades in arms,” said Lt. Col. Antonio.

“And to those who have been newly promoted, I want you to bear in mind the words of Brooke Astor that, ‘Power is the ability to do things for others.’ Indeed, you are promoted into a higher position, not to have an increased salary alone. Remember, that it demands an increased time and effort on your part as you face more challenges and bigger responsibilities towards educating your subordinates and your service for others,” Lt. Col. Antonio added. (CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

FDA to complete evaluation of J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine this week

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to complete its evaluation of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine within this week following its application for an emergency use authorization (EUA), the FDA chief said on Monday.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 12, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In the case of China’s Sinopharm, Domingo said somebody sent them a letter conveying the drugmaker’s intention to apply for an EUA but it is yet to comply the requirements of the FDA.

America’s Moderna, on the other hand, is still completing its documents and its local partner will submit them hopefully this week, according to Domingo.

“Iyong Moderna mayroon na rin po ‘yang EUA sa US at saka sa European Union so hindi naman po tayo matatagalan sa pag-evaluate po niyan. Medyo nagbabasa-basa na nga po tayo, ‘yong ating mga evaluators kahit wala pa pong submission,” he told the President.

Domingo also said they expect Novavax to apply after the second quarter. There is still no EUA issued on Novavax elsewhere and it appears that the drugmaker will apply in May or June.

In the Philippines, the company may possibly apply for an EUA towards the later part of the year, the FDA head said.

Pharmaceutical companies which were granted EUA include Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Gamaleya Research Institute. A fifth drugmaker, Bharat Biotech from India has a pending application.

Domingo also reported on the supply the COVID-19 therapeutic drugs. Because of the surge in cases, there is difficulty in the distribution of Remdesivir in hospitals.

But Domingo said suppliers have made an assurance that there is availability of stocks for at least one month and importations are ongoing. Hospitals secure compassionate special permit from the FDA for Remdesivir so that they could administer the drug to their patients.

In the case of Avigan, Domingo said there is enough supply of the drug, which is usually given to mild and moderate COVID-19 cases. Hospitals also has to apply for compassionate special permit for Avigan since the drug is not yet fully registered in the Philippines.

Tocilizumab, another therapeutic drug, is in short supply this week because there is only one manufacturer and supplier for the drug, according to Domingo.

“It’s a patented drug at although ang magandang balita naman po, kanina nag-email na po 'yong supplier nito at may padating na po daw sila na 5,000 doses sa Pilipinas this week so this will be distributed to the hospitals. This is a registered drug so wala pong problema ito. Mayroon po itong CPR,” he said.

Also in his report, Domingo said Ivermectin is not yet included in the treatment protocol being followed by Department of Health (DOH) as well as by the Infectious disease specialists.

Although the drug is approved for animal use, Domingo said three companies signified their intention to register Ivermectin so that it could be administered to humans.

“Binigyan na po namin sila ng listahan ng requirements at basta naman po sila mag-submit eh ie-evaluate naman po agad ito ng FDA,” he said. PND

PhilHealth’s multi-billion payout breathes life into healthcare system’s COVID-19 fight

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) payout of less than P10 billion ordered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will greatly help the country’s healthcare system to effectively combat COVID-19, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 12, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Mr. President, nagpapasalamat po ang mga ospital at saka po ‘yung private at saka mga LGUs, private at saka public hospital dahil kasi po first time po na nangyari na napakalaking babayaran po ng PhilHealth na more or less 10 billion,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a report to President Duterte.

“’Yung instruction ninyo po na talagang magkaroon po ng collective decision sa pag-ano po ng PhilHealth ay napakaganda po dahil kasi ‘yung pagbayad ng PhilHealth ng more or less 9.577 billion for NCR, Region IV, at saka Region III, ay nangako po sila na mage-expand po sila ng kanilang mga ICU beds.”

Hospitals promised to allocate 164 ICU beds and open 1,157 beds for moderate and severe COVID-19 cases.

PhilHealth’s payment is expected to boost the hospitals’ bleeding resources since the start of the pandemic, Galvez said, noting as a result of the President’s instruction, more or less 60 percent of their valid claims will be paid.

“Ang tagal po nilang hinintay po no’n last year at saka po ngayon kaya tuwang-tuwa po sila noong --- noong maibibigay na po ‘yung mga tseke para po sa kanila. And then makakapag-hire na rin po sila ng mga additional staff,” he said.

LGU hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) will also benefit from the payout, according to Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

Galvez reported that Quezon City, Taguig, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Valenzuela, San Juan, Navotas, Parañaque and Makati have initially committed to put up additional 30 ICU beds for critical patients and additional 1,350 regular COVID beds for moderate, mild and asymptomatic cases.

With more than 100,000 active COVID-19 cases, the country will be needing additional 2,000 beds for severe and critical cases. It has a current inventory of 1,395 ICU beds.

A total of 605 ICU beds should be put up to address those cases, the vaccine czar said, adding the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are working to increase bed capacity.

Based on the President’s instruction, PhilHealth will initially pay 60 percent of the hospitals’ outstanding claims starting March 2020 to April 2021.

In his report to the President, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said government hospitals have their own budget for the procurement of other capital outlay.

“So ito po ang isa sa mga pinagba-budget-an po ng ating gobyerno para po sa kanilang mga kama. Pero kung halimbawa nagkaroon nga ng ganitong state of public health emergency na kinakailangan palawigin ang capacity ay puwede naman po nilang magamit iyong PhilHealth reimbursements,” he said. 

President Duterte advised government agencies not to be reluctant in spending their money on essential goods and services amid the pandemic, noting, however, that to avoid trouble, they should observe the guidelines on government procurements.

“Do not be afraid to spend money because that is really intended to be spent. Kaya nga natin nilalagay sa budget para gastusin. Huwag kayong matakot magastos. Just follow rules,” he said.  PND

President Duterte says he’s physically fit to function as president

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has assured the Filipino public Monday that he has no illness that could prevent him from doing his duties as president.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 12, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Duterte was responding to speculations regarding his health especially due to his long absence from the public view.

“Kung sabihin mo may sakit ako, may sakit ako. Pero kung sabihin mo may sakit ako ngayon that would prevent me from exercising the powers of the presidency, wala ho,” he said during his Talk to the People address.

“Kaya ako nagmo --- kaya ako nakaka-swing ng golf, tapos nagmomotor eh kasi kaya ko pa.”

Meanwhile, President Duterte said he is willing to waive his slot in the government vaccination program and would prefer to give the jab to a young and productive individual.

“Kami, okay na ako. Maski kami ‘yong ano. Ako, magwi-waive ako. Magwi-waive ako. Basta 70 above... Alam mo 70 above, ano mang ma --- ano mang makuha mo magsige ka dream?” he said.

 “Dream of what? Living until kingdom come? Ako magwi-waive ako. Kung sino ‘yong may gusto sa slot ko, ibigay ko. Wala akong ano masyado sa ano…”

The government has so far administered COVID-19 shots to the country’s healthcare workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 11,378 new cases on Monday, April 12, bringing the country’s total COVID-19 active infections to 157,451.

With 267 patients recovering from the virus, the country’s a total recovery tally is now at 703,625. The DOH also reported 204 individuals who succumbed from the virus, breaching the 15,000 death toll.

The Philippines has a total of 876,225 confirmed COVID-19 cases.  PND

Nograles distributes VCO to level 1 hospitals to help treat COVID patients

With over 150,000 active COVID-19 cases in the country, every possible treatment for the dreaded disease should be studied and explored in order to prevent severe and fatal COVID-19 cases.

This was stressed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who on Tuesday distributed free virgin coconut oil (VCO) to level 1 hospitals in Metro Manila. Nograles personally turned over the VCO to the directors of the Caloocan City Medical Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz Women's Hospital, and Ospital ng Malabon, and revealed that 61 patients confined in the three hospitals had agreed to take VCO on top of treatments they were already receiving.

"At this point, we have to explore possible and potential treatments for COVID-19––treatments that are supported by science and pose no threat to the health of the COVID patients," said Nograles.

According to the IATF co-chair, "the DOST has done its due diligence and said that there is enough data to recommend the use of VCO for COVID patients with mild symptoms, which is why I am personally distributing VCO to willing recipients so that we can help them as well as determine how effective it can be against COVID-19."

"Let's explore all safe and science-backed options to beat COVID-19. At this point, to address the fears and anxiety of those afflicted with COVID, we need remedies, not more speculation."

The DOST had earlier released the results of an initial study that showed that VCO could be used to prevent COVID-19 symptoms from worsening. In the study, patients who regularly took VCO experienced diminished or reduced COVID-19 symptoms in around two weeks.

It recommended that VCO "be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect cases of COVID 19. It could prevent COVID-19 positive cases from becoming severe."

The DOST likewise said that more studies are recommended to determine the effectiveness of VCO as adjunct therapy for COVID- 19 patients with other co-morbidities.

Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are advised to take one tablespoon of VCO after each meal - breakfast, lunch and dinner - for three straight days. If tolerated well, then they can double the dosage from the fourth day onward, until the patient tests negative. Patients may also rub VCO on their nostrils and gargle with VCO to help alleviate symptoms.

220 surrendered firearms demilitarized in Caraga

By PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 14 -- For the first time in Caraga region, the member-agencies of the Provincial/Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spearheaded the destruction of 220 loose firearms surrendered by the former rebels in a ceremony held Wednesday, here.

Also graced the event were: Representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte; Governor Dale B. Corvera of Agusan del Norte; Dir. Lilibeth A. Famacion of the DILG Region XIII; Ltc Ruel G. Romorosa, Coordinator of the Task Force Balik-Loob Mindanao; PMGen Marni C. Marcos, Jr.,  Acting Director for the Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM); PBGen. Honorio R. Agnila, Executive Officer of the DIPO-EM; and PBGen Maurito L. Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, Philippine Army; and other heads of the partner agencies.

Demilitarized firearms include 29pcs of M16 rifles; 14pcs of M14 rifles; 27pcs of AK47 rifles; 15pcs of Garand rifles; 50pcs of Shotgun; eight pcs of calibre 22 rifles; seven crew-serve weapons; 49 short firearms; and six sub-machine guns. These were all cut off using a metal circular saw.

Former members of the New People's Army (NPA) under the Guerilla Fronts operating in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte turned-in the firearms to the authorities.

The giving of financial assistance, healthcare and housing package benefits to those who returned to the folds of the law also highlighted the event under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

"It is a fresh start for them as they rebuild their lives amidst this time of COVID-19 pandemic. It is my hope that the beneficiaries will honor their commitment and pledge of allegiance to the government," RD Caramat, Jr. stressed out.

He is also optimistic that the activity will serve as inspiration for the remaining members of the NPA to lay down arms and embrace genuine peace.

Based on the joint DND-DILG memorandum circular, all turned-in firearms by the former rebels shall undergo the complete process of demilitarization consistent with internationally accepted standards and proper auditing procedures to ensure that these weapons will not be used, recycled, or reissued. (PNP Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Mga proyektong pagpalambo sa Agusan Norte padayon nga gipatuman

By Shena Mae Pabia

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 14 -- Walay puas ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera pagpadangat ug mga proyektong imprastruktura aron masuportahan ang ekonomikanhong pag-abante sa probinsya, mahimong sayon ang paglihuk-lihok sa mga residente o makapahiluna og pasilidad pagpugong sa pagkaguba o pagpasiuli sa kinaiyahan, sumala pa sa Provincial Engineering Office.

Sa pakighinabi kang Engr. Renato Corvera, ang provincial engineer, iyang gibutyag nga sa kasamtangan naay 21 nagpadayon nga konstruksyon.

Ang major projects ug ang level of accomplishments karon, sumala kang Engr. Corvera, mao ang mosunod: Concreting of Bay-ang Mahaba FMR with Bridge – 99.76%;   Upgrading/Improvement of Buenavista-Otao-Talo-ao Provincial Road – 92.24%; Upgrading/Improvement of Sanghan-Luna-Calulutay-Calamba Provincial Road – 14.12%; Upgrading/Improvement of Maoligao Provincial Road – 50.45%; Upgrading/Improvement of NRJ-Triangulo-Punta Beach Provincial Road – 88.67%, ug; Upgrading/Improvement of Culit-Pag-ao-Jaguimitan Provincial Road – 46.13%.

Gi-target sa Provincial Engineering Office ning probinsya nga mahuman ang maong mga proyekto ning tuiga aron hapsay ug malahutayong maagian ang mga kalsada ilabina alang sa mga residente nga lagyo ang mga uma o panimalay.

“Paningkamutan gyud nga mahuman kung walay mga circumstances nga panghitabo, mahuman gyud siya as scheduled,” sumala ni Engr. Corvera.

“Among obligasyon to monitor and supervised the project, every week ginabisita na sa atong mga project engineers, naa man tay mga naka assign nga mga project engineer every project,” sigon ni Engr. Corvera.

Dugang pa ni Engr. Corvera nga pipila sa kaabag sa probinsya sa maong mga proyekto mao ang Philippine Rural Development Project [PRDP] ubos sa Department of Agriculture, Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces [CMGP] sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ug uban pang National Line Agencies. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

11 former rebels in Surigao Norte get assistance under E-CLIP

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 15 (PIA) -- The eleven former rebels (FRs) in the province of Surigao del Norte were provided with assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in a simple ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol, Surigao City, April 14.

Also, non-monetary items were given to the former rebels such as food packs and health kits.

Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas and 901st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General George Banzon led the distribution of said cash aid to the NPA combatants who surrendered to the government during the late months of 2020 and early of 2021.

To make the former rebels more productive and sustain their lives as they go back to the mainstream society, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte will also aid them through trainings, employment, and community-based income-generating activities.

Overall, the package of assistance provided to the 11 former rebels amounted to P2.1 million.

Banzon reiterated that returning to the fold of the law is still the better option. He urged other NPA rebels to restore their allegiance to the government.

Through E-CLIP, FRs can be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new, normal lives with the help of the financial benefits intended for their development. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

581 trainees in Agusan Norte PRLEC priority villages finish skills training

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 15 -- A total of 581 graduates from Sitios Hinandayan, Mimbahandi and Salaysayon, all of Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte have finished skills training and received Certificate of Training Completion from Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“You can guarantee that the knowledge you obtained from the trainings will be yours forever… Wherever you will go, you will always bring with you the skills you have now,” Lapeña said in Tagalog dialect.

Sec. Lapeña also said that the government has high hopes that this will serve as a way to transform the lives of every resident in Brgy. Camagong. “Thus, we hope that you will make use of the new skills that you have to transform not only your lives but as well as the lives of the people here in your community,” he said.

The official also committed to find a way so that the graduates can make use of what they have learned in the training. “If we can provide toolkits for our graduates so that they can immediately apply what they have learned, then we will do it,” addressing the directive to TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva.

Specifically, Lapeña stressed that toolkits in prepare bakery production must be provided so that the community will already have its bakery, since there is a total of 67 graduates in the Prepare Bakery Products. “In this way, they will no longer go to Nasipit proper just to buy bread and pastry products,” he said.

Since the mode of transportation in the three sitios are motorcycle, the 67 graduates in Small Engine Repair and Maintenance will be given a livelihood opportunity by means of putting up a repair and maintenance shop. “Aside from providing livelihood opportunity to these graduates, the people of Brgy. Camagong can avail of its services without going to Nasipit proper,” Lapeña added.

In Sitio Salaysayon, Sec. Lapeña said there is a need for the local residents to experience electricity. In this case, he said that the 29 graduates in Basic Solar Power Installation will be given an opportunity to apply what they have learned so that solar electric will be installed in the area.

Lapeña likewise informed those in attendance that TESDA will also train the community in agri-crop production to ensure that there will be food in the table of each family. “The Department of Agriculture through their attached agencies like the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will assist us in providing you with the skills needed,” he said.

At the Regional level, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III is hands-on in the implementation of Priority Barangay Development Program through Sustainable Enterprise Development focusing on Agriculture and its added value chain interventions under EO 70 Framework. (TESDA Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

AgNor tribal chieftains express gratitude, continuous support to TESDA

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 15 -- Higaonon tribal chieftains in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte have expressed their gratitude and continuous support to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in its quest to achieve long-lasting peace and development.

In their messages, Datu Talagsaon – Jimbo M. Mansaguinda, Sitio Minbahandi Tribal Chieftain, underscored the services extended by Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) member-agencies led by TESDA for the different programs given to them.

He also cited the efforts made by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera and Nasipit Municipal Mayor Enrico R. Corvera for converging the government agencies so that more residents of the barangay will benefit from its programs and services.

Also, Datu Salangkuan – Revise S. Mandahinog, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) stressed that without peace, there will be no progress and development in a certain area.

He also pointed out that with the convergence that government agencies have conducted, it is a clear manifestation that the government is serious in its quest to achieve long-lasting peace and development.

“With the gestures that these officials of our government have shown, I believe that the present administration is certain that through the convergence efforts, long-lasting peace and development is not impossible to achieve,” he said.

Datu Bawang – Eddie S. Ampiyawan said because of the remarkable help that they received from the government, we commit to be of service to their community and continue the legacy that the present administration has made. (TESDA Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DA-PRDP guarantees A&M cassava farmers sales thru marketing agreement

By Zenny G. Awing

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 16 -- To ensure the establishment of a cassava market, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) updated the marketing agreement between the A&M Multi-purpose Cooperative (A&M) in Dinagat Islands and Fatima Multi-purpose Cooperative (FMPC) in Leyte.

The marketing agreement crafted during the DA-PRDP planning stated that A&M can potentially supply cassava granules to FMPC. Subsequently, as A&M reached FMPC’s proposed cassava volume, DA-PRDP intervenes to finalize the documents.

A visit by the Investment in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) or enterprise component in FMPC on April 6-8 in Region-8 ensured that the marketing agreement will then be signed to proceed with the delivery of A&M’s produce.

The DA-PRDP inculcates the importance of forging a formal marketing agreement where both parties remain grounded and protected. This provides in-depth detail of the product’s volume, quality, and delivery frequency.

The marketing agreement guarantees A&M’s produce will be purchased and FMPC will get the required volume of cassava granules.

“Cassava is not only a staple food but a primary commodity. We, in DA-PRDP, are like supporting actors for the success of this project. With this, we make sure to establish a market for the produce of the A&M to make it profitable,” Lynn A. Pareñas, DA-Caraga PRDP I-REAP component head said.

Furthermore, the signed document is one way of educating the farmers to exercise their rights and authority especially when it comes to bulk orders.

“During investment forums, we bring in personnel from the industry itself including San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI). Through this, they will have a picture of the coops’ needs. These forums built a close partnership with the SMFI which also allowed us to connect to FMPC, one of their cassava granules suppliers,” she added.

A&M cooperative agreed to supply 10 metric tons or 10,000 kilograms of cassava granules per month with a buying price of P11/kg to FMPC. This will then be delivered by FMPC to SMFI to be processed as feeds.

“I-REAP assures that cassava granules consolidation and marketing are viable considering the market. Even if the project reaches its term, the enterprise can still continue, and support from DA will always be there,” Pareñas guaranteed.

Moreover, I-REAP plans to organize a field visit for the staff of A&M to the facilities of FMC to expose them to the coop’s process and give them a hands-on experience of the machines used.

Also, a prospect production training which will be funded by I-REAP in partnership with FMC will happen in Dinagat Islands for the cassava farmers of A&M.

“For now, as the project progress, we also continue the capability building, institutional development, and other related engagements with A&M,” Pareñas asserted.

The MOA that will be signed in May serves as the go signal for the maiden voyage of A&M’s high-quality cassava granules. This will be tentatively transported to Matalom Leyte, then directly delivered to SMFI BMEG Plant in Ormoc City. (DA-RFO XIII, PRPD/PIA-Caraga)

4Ks fosters IPs growth through agriculture

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 16 -- To ensure that no one gets left behind, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga has taken upon its arm to include the indigenous peoples  (IPs) in its quest for agricultural development through the 4Ks program.

The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo or 4 Ks is a new special project of the DA in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Generally, it aims to develop the ancestral domains of the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/IPs in order to improve productivity by developing sustainable agricultural enterprises and profitability by increasing their income in consideration with their customs, traditions, values, beliefs, and interests.

The program provides assistance to the ICCs/IPs in the form of agricultural and fishery-related livelihood opportunities, investments, and various support services through targeted community needs assessments (CNA).

On March 23 to 25, a Cultural Sensitivity Training and Technical Briefing was conducted among DA personnel involved in the program implementation.

DA-Caraga’s 4Ks focal person Edelmira R. Luminarias emphasized the significance of being aware of the IPs’ culture and rights. “It is important that we know about their culture and rights to have a better understanding of their needs and be able to provide the appropriate interventions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Girlie E. Patagan of the NCIP - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office said that cultural sensitivity begins with recognizing cultural differences between people.

Atty. Victor Marc Bernal, the Legal Officer of the NCIP - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office stressed that along with cultural sensitivity, it is important to conduct the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) before implementing a project in a certain ancestral domain to ensure that the community is aware and in agreement with the said project. “This way, the agency is secure and the IPs are also protected,” he said.

In Caraga, there are currently 26 approved Certificate of Ancestral Domains Title (CADT) that spans in 639,000 hectares. This year, there are eight proposed projects which include corn, rice, vegetable, abaca and banana production, as well as Chicken Multiplier Project and Goat Multiplier Project. (DA 13-RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

U.S. provides P170-M to support COVID-19 vaccine deployment in PH

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 16 -- The United States (U.S.) government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing the Philippines P170 million ($3.5 million) to support the Department of Health (DOH) in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

This new assistance, which brings total U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to nearly P1.3 billion ($27 million), will strengthen the country’s health system and vaccine delivery efforts.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law announced this new assistance during a visit to a vaccination site in Caloocan City with Philippine Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, and other U.S. and Philippine officials.

Through this new funding, USAID will support the Philippines in strengthening the vaccine supply chain, monitoring vaccine safety, and delivering effective communication campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy. This assistance will also support local government units as they plan for, track, and administer vaccines.

“While the pandemic has tested our peoples and our economies, the strong bonds between Americans and Filipinos will help us rise above this challenge. We will continue to fight this unprecedented global health crisis together,” said Law.

U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response has helped the country implement internationally-recognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen laboratory systems and case management, and communicate effectively about health risks.

In addition, the White House recently announced a P194 billion ($4 billion) commitment to support the COVAX facility, a global initiative to support early vaccine access for 92 countries, including the Philippines.

An initial P97.2-billion ($2 billion) contribution, provided through USAID, is supporting the purchase and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Through the COVAX effort - of which the United States is the largest donor - the Philippines will receive enough vaccines to immunize at least 20 percent of its population by the end of 2021. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Caraga)

Matatag fighters, NPAs clash in Agusan Norte

By 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte, Apr. 16 --  The 29th Infantry "Matatag Fighters" Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army while on security patrol on April 12 encountered more or less five Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda, Guerilla Front 16A of  Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SYP16A, GF16, NEMRC) at Sitio Madbad, Brgy. Bangonay, Agusan del Norte.

The exchange of fire lasted for about five minutes afterward, the enemy withdrew towards the northeast direction.

The troops have recovered one AK47, one long AK47 magazine loaded with 20 rounds, two backpacks, two hammocks, one flashlight, one poncho tent, 15 kilos of rice with canned goods, other personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Lt. Col. Aristotle Antonio, Acting Commanding Officer of 29IB, said the CNTs number is already weakening. "We assure that we will continue to hunt those remaining members of the group until there is no one left," he said.

"You still have time to heed our calls to surrender and go back to the mainstream. Do not waste your precious life moving in the mountains and enduring ceaseless pain. The government is ever willing to help you find your ways. So, come now, surrender, and be reunited with your family once again," Antonio added. (CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) 

IPs sa hilit na lugar sa Nasipit mapasalamaton sa AguSerbisyo sa AgNor

By Shena Mae Pabia

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 16 -- Mapasalamaton kaayo ang mga residente sa hilit nga komunidad sa Indigenous Peoples (IP) sa Sitio Mimbahandi ug mga kasikbit niini nga mga sitio sa mga barangay sa Camagong ug Jaguimitan sa Nasipit tungod sa pagpadangat sa probinysal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte og nagkalain-laing serbisyo sa pagpanguna mismo ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera, Mayor Enrico Corvera sa Nasipit ug mga ahensya sa nasudnong panggamhan niadtong Abril 12-13.

“Dako gyud ang among pagpasalamat nga si Gobernor [Dale B. Corvera] nga usa sa naghatag ug higayon nga diri gyud gidala ang immersion, kay sa tinuod, ang diri sa minbahandi, sukad-sukad karon pagyud nahigdaan og tanan ahensya sa gobyerno nga nakita gyud sa katawhan,” sumala ni Datu Talagsaon Jimbo M. Mansaguinda, ang tibal chieftain sa Sitio Minbahandi.

Dugang ni Datu Jimbo nga “Bisan lisod atong dalan, kritikal, pero naningkamot ang mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga makaabot dinhi sa Sitio Minbahandi, aron pagdala ug paghatod sa mga daghang dugang nga mga project para kanato nga mga tribong Higaonon.”

Sa iyang mensahe giapasabot ni Gob. Corvera nga ang pagpadangat sa maong mga serbis “bunga sa panagsabot sa mga ahensya, lokal ug nasyunal, aron mapaabot kaninyo ang mga services karong adlawa gikan sa provincial government”.

Ubay-ubay nga mga serbisyo ang napadangat sa maong AguSerbisyo ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administtrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong Angel Amante-Matba, nga nagsilbi usab nga immersion activity sa nagkalainlaing nasyonal nga ahensya. Nagsilbi usab ang maong kalihukan nga kabahin sa Renewed Intensified Community Outreach (RICO) program sa lungsod sa Nasipit.

Apil sa mga napadangat ug ang gidaghanon sa benepisyaryo niini mao ang mosunod: Medical consultation-467; Operation tuli-68 ug Dental Services-58, Family Planning Services (Pap Smear)-78; Excision mask surgery-4; Operation Alis-bukol, ug; Blood sugar monitoring.

Nakahatag usab og Walking canes-10, Wheelchairs-15, Mosquito Nets-400, Food packs, Reading glasses, Surgical kits, Dental Kits, Medical kits, Buntis kits, Women/Child health care, Vitamins, Medicines.

Nakahatag usab ang Provincial Agriculture Office [PAO] og baboy, manok-300, Vegetable ug Corn seeds, Tilapia Fingerlings-5,000.

Ang Environmental and Natural Resources Division [ENRD] nananom og fruit trees, mahogany ug lambog seedlings-155 ka punoan; lakip na ang monoblock ug kiddie chairs, portable sound system; Ice cream-15 tubes, water drums-5, Printer sa skwelahan sa sitio-2;

Nakahimo usab ang buhatan sa Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office [PDDRMO] og Basic Life Support Training.

Ang buhatan sa Department of Interior and Local Government [DILG] nanghatag ug libreng flashlight kada-panimalay. Ang National Commission on Indigenous Peoples [NCIP] naghatag og Libreng legal nga konsultasyon kabahin sa mga IP ug CADT.

Ang Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] usab nagpahigayon ug libre nga demo sa paghimo ug Powder Detergent nga sabon, product clinic ug konsultasyon sa negosyo. Ang Eastern Gateway Eagles Club Region II nanghatag ug libreng tsinelas ug hygiene kits. Ang Philippine Red Cross libreng nagpahigayon og Information drive ug bloodletting.

Ang Philippine National Police adunay libreng tupi, hygiene kits, Lice Alis ug Padula sa laro ng lahi.

Ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [TESDA] nagpahigayon og pagbansay sa kahanas ug naka gradawar og 581 ka lumulupyo kansang gradwasyon gitambongan ni Sec. Isidro Lapeña mismo. Nakig partner usab kini sa munisipyo pagpahiluna og bakery, repair shop ug hardware ubos sa Busilak Enterprise.

Sa maong okasyon usab gilusad sa probinsya ang “CADT OG-KAAGPAS” (Pinulongang Higaonon sa CADT Express) ubos sa AGUSAN UP! gihapon. Ubos niini tutokan ang suporta sa pagpananum sa kayutaan sa mga IPs ug pagproseso sa abot niini alang sa ilang ekonomikanhong paglambo.

Kaabag usab sa probinsya sa maong kalihukan mga kasundaloan, kapulisan, DOST, DepEd, DSWD, DOT, DENR, DAR, DA, DOLE, NIA, Land Bank, DBP, PhilFida, DPWH, Aboitiz Power, Pilmico, Adfil ug uban pa. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Kampanya pagsugpo sa diabetes ug hypertension gilusad

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 16 -- Gilusad sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang Diabetes and Hypertension Club sa Tagkatong, Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

Gitambongan usab ang kalihukan sa LGU-Carmen Officials nga representahan ni Eva Palarca, SB Committee on Health Chair, Municipal Health ug Barangay Officials.

Ang pagpadangat og mas malukpanon pang health services kabahin sa Amomang Agusanon Flagship Program sa probinsya ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba.

Sa gilusad nga kalihukan, mosuma sa 150 ka indibidwal ang nahigayonan og konsultasyon, blood sugar testing ug chest x-ray.

Naghatag pod ang DOH og oryentasyon sa mga lumulupyo kalabot sa kamapanya batok sa diabetes ug hypertension aron makasayud sa mga lakang nga kinahanglan sundon apil na ang hustong pagpili sa pagkaon.

Ang mga lakang nga buhaton ning maong kampanya pagbatok sa diabetes ug hypertension mao ang mosunod: Step 1 - Registration, Step 2 pagkuha og BP ug timbang, Step 3 - Zumba, Step 4 - Fasting Blood Sugar, Step 5- Advocacy and Counselling ug, Step 6 - Paghatag og mga Medisina. (Shena Mae Pabia with a report from Jhenny Fabian, Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Gov’t to finish major infra projects despite coronavirus pandemic, says transport chief

The government’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program has remained on track despite the current coronavirus pandemic, the transportation department said, noting it expected to finish major infrastructure projects before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte steps down from power.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 15, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

During the Cabinet meeting Thursday night, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reported to President Duterte the progress of the Build, Build, Build (BBB) projects spearheaded by the administration.

“Habang tayo’y nakikipagbaka at nilalabanan ang pandemya, ang Build, Build, Build ho ay tuloy-tuloy. Hindi ho ito nawala,” Tugade said.

The transportation chief reported that many projects have already been completed not only in the Metro Manila but also in other areas such as Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, Zamboanga, Siargao, Surigao and other places.

Tugade announced the completion of the rehabilitation of Calbayog airport which is set to be inaugurated on April 22.  Also, the Bicol International Airport, a long overdue project, will be finished this year.

“Iyong konstruksyon ng Bicol International Airport matatapos po ‘yan ng June or July at ta-targetin namin maging operational ‘yan before the end of the year,” Tugade said.

“Matagal hong nakabinbin ‘yan at talaga hong kaawaawa ‘yong Republika noon, dekada na nag-delay ‘yan. Mr. President, tatapusin po natin sa iyong termino ‘yan.”

Subway and Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension projects are also being cited to be finished within President Duterte’s term.

“Sa riles, ‘yong subway ho may partial operability akong tutumbukin at itutuloy before the end of your term. Iyong LRT extension, mao-operate ko ‘yan at magiging operational ‘yan. Ito ho ‘yong rail operations ng Marikina at Antipolo. Maraming taon din na pinag-antay-antay ng ating kababayan ‘yan. Sir, ready for delivery, ready for operation this year,” Tugade reported.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led the development and construction of big-ticket infrastructure projects following the launch of the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program, the centerpiece program of the administration aimed at ushering the “Golden age of infrastructure development” in the Philippines.

With the primary goal of improving the quality of life of Filipinos, the Duterte government focused on improving the country’s infrastructures having in mind that such massive investment could boost economic development.

Meanwhile, Tugade said the DOTr eyes adding more bus routes and issuing more franchises to alleviate transport woes in the midst of the pandemic.

“Mr. President, habang tinitingnan ho natin ang Build, Build, Build at itinutuloy, marami hong nagsasabi na dahil lang sa pandemya, kulang ang sasakyan, bus, at jeep,” he said.

“Tama ho sila kaya nga ba’t naglulunsad ho tayo ng proyekto na madagdagan ‘yong ruta, madagdagan ‘yong prangkisa, at matutuloy ho ‘yong provincial routes.”

Aside from the efforts initiated by the government, other stakeholders have thrown their support to make the government program successful, according to Tugade.

“Marami hong tumulong at nakikipagkapit-bisig upang ‘yong mga proyekto na katulad nito ay natatapos po,” said Tugade.  PND

Gov’t on top of COVID-19 fight, President Duterte assures Filipinos

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Thursday night he is prepared to invoke the police power of the state to effectively respond to the coronavirus pandemic, allaying fears that government is running out of interventions in the present health crisis.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 15, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Kapag sinabi na we are at a critical condition, there is no space for the doctors and the nurses to move and stay healthy, then we begin to exercise the police power of the state. When we are pushed to the wall, either by the microbe itself or by external, internal, I can always order the military and the police to go there and confiscate the operation of the hotels,” President Duterte said in a televised address.

“So kayong mga kababayan ko, huwag kayong matakot diyan sa ano. Hindi naman tayo talagang walang-wala eh. We are not really at a total loss of what to do. We know what to do.”

The chief executive, however, said he will only invoke such power to control private facilities once officials declare the country’s healthcare system is at maximum capacity.

But he noted that exercising state control over the private sector is the least favorable option in a democratic state.

President Duterte then said that his administration is doing all it can to come up with interventions that mitigate, rather than aggravate, the medical and socio-economic impact of the pandemic.

Despite government efforts, the President said the country’s only hope to fully recover from COVID-19 lies solely on massive vaccination program, noting, however, that the country has to compete with other nations in securing sufficient supply considering the current global vaccine shortage.

“Do not be afraid. Government is working. Government is busy doing everything, not nothing. Government is trying to get the things to fix all of us. Iyong mga bagay ngayon nandiyan pero wala sa ating mga kamay. Nandiyan ang bakuna, hindi sa ating kamay. Sa kamay ng ibang tao. And this will go I think before it gets better, we’ll have to go to the worst of times,” he said.

The Philippines is negotiating with vaccine manufacturers Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Sinopharm, Pfizer Inc., Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, and Gamaleya Research Institute to procure enough doses to cover 70 percent of the country’s adult population.

The government has started inoculating healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities using the initial vaccine deliveries from China and the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility.

Next in line to take the jab will be economic frontliners, state security forces and other vulnerable groups.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 11, 429 new infections on April 15, bringing the country’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 904, 295 with 705,164 recoveries and 15,594 deaths. PND