PIA-13 to launch first Kapihan in partnership with SM City Butuan

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 30 (PIA) -- As demand for transparency and wider access to information increases especially in the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, more and more platforms were created by the government to champion these concerns, with its communication arms spearheading campaigns. And amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga will be launching its first Kapihan in partnership with SM City Butuan.

At its core, the Kapihan serves as a platform in bridging the information gaps, allows productive discussions and healthy exchange of views from a wide array of relevant topics and socio-economic issues, solicit feedbacks, and brings the latest updates, news, and significant information that are helpful in the decision-making process.

Speakers from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will be gracing the “Kapihan sa SM City Butuan” on Friday, April 30, at the SM Supermalls in this city to discuss the latest COVID-19 health situation report in the region; the implementation of the vaccination program; and other measures implemented by concerned sectors under the Regional Task Force on COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) to address pressing issues arising from the health crisis.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) expressed support on the endeavor as it leaves no one behind when it comes to informing and engaging the public.

”This allows all stakeholders to come to the table and have an equal opportunity to partake on important issues especially in this time of a great health crisis which has brought unprecedented challenges,” remarked the office.

Catch the Kapihan sa SM City Butuan via Facebook Livestream which will air on Friday at 3pm in PIA Caraga’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PIACaraga. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

25 ComDev workers milampos sa 10-day general orientation course 

President Duterte honors nation’s frontliners in Labor Day message

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recognized the sacrifices Saturday of Filipino workers who continue to toil to keep the society functioning in the face of an unprecedented health crisis that crippled industries globally.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I express my deepest gratitude to our hardworking healthcare workers and essential frontliners for their unwavering commitment in ensuring the unhampered delivery of goods and services that continue to sustain our communities and industries during these difficult times,” President Duterte said in his Labor Day message.

“To all Filipino workers here and abroad, let me ensure you that this administration will endeavor to work as vigorously as you have in creating an environment where security of tenure, statutory labor standards and workers’ rights are not only upheld and protected, but also cherished as the foundations of a strong and thriving forceforce,” he added.

The President rallied for unity in rebuilding a stronger and more resilient society that can be left behind to the succeeding generations of Filipinos.

The government announced its plan to immunize 5,000 laborers during the Labor Day commemoration as it gears towards vaccinating the country’s economic frontliners.

More vaccine deliveries are expected in June, and this will enable the government to start vaccinating Filipino economic frontliners, said Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, the country’s vaccine czar.

The government started immunizing healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities last March and eyes to conclude it by July.

So far, a million healthcare workers have been vaccinated.  PND

DOH-13 holds symbolic vaccination rollout for essential services workers

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, May 3 (PIA) -- In celebration of Labor Day, a symbolic vaccination rollout for select workers under the A4 priority group was launched by the Department of Health (DOH) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), where ten (10) workers from essential sectors received COVID-19 jabs.

“This is one of our ways of honoring the laborers and workers of the government and those in the private sector. These are essential workers in keeping our economy alive which is why the national government pays tribute to these workers by giving them protection,” said Dr. Cesar Cassion, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga.

Those included in the A4 priority group sectors or groups that have high levels of interaction with or exposure to the public and cannot dutifully practice the minimum public health standards (MPHS) at work such those in the accommodation and food service industries, etc., and those that ensure security, consumer and worker safety, and working in priority government projects.

While the exact schedule for the official vaccination rollout for the A4 priority group is yet to be determined, the DOH reports that they are still completing the vaccination of individuals belonging to the A1 priority group (healthcare workers).

Protection from the fatal virus remains a priority among Filipinos especially those who continue to serve the public which is why Edgar Astrera, a worker from the private sector, immediately grabbed the opportunity despite his hesitation.

“May apprehension pa rin po naman ako since these vaccines are not proven to be 100% effective. Pero syempre mas mabuti pa yung navaccinate ka kaysa sa wala. Mas mahirap kasi dahil hindi mo alam kung sino yung nahawaan na ng COVID-19. At least kung meron kang vaccine, meron kang panlaban,” he said.

Rhoda Devaras, an employee of the medical supplies distributor Djar Trades, shares the same sentiment and even advocates for the COVID-19 vaccines.

“Lahat ng tao sa mundo naghihirap dahil sa pandemiya. Ang pagbabakuna ay isa sa mga hakbang upang hindi na lumala ang ating sitwasyon ngayon kaya mas mainam na magpabakuna tayong lahat.”

Per the latest report from DOH Caraga, as of April 29, 2021, a total of 43,155 individuals in Caraga region have been vaccinated for COVID-19. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Gov’t to focus on vulnerable areas in COVID-19 vaccine rollout

The government should prioritize inoculating key areas with economic and social importance to fend off further COVID-19 surges and enable the economy to quickly recover, 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 May 3, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the current constriction in global vaccine supply would affect vaccine deliveries and the government’s vaccine rollout.

“Mr. President, considering magkaroon tayo ng tinatawag na falloff or shortfall sa ating mga supply, we are recommending na magkaroon tayo ng prioritization po, Mr. President,” Galvez said.

“So meaning, tingnan po natin ‘yong mga areas na mayroon pong tinatawag na economic at saka social importance. At saka magkakaroon tayo ng malaking problema pagka hindi natin po naagapan lalo po ang NCR (National Capital Region).”

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, recommended concentrating in hard-hit areas last year.

These areas include NCR, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and other areas.

The prioritization also includes Cebu City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and other areas in the Visayas with high active cases.

Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, Iligan City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Davao Region are the priority areas in Mindanao.

Galvez said the government should also recalibrate its mass vaccination program and concentrate in immunizing 83 million of the country’s population instead of 110 million.

If the government could achieve herd immunity in badly hit areas, Galvez said it would give the country better chances for quick economic recovery and prevent possible surges in traditional and very vulnerable areas.

“So ganoon po ang gagawin po nating strategy kasi kung magkakaroon tayo ng shortfall doon po sa constriction ng global supply, we will target more or less mga 50 to 60 (percent) of population instead of 70 to 80 to 90 para targeted ang ano po natin,” he told the President.

The vaccine czar also gave an update on recent vaccine procurements and rollout, telling the President that so far, there is a total 4,040,600 vaccine doses delivered to the Philippines.

China’s Sinovac will upscale its vaccine supply for the country, vowing to bring in 1.5 million doses instead of just 500,000 doses for its May 7 delivery, according to Galvez.

The government is also negotiating with Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute for a monthly delivery of two million doses.

Talks are also ongoing with the COVAX facility and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the delivery of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines totaling 2.3 million doses.

Galvez reported that the government has deployed 3.7 million doses and has inoculated 1.6 million Filipinos.

“And nakikita po natin na papataas din po ‘yong ating mga deliveries. Starting po ng June, magkakaroon na po tayo ng more or less 10.3 million doses dahil po darating na rin po ang Moderna at saka po ‘yong AstraZeneca,” he said.

“So apat na po ang magde-deliver this coming June. And ganoon din po sa third quarter, darating na rin po ‘yong ibang mga deliveries.”  PND

We’re doing everything to address COVID-19 — President Duterte

Addressing a pandemic-weary population, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has assured Filipinos Monday that his government is doing everything to uplift their condition and vowed to lift the present quarantine restrictions once the situation stabilizes.

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 May 3, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Pag-usapan natin ‘yong ang nasa loob ng Pilipino. One is the hunger. We are trying to do everything we can within the limited resources of government and, of course, ‘yong the opening,” President Duterte said in his weekly public address.

“But let me assure to the people that once things begin to clear, we will lift the quarantine immediately without delay. Sa mga kasamahan ko, maraming salamat sa pagkinig ninyo and I hope that you’d continue to listen to government.”

It is important, he said, to listen to health experts who provide valuable advice on how the country can navigate out of the pandemic.

Also on Monday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reported the decreasing percentage of people infected by coronavirus in the Philippines.

“Ang atin pong pangunahing mensahe ngayon linggo: Una po, patuloy na bumababa ang mga naitatalang kaso sa buong bansa, kabilang po rito ang National Capital Region,” said Duque.

Duque said the national growth rate is also improving from 11 percent three to four weeks ago to negative 15 percent recently. There’s also a drop in the average daily attack rate.

“Kung ikukumpara po natin ang lagay ng average daily attack rate ng NCR noong nagkaroon po tayo ng pinakamataas na bilang, makikita na malaki na ang ating in-improve mula sa 34 per 100,000 population ay bumaba po ito sa 25 cases per 100,000 population,” he told the President.

As COVID-19 infections decrease, the healthcare utilization rates (HCUR) also improve, Duque said.

This was the result of the declining number of patients being admitted in the hospitals and the expanding capacities in hospital ICU beds, the health chief explained.

As the variants of concern continue to spread in 12 regions, Duque said there’s a need for the strict implementation of prevention, detection, isolation, treatment and reintegration strategies.

“Kami ay muling nananawagan para sa mas mahigpit na border control at pagsunod sa ating quarantine protocols upang mapigilan natin ang pagkalat ng variants of concern na dala ng mga international travelers, kabilang ang mga returning overseas Filipinos,” he said.

As of Monday, May 3, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 7,255 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s active cases to 69,466 or 6.54 percent of the total cases.

There’s a total of 975,234 recoveries while the fatality figure is at 17,525.  PND

P17-billion aid disbursed in NCR-Plus, says interior chief

The government has so far distributed P17 billion out of the P22.9 billion instructed by the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte be given to low-income families in the NCR-Plus, the interior and local government secretary 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 May 3, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In his report to the President, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the amount benefitted 17,037,122 beneficiaries out of the total of 22,915,422 beneficiaries.

In Metro Manila, the government disbursed P8.6 billion; Bulacan, P2.1 billion; Cavite, P2.1 billion; Laguna, P2.3 billion; and Rizal, P1.7 billion.

“So patuloy po ang pagdi-distribute ng ating mga ayuda. At sa ngayon po ay mayroon tayong natanggap na 59,669 complaints. Na-resolve na po ang 24,421; under deliberation ay 39,781; at ang iba naman ay in-endorse po natin sa ibang ahensya,” Año reported.

“Ang target po natin ay lahat ng complaint na ito ay maresolba at masagot ng ating mga LGUs bago dumating ang May 15, at totally 100 percent po maipamahagi ang lahat ng ayuda.”

Meanwhile, Año said the DILG issued a memorandum circular to local chief executives, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) minister of local government, DILG regional directors, and the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), defining the roles of the local officials in the implementation of minimum public health standard and prohibition on mass gatherings.

Based on the President’s order, governors, mayors and barangay captains were mandated to carry out the IATF guidelines on the prohibition on mass gathering such as parties, fiestas, cockfights and other events.

“Ang PNP po ay tutulong sa ating mga local chief executives sa pagpapatupad nito. Pero ang PNP po ay --- they will go after the violators and even against local chief executives na hindi magpapatupad ng mga batas,” Año said.

Local chief executives were supposed to enforce the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines as well as RA 11332, especially section 9 paragraph D and paragraph E, Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Disease[s] and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Local officials may face administrative and criminal charges if they fail to enforce the law and prosecute violators, Año said, adding the PNP is also ready to make arrests if necessary.

The officials were also mandated to create a citizen’s feedback mechanism by putting up complaint centers and hotline numbers where the public can ventilate its grievances. 

“So ipatutupad po namin ito at mahigpit po nating sisiguruhin na walang magaganap na mga mass gathering habang tayo po ay nasa ilalim ng mga community quarantine lalo na sa MECQ,” he said. PND

Agri radio drama offers infotainment on 'radyo eskwela'

By Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY, May 4 -- When you think about radio dramas and you are Visayan, you would probably recall Handumanan sa Usa ka Awit or Kini ang Akong Suliran of the 70s and 80s. Radio drama may seem like a thing of the past, but they are still a great way to tell stories these days.

In the field of agriculture, producing appropriate Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials in the form of radio drama is a creative way to inform the farmers and other agriculture stakeholders of new farming technologies.

This is why the Department of Agriculture-Caraga together with the Agricultural Training Institute-Caraga and the Philippine Rice Research Institute-Agusan came up with the production of agri-related radio drama for the forthcoming School-on-the Air on Smart Rice Agriculture (SOA-SRA).

Dubbed as Radyo Eskwela: Mga Bag-ong Teknolohiya sa Paghumayan, the special radio program will start airing on May-August 2021 in selected radio stations regionwide and live-streamed in the DA and ATI FB Pages.

Regional Agriculture and Fishery Information Section Chief Emmylou T. Presilda said that incorporating radio drama in SOA is a tool to inform and at the same time provide entertainment to the listeners.

“The infotainment approach is our way to attract and hold the attention of the learners by engaging their emotions through the stories. Radio dramas were produced to help demonstrate how the modern climate-smart rice agriculture technologies can help the farmer-students to improve their production,” said Presilda. 

Presilda added that other communication tools like mobile or smartphones will be integrated to serve as a platform for dialogue, to further the discussions on topics that interest listeners, and create an engaging and interactive program.

SOA-SRA is a nationwide initiative of the Department of Agriculture as a complementary tool to the existing approaches in reaching and interacting with farmers. The program covers a range of topics and integrates scientific information appropriately packaged for the rice farmers in each region. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA/PIA Caraga)

Agreement inked for agri-fishery services in AgNor

By Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY, May 4 -- Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, Governor Dale B. Corvera, together with Caraga State University (CSU) President Anthony M. Penaso sealed its partnership for piloting Agusan del Norte in the implementation of the Province-led Agriculture & Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) in Caraga region.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 24 kicked off the conduct of a Rapid Appraisal by the CSU to assess and evaluate the readiness of the local government unit in providing agriculture and fisheries extension services prior to the full implementation of the project. 

The PAFES is a flagship initiative of the DA to strengthen the farmer and fisherfolk linkages in the province, spearhead agricultural modernization and industrialization, and enhance rural livelihood through massive utilization of science-based technologies and establishments of agro-based enterprises.

DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the selection of Agusan del Norte was based on the quality of governance, interest, and the presence of a state university with strong agriculture research and development track.

“PAFES is the DA’s initiative to prepare the local government units for the full implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, wherein the LGUs are expected to absorb the programs and assume the devolved functions and services of the national government in response to the expansion of their share of the Internal Revenue Allotment,” said Dir. Monteagudo.

Further, Governor Dale B. Corvera said that PAFES will complement the AGUSAN UP, a development campaign designed to realize the LGU’s vision to be an agri-forest province and economic processing zone of the region by 2027.

“We assure the DA for our commitment to continue to be a partner to strengthen and boost the economy in the province. With this system we are hopeful that more opportunities will be available for the Agusanons,” said Governor Corvera. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DA-Caraga culminates Filipino Food Month, showcases Pinoy cuisine

BUTUAN CITY, May 4 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga conducted the Filipino Food Month culmination program highlighting the indigenous and local food source through a cooking competition.

The participants of the cooking competition hail from the Rural Improvement Clubs (RIC) of Barangays Bobon, Tiniwisan, and Taligaman in Butuan City. The competition was divided into three rounds wherein 30 minutes was allotted for the ‘alimango’ or crabs as the main dish, 30 minutes for the mudfish, and 40 minutes for the native chicken.

Supervising Agriculturist of Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Isabelita Ocampo stressed the importance of celebrating the Filipino culinary tradition notwithstanding the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are glad to finally celebrate the culmination of Filipino Food Month even with our limited participants. It is important to recognize these as part of our cultural heritage as it fosters a sense of belongingness and national pride. This is also the reason why we use indigenous dishes because we support our local products, we support our farmers," Ocampo said.

For the Mud Crab category, Rona Sanchez (RIC of Brgy. Bobon) was declared as the winner; Milvergrace Ducay (RIC of Brgy. Taligaman) for the Ginataang Mud Fish category; and Deodilita Jumadas (RIC of Brgy. Bobon) also won in the Saute Spicy Native Chicken category.

Per Presidential Proclamation 469, the month of April exemplifies the Filipino Culinary Tradition through the celebration of the Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Caraga)

DA intensifies ASF info caravan in SurSur, AgSur

By Kent Warren Fuguso

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 4 -- To intensify the knowledge of the African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) conducted the ASF Information Caravan in the two provinces of the region, to include Surigao del Sur recently.

DA Caraga holds an ASF Information Caravan in Tandag City held at the City Gym of Tandag on April 21, 2021. (Photo by PIA-SDS)

The first leg of the Caravan was conducted last March 23-25 in six municipalities in the province of Agusan del Sur namely La Paz, Veruela, Trento, Bunawan, Rosario, and San Francisco. The second leg was conducted on April 21-23, in five municipalities and one city in the province of Surigao del Sur namely Tandag City, Municipalities of Tago, Carmen, Madrid, Carrascal, and Cantilan.

RAFIS Chief Emmylou T. Presilda said the objective of the ASF Information Caravan is to strengthen the collaboration of different government sectors and officials starting from the barangay until the regional level in crafting a well-established information strategy, action plans, ordinances, and other interventions towards blocking the entry and/or containing the virus in their respective areas.

“The target audience for this ASF Information Caravan are the members of the Barangay LGU including their committee chairperson on agriculture, Key Officials of the respective municipalities/cities, Barangay Animal Health Workers (BAHW), and their identified local task force since these people are the first line of the defense once cases are detected,” Presilda added.

The ASF Information Caravan is in coordination with partner agencies from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) – Caraga, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) – Northern Mindanao, and the Provincial Veterinary Office of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

ASF Information Caravan in Tago, Surigao del Sur on April 21, 2021 attended by various stakeholders. (Photo by PIA-SDS)

Discussed during the Information Caravan include the ASF Prevention and Control, Government Strategies, ASF Contingency / Action Plan, and PCIC Swine Insurance. A forum was also established right after the presentation of topics to cater to the suggestions and inquiries of the participants.

The ASF has already taken a heavy toll on the hog industry, which affected numerous hog raisers in the country. Massive losses in production have been observed as it already directly affected the meat prices in the market, making consumers wonder even more.

However, this was not just the case for some areas. Processed contaminated pork products such as chorizo are sold online and these are all coordinated through illegal logistics, making it a challenge for the task force to swiftly contain the infection.

As the virus continues to spread across the country, implementations from the DA such as border control and disinfection have initiated to prevent the virus from spreading. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Pagdiriwang ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda ngayong Mayo, ipinaubaya na ng DA sa mga LGUs

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Mayo 4 -- Nakasalalay na sa mga local government units (LGUs) ang paglatag ng mga aktibidad para itampok sa pagdiriwang ngayon buwan ng Mayo, bilang Buwan ng mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda.

Ito ang ginawang paglilinaw ni June Anthony Ouano, Jr., punong-opisyal ng Department of Agriculture (DA) Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) na nakatalaga sa Surigao del Sur. 

Kasunod nito ay sabay ding ipinabatid ang paksang-diwang “May Pandemya man o Wala, Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Maaasahan ng Bansa” na siyang inaantabayanang matanggap ng local agriculture office bago umarangkada ang buwan.

Bago pa man ang buwan ng Mayo ay naging abala na si Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanyang mga katapat sa dalawang lungsod at 17 munisipyo ng probinsiya.

Samantala, tiniyak din ni Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Officer Bernesita Rojas ang pakikilahok ng kanilang sektor. (DXJS RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

‘Agus Blend’ modagayday sa Agusan del Norte

By Karen Decamotan

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Mayo 4 -- Agus Blend?

Kini ang matang sa kape nga modagayday sa Agusan del Norte sa dili madugay.

Ang ideya nauyonan sa mga stakeholders sa industriya sa kape sa probinsya sa tigum nga gihimo niadtong Abril 28, aron hisgutan ang mga pamaagi aron mapalig-on, mapalapad ug maseguro nga ubay-ubay ang mabulahan sa mga benepisyo niini, ilabina ang mag-uuma sa kape, apil na ang mga Indigenous People (IP).

Ipadagayday ang maong matang sa kape ubos sa Process! Process! Process! Project sa Agusan UP!, ang kampanya pangkalambuan sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba.

Sa konsultasyon nga giaapilan sa mga representante sa organisasyon sa mga mag-uuma ug processors sa kape, sa Munisipyo sa Buenavista pinaagi sa Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ug personahe sa Agusan Up Coordinating Center, nauyonan nga mugnaon ang proyektong “Coffee Net” nga maoy mogama unya sa “Agus Blend”.

Ang “Coffee Net” mag-apil sa mosuma sa 5,000 ektaryas nga mga uma sa kape sa mga lungsod sa probinsya pag-abot sa 2027 gikan sa 1,730 ektaryas karon. Himoon kini ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant Project, ang kaluhang proyekto sa Process! Process! Process! ubos sa AGUSAN UP!

Ang maong mga uma sa kape nakakonekta  sa drying activities sa mga balay ug organisasyon sa mga barangay. Ang drying activities nakakonekta usab sa mga roasting ug grinding activities nga kadaghanan himoon sa mga organisasyon nga posibleng mo-package usab og brewed coffee gamit ang kaugalingon nilang brand.

Ang tanang nahisgutang proseso pagmugna og kape nakakonekta sa “Coffee Net” isip proyekto nga nagseguro sa kalidad sa produkto sa matag yugto niini ug mopalit sa piniling beans ug mamugnang ground coffee aron mugnaong ang “Agus Blend” brewed o instant coffee.

Gawas nga pursigidong ibaligya ang brewed ug instant coffee sa high-end o mass market, dasigon usab sa proyekto ang mga organisasyon nga sakop sa industriya sa kape sa pagmugna og coffee shops ug makig-alayon sa establisado nga mga establisamento nga iapil sa i-silbi sa ilang mga customer ang “Agus Blend”.

Niini, gilantaw nga mahimong kabahin unya ang “Agus Blend” sa isilbi sa Simbalan Cloud World sa Buenavista, sa View Decks sa Little Baguio sa Kitcharao, sa Nasipit ug sa Puting Bato Highland sa Cabadbaran City ingon man sa gatusan pa nga coffee shops, hotels ug mga restaurants.

Sa kinatibuk-an, mahimong kabahin ang halos tanang stakeholders sa kape sa matag ang-ang sa paggama sa kape - gikan sa farming, processing ug marketing. Ug dinhi gilantaw nga halos tanan nga naghago niini aron molambo ang industriya daku ang oportunidad nga makaambit sa bahandi nga mamugna ug moangat ang kahimtang sa pagpuyo – sunod sa tagline nga gibarugan sa AGUSAN UP! nga “Advancing Opportunities, Nurturing Better Lives”.

Gilantaw nga labing ubos 4,000 ka regular nga trabaho ang mamugna gikan sa industriya sa kape gikan karon ngadto sa tuig 2027. Kapin kon kulang 2,000 ka banay usab ang gilantaw nga magsandig sa industriya isip nag-unang tinubdan sa kita. Ug subay sa potensyal sa dynamics kung mapahiluna ang “Coffee Net”, daku ang purohan nga mokita sila og kapin sa poverty threshold income level nga mga Php120,000 matag tuig kumpara sa kita sa mga magsandig sa kape karon nga naa lang sa mga Php42,000.

Gitakda nga ipahiluna ang detalyadong business plan sa “Coffee Net” sa mosunod nga mga bulan unya mugnaon ang corporate set-up sa proyekto dayon na sa pagpatuman na niini sa mosunod nga mga bulan.

Sa kasamtangan, tuyokon sa technical team sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center, sa DTI ug MAO sa hingtungdang lungsod ang kasamtangang uma ug giplanohang tamnan sa mga mag-uuma alang sa posibleng technical assistance, apil ang posibleng pagbansay nga himoon sa dili pa ang gitakdang pagsugod sa pagpanum sa bulan sa Hunyo. (LGU Agusand el Norte/PIA Agusand el Norte)

SurSur gob, muling idiniin ang pagbabawal ng sabong sa probinsya ngayong may pandemya

By John Cuadrasal

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mayo 4 -- Muling idiniin ni Surigao del Sur Gobernador Alexander Pimentel na bawal ang pagsasagawa ng mga sabong sa probinsya bilang pagsunod sa guidelines ng Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) laban sa COVID-19 kaugnay ng COVID-19 pandemic.

Inihayag ni Gob. Pimentel na may mga indibidwal na lumalapit sa kanya upang humingi ng permit sa pagsasagawa ng sabong.

Ani ng gobernador, talagang ipinagbawal ng IATF ang mga sabong dahil sa banta ng COVID-19.

Aniya, ang ipinapahintulot ngayon ng IATF ang online sabong na mayroong permit mula sa Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Dagdag ni Gob. Pimentel, kung meron mang maireklamo ukol sa pagsasagawa ng sabong sa mga bayan at lungsod habang inaadopt ang guidelines ng IATF sa probinsya, maaaring managot ang alkalde nito. (DXJS RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

TESDA grants Bislig agri-fishery complex as certified farm school 

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 5 (PIA) -- The City Organic Agri-Fishery Tourism Complex (COAFTC) of the city government of Bislig has been granted with the Certificate of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Program Registration (CTPR) recently.

The report said, after qualifying in the assessment, COAFTC is now a certified farm school of the city government in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Bisliganons and its neighboring municipalities can now avail the several programs offered such as:

1.) Agricultural Crops Production NC III;

2.)  Animal Production (Poultry-Chicken) NC II;

3.) Animal Production (Swine) NC II; and 

4.) Organic Agricultural Production NC II. 

With the new programs offered in the said institution, the present administration is looking forward to the improvement of the quality of life of Bisliganons, by providing excellent services and facilitating economic opportunities.

It can be recalled that COAFTC has been the center for research, training, and learning site in the city showcasing different organic programs such as organic multi-production, organic vegetable production, organic aquaculture, fruit crops, herbs and spices, and many more. (with a report from CIO-Bislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DA, CSU partner for milk feeding program

BUTUAN CITY, May 5 -- In support of the Milk Feeding Program, Research and Development, and Extension in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga handed over o Tuesday, May 4, a check amounting to P5 million to Caraga State University (CSU) for the establishment of the Dairy Goat Multiplier Breeder Farm.

Livestock program regional coordinator Jekem Sanchez personally turned over the check to Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, CSU president, with the presence of CSU vice president for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Rowena P. Varela, and director for Resource Generation and Management Services Dr. Tomas Austral Jr.

The intervention is under the Nucleus and Multiplier Breeder Farms for Poultry, Swine, and Small Ruminants Project of the Bayanihan Act II of the National Livestock Program. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Caraga)

Completed irrigation for AgSur farmers washes away cropping ‘failure’

By Zenny G. Awing

No more cropping failure in the barangays of Agusan del Sur following the back-to-back turn-over of the Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) in the municipalities of Rosario and San Luis.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-RRDP), the 2.71 kilometer main canal, lateral and structures of Laminga in San Luis, and 4.76 kilometer main canal with structures in Limbatangan, Rosario is perceived to maximize cropping potential and ease farming operations.

"This irrigation is very critical in rice cropping. Here in Rosario before, harvest has always been a failure due to the lack of a good water source. Now, as this project has come to life, surely yield will increase so with the farmers' income," said Rex Fuentes, Rosario Sangguniang Bayan member.

The 2.71 km Laminga CIS intends to cover 136 ha of rice field with 703 household beneficiaries in barangays Alejandro, Baylo, Dona Flavia, and Poblacion. This is in addition to the 10 ha existing conventional rice area and will help increase the rice production from 2.2 MT/ha to 4 MT. A 29.22% increment in palay production is expected with the CIS.

Limbatangan's 4.76 CIS targets 264 ha rice area in the barangays of Libuac, Poblacion, and Tagbayan, Rosario having 1,623 household beneficiaries. This will increase rice production from 3.0 MT/ha to 4.0 MT/ha for conventional rice and 3.0 MT/ha to 3.6 MT/ha for organic rice.

Officials and farmers in Rosario and San Luis expressed their gratitude towards the implementors of the irrigation, promising to unceasingly support government interventions.

"Our hearts are filled with joy with the completion of this irrigation. This will make our lives easier. This just proves that the government is listening to our sentiments," declared Jeffrey Manlapas, Laminga Irrigators Association member.

"Even if our generation ends, but as long as farming is alive, this fountain of life will always be here because of you. Rest assured that we will continuously support and help the government by maintaining this irrigation up to the next generations," guaranteed Federico Guerrero, Jr, Limbatangan Farmers Irrigators Association President.

Moreover, DA Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo reminded the residents that the government has been heeding the call of its people. Despite the threats of the pandemic, officials adapt to the new normal ensuring that programs reached their intended beneficiaries.

"The government's eyes and ears are open for the people, making sure that we reach the places that are badly in need. Instead of complaining, let's put our trust and hope to the government offices by opening up our suggestions to where do further interventions should take place," Monteagudo encouraged.

The CIS amounting to P21-million for Laminga and P50-million for Limbatangan would not be possible without the 10 percent counterpart from the local government unit of the beneficiary barangays. This is required by the DA-PRDP along with the 10 percent counterpart from the Philippine government and 80 percent from the world bank.

Furthermore, the Laminga canal was turned over to the Laminga Irrigator's Association along with the Limbatangan canal to the Limbatangan Farmers Irrigators Association.

The office of the mayor, Sangguniang Bayan members, and officials from the local government units of Limbatangan and Lamina, and the DA-PRDP staff witnessed the ribbon cutting and turn-over ceremony. (DA-PRPD13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Bag-ong barangay hall sa lungsod sa Magallanes, gi-intrigo na

By Shena Mae C. Pabia

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Mayo 5 -- Gihimo kagahapon, Martes ang turn-over ceremony ug blessing sa bag-ong Barangay Hall sa Caloc-an, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.

Gipangunahan ang maong pag-intrigar sa P500,000 nga Barangay Hall ngadto sa mga barangay officials sa Caloc-an sa pagpanguna ni Kapitan Julius Perang ni Mayor Cesar “Bubu” Cumba, Jr.

“Dako ko ug pasalamat sa LGU sa Magallanes headed by Mayor (Cesar) “Bubu” Cumba labi na gyod sa atong Gobernador Dale Bokingo Corvera ug sa atong Congressman (Angel Amante-Matba), nalipay mi og daku sa mga opisyal nga gitagaan mi ug project nga barangay Hall,” sumala ni Kapitan Perang.

Gilantaw usab sa nga opisyal ug residente sa barangay Caloc-an nga ma-turn over na usab ning tuiga sa probinsya sa pagpanguna ni Gob. Corvera ug Congw Amante-Matba ang nahuman na nga Covered Court sa Caloc-an nga nagkantidad og Php4.7M.

“Ang Caloc-an gitagaan og ensaktong project ilabina sa covered court nga ang budget Php4.7 Million nga nahuman na gyod siya, (og) street lights gikan sa Bitaog taman sa akong barangay nga naa solar light,” dugang ni Kapitan Perang.

Sumpay ni Mayor Cumba nga “karon pa lang sa panahon ni Kapitan Yoyoy Perang nga ing ani ang panagway sa Brgy. Caloc-an. Pwede ninyo ipanghambog nga adto mo sa caloc-an kay nindot among covered court, labi na among barangay hall.”

Ang turn-over ceremony gitambongan nila Board Member Meriam Pagaran, municipal officials, barangay officials, DILG, mga personahe sa kapulisan, mga lumulupyo sa maong barangay ug ni Rev. Fr. John Cepeda nga maoy nagbasbas sa maong edipisyo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

14 Milisyang Bayan members, 325 UGMOs surrender to Army

By Cpt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 5 -- The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves welcomed back to the folds of the law 14 members of the Milisya ng Bayan (MBs) and 325 members of Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) in a pledge of allegiance ceremony recently in Barangay Consorcia, Las Nieves.

The MBs and UGMOs once served as the main support mechanism of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) in Barangay Consorcia for years.

The mass surrender ceremony was witnessed by Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales; Gerry Joey Laurito, the Provincial Administrator of Agusan del Norte; Lt. Col Julius Cesar C. Paulo, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 23IB; PLt. Fritzel V. Cubillan, Chief of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station; Dir. Rey M. Cueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Agusan del Norte; Ms. Karen S. Rosales, head of the Youth for Peace in Las Nieves; and the member of Sangguniang Bayan of Las Nieves. Barangay Captain Wennie A. Loquinte, together with the members of the barangay council joined by hundreds of residents of Consorcia.

It can be recalled that a peace consultation and dialogue, locally known as pulong-pulong, was conducted last December 18, 2020 in Barangay Consorcia. During the activity, the residents expressed their issues and concerns, especially on peace and order. They also lamented on the continuing terroristic activities of the CNTs and voiced out their worries on the recruitment of the terrorists among the vulnerable sectors in their community, especially the youths. The 23IB, during the pulong-pulong, also provided the residents with inputs and information on the different schemes the CNT members utilize in recruitment. When enlightened, the residents, especially the members of MBs and UGMOs decided to surrender to the government.

During the mass surrender activity, the MBs and UGMOs also handed over to the government nine (9) Caliber 22 (Airgun) rifles, four (4) homemade shotguns with two (2) live ammunition, and one (1) Caliber 38 pistol with five (5) live ammunition.

Alias "Nong" was among the MBs who surrendered and shared his experience and difficulties when he was still supporting the communist movement and even ask for forgiveness to the people of Barangay Consortia for extorting them.

In her message, Mayor Rosales lauded the courageous act of the residents of Consorcia for condemning the CNT and making a turn to the right path.

"As you chose to start a new life, you have finally made up your minds to cut ties and withdrew your support to them. We are grateful that you have finally realized that there is no tomorrow with the presence of CPP NPA Terrorists in your barangay. This program is not only for the Army, the police, and the government agencies. We want nothing but peace and development. We can only achieve this through your cooperation," Rosales said.

Provincial Administrator Laurito, who represented Gov. Dale B. Corvera, expressed gladness for the decreasing number of CNT members and supporters in the province.

"Our government is always here to listen to your concern and is very eager to give the basic services to the people.We are glad that you have denounced your support to the CPP-NPA Terrorists for hindering the development interventions," Laurito said.

The head of the Youth for Peace in Las Nieves, Karen S. Rosales asked the parents to look over their children to prevent them from being recruited by the CNTs, and transform them as effective youth in the community.

"The youths are among the vulnerable sectors of the community and the CNTs are taking undue advantage of their vulnerability. Let us go hand in hand to end the 52 years of deceptive recruitment that have been destroying the future of our youth," Rosales said. 

TESDA Dir. Cueva extended his compliments to the residents for their bravery.

"Now that you have withdrawn your support to the CNTs, development will surely boost in your community. In partnership with the LGU of Las Nieves, we at TESDA are providing support, especially in honing your knowledge and skills for increased productivity," he said.

Lt. Col. Paulo welcomed the former rebels and mass supporters and thanked them for the withdrawal of support and enslavement from the CNT.

"We are grateful that you denounced the CNT and finally cut your support with them. You also surrendered tools and devices used against the Army and the police. Rest assured that this kind of act will never be put to waste," Paulo said.

The 23IB commander thanked the barangay officials of Consorcia for their support of the mass surrender activity.

"We thank you for the support you have given to us.  Your Army, especially the troopers of 23IB, will always be your partner in attaining lasting peace and development here in Barangay Consorcia," Paulo said.

He also reminded the residents to guard their community against the terroristic activities of the CNTs and shield the youth from the deceptive recruitment of the terrorists. 

"Now that their number continues to decrease, they will never stop to regain their strength by recruiting new members. The first line of defense in shielding our youth against these terrorists are the families and the community as a whole. I also assure you that your 23IB is always ready to provide support to secure your community," Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB 4I PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

17 IP soldiers complete DepEd ALS A&E program in Butuan City

By Maj. Francisco P. Garello

BUTUAN CITY, May 6 -- Seventeen indigenous peoples (IPs) who enlisted as soldiers under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade completed the two-year Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) program facilitated by the Department of Education (DepEd) - Division of Butuan City on April 30, 2021 at the 402nd Brigade Headquarters, Camp Romualdo P Rubi, Brgy. Bancasi, this city.

Colonel Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., 402nd Brigade deputy brigade commander representing on behalf of brigade commander BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, attended the simple Completion Ceremony with a theme, “Edukasyon Pahalagahan, Ito’y Daan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan…Alternative Learning System ang Kailangan.”

The ceremony signifies that the soldiers are now on their way to become eligible and qualified members of the regular force of the Philippine Army.

Ana Marie L. Ceniza, representative of School District Supervisor of West Butuan; Remedios C. Hinampas, the district in-charge and ALS manager; and Brgy. Kagawad of Bancasi Teresita A. Durante were also present to witness the moment of success of the IP soldiers. 

It can be recalled that the Philippine Army allocated a special enlistment quota for IPs and FRs and waived all their educational and age requirements to serve for at least six years term.

As part of sustaining the professionalism of all Army troops, the higher headquarters directed the said soldiers to complete at least secondary education soonest, hence, they enrolled in the DepEd’s ALS A&E program. 

Captain Algiem U. Basig, the personnel officer of the 402nd Brigade who monitored the status of the ALS education of the IP and FR soldiers said, “We always monitor the progress and development of our soldiers’ as ALS students and continuously guide them to ensure that they could continue their service in the Army. They must cope up with the qualifications or requirements as members of the AFP once they will be subjected to examinations and/or when they become eligible for promotion.”

The ALS A&E assessment and certification is a process that comprises an exam and other appropriate assessments to measure the competencies acquired by ALS learners based on the ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC).

Col. Balaoro congratulated the soldiers for completing the DepEd A&E program. “We are pleased that these soldiers painstakingly hurdled the process of undergoing the program that will be of their best interest in continuing their military service. We also laud the efforts of the ALS teachers who patiently taught our soldiers. More than anything else, it’s their sacrifices that led to the success of our soldiers,” he said.

Meanwhile, BGen. Licudine conveyed his sincere gratitude to the leadership of DepEd - Butuan City led by schools division superintendent Marilou D. Dedumo for the continuous commitment and partnership that enhances the capability of its personnel.

He said the Department of Education is always a committed partner of the Philippine Army towards peace and development. Hand in hand, the DepED became part of continuously professionalizing our troops. Thank you, DepEd.

“As we move towards sustaining our gains against those who utilize education as a way to deceive learners and advocate violence for their own agenda, we implore everyone to be wary of the Sectoral Front Organizations of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and drive them away from the campuses and communities, and support our efforts to stop youth recruitment,” said BGen. Licudine. (CMO Officer, 402nd Infantry Brigade, PA/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor school facilitates conduct of anti-insurgency campaign

By Victoria A. Sumayod and Wyler C. Eupeña

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 6 --  In support to Executive Order (EO) No. 70 series of 2018, ”Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework”, the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries  (NMSF), Barangay Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte headed by Officer-in-Charge Nancy C. De Guzman has facilitated the Anti-Insurgency Campaign conducted by the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army under the Acting Commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo attended by 245 students.

According to OIC De Guzman, this is a very laudable activity in order for students to be aware and be informed on how they are being led by those insurgents in another direction.

“So we are trying our best for our students, especially in TVET, not to go in that direction. TVET is one of the responses, because according to some experts that the very cause of rebellion is poverty and the answer to poverty is education,” de Guzman said.

Assistant Civil-Military Operations Officer 2nd Lieutenant Angel Grace M. Sebelina who led the advocacy team, has stressed how it will save the students from going to the wrong path. Louie Fuentes a.k.a. Kuya Louie, a former rebel has bared the recruitment activities in Caraga and inside campuses. Kuya Louie revealed that even though his parents are pastors, he was still persuaded by one of the CPP-NPA members to join because of the “welfare and good of everyone propaganda.”

Further, Kuya Louie shared how he found out that the doings of the CPP-NPA were the exact opposite of the promises they made during his recruitment. These vicious and unlawful acts of destroying government properties used for the concreting of roads for example and going hungry for many days due to the scarcity of food were just some of the factors that opened his mind and led him to leave and return to the fold of the government. Finally, he hoped that through his testimonies, the students will not go through the sufferings he experienced at the hands of the CPP-NPA.

During his talk, Captain Roel T. Maglalang, 23IB Civil-Military Operations Officer, has warned the students on how to avoid becoming the prey of the terrorists and other criminal groups. He supplemented it with video presentations that effectively show how their lies ruined the lives of the youths and their loved ones.

Capt. Maglalang concluded by posing these challenges to the students: Be a good and obedient youth, focus on your studies, obey your parents, and be law-abiding citizens.

The activity reflects NMSF’s commitment and support towards the attainment of true and lasting peace in the country. (TESDA-NMSF/PIA Asan del Norte)

Caraga’s economic performance drops by 7.2%, GFCE posts growth in 2020

BUTUAN CITY, May 6 --The economy of Caraga contracted by 7.2 percent in 2020 compared with the 5.4 percent growth in 2019. The top three contributors to decline in 2020 were construction, which dropped by 32.9 percent; transportation and storage at -26.8 percent; and mining and quarrying at -11.5 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Caraga.

PSA reported that agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) grew by 3.9 percent in 2020 from a contraction of 3.6 percent in 2019. AFF contributes 14.3 percent to the regional economy.

Of the -9.6 percent economic contraction in the country, Caraga’s contribution to the decline was estimated at -0.1 percentage points while accounting for 1.6 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

On the other hand, Caraga’s GFCE recorded 9.5 percent growth in 2020. Other expenditure items showed contractions, in which the Imports of goods and services from the Rest of the World posted the largest decline of 33.4 percent.  Likewise, Gross capital formation dropped by 27.9 percent, contributing 8.9 percentage points to the decline of the expenditure in the region. Meanwhile, region’s household spending, which accounted to 74.6 percent of the region’s economy, declined by 7.8 percent in 2020.

Meanwhile, the per capita Household final consumption expenditure (HFCE) of Caraga declined by 8.8 percent, higher than the national per capita HFCE of -9.2 percent.

The highlights of Caraga’s economy were presented during the simultaneous Regional News Conference in the country last 29 April 2021 via Zoom platform. (PSA/PIA-Caraga)

U.S., PH conclude ‘child protection compact partnership’

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 6– The United States (U.S.) and Philippine government officials conducted the final high-level dialogue to mark accomplishments and outline next steps after the conclusion of the four-year U.S.-Philippines Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership on April 29.

The dialogue centered on recognizing the progress made over the last four years towards achieving the CPC Partnership’s objectives of improving the government’s capacity to investigate and prosecute cases of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC); identify and respond to child labor trafficking; provide comprehensive services to protect child trafficking victims; and prevent future human trafficking crimes.

During the meeting, Philippine government officials and civil society leaders committed to carry forward and build on the accomplishments achieved under the partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to combat all forms of child trafficking.

“Through the CPC, the Philippine government has been able to carve out a more targeted and focused response to OSEC by identifying key objectives and adjusting critical resources in order to address priority responses in the prevention and prosecution of OSEC cases as well as the protection of victim survivors,” said Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Emphasizing the U.S. commitment, the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) Acting Director Dr. Kari Johnstone said, “Today we celebrate the tremendous work accomplished under the Child Protection Compact Partnership over the last four years and look ahead towards new initiatives to sustain the improved capacity of both the Government of the Philippines and civil society organizations achieved under this partnership.”

“Our strong partnership with the Philippine government and civil society organizations has built a solid foundation reflected in various efforts aimed at eliminating all forms of exploitation against children. I remain confident that this Partnership will become even more effective at combating many forms of abuse against of children in the years to come,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires John Law.

The partnership, signed by the two governments in 2017, concluded on April 11, 2021. Its jointly developed and implemented plan strengthened the capacity of the Philippine government and civil society to address online sexual exploitation of children and child labor trafficking in the Philippines, specifically improving their ability to prosecute and convict child traffickers, provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for victims, and prevent these crimes from occurring.

Throughout the partnership, the TIP Office committed P237 million ($4.9 million) and the Philippine Department of Justice Inter - Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons pledged approximately P44.6 million ($921,760) to meet these objectives. Programming was implemented by partner organizations International Justice Mission and The Salvation Army.

Under it, the International Justice Mission has successfully identified 312 child victims of online sexual exploitation and facilitated the arrests of 97 perpetrators of trafficking crimes, while The Salvation Army trained more than 355 social workers on victim-centered care and directly supported 44 survivors in aftercare facilities. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

OWWA Caraga joins agency's 39th anniv celebration

BUTUAN CITY, May 7– The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - Regional Welfare Office Caraga (OWWA RWO Caraga), together with the other RWOs virtually participated in the simultaneous flag-raising and anniversary celebration via Zoom hosted by OWWA Central Office as OWWA marks its 39th founding anniversary.

In memory of the demise of some colleagues in the agency, a eucharistic mass was offered presided by Fr. Jorge Seldon Coronado of Sto. Rosario Parish Church, Butuan City, for the eternal repose of the soul of the late OWWA employees, and the families of fellow employees who passed away during this time of the pandemic. After the mass, the event featured the virtual message of Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac to officially commemorate the founding anniversary, wherein he expressed his appreciation to the OFWs for all their hard work and sacrifices over the years.

“Patuloy po ang pagsaludo namin sa inyong sakripisyo para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he said. The event also presented the video greetings from the different Regional Offices as one of the highlights of the virtual celebration.

Part of the celebration was the awarding of cheques with the presence of OWWO III/OIC-PSD, Rodel P. Deligero on behalf of the OIC-Regional Director, Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling of OWWA Caraga to the two beneficiaries of the livelihood assistance program worth PhP10,000 under the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay Program and another PhP10,000 to one beneficiary of the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (ODSP), who are all from Butuan City.

Another highlight of the event was the inspirational message by former DOLE Sec. Marianito D. Roque, who recalled his fond memories about the humble beginnings of OWWA, and articulated his commendation to the current Administrator as to how OWWA continues to implement its mission and vision to the OFWs through the ongoing programs and services, not just for the OFWs but also for their dependents back home.

Alongside this celebration, a webinar series dubbed “Kumusta ka, OWWA?” that emphasized the mental health wellness for OWWA employees hosted by Father Nilo Tanalega, SJ of UGAT Foundation together with their resident psychologists, Kim Lim and Kat Ching. The webinar aimed to tackle the mental well-being of the participants and a channel of enlightenment that will somehow ease the silent battles that everyone is going through in this pandemic. (OWWA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Army, police join forces to stop NPA's extortion

By Cpt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 7– The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADN-PPO) on Wednesday hosted the 1st Security Coordinating Conference held at the 23IB headquarters, Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Brgy. Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The event transpired as part of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Security Operations (CIPSO) to intensify efforts in ending the extortion scheme of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), to instill the concept of Shared Security Environment (SSE) with all the stakeholders involved, and to align the assessment and plans in achieving peace and resilient development programs for the areas of Agusan del Norte.

The said activity was attended by Col. Cerilo C. Balaoro, Jr., Deputy Brigade Commander, 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army; Ltc. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Commanding Officer of 23IB, and his staff; PCol. Martin M. Gamba, Provincial Director, ADN-PPO; Chiefs of Police from different municipalities and contractors of ongoing government flagship projects within the Area of Operation of 23IB.

Ltc. Paulo cited the importance of Shared Security and the involvement of all sectors, particularly the local government units (LGUs) in addressing the extortion activities of the New People’s Army (NPA). “This is part of our efforts in addressing the atrocities and to strengthen security measures of infrastructures, development projects, legitimate business that serve the interests in providing gainful employment, and tourism areas in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs), Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies and prevent the latter from conducting harassment, and intimidation against private companies in the area," he said.

"The NPA extortion work is not just the responsibility of the government security forces but it is everybody’s concern," Ltc. Paulo added.

“Have faith in your government, have faith in your security. This is a big leap forward to prosecute the assailants and let’s not give the NPA rebels the breather and the opportunity to penetrate the burning spree of heavy equipment and to stop their terrorism plans and to pressure the companies to give in to their extortion demands,” Col. Balaoro said. (CMO Officer, 23IB 4ID PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Bridging knowledge, closing the gap: IPs in agriculture

By Kent Warren H. Fugoso

Leaning towards development for the ancestral domains of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) / Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K), mobilizes its efforts in creating a livelihood and agricultural productivity program that will touch into four components such as Social Preparation, Production and Livelihood, Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development, and Project Management. The project will also provide a capacity building that will link the IP community to credit facilities and crop insurance. All of these will be catered through the targeted Community Needs-Assessments (CNA).

‘No One Left Behind’

The 4Ks, which commenced last 2020, is intended for the IPs to throw light on norms that they are the “left behind” sectors in the society. The year 2020 has an allocated budget of P13.7 million pesos while 2021 has P14.9 million pesos. 

“Our IPs have massive spaces and lands for agricultural products but it is not productive. This is the reason why this initiative is lodge under the DA, of course in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to safeguard the customs, traditions, values, beliefs, and interest of the communities,” said Edelmira Luminarias, DA – Caraga4K Program Focal Person.

Before the implementation of the project, a joint special order with the DA and NCIP was established to work hand-in-hand. 

‘Checking the validity’

The project will cater to IP farmers and fisherfolk of recognized Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) by the NCIP, who has a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), Certificate of Ancestral Land Title (CALT), and Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADC). In addition, they should also be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

“The reason, why we need to look thoroughly at the recognized members of the IPS, is because there are some who are claiming to be a member of an IP community and recognized by the NCIP, so that they can avail of the benefits. They must be registered in the RSBSA so that they will be insured under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC),” Luminarias said. 

‘Benefits from the component’

The 4Ks anchor its benefits from four different components allotting different scope of interventions. For the Social Preparation, the scope of interventions includes validation of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), Community Needs Assessment, Registration of IP Farmers to RSBSA, Registration of farmers to the PCIC, and identifying the specific interventions for capability building and conduct of training. 

After determining the social preparations, component two focuses on the provision of support services and livelihood assistance. Production of support services includes quality seeds, organic and inorganic fertilizers, pre-and-post harvest equipment, tools and machinery, breeder animals to name a few. Component two also targets to improve access of technology through the conduct of technology demonstration projects as a show window of technology through approaches like ‘learning by doing’ and ‘to see is to believe’ for easy adoption of technology.

Component three will focus on the marketing assistance and enterprise development which is in coordination with DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division as key players. Technical assistance and literacy training take place to access finance, markets, services, and partnerships outside the ancestral domains. This component also aims to match the market and create linkages and a farm consolidation approach as well as value-adding of their products.

The last component will be the Project Management where implementation, coordination, and provision of logistics are ensured and appropriately conducted.

“Consultation in every Ancestral Domain is necessary so that we can keep up with the effects of the implementation. We have to hold onto our aim to provide initiative but in accord with their customs and tradition,” Luminarias said. 

‘Target communities’

For the year 2020, DA-4Ks identified 10 recipients of the 4K Program Intervention. Three IPOs from Agusan del Norte, three from Surigao del Sur, three from Surigao del Norte, and one from Butuan City.

For 2021, as of the latest data, DA-4Ks listed three recipients from Agusan del Sur. These are IPOs from Rosario, Bunawan, and Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. 

“For the list of recipients, we already incorporated the farm clustering approach so that these selected recipients will feel better access to resources, technologies, and markets

basing on their specific sectors,” Luminarias said. 

‘Closing the gap, Opening better opportunities’

The never-ending story of our IP communities revolves around being deficit in terms of capital and financial capacity, technical knowledge to produce quality agricultural products, lack of marketing skills, and lack of confidence. All of these dilemmas create gaps that hinder these communities to function well in the agriculture sector. 

But as the saying goes ‘alone we can do so little, together we can do so much,' there’s always a better chance to change the usual. With their expertise and historical legacies, bonded with government support and interventions, they will no longer be the ‘left behind.’ (DA RAFIS-13/PIA Caraga)

Adventures await in RTR, Agusan del Norte

By Shiene Deligero

There is nothing quite like traveling, like seeing a new place for the first time or returning to a favorite one. You see and learn many things during travels whether here or abroad. It may be a journey, an adventure, a new beginning, or reminiscing the past. Whatever one’s reasons are, traveling is generally a pleasurable experience that everyone needs.

It is a habit for any traveler to learn anything and everything concerning the place that will be visited, knowing the place you want to go gives you excitement and wants to see the real deal. In the province of Agusan del Norte, Remedios T. Romualdez also known as RTR is one of the most fascinating.

The municipality of RTR is known as the rice granary of Agusan del Norte because of its wide green rice field and also one among the biggest and high-grade quality of Manganese Mineral Resources in the Country. It is also the major part of the municipality that is why rice is the staple food of the locals and of the province. It is pleasing and refreshing to the eye of the travelers and it symbolizes abundant life.

Unknown to many, it hosts fascinating tourist spots. Whether you’re looking for natural, cultural, or historical destinations, you’ll find them all here.

Once you’re in the laid-back municipality, there is an unexplainable pleasure you will get that only nature can give you. The coldness of it, the fresh air, and the splash of water that makes you swim over the falls. It gives you rest, relaxation, and peace, since, the place is calm and peaceful and it offers beautiful sites to look at and watch. It is also secluded and away from much of the busy life of the neighboring towns and cities.

It is not yet so known in the country but slowly making a name in tourist destinations in Caraga Region.

Let’s go and feel relaxed as we explore the beauty and the adventures that await in such a wonderful place.

Waterfalls

Tagnote Falls is one of the known tourist spots in Agusan del Norte favored by the locals. It is located at Sitio Tagnote, Barangay San Antonio, RTR. A simple place with local snacks and foods available at the corner. It is 1.5 kilometers away from San Antonio proper. The 20-foot high waterfall cascades on a rock cliff down the 10 square meters wide basin which is about 3-foot deep and can accommodate 15-20 persons at a time. You can enjoy the forest scenery while swimming at the medium size pool. The serene lush forest, tumbling waterfalls, cool and clear waters you will experience around the vicinity. Near the area is plenty of trees that serve as a shade for any visiting tourists and the flat rocks will serve as tables and chairs by the campers. Tagnote falls is a must-see site for anybody visiting RTR.

How to go there?

From Butuan City take the bus, van, or jeepney and drop in RTR town proper, specifically at the crossing where you can find Rose Bakeshop. Then from the town proper, you can hire a bicycle or habal-habal for a ride to barangay San Antonio for about 7 kilometers, then have a walk for 1.5 kilometers to Tagnote Falls.

There is also called the Sak-a falls, where you will enjoy cliff jumping and swimming. This is somewhere a weary heart can find comfort and rest from the busy lifestyle of the present time. Sak-a Falls is also found in Barangay San Antonio,Remedios T. Romualdez. It is a two-hour trek from the barangay proper. The beauty of it is so tempting especially at high noon because the flowing water seems to sparkle with the rays of the sun striking from above.

Mountain Climbing

If you are one of those who like mountain climbing, then Mount Hilong-hilong is the place you will really want to go to since Mt. Hilung-Hilong is known as the highest mountain peak in Caraga. It is 2,012 meters above sea level and has seven large waterfalls and seven caves. Thus, according to German Botanist, Circular 1920, the smallest flower is seen only in this mountain. The easiest trek to the peak is through Malvar Trail situated in Barangay San Antonio of RTR within three days to the peak and one day going back to the barangay proper.

Caving

And if you are an adventurous person, Humilog Cave 1 is the right place for you. It is located in Barangay Humilog, RTR and it is two kilometers away from the town proper. The cave is 4.5 meters wide and 300 meters long. It has a tight vertical entrance that makes one hold his breath and at the end of the cave is a rock that looks like an altar. Below the altar are smaller rocks that can be used as chairs.

These beautiful places in RTR are perfect for all types of travelers, from solo and couple to family and friends. You will be mesmerized by the magnificent wonders of nature and man-made cultural heritage sites that the place has to offer.

For more details, you may contact Ms. Bernaditha B. Daquipil, Sangguniang Bayan Member of the said province through the number 09101375575. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Mga pampubliko at pribadong sektor sa Butuan  nagsanib pwersa laban COVID-19

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Puspusan ang naging kampanya ng gobyerno at ng mga pribadong sektor sa Butuan City laban sa patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Tamang impormasyon sa publiko, mas malawak na kaalaman sa COVID-19, health protocols at kahalagahan ng bakuna ang naging tugon ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at ng SM City sa lungsod ng Butuan.

Sa isang kapihan ay binigyang linaw ang mga katanungan mula sa media nina Department of Health - Center for Healh Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga regional director Dr. Cesar Cassion kasama si Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga regional director at Regional Task Force COVID-19 chairperson Liza Mazo.

Ayon kay Frank Nicol Marba, public relations officer ng SM City Butuan, ang kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa PIA at sa iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno ay isang paraan ng kanilang matibay na pagsuporta sa pamahalaan at sa pagbabahagi ng mahalagang impomasyon sa publiko lalo na ngayong may pandemic.

“Nais ng SM City Butuan na maging well-informed ang ating mga kababayan na kahit sila’y nasa mall ay nalalaman pa rin nila ang mga balita at ang mga hakbang ng gobyerno kasama ang pribadong sector sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga tao at kung papaano natin malalampasan itong pandemyang kinakaharap natin ngayon,” ani ni Marba.

Binigyang-diin ni Dr. Cassion na mas napapabilis ang pagbabakuna sa mga eligible priority groups dahil na rin sa direktiba ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“Mandato po ng ating Presidente na sa loob ng anim na araw mula ng pagdating ng vaccines sa ating rehiyon ay dapat na itong maibigay sa mga eligible priority groups base na doon sa ating masterlist, sa tulong na rin ng ating mga local government units,” pahayag ni Cassion.

Nanawagan naman si Dir. Liza Mazo sa publiko na patuloy na sumunod sa health protocols at suportahan ang vaccination program ng gobyerno.

“Sumunod po tayo sa minimum health standards laban COVID-19. Ugaliin po ang pagsuot ng face mask, face shield, paghugas ng kamay at social distancing. Patuloy pa rin pong tumataas ang kaso sa rehiyon kaya mas maging maingat sana tayo,” sabi ni Mazo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Ecological solid waste management seminar gipahigayon sa Butuan City

SYUDAD SA BUTUAN, May 7 -- Gibisita sa buhatan sa City Environment and Natural Resources Office kon CENRO ang Barangay Masao ning syudad aron mahatagan og kaalam mahitungod na sa Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM).

Ang ESWM mao ang pagplastar sa mga aktibidades kalabot sa paghatag og kaalam sa segregation ug source niini, segregated transportation, storage, pag transfer, pag proseso ug angay nga buhaton sa mga basura, ug lakip na sab ang disposal sa solid waste. Uban sab ang katuyoan nga matudloan sa waste management aron dili kini mahimong dilikado sa palibot.

Gipasabot sab kong unsa ang solid waste. Ang solid waste mao ang mga gilabay nga basura sa mga balay, non-hazardous institutional ug industrial waste, basura sa dalan, construction debris, agricultural waste, ug uban pang non-hazardous ug non-toxic solid waste.

Dugang usab pagpasabot sa mga residente ang mga Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Resolution nga gipatuman sa syudad ug ang mga silot nga nag hulat sa usa ka indibidwal kung nakalapas kini sa balaod nga gipatuman subay sa solid waste management.

Daku sab ang pasalamat ni kapitan Romeo Suello sa Barangay Masao sa gihimung pagbisita sa taga CENRO aron mapahibalo ngadto sa mga residente ang sakto nga buhaton sa mga basura sa ilang lugar.

Dugang sab niini nga tungod sa nagkataas nga ihap sa mga negosyo nga natukod sa lugar lakip na usab ang mga indibidwal nga mulaag sa barangay, hugtanong ipatuman ni kapitan Suello ang insaktong waste management sa lugar.

Padayon ang mahitabo nga information dissemination sa buhatan sa uban pang mga barangay sa syudad. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

LGU-Butuan, BCPO doble-bantay vs. ASF

SIYUDAD SA BUTUAN, May 7 -- Hugot nga gibantayan sa City Veterinary Office katambayayong ang Butuan City Police Office ang pagsulod ug paggawas sa mga karneng baboy o produkto sa karneng baboy nga mosulod ug mugawas niining syudad pinaagi sa pagbutang og Veterinary Quarantine checkpoints.

Gi-awhag lamang ang mga indibidwal nga adunay mga ibiyahe o isulod nga mga hayop, karneng baboy, ug mga produkto sa karneng baboy nga makigkooperar sa veterinary quarantine nga gipatuman.

Panawagan sa mga mosulod nga mga meat van ug sa mga sakyanan nga adunay karga nga hayop nga magpakita sa mga kinahanglang dokumento.

Pahinumdum sa mga taga Butuan nga adunay ibyahe nga hayop nga kinahanglan magpakita og Veterinary Health Certificate nga mamahimong kuhaon sa inyong barangay.

Sa mga mubyahe gikan gawas sa syudad kinahanglan magpakita og veterinary health certificate ug shipping permit sa mga personahe sa checkpoint aron masusi ang kamatuoran sa mga papeles ug makita og tarong ang mga baboy o produkto nga isulod sa syudad.

Kung makita man ugaling nga sayop ang mga papel o positibo ang dala nga baboy sa ASF, awhagon gayud sila nga mubalik sa point of region.

Adunay ibutang pa nga mga veterinary quarantine sa mga checkpoint sa mga entry ug exit points sa syudad aron doble ang pagsusi sa mga makasulod nga baboy o produkto sa baboy sa Butuan. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

1,700 senior citizens nabakunahan batok COVID-19 sa Butuan

SIYUDAD SA BUTUAN, Mayo 7 -- Daghan na nga senior citizens ang nabakunahan sa tulo ka vaccination posts sa nilabay nga upat ka adlaw. Niabot kini og 1,700.

Alas siete pa lang ganinang buntag gidagsa na ang vaccination posts sa Father Saturnin Urios University (FSUU), Morelos Campus, Robinsons Place Butuan, ug SM City Butuan.

Sayo ang mga senior citizens ug taas ang interes nga magpabakuna.

Sa upat ka adlaw, lahi lahi ang estado sa kinabuhi sa mga senior citizen nga nabakunahan. Apan nagkahiusa sila sa pagpabakuna alang sa ilang kaugalingong proteksyon, sa ilang pamilya, ug sa komunidad.

Nakaapil usab og pabakuna ang tulo ka persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) niadtong niaging adlaw human sila nahatagan og court order.

Limitado ang mga bakuna mao nga dili pa tanan mabakunahan dayon. Busa, giawhag ang tanan nga kung iskedyul na sa inyong barangay, dili palabyon ang oportunidad ug magpabakuna gyud. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Ground breaking gihimo sa coconut processing upgrading project sa Jabonga

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Mayo 10 -- Gihimo bag-ohay pa lamang ang ground breaking sa Integrated Coconut Processing Center sa Libas Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LFMPC), ang convergence project nga gipangunahan sa Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) ug nagsilbing core processing project sa Jabonga ubos sa Process! Process! Process! Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba.  

Gihimo ang maong groundbreaking human gi-turn over sa PCA ngadto sa Municipal Government sa Jabonga ang Php17 million nga tseke nga gastohon alang sa building ug mga ekwipo sa maong proyekto.

Ang maong proyekto nga gihimo sa PCA ubos sa Convergence in Coconut Farming Communities Towards Sustainable Rural Enterprises Project niini nagpunting pagpataas sa katakus sa produksyon sa LFMPC gikan sa 200 ka lubi lang matag semana ngadto sa 10,000 matag adlaw.

Usa ang Agusan del Norte sa 11 ka probinsya nga napili nga ipahiluna ang maong proyekto gikan sa 81 ka probinsya sa Pilipinas. 

Ang Php17m million nga suporta sa PCA sa maong proyekto bunga sa paningkamot sa mga opisyal sa probinsya nga naghago paghangyo niini gikan sa nasudnong ahensya. Sumala ni Gob. Corvera nga nanguna si Kongw. Amante-Matba sa maong paningkamot.

Dugang sa gobernador nga napadangat usab niya ang maong hangyo sa buhatan ni Cabinet Secretary Carlo Nograles, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security kon CORDS sa Caraga. Iyang dugang nga natawagan siya mismo ni Sec. Nograles nga mapundohan ang maong proyekto ubos sa Bayanihan 2 Fund.

Sa bahin ni Kongw. Amante, gipasabot niya ang mga sakop sa LFMPC nga ayohon pagpadagan ang maong proyekto. Iyang dugang nga iyang nakita nga ang programa karon naa gyoy kapaingnan ug saktong direksyon kumpara sauna nga maglibog ang mga mag-uuma.

Gihangyo usab ni Gob. Corvera nga tabangan gyod sa mga ahensya ang organizational development ug capability building work alang sa LFMPC aron maseguro nga mahimong lig-on ang organization and management sa proyekto.

Gipasalig usab sa gobernador nga kaabag ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) nunot nga suportahan niini ang market development efforts sa proyekto.

Usa usab sa mga ahensya nga nagtabang sa organization development of capability building sa LFMPC mao ang Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) sa probinsya.
Apil sa nagtabang karon isip TWG sa proyekto mao Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Cooperative Development Authority ingon man ang LGU-Jabonga. (Karen Decamotan, hulagway kuha ni Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Sapat na supply ng pagkain sa Caraga Region,tiniyak sa kabila ng banta ng COVID-19

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 10 (PIA) -- Dahil sa hamon na hinaharap sa sektor ng agrikultura, patuloy ang Department of Agriculture (DA) na matugonan ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-introduce ng mga solusyon para dito lalong-lalo na ng mga bagong stratehiya para makadagdag sa puhunan at ani.

Sa ginawang regional food security summit sa lungsod ng Butuan, hinikayat ng ahensya ang mga partisipante na galing sa agricultural enterprises, farmers’ associations, national at local government units na kilalanin ang kanilang mga pangangailangan upang matugonan ang mga ito at magkaroon ng solusyon para dito.

Sa ginawang food security summit, kinilala ni Kevin Robert Ocampo, nagmamay-ari ng poultry farm ang malaking tulong ng gobyerno upang ma-iangat ang iba’t ibang sektor sa lipunan lalo na sa food security.

Anya ang pagtutulongan ng pamahalaan at private sector upang makapagsupply ng pagkain ay napakahalaga.

Nagpasalamat din si Ocampo sa gobyerno at nabigyan sila ng panahon upang maipaabot ang kanilang mga concerns sa negosyo.

Kahit paman sa banta ng COVID-19, ayon kay DA Caraga regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo, mataas pa rin ang rice production volume sa nakaraang taon, maayos din ang supply ng gulay at isda at bumaba na rin ang presyo nito sa merkado.

Sinang-ayunan din ni Gobernador Dale Corvera ng Agusan del Norte na ang matibay na tulungan ng iba’t-ibang sektor ang magbibigay ng masiglang ekonomiya lalo na sa agrikultura. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Kooperasyon gikinahanglan aron dili makasulod ang ASF sa Butuan City

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Mayo 10 -- Gihangyo sa City Veterinary Office ang kooperasyon sa Liga ng mga Barangay pinaagi sa paghatag impormasyon kabahin na sa African Swine Fever kon ASF. Kini aron malikayan ang pagsulod sa ASF sa Butuan City.

Sumala ni City Veterinary Chief Dr. Mancio Alegado, nakasulod na sa Caraga Region ang ASF busa angayan lang nga mahimung mabinantayon ang tanan.

Sa pagkakaron, nagpadayon sa pagmonitor ang City Veterinary Office ug nakig alayon sa buhatan sa Philippine National Police nga maoy manguna sa gibutang nga  check-point aron mapugngan ang pagsulod sa mga baboy nga dunay ASF.

“Aduna kitay na establish nga mga checkpoints diin maoy mupugong sa pagsulod sa baboy nga gikan sa agusan del sur kay nahibal-an naman nato nga infected na ang agusan del suraron malibre gayod kita niana nga sakit,” sumala ni Dr. Mancio Alegado sa City Veterinary Office.

Ang pagkaylap sa ASF hinungdan sa economic loss, shortage sa supply sa karneng baboy ug nitaas nga presyo sa merkado nga nakadugang sa kalisod sa katawhan hinungdan gipaningkamutan sa city government sa Butuan nga dili kini makasulod sa syudad sa Butuan. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)

LGU-Butuan, nanghatag og libreng binhi sa humay sa mga mag-uuma

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Mayo 10 -- Nang apud-apod og libreng binhi sa humay ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Butuan sa mga mag-uuma sa syudad. Niabot og 1,000 Certified Inbreed Rice Seeds ang gidawat sa halos 700 ka mag-uuma gikan sa Barangay Basag, Antongalon, Ampayon, Bobon, Cabcabon ug Tiniwisan alang sa cropping season sa umaabot Hunyo hangtud Nobyembre tuig 2021. Kini nga programa naglayon nga mapadayon ang panginabuhian sa mga kaigsoonang mag-uuma isip economic recovery intervention sa nasinating kalisod tungod sa nagpadayong pandemya.

Mapasalamaton si Dioscora Novo, usa ka rice farmer sa barangay Bobon sa nadawatang binhi gikan sa LGU-Butuan. Alang niya daku na kining tabang sa iyang pag-ugmad sa iyang basakan sa libreng binhi tungod naminusan ang iyang gasto.

Gihingusgan ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente  Lagnada pinaagi sa City Agriculturist Office ang pagpadako ug pagpalambu sa produksyon sa bugas sa dakbayan aron masiguro ang luwas ug lokal nga supply sa bugas sa dakbayan.

Ang Butuan City dunay 8,000 ektarya sa rice area. Unang nahatagan sa binhi ang nasangpit nga mga barangay tungod mao kini ang unang naskedyulan nga buhian og patubig sa National Irrigation Administration kun NIA. Nakatakda sab hatagan og binhi ang ubang mga barangay sa syudad.

Ang libreng binhi gikan sa Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund RCEF nga hugtanung gipatuman sa City Agriculturist Office katambayayong ang PhilRice ug Department of Agriculture-Caraga. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Magsasaka at mangingisda, bida sa kabila ng pandemya

By Jayvee P. Masilang

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte. Mayo 10 -- Nakikiisa ang Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) sa buong bansa sa pagdiriwang ng “Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda” ngayong Mayo.

Ang bawat isa ay maaari ring maging parte ng selebrasyong ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa “Thank A Farmer and Fisherfolk Today” campaign kung saan hinihikayat ang lahat na batiin at pasalamatan ang mga makakasalamuhang magsasaka at mangingisda bilang simpleng sukli sa kanilang kasipagan at dedikasyon.

Tumutok lamang sa mga social media account ng ATI at ng Department of Agriculture para sa mga aktibidad ukol sa “Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda”. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bumisita sa www.facebook.com/dacentralphilippines/.

Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay alinsunod sa Presidential Proclamation No. 33, s. 1989, na kumikilala sa natatanging kontribusyon ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa bansa. (DA-ATI/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Sea, sand and sun in Danawan

By Venus L. Garcia

Are you looking for a snorkeling adventure? Look no further. Your next underwater exploration is calling and waiting for you.

Whether you're an avid snorkeler looking for a big adventure, or consider yourself a beginner, Danawan Island in Barangay Danawan, Surigao City offers the best experience of witnessing the parade of thriving marine life as you hover above the colorful patches of abundant coral reefs.

“Danawan island is one of the island barangays in Surigao City. It’s only a half an hour drive from the city proper via ‘bangka’ (or various native watercrafts). This year, Danawan island became one of the priority attractions that the City Tourism Office has been trying to promote because we see its potential for tourism,” said Roselyn Armida Merlin, department head of the Surigao City Tourism Office.

In the island, the pristine seawater, fresh wind blown from the sea, and other several activities such as the regulated leisure fishing certainly provide a breathing space. However, due to the pandemic and stricter implementation of travel protocols nowadays, the visits are limited only to local tourists until such a time that the international or even unrestricted domestic tourism activities resume.

“Its mountainous area has a six-hectare man-made forest and also a good trekking site. And if they don’t feel like snorkeling or fishing, or if they just simply want to see and be on the island then they can enjoy witnessing the beautiful daybreak that can bring joy into their mundane life,” said Merlin.

The groundbreaking of the Tourism Pavilion and the oath-taking of the newly-elected officers of the Association of Danawan Island Community-Based Tourism highlighted the occasion and a much more improved Danawan island adventure package was introduced.

Meanwhile, 20 sets of snorkeling gears, 10 camping tents, and 15 life jackets were turned over to the Danawan Tourism Council, while 31 first aid kits were also distributed to the lifeguards and community guides.

Prior to the relaunch of the Danawan tourist attractions, a five-day training on standard first aid and basic life support was conducted by the Coast Guard Station - Surigao del Norte.

It aimed at preparing and providing the residents with the right knowledge on how to appropriately respond during emergencies and calamities.

The encounter with nature’s diversity and underwater safari will certainly be an unforgettable experience in Danawan island.

According to Merlin, the City Tourism Council and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office had already talked about the plan on rural tourism in the said place.

“The community, the people in the area are also very hospitable. You will experience rural tourism, that is why Danawan island is perfect for piloting rural tourism. If you want to experience rural life, it could be the best place kasi walang sasakyan doon you can’t even see a single motorcycle in that island barangay pero marami silang mga bangka. Life is simple in the area and then its really very safe,” described Merlin.

The Surigao City Tourism Office also shared the top 10 wonderful tourist spots in the city to add to the summer bucket list. These are the Mabua Rock and Stone Beach, Looc Bebble Beach, Silop Cave Complex, Day-asan water village, Surigao river, Pagkawasan beach, Buenavista cave, Sagisi beach, Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial and Museum, and Danawan island, and a bonus destination at Alegria Bats Sanctuary.

Also, as part of their observance of the National Heritage Month of this year, the local government unit of Surigao City and City Tourism Office ensured to keep the locals aware of their heritage assets.

“We make sure that everyone will be aware of and is encouraged to preserve our heritage. So, we have a simple showcase of Surigaonon cultural properties that were discovered during our cultural mapping in the different barangays in the city. There, you can see in our display a tadyao, banga, and other heritage items that were kept by Surigaonons for more than 50 years, making them part of the great treasures of Surigaonons,” said Merlin. (Venus L. Garcia/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 

OCD-13 conducts PSCP training

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 11 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga recently conducted a five-day online blended training course on Public Service Continuity Planning (PSCP).

A total of 51 participants completed the 31 technical training hours course and were awarded with a certificate of completion.

The technical personnel of OCD Caraga and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga served as the trainers/facilitators of the online blended training course.

The said training is one of the capacity-building activities identified by OCD Caraga in its Annual Plans and Budget (APB) for 2021.

In her message during the opening program, OCD Caraga regional director Liza Mazo pointed out the importance of ensuring the continuous delivery of quality public services during an emergency, disaster, or any other disruption.

“As the entire nation continues its battle against COVID-19, OCD Caraga deems it necessary that PSCP shall be developed by the national/regional line agencies and local government units (LGUs) to guarantee the continuity of their operations amidst the pandemic,” she emphasized.

With the newly-trained PSCP champions of Caraga region and with the existing public health emergency, all government entities are expected to start implementing public service continuity management as a relevant mechanism to address and reduce the impact and adverse effects to their service delivery and continue to perform their essential functions. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

AgSur LCE vows to fast-track establishment of IP tribal house

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 11 (PIA)– The local government unit of San Luis, Agusan del Sur is gearing up its efforts to fast-track the construction of the tribal house for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the municipality.

During the Network Briefing News on Monday, Mayor Phoebe Corvera emphasized that the LGU wanted to help and assist the IPs especially those who are in  geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and need to travel far just to reach the town proper.

“We are hoping for it to be finished this year because IPs really need to use it since they are from GIDAs. They need to travel for four hours to get there; our fare costs as much as a plane ride. They can use the tribal house whenever they need to stay here or if they need to accompany a patient,” bared Corvera.

When asked about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in the municipality, Mayor Corvera revealed that the LGU has already conducted mass testing since Friday and they no longer have active cases.

“On April 2021, the second surge of San Luis started but we were able to manage the local transmission. We have active contact tracers so we could contain everyone, with the help of the team in the LGU, they are very focused in monitoring,” Corvera said.

Also, in the implementation of the government’s vaccination program, Corvera underscored that prior to the vaccination, the LGU has conducted series of information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in the barangays to let them know of the advantages of the vaccine against the deadly virus.

“In the beginning, the LGU had difficulty because there was a lot of resistance, yet after strengthening the information campaign about the vaccination in the barangay, people have become optimistic and we are one with the provincial government in our target to achieve the 70 percent herd immunity,” said Corvera.

The municipality of San Luis is a 1st class municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 32,109 people.

San Luis was created into a municipality on June 15, 1968, when the barrios of San Luis, Santa Inez, Nuevo Trabajo, Cualision and Baylo were separated from the municipality of Esperanza and constituted into the new town, through Republic Act 5262. Since the 1970s, the town's economy has been largely based on logging industries. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Linking seaweed growers org to financing institution

BUTUAN CITY, May 11 -- The Hinatuan Seaweed Producers Association (HSWPA) has officially forged a financial partnership with the Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolks and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO-MPC) through the assistance and facilitation of the Fisheries Coastal Resource and Livelihood (FishCORAL) Project.

With the P1 million credit line financial assistance from MAFFISCO-MPC, the HSWPA has now the opportunity of buying unlimited RDS and could ship to CEAMSA Asia even at least twice a month.

Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga OIC Regional Director Nilo Selim Katada, together with Hinatuan Mayor Shem Garay and FishCORAL Project Manager Rolando Leopoldo, witnessed the execution of the Memorandum of Agreement between the HSWPA and MAFFISCO-MPC on May 5 in Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

The HSWPA is one of the beneficiaries of the FishCORAL Project. With the project, seaweed farmers in Hinatuan who were used to dry their seaweeds on the ground, are now using the solar dryer provided for them by the FishCORAL Project, thus improving the quality of the drying of their seaweeds. (DA-BFAR Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

‘Danawan island adventures,’ muling inilunsad ng Surigao City

By Venus L. Garcia

Hanap mo ba ay snorkeling destination? At balak mong umikot sa malawak na dalampasigan, na puno ng pinong buhangin? Gusto mo ring makakita ng makukulay na isda at coral reefs?

Isali na sa inyong summer bucket list ang mas pinabuti at pinagandang ‘Danawan Island Adventures’ sa barangay Danawan, lungsod ng Surigao.

“Ang Danawan island ay isa sa mga island barangays ng Surigao City. Kalahating oras lamang ang layo nito galing sa city proper sakay ang bangka. This year, Danawan island became one of the priority attractions that the City Tourism Office has been trying to promote because we see its potential for tourism,” sabi ni Roselyn Armida Merlin, hepe ng Surigao City Tourism Office.

Nag-aalok din ang isla ng iba pang libangan gaya ng regulated leisure fishing ngunit dahil nga sa patuloy na pandemya ay limitado pa rin muna sa mga local tourist ang pagbisita sa nasabing lugar.

“Ang mountainous area nito ay may mahigit anim na ektaryang man-made forest and also a good trekking site so pinu-promote din namin ito. Kung di naman nila gusto mag snorkeling or mag fishing, or if they just want to see the island pwede rin nilang i-experience ang sunset or sunrise watching,” dagdag pa ni Merlin.

Naging sentro ng muling paglunsad ang groundbreaking ng Tourism Pavilion at panunumpa sa tungkulin ng mga bagong opisyales at miyembro ng Association of Danawan Island Community-based Tourism.

Kasabay din sa nasabing okasyon ang turn over ng 20 sets snorkeling gears, 10 camping tents, at 15 life jackets sa Danawan Tourism Council, at 31 pirasong first aid kits naman ang pinamigay sa lifeguards and community guides.

Bago pa man muling binuksan ang Danawan, ay isang five-day training on standard first aid at basic life support ang isinagawa sa tulong ng Coast Guard Station - Surigao del Norte.

Layunin nitong ihanda at mabigyan ng tamang kaalaman ang mga residente sa pag-responde sa anumang kalamidad at sakuna.

Ang paningin sa kagilas-gilas na underwater ecosystem ay tunay na hindi malilimutang karanasan sa Danawan island.

Ayon kay Merlin napag-usapan na rin anya nila ng Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga ang planong rural tourism sa nasabing lugar.

“The community, the people in the area are also very hospitable. You will experience rural tourism, that is why Danawan island is perfect for piloting rural tourism. If you want to experience rural life, it could be the best place kasi walang sasakyan doon you can’t even see a single motorcycle in that island barangay pero marami silang mga bangka. Life is simple in the area and then its really very safe,” sabi ni Merlin.

Ibinahagi rin ng Surigao City Tourism Office ang sampung magagandang lugar ng lungsod na pwedeng puntahan. Ito ay ang Mabua Rock and Stone Beach, Looc Bebble Beach, Silop Cave Complex, Day-asan water village, Surigao river, Pagkawasan beach, Buenavista cave, Sagisi beach, Batttle of Surigao StraitMemorial and Museum, at syempre pa ang Danawan island, at may bonus pa na Alegria Bats Sanctuary.

Samantala, bahagi ng kanilang observance ng Heritage Month ngayong buwan ng Mayo ay siniguro rin ng lokal na pamahalan ng Surigao City and City Tourism Office na mamulat pa lalo ang mga Surigaonon sa mga heritage assets nito.

“We make sure that everyone will be aware of and is encouraged to preserve our heritage. So, we have a simple showcase of Surigaonon cultural properties that were discovered during our cultural mapping in the different barangays in the city. There you can see in our display a tadyao, banga, and other heritage items that were kept by Surigaonons for more than 50 years, making them part of the great treasures of Surigaonons," sabi ni Merlin. (Venus L. Garcia/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 

Listahanan Heroes: Compassion to serve overshadow hardships

People are thirsty for the services from the government –- quality services that would help uplift their lives especially in this time of pandemic where crisis is being felt all over the world. Every program or service, whether how big or small it may be, during dire times, would eventually be appreciated by those who need them the most.

Just like other offices in the government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga unceasingly provided undeniable intervention to poor people who are greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From the higher officials down to the staff and field workers in every municipality, they team up to get the work done quickly especially in providing timely services to the people.

However, there are field workers who, even in the midst of the pandemic, continue to do their job but are not recognized due to the fact that people are focusing on cash and goods provision for their needs.

DSWD Listahanan enumerators, those seen doing the rounds in poor communities in their blue vests and carry along their attaché cases with essential documents – they are the silent heroes of the department. They visit and interview households, even in the far-flung areas, to collect pertinent data for the Listahanan Database of poor households. And no matter how near or far they go, every completed assessment would earn them fifty (50) pesos – yes, Php50.00 for every completed form.

50 pesos every household

In line with the Executive Order (EO) 867, the conduct of household assessment is done every 4 years. Thus, the department hires Area Supervisors, Enumerators, Encoders, and Verifiers who will serve as front liners in carrying out the implementation at the regional level during the validation and finalization phase of the Listahanan. Each of them has different roles and functions but everyone serves an important role in the completion of the 3rd Round Listahanan household assessment.

Among those field workers, the enumerators are likely to be in the field most often. They are the ones who visit households and interview eligible respondents or household members even in the far-flung areas. They are not sitting in an air-conditioned office, rather, they are in the field enduring the scorching heat of the sun, or the unpredictable weather.

“Bisan gamay ra ang 50-pesos matag interview, andam nako adtoon ang mga lugar bisan unsa kalayo ug kakapoy. Wala nako isipa ang kantidad tungod kay andam ko mo serbisyo sa mga tao nga nagkinahanglan kay sa kana nga pamaagi nakatabang ko. (Even though Php50.00 is a small amount for every interview, yet, I am ready to visit the households despite distance and exhaustion. I am ready to give my service to the people who are in need because in that way I can help them),” Leziel Hayagan, enumerator assigned in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, said.

Moreover, the team assigned in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur had a dreadful experience in going to remote areas in exchange for the Php50.00 they will earn for every completed household assessment, but this did not stop them to do their job.

“Kung nagtan-aw lang mi sa kantidad nga 50 pesos nga among madawat human sa interview, dili mi mu-risgo sa among kinabuhi labina na kadtong nitabok mi sa suba nga grabe ka dako ug kasulog sa tubig. Maskin ang barangay officials sigeg pangutana sa amoa kung mudayon mi tungod sa ka-delikado sa tubig. Apan, disidido kayo mi nga nitabok padulong sa komunidad bisan aduna mi kahadlok. (We are not after the 50 pesos we will receive after the interview, because if we did, we will not risk our lives in traversing the strong current and chest-deep water in the river. Even the barangay officials asked us many times if we will go further, still, we decided to traverse going to the community even though it was frightening),’’ Cristopher Cabellero, enumerator assigned in Esperanza, narrated.

The said municipality has 47 barangays of which 14 are categorized as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) due to physical and socio-economic factors such as challenges for transportation, presence of vulnerable sectors, unreachable and underserved communities.

Using the Household Assessment Form (HAF), the interview will last about 15-20 minutes depending on the family size. Information collected would range from socio-economic status, household roster, and health status are collected and inputted on the HAF. This information is very vital as these will become the basis for the computation that would determine whether a family falls under the category of Poor or Non-poor household.

Reaching unreached people

A long walk along mountain trails, muddy roads, a lengthy drive in a skylab (motorcycle with wings), or a wet bamboo raft ride under the heat of the sun or pouring rain was a journey towards giving hope to poor families for the Listahanan enumerators. These are common scenarios experienced by the enumerators every day during the Listahanan household assessment in the region.

One of the most important responsibilities of an enumerator is to reach the unreachable households. Every household missing out on the assessment would mean they will miss the chance to be included in the list of poor households who will be served or will enjoy the anti-poverty programs of the government. This has been emphasized by the Department during the series of trainings for the field workers. And, this has been proven by the enumerators since day 1 up until the end of each validation activity.

“Gi-assign ko sa akong Area Supervisor sa Barangay Rajah Cabungosoan apan sa dihang nakabalo akong papa nahadlok siya tungod sa ka-delikado ug kalayo sa area. Pero walay nakapapugong sa akoa nga nipadayon sa maong dapit bisan nibati ko og kahadlok. Pag-abot nako sa dapit, halos kalasangan among naagian og kung naay balay, labaw pa sa social distancing. Naa pay isa ka balay nga kapig usa ka oras among gi-biyahe sakay ang habal-habal nga miagi sa grabe ka-batohon nga dalan para lang ma-interview. Pero sa dihang niabot mi, grabe ang kalipay ni Tatay kay naay taga DSWD nga niabot sa ilang lugar. Nahuman nako ang interview nga aduna poy kalipay sa akong kasing-kasing. (My Area Supervisor assigned me in Barangay Rajah Cabungsoan but when my father knew about my area of assignment, he was afraid of the danger it might bring considering the distance and the place itself. Yet, no one can stop me from doing my job, and even I was also frightened. When I arrived, all there was are forest covers and houses were too far from each other. There is one household where we travelled more than an hour on habal-habal just to conduct an interview. When we arrived, immeasurable joy was felt by Tatay after seeing that DSWD workers visited him. I ended the interview with a joy in my heart too,” Tessa Castro, enumerator assigned in Lingig, Surigao del Sur, shared.

Glimmer of Hope

The smile in their eyes and the gladness on their faces were common scenarios witnessed by the enumerators as they were welcomed by the households especially those who are living in far-flung areas where public transportation is inaccessible.

A Manobo resident testified how he is grateful for DSWD-Listahanan workers who gave priority to LUMAD people living in Agusan del Sur.

“Pasalamat mi kay bisan unsa kalayo sa among dapit, naka abot mo para makita lang mi. Salamat sa inyong paghatag pagtagad. (We are thankful that you came just to see us despite the distance of our place. Thank you for valuing us),” Jomix Manpinsahan, a Manobo resident of Sitio Kalampayan, Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz Agusan del Sur, shared.

Another testimony from an enumerator whom, despite the exhaustion, experienced going to places she never visited before, not even thinking that family lives in such areas. She witnessed the joy and hope of the households she interviewed.

“Sa akong pagka-enumerator, nakita gyud nako mismo ang kahimtang sa pamilya nga wala nako damha nga naa pa diay magpuyo niining dapita tungod sa kalayo ug kalisod sa mga dalan unya pila pa ka oras among gibiyahe ug gibaklay. Nakita pud nako ang kalipay sa matag pamilya ug paglaum na unta maapil sila sa mga pamilyang kabus. (Being an enumerator, I have personally seen the different economic statuses of the households that I’ve never thought existed because of the distance and difficulties of traveling to their places. I have also witnessed the joy in their faces as they saw with hopes to be included in the list of poor households),” Sandra Bacocho, enumerator assigned in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, shared.

These are the DSWD-Listahanan field staff, an example of truly devoted workers who work even in the midst of the pandemic just to make sure that every household will be assessed; not mindful of the challenges they face for Php50.00 they would earn per completed household assessment. (Social Marketing Section, DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Country gaining upper hand in COVID-19 fight, says health chief

The country is gaining momentum in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the Philippines is put at low risk with the drop in the two-week growth rate of COVID-19 infections last week, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Monday.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III listens as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on May 10, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Reporting to President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting in Davao City, Duque said the country has recorded a -22 percent two-week growth rate at 6.85 of the average daily attack rate per 100,000 population.

The National Capital Region (NCR) is at moderate risk with a -39 percent in two-week growth rate in the average daily attack rate per 100,000 population, dropping to 19.02 from a high of 30.98, he noted.

Despite the improving overall condition, Duque said there is no room for complacency because there are areas with positive two-week growth rates, which include Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Caraga.

Also, there are five regions with high average daily attack rate namely NCR, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.

COVID-19 cases have been decreasing in the NCR, Duque said. He reported that from 48 percent, total cases from the NCR dropped to 31 percent.

The healthcare utilization rate nationwide is also improving, according to the health chief. He reported that from 4.7 percentage points recorded last week, the healthcare utilization rate dropped to 7 percentage points from a peak reported last April 13.

“Tingnan po natin ‘yong isolation beds. Noong nag-peak po tayo, 51 percent po ang gamit ng ating mga isolation beds,” Duque told the President.

“Ngayon, nasa 43 percent. So bumaba po sa makatuwid ng walong porsyento. At ang ating COVID-19 ward beds, from a peak of 57 percent utilization rate, bumaba po ito to 49 percent. So ganoon din po bumaba ng walong porsyento.

Highlighting the importance of ICU beds, Duque said that from a 68 percent peak utilization rate, the country has recorded 61 percent decline, improving by 7 percent points. On the use of mechanical ventilators, it dropped to 40 percent from 48 percent.

The healthcare utilization rate in the NCR has also seen a decline, dropping 17 percent compared with the peak day estimate, the health secretary said.

“At sa kabila nito, nananatiling nasa critical at high risk ang ICU utilization rate ng ilang lokalidad sa NCR. Kaya naman po aming hinihikayat ang mga NCR hospitals sa tulong ng One COVID Referral Center na panatilihin ang kasalukuyang healthcare capacities lalo na po ang ICU capacities upang manatili tayong handa sa mga surge na maaaring mangyari muli,” he noted.

Duque also provided an update on the ongoing vaccine rollout. He said that the country received 1.5 million doses from China’s Sinovac, two million doses of AstraZeneca jab from the COVAX facility, and 15,000 doses from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute.

With the recent deliveries, the country now has a total of 7.5 million vaccine doses.  PND

Phl expects securing 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses next month

The government is eyeing to secure 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of June with the expected arrival of more than nine million coronavirus vaccine doses next month, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday.

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. gives updates to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on May 10, 2021. TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said for the month of June, they expect shipment of 1.1 million Pfizer vaccine doses; 4.5 million from Sinovac; 250,000 from Moderna; 1.3 million from AstraZeneca; and two million from Russia’s Sputnik V.

Vaccine supplies acquired for June alone will be enough to inoculate most, if not all, of the country’s priority sectors in the government’s ongoing mass vaccination program particularly medical frontliners, senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities.

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said vaccine supplies are being delivered to the Philippines “not in trickles but in volumes,” noting its positive impact in government’s plans to expand and fast-track the inoculation of the country’s adult population.

Galvez said the Philippines is implementing “Focus and Expand – Center of Gravity” vaccination strategy which has nine focus areas including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, while other regions in the country are grouped under “expansion areas".

The center of gravity refers to the Philippines’ economic centers which are vulnerable areas at the same time, Galvez explained. To reach the goal, focus areas will receive a steady number of vaccine supplies to maintain steady rollout and prevent delays.

“So pagka na-address po natin, na-strengthen natin ang ating vulnerabilities at the same time we strengthen our economic strength, iyon po ang center of gravity po natin,” he said.

“The main purpose of this supply and demand vaccine rollout is that to finish the vaccination at the earliest possible time and maximize the resources that we have without any wastage,” he added.

The Philippines’ stringent efforts to vaccinate target sectors put the country in second place among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries in terms of daily rate of administered doses. The country ranked 15th in Asia.

Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Galvez said vaccinating at least 25 million of the country’s most vulnerable population will help the Philippines reach initial herd containment; while inoculating 58 million to 70 million will help reach herd immunity.

Once COVID-19 vaccines for children are made available, Galvez said the Philippines can target vaccinating the entire 110 million population, halting the highly contagious respiratory disease.

At present, the Philippines administers around 65,879 daily average vaccine doses with a total of 2,409,235 doses administered to medical frontliners, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and economic frontliners.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 6,846 new coronavirus infections on May 10, bringing the country’s total number of cases to 1,108,826 with 1,030, 367 recoveries and 18,562 deaths. PND

Additional 600 free housing units distributed in Iloilo – Nograles

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led officials from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the beneficiary LGU in turning over 600 additional housing units in Ajuy, Iloilo last May 7, 2021 as part of the Duterte administration’s promise to finish all its housing commitments to victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Since assuming the chairmanship of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas, Nograles has turned over 35,986 units to different cities and municipalities in Region 6.

Complete housing units have been distributed in the following areas in Western Visayas: Ajuy, Iloilo (3,615 units), Carles, Iloilo (10,708 units), Culasi, Antique (1,974 units), Altavas, Aklan (393 units), Panit-an, Capiz (572 units), Estancia, Iloilo (3,242 units), Laua-an, Antique (1,267 units), Ivisan, Capiz (672 units), Concepcion, Iloilo (1,000), Jamindan, Capiz (535 units), Dumangas, Iloilo (1,993 units), Pilar, Capiz (1,354 units), Pontevedra, Capiz (1,168 units), Pandan, Antique (1,000 units), Panay, Capiz (1,543 units), Barotac Viejo, Iloilo (822 units), Roxas City, Capiz (1,533 units), Anilao, Iloilo (364 units), Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units) and the latest additional 600 housing units again in Ajuy.

During the virtual turnover for the Adcadarao People’s Village, Barangay Adcadarao, Ajuy, Iloilo site, Nograles praised the NHA leadership and staff as well as the local government unit for their support and cooperation in seeing the project through despite the challenges brought by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are thankful for the efforts of the municipal officials of Ajuy, led by Mayor Jett Rojas, Vice Mayor Robert Villaruz, Sangguniang Bayan members and employees and staff for making this dream of free housing a reality,” the Malacañang official said.

The Cab Sec added, “we likewise recognize the dedication of the NHA, particularly  General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., together with Regional Manager Engr. Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Fe Jamoyot for ensuring the project's timely completion. Everybody worked as a team, and this is reflected in the excellent result for the benefit of the people of Ajuy.”  

Nograles, chair of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, emphasized that all the houses they have built are located in new communities complete with all the basic amenities for quality living, stressing that the resettlement areas contain community farms that will provide the nutrition needs of families and possible livelihood opportunities.

Mayor Rojas, for his part, spoke on behalf of the LGU and thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for "giving us this privilege of free housing. The people of Ajuy will forever be grateful for this gift and we will do everything to deserve the benefits that have been given to us by the Duterte administration. We have fully experienced the government’s concern.”

President Duterte highlights role of local officials in implementing health guidelines

President Rodrigo Roa Dutere reminded local officials Monday of their duties being persons of authority especially in enforcing the law in maintaining the current health protocols.

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 Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on May 10, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In a public address, the President said mayors, municipal and barangay officials are persons in authority and are mandated by the state to enforce the law with the help of the police.

“So ganoon ho ang takbo kaya ang barangay captain you are called upon and will be held liable for the failure of implementing the law in your territory. Iyan ho kasi magsabi bakit ibigay sa amin ‘yan? Anak ng --- hindi ninyo alam, iyan ‘yan,” he explained.

“That is the reason why. You have to enforce the law ‘yong barangay captains sa iyong lugar mo, you are the person in authority.”

Violently confronting government officials could be a direct assault against persons in authority, according to the President.

The President previously instructed mayors and barangay officials to enforce strict health guidelines particularly wearing face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their jurisdictions, warning those who will not comply may face criminal of administrative charges.

In his report to the President, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that from May 6 to 10, a total of 18,862 individuals violated the health protocols.

“Patuloy po nating ipapatupad ang inyong pag-uutos na mag-aresto po ng mga hindi po sumunod sa pagsusuot ng face mask,” he told the President.

“Sa mass gathering naman po, ipinatutupad natin din ang inyong ipinag-utos sa pamamagitan ng Memo Circular 2021-015 na inilabas po ng DILG. Mayroon po tayong 280 violators.”

Año also reported on the ongoing distribution of aid to low-income families and individuals affected by quarantine restrictions in NCR Plus, saying a total of P18.82 billion was distributed to 18,822,713 beneficiaries.

A total of P9.2 billion was distributed in Metro Manila; Bulacan, P2.4 billion; Cavite, P2.5 billion; Laguna, P2.5 billion; and Rizal, P1.9 billion. PND

President Duterte declares year-long state of calamity due to African Swine Fever

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared through a proclamation a state of calamity throughout the country for one year due to African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.

The President’s Proclamation No. 1143 mandates all government agencies to cooperate with each other and to mobilize the necessary resources to curtail the spread of ASF as well as to address the supply deficit of pork products, reduce retail prices, and jumpstart the rehabilitation of the local hog industry.

It also directed all law enforcement agencies, with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to carry out measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.

ASF was first reported in the Philippines in 2019 and has so far spread to 12 regions, 46 provinces, and 493 cities in the country. New cases are still being reported despite the government’s interventions.

The contagion has significantly reduced the country’s swine population by around three million hogs and resulted in P100 billion losses to the local hog sector and allied industries, leading to increased retail prices pork products.

The continuing spread of ASF compelled the government to address its adverse impacts, kickstart the rehabilitation of the hog industry and ensure the availability and affordability of pork products in the country.

With President Duterte’s declaration, the national government and local government units (LGUs) will have more leeway in utilizing appropriate funds, including Quick Response Fund (QRF) in their ASF response initiatives.

President Duterte also issued Executive Order 133, which increases the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork meat under the Agricultural Tariffication Act.

Under the President’s order, last year’s MAV of 54,210 metric tons of pork meat will be increased to 254,210 MT provided that any unavailable balance last year is not carried over this year.

EO 133 mandates the MAV Management Committee to ensure fair volume allocation to all importers of pork meat in accordance with the existing rules and regulations and agricultural MAV guideline.

The spread of ASF in 12 regions of the country led to reduction in the local swine inventory of three million heads. The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that the country’s pork shortage this year could be around 388,790 MT.  PND

Creation of DOFIL, OFW welfare top priority of DU30, says Nograles

The creation of a Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFIL) that merges the functions and mandates of various offices and bureaus that address the concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad is a top priority of the President, a line department formed specifically to respond to the needs and clamor of Filipinos overseas.

This was stressed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles at a joint hearing of the Senate committees on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development; Foreign Relations; Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation; and Finance called to deliberate on the proposed measure.

In his opening statement, the Palace official addressed two issues regarding the creation of the DOFIL: the specific model for the proposed department and the operational set-up of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs), Social Welfare Attaches and the Assistance to Nationals Unit (ATN Unit) under the proposed DOFIL.

Nograles pointed out that the model for the DOFIL “is uniquely Filipino and is crafted in response to the needs and clamor of the Overseas Filipino Workers.”

He reiterated that the proposed agency “brings together, under one command, all the government entities and sub-units serving Filipinos overseas, by consolidating and merging all their functions, resources, personnel, budgets, into one Department.”

This, according to the Davao native, is reflected in the operational set-up of the ATN unit, the POLOs & the Office of Social Welfare Attaché (SWAT) under the DOFIL.

The former legislator explained that Section 15 of Senate Bill No.1949 provides that “all programs and services for employment, community empowerment, and assistance to Filipinos in distress shall be consolidated under this onsite office of the Department, which shall be attached to Philippine Embassies and Consulates.”

The ATN Office, in particular, “shall absorb all the powers, functions, and personnel of the POLOs, ATNUs, and SWATs.”

These ATNs will have two major units: the Labor and Employment Facilitation Unit and the Welfare Assistance and Service Unit.

Among the tasks of the ATN Labor and Employment Facilitation Unit are, among others, to (1) ensure the promotion and protection of the welfare and interests of overseas Filipinos and assist them in all problems arising out of employer-employee relationships including violation of work contracts, conditions of employment such as non-payment of wages and other benefits, illegal dismissal, and other similar cases; (2) verify employment contracts and other employment-related documents; and (3) monitor and report to the Secretary situations and policy developments in the receiving country that may affect Overseas Filipinos in particular and Philippine labor policies, in general.

The Welfare Assistance and Service Unit, on the other hand, is mandated to, among others, (1) provide social and welfare programs and services to Filipino nationals, including social assistance, education and training, cultural services, financial management, reintegration, and entrepreneurial development services; (2) provide prompt and appropriate response to global emergencies or crisis situations affecting Filipino nationals; and (3) manage cases of OFWs and other Overseas Filipinos in distress needing psychosocial services, such as victims of trafficking or illegal recruitment, rape or sexual abuse, maltreatment and other forms of physical or mental abuse and cases of abandoned or neglected children. ###

ASF-affected swine raisers receive indemnification

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 12 -- To help the swine raisers in Barangay Matho of Cortes, Surigao del Sur, who have been affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) make a comeback, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga turned over the indemnification fund to the Local Government of Cortes, on Tuesday, May 11.

The cash assistance for the 61 households amounted to Php785,000.00 covering 157 pigs culled during the conduct of depopulation in November of last year. Barangay Matho was the first area in the region with a reported case of ASF.

Cortes Municipal Mayor Josie Bonifacio, who received the indemnification fund, thanked the DA for keeping its commitment to provide the cash assistance to help the affected swine raisers get back up from the setback.

“I personally saw how they were affected when their pigs, which were their means of livelihood, were taken away to be culled. But thankfully, because the situation and the protocol were explained well to them, they cooperated,” Mayor Bonifacio said.

On the other hand, DA Carga Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega, who led the turn-over, said that aside from the cash assistance, the DA also initially gave 10 heads of chicken to every affected household and will be giving additional 20 heads more. She also said that the DA is still looking into giving more support to help revive the livestock industry in the town. 

After the turn-over, Dr. Toni Rose Barroga of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Central Office discussed briefly the swine repopulation guidelines. She emphasized on following the procedures that include cleaning and disinfection, downtime and bioassay, and placing of sentinel animals before the area can be released from quarantine.

Cleaning and disinfection are done within 30 days after depopulation. After cleaning and disinfection, a downtime of 30 days shall be implemented to decrease the area’s bacterial load and the risk of ASF virus residue.

The ASF Composite Team which includes staff from the Bureau of Animal Industry - Central Office and Mindanao Cluster (Regions 11,12 and 13) is in the region and will be conducting site validation and similar briefing to areas affected by ASF in the region. (DA 13 – RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PNP Caraga buy bust yields P11K worth of illegal drugs; pusher arrested

By PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak

BUTUAN CITY, May 12 -- The intensified campaign against illegal drugs of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 resulted in the confiscation of Php11,800.00 worth of illegal drugs and arrested a pusher during a buy-bust operation in Butuan City on Monday.

Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., Regional Director of PRO13 identified the accused as Juanito C. Ybañez, alias Amay Ybañez, 35 years old, resident of Purok 3, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City.

The region’s top cop disclosed that personnel of Butuan City Police Station 2 - Drug Enforcement Unit together with City Intelligence Unit-City Drug Enforcement Unit (CIU-CDEU) and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok 3A-1 Barangay Holy Redeemer around 7:40PM.

A sachet of one gram of shabu, genuine cash money worth Php200, marked money worth Php1,000, one bogus Php200 and Php1,000 bills and a cellular phone were confiscated by the operating team during the operation.

“Arrested suspect is now in the custody of Butuan City Police Station 2 and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002," PBGen. Caramat, Jr. said. (PIO, PRO13/PIA Caraga)

President Duterte places NCR Plus under GCQ with heightened restrictions from May 15 to 31

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 May 13, 2021. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved on Thursday the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to loosen the restriction in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces placing them under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from May 15 to May 31.

In an announcement during President Duterte’s Talk to the People, National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite will be placed under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.

Other areas that are put under GCQ includes Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Quezon, Puerto Princesa, Iligan City, Davao City, and Lanao del Sur.

Meanwhile, Santiago City in Isabela, Quirino, Ifugao and Zamboanga City will be under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), while modified GCQ was imposed for the rest of the Philippines.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that although the quarantine restriction has loosened up, some prohibitions will remain to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Individuals aged 18 to 65 years old can leave their household in GCQ areas but for essential purposes only.

Indoor dine-in services are allowed but with 20 percent seating capacity only, while outdoor or al fresco dining will be permitted at 50 percent capacity.

Outdoor tourist attractions, personal care services such as salons, parlors, and beauty clinics are allowed at 30 percent capacity.

Religious gatherings and necrological services can be conducted at 10 percent venue capacity.

Also in his address, President Duterte warned everyone not to ignore the minimum public health protocols especially during this time of fiestas in the country.

“I do not attribute it in any other particular religion or what but there are a lot of fiestas kasi predominantly Catholic country ito. So ang hinihingi ko is that you only not tone down but forgo kasi may batas. Forgo to congregate, to crowd and to hold,” he said.

“Eh walang problema alam ng Diyos na love natin siya pero ang problema ang --- the unnecessary consequence of it all. So be mindful of that because we are still in the pandemic and there is no way of knowing how long this would last in this planet,” he added.

The President reiterated that he would not allow any violations in the government-mandated guidelines, warning local officials that he would hold them accountable.

“So, you have to enforce it because if you want this country to recover from the onslaught of COVID-19, you have to be mindful of the what is going on and how to prevent it,” he said. PND