Priority sectors in AgSur town support LGU’s vaccination program

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 11 (PIA) -- With the ongoing conduct of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, the eligible priority sectors/groups in the municipality of Veruela in Agusan del Sur continued to show their support and cooperation to the local government unit by availing of the free vaccines and advocating it to their family members and relatives.

During the Network Briefing News on Friday, Municipal Mayor Myrna Mondejar shared that this week, the LGU has scheduled the vaccinations from Monday until Thursday. ”At first people were hesitant because of fake news about the vaccines but after a constant information drive, they become optimistic that the vaccines would help keep everyone safe from the spread of the virus,” she said.

“They have this 'wait and see' behavior. They wanted to see for themselves what happened to those who were vaccinated – whether they’re safe or experienced several ill effects. But now that we had established the schedules for vaccination, they show up willingly at the vaccination centers,” added Mondejar.

The lady mayor further revealed that for the A1 category, 134 have had their first dose of AstraZeneca, of which 49 are already fully dosed. There were 126 senior citizens vaccinated for their first dose; and some 90 individuals with controlled comorbidities.

“Under Sinovac, we have 371 with the first dose and the fully vaccinated under A1; for the senior citizens, 125 had the first dose and 89 are fully vaccinated; for A3, 104 had their first dose. All in all, we have 965 who have been vaccinated here in Veruela. We also have started vaccinating the Indigenous Peoples – the Manobo. They were initially hesitant because they were afraid, so what we did was to vaccinate first the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and tribal leaders to win their confidence,” underscored Mondejar.

Despite the increasing number of COVID-19 in the municipality, Mayor Mondejar emphasized that the LGU still manages the situation and intensifies the advocacy campaign against the spread of the virus. The locals also follow the guidelines under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, not only within the municipality but the whole of Agusan del Sur.

“As of now we have 25 active cases; 1 death, and 98 recoveries. Since the declaration of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) because of the increasing cases, we have been conducting checkpoints to check and prohibit non-essential travels; we increased police visibility; implemented health protocols strictly like wearing of face mask, face shield, and social distancing, among others,” said Mondejar. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Seedling alang sa 'Mapadayonong Tisuk' gisugdan na og apod-apod sa mga mag-uuma

Ni LGU-Agusan del Norte

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Hunyo 11 -- Gianam-anam na pagpanghatud sa mga mag-uuma sugod niadtong Hunyo 10, ang mga seedling nga gamiton sa “Mapadayunong Tisuk.”

Sugdan ang “Mapadayonong Tisuk” o mapadayonong pagtanum karong Sabado, Hunyo 12, isip kabahin sa mga kalihukan sa pagsaulog sa 54th Founding Anniversary sa Agusan del Norte.

Unang nakadawat sa mga seedling (Falcatta) ang Ansili Tribal Farmers Association, Incorporated nga gi pangulohan ni Datu Denskie Latonan sa Barangay Puting Bato, syudad sa Cabadbaran.

Sa laing bahin, gi-deliver usab bag-uhay pa lamang sa AGUSAN UP Coordinating Center ang laing batch sa mga seedling (cacao) nga gamiton sa mapadayonong pagtanum. Lain pang mga batches ug matang sa seedling ang moabot sa mosunod nga mga adlaw.

Ang “Mapadayunong Tisuk” kabahin sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Project nga nagpunting nga nakatanum sa 125,000 ektaryas nga kaumahan sa probinsya sa mosunod nga pito ka tuig o hangtud sa tuig 2027.

Ubos ang maong proyekto sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. (Shena Mae Pabia & Berz Amoncio, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) 

Feature: Banana farming plants hope of progress in Veruela town of AgSur

By DA-Caraga

Having no signal and distant from industrial developments, residents of Barangay Sta. Emilia, Veruela, Agusan del Sur almost lost hopes in improving their lives by selling the only common commodity in the community, the bananas.

However, when the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Caraga intervened in 2018, it restored the farmers lost confidence and shed light on the community.

Improving Banana Industry

The Kinabugawan Farmers Producers Cooperative (KIFAPCO) is one of the Proponent Groups of the I-REAP or Enterprise Component of PRDP. The nine-year-old coop started from 25 members and struggled to establish their coop since it’s in a remote area.

According to Maricel Bautista, KIFAPCO Secretary and a banana farmer, aside from the problems in the field, selling bananas has been unlucrative since many times buyers reject their products.

Members were also lost in the marketing operations of the coop, unaware of the financial process and management.

In 2018, PRDP funded KIFAPCO with P928,000 for the two interventions: the establishment of a 2-hectare (ha) Lakatan plantation as an expansion to the existing 13-ha Lakatan area of KIFAPCO and a provision for the buying station, weighing scale, and operational fund for its banana production and trading business.

The project allowed KIFAPCO to expand its economic activities on buying and selling bananas thereby generating income for the coop. On top of the income from their Lakatan production, a P0.25/kg is added to their coop.

Further, the microenterprise members and banana growers are guaranteed a sure market for their produce since KIFAPCO consolidates and sells it to their contracted buyer. Likewise, farmers get a fair market price, increasing their income up to five percent (5%).

For three years, PRDP provided training to the coop such as Enterprise Operations and Manual, Simple Bookkeeping, and Capability Development Planning. This engaged them in properly managing the coop’s finances and operations.

“These training helped us how to manage the coop’s money, how much it should profit and the annual patronage refund of the beneficiaries. We learned how to manage a business,” blurted Bautista.

Gabato also emphasized that the training opened their eyes to how credit and debit work.

“We thought before that credit is loan and debit is just arguing during a session. Then PRDP taught us that it’s different in the financial aspect. Credit is income and debit is expenses. Now we can itemize our operations and regulate our financial record and that’s very important in a cooperative,” Gabato said.

Empowered banana farmers

All the interventions of PRDP gave strength to KIFAPCO. They expanded their plantation area from the original two-hectares plantation to five-hectares. The coop also accumulated assets worth P3M.

Banana farmers were empowered to expand their area and immerse themselves in business.

“My banana area was just 1-ha before. With PRDP’s training on proper planting, I was encouraged to expand my plantation to 7-ha. My income increased from P10,000 to P30,000 per month depending on the market price. Residents here have been buying cars already since their monthly income is guaranteed and has a huge increase. PRPD helped us a lot,” Bautista said.

Further, even during the pandemic, KIFAPCO had no issues in selling their products since their contracted buyer could freely come to their coop and buy their bananas.

Banana farmers meet World Bank

With the banana farmers’ hard work and PRDP’s interventions, KIFAPCO has grown to be a booming enterprise. This gave them the ticket to represent PRDP Caraga’s I-REAP to the World Bank Mission consultation and dialogue.

Chairman Gabato addressed the question from the world bank consultant Agnes Deshormes on how they foresee the coop’s growth.

“We envision to strengthen KIFAPCO's marketing strategies which will also improve the lives of the banana farmers. In business marketing, we encourage the members to sell their bananas to us so that our income will increase. In every purchase, P0.25 goes to our coop. The amount will surely increase and we can use this to improve the coop and help our banana farmers,” he said.

Gabato added that despite the many negativities brought by the pandemic, it became an advantage to them.

"During the height of the pandemic when the lockdown was implemented, residents concentrated in farming specifically banana since it is the notable commodity here. Most untilled lands were now planted and this increased banana production," Gabato disclosed.

KIFAPCO and other PGs from Visayas and Mindanao were lauded by the World Bank consultants including Eli Weiss, Maria Theresa Quinones, Tim Hancock, and Agnes Deshormes for their hard work despite the calamities and crisis they have encountered along the way.(Zenny Awing/DA-PRDP13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DA reveals which Cacao variety performs best in Caraga region

By DA Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 11 -- Always putting the farmers’ best interest first, the Department of Agriculture (DA) –Caraga does not stop in finding ways to better serve them.

This time, to help the cacao farmers in the region, the DA-Caraga, with the Research Division spearheading, is conducting a study on the performance of different cacao clones under Caraga conditions.

The study aims to determine the best performing cacao clone, determine their profitability, and ultimately, to produce a package of technology that will be disseminated to the farmers and other individuals who are interested to venture into cacao production.

The package of technology that will be developed through the result of the study can serve as a guide for farmers to engage in cacao farming and in choosing which varieties they will plant.

The study has two phases, the first phase was conducted in 2015 to 2018, and the second phase, which is an extension of the study, started in 2020 and will run up to 2022. The study was extended so as to be able to measure the full fruiting potential of cacao which cannot be obtained in its first three years.

There are five project sites, all in Magkiangkang, Bayugan City. The five farmer co-operators were provided with the planting materials, some fertilizers, fungicide, insecticide, and farm tools and materials like pruning shear, sprinkler, net bags, saw, and boots.

The seven cacao clones included in the study are K1, K2, W10, UF18, ICS40, BR25, and Brazilian. These clones are all certified by the Bureau of Plant Industry. 

Assistant Project Leader Ailene B. Talara emphasized some important farming practices. Among these is the use of grafted planting materials for uniform growth and to ensure that the characteristics of the grafted plant will be the same as that of the mother plant. She also cited the proper care of cacao plants including weeding, irrigation, and fertilization.

Pest and disease management is also an important part of the study. Talara said that in managing pest and diseases, they are following the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). She added that they are also practicing pruning as this helps prevent pest infestation. For pod rot management, she said they make use of Trichoderma, a biological control agent.

Based on the 2020 data of the study, the top three varieties in terms of yield are the UF18 with an average yield per hectare of 895-kilogram at 1,100 hills, followed by ICS40 with 663 kilograms, and BR25 with 651 kilograms.

The early maturing clones are the W10 and K2, both of which topped in terms of flower-bearing and pod bearing. The W10 variety started bearing flowers 256 days after planting and started bearing pods 277 days after planting. The other variety, K2, also started bearing flowers 256 days after planting and bore pods 276 days after planting.

In the course of the study, the most common diseases observed were pod rot and Cherelle wilt. The most susceptible varieties turned out to be W10 and K1.

Cacao is among Caraga’s priority commodities. Although the region’s climatic and soil condition is suitable for the crop, Caraga’s production contributed only 2% of the country’s total production in 2019 at 156.78 metric tons out of 8,488.60 metric tons Philippine production.

Project Leader Reynan Mamalis said they hope that through the study, farmers will learn how to manage their cacao farms better and improve their production and eventually help boost the cacao industry in the region.

“By the end of this study, we expect to be able to identify the best performing cacao clone that suits best to our agro-climatic condition here in Caraga. We can then recommend a cacao clone that is high yielding and resistant to pests and diseases,” Mamalis added. 

Based on the Caraga Cacao Industry Roadmap 2020-2026, the region is targeting to increase its production from 156 to 300 metric tons per year. Productivity is also being targeted to increase from .59 kg/tree/year to 1.02 kg/tree/year.

Meanwhile, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the Department is always seeking ways not just to help the farmers but also to empower them to be stronger key players in the agriculture sector. (Vanessa P. Sanchez / DA13 – RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

SurSur LGU celebrates 25th Kaliguan Festival

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

CAGWAIT, Surigao del Sur, Jun. 11 (PIA) -- Various festivities are set to launch amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as the municipality of Cagwait in Surigao del Sur celebrates its 25th Kaliguan Festival. 

In lieu of the usual celebrations, competitions will be hosted virtually, such as the "Sayaw sa Kaliguan" and the "Virtual Tour Guiding", of which aimed for participating locals to express their own portrayal of the rich culture and heritage the municipality holds. 

The "Sayaw sa Kaliguan" is open to all the participants within Caraga Region while the "Virtual Tour Guiding" is open to all professional and amateur tour guides, with residents and local tourists joining in as audiences.

The top three winners in the "Sayaw sa Kaliguan" will receive a cash prize of P80,000, P60,000, and P40,000 respectively while five entries garnerning remarks succeeding to the main winners will receive a consolation prize of P5,000. Competitors may also bag special awards such as the Social Media Awards and Best in Virtual Creativity, where winners will receive a P2,500 cash prize under each category.

The winners of the Tour Guiding Virtual Competition will receive the following cash prizes: 1st place - P15,000.00; 2nd place - P10,000.00; and 3rd place - P5,000.00. A P1,000.00 worth of consolation prizes will be given to the succeeding top ten entries.

Special awards will also be given to participants, with winning entries receiving P2,000 for the Social Media Award and P1,000 for each winner of the Best Tagline and Visual Creativity Awards.

All the entries were posted on the official Facebook page of LGU Cagwait. 

The Kaliguan Festival is celebrated in honor of the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist. "Kaliguan", which means "a place for bathing," is a thanksgiving for the blessings received by community members and was first held on June 24, 1996. It was initiated by the Municipal Tourism Council chaired by the present Mayor Lillian Yu-Lozada in collaboration with the Municipal Government of Cagwait, the Provincial Government, and the Department of Tourism. (DMNR/NGB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

‘AHON’ convergence program of Duterte administration launched in Siargao

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar joined the launching of the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program in the town of San Benito, Surigao del Norte on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

GENERAL LUNA, Surigao del Norte, Jun. 11 -- National government agencies gathered here from June 9-11, 2021, to bring social services closer to the people, as part of the response to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide updates for other local projects to aid communities.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led the series of ceremonial launching for the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program through the distribution of DSWD’s Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to identified individuals.

The AHON Convergence Program is an interagency initiative to pour necessary aid to the most affected communities in times of calamities and emergencies, including the pandemic.

This is pursuant to Executive Order No. 137 signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on May 24, 2021, which accelerates and harmonizes aid and humanitarian operations of the national government during disasters and emergencies.

The convergence program kicked off in the town of San Benito, followed by Sta. Monica, Burgos, and General Luna in Surigao del Norte.

The national government distributed livelihood grants worth a total of P1.5 million to 109 beneficiaries in San Benito on June 9; P1.5 million to 148 beneficiaries in Sta. Monica on June 10; and P2.25 million to 169 beneficiaries on June 11.

The DSWD also distributed financial assistance worth P300,000 to 100 residents in Burgos on June 11, under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Aside from financial assistance from the DSWD, the PCOO also turned over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sets and Laging Handa information, education and communications (IEC) materials about the national COVID-19 vaccination program, to the local government units (LGUs) to support to their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs), who are the first responders to the pandemic.

“Inin mga hinabang diri karun nga ipanghatag sa ijo ang magpamatood nga ang ijo gobyerno - ang administrasyon ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte - padajon sa paghatod sa serbisyo publiko nga tinud-anay nga malasakit sa katawhan. Segun kini sa giingon ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga bringing the government closer to the people (This assistance that will be given to you today is proof that your government - the Duterte administration - continues to deliver a public service with genuine concern for the people.

This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s marching order of bringing the government closer to the people),” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said.

The PCOO chief also said that through the AHON convergence program, LGUs will have better access to the programs of the government in times of crisis.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Victor Neri, meanwhile, urged the beneficiaries to use the grant wisely, and assured them that the national government is ready to respond to the needs of all Filipinos.

“Yan po ay isang batas ng Presidente. Ibig sabihin lang po na kapag mayroong kalamidad at nangangailangan po kayo, ay darating po kaming lahat po, kaming mga ahensya, sabay-sabay sa inyo. Kami po ang bababa sa inyo (This is the order of our President. It means that in times of calamities and in times of need, we will be here to help, all the agencies will converge to help),” Asec. Neri said.

“Baha, lindol, sunog, pagputok ng bulkan, kalamidad, kahirapan, livelihood, health, entrepreneurship, habang nandyan po ang Presidente nakaupo sa Malacañan- ay tuloy-tuloy lang po ang ating mga programa (Floods, earthquakes, fires, volcanic eruptions, calamities, poverty, health, businesses, while the President is there in Malacañan, our programs will continue),” he added.

Other agencies in the AHON Convergence Program include the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP).

Local chief executives of the benefitting town expressed their gratitude for the response of the national government in augmenting their efforts to provide for their constituents.

“Thank you very much, President Duterte for bringing these assistance to the people of General Luna. Through this AHON program, we can now request for aid with immediate response from the national government,” General Luna mayor Cecilia Rusillon said.

In a separate meeting, Poblacion 2, Borgus barangay captain Roger Pomoy detailed how the intervention of national government officials have helped lobby their proposed programs for the barangay, including Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and PCOO Secretary Andanar.

“I hope that these efforts will continue and that everyone will maintain their cooperation for the welfare of more people in Burgos. We have longed pushed for our programs to be funded and implemented here and with your interventions, it is finally here,” said Pomoy. (OSEC Media/PCOO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar joined the consecutive launching of the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program in the municipalities of Borgus and General Luna on Friday, June 11, 2021.

Secretary Andanar assures more gov’t assistance for pandemic-affected rural towns

GENERAL LUNA, Surigao del Norte - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured the public that there will be more interventions coming from the national government for families and businesses affected by the pandemic.

“There will be more assistance coming into Siargao and other areas affected by the pandemic, as we have streamlined the request for aid needed by local government units for their constituents,” he said.

Weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 137, national government agencies have started to respond to the mandate of accelerating and harmonizing operations on the delivery of sustainable assistance to areas and communities affected by calamities and emergencies, including the pandemic.

The  Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program was consecutively launched in the municipalities of San Benito, St.Monica, Borgus, and General Luna from June 9-10, 2021 to help families whose livelihood or source of income were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary Andanar said that the economy in Siargao, a tourism-reliant island, has been one of the communities that were badly hit by the pandemic, which is why it was chosen as the pilot area for the convergence policy.

He also noted that this initiative of the government shows that President Rodrigo Duterte fulfills his commitments to the Filipino people.

“Action speaks louder than words. This is one of the mottos of the Administration of President Duterte. That is why, since he sat in 2016 until now, you can see real change. We have Build, Build, Build projects here and now we have this AHON Convergence Program,” he said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, vice chair of the AHON Committee, distributed aid through their Livelihood Assistance Grant and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to 526 beneficiaries from the four municipalities. Through the said assistance, beneficiaries can receive up to P15,000 assistance.

LAG and AICS are the recovery and rehabilitation programs of the government to serve families during the community quarantine.

Vilma Tejada, a local entrepreneur of General Luna, was one of the recipients of the assistance during the launching in General Luna on June 11, 2021. Her store was one of the businesses that were interrupted by the pandemic given that there are limited tourists coming to the island during this pandemic.

“As a beneficiary of the assistance, I am grateful for this because I did not expect it to come. This really is a blessing for me and my family,” she said.

Tejada received a grant amounting to P15,000 which she will be using to augment his business operations.

The same assistance grant was also distributed to 148 beneficiaries in Sta. Monica.

Jocelyn Escobal, a sari-sari store owner in Sta. Monica, also received P15,000 which he said will be enough for his family's business. She was emotional when she extended her gratitude to President Duterte and Senator Bong Go.

“As a single parent, this is really a big help. On behalf of the rest of the beneficiaries here in Sta. Monica, I can pledge that we will work hard and use this assistance given by the government to us for the welfare of our families. Thank you very much to everyone, especially to the President.,” he said.

“I am also thankful to Sen. Bong Go. Because of the Malasakit Center, all our expenses for my husband’s hospitalization were shouldered. I paid nothing for it,” she added.

President Duterte, Putin vow greater cooperation in exchange of messages

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday during the celebration of national holidays in their countries, promising enhanced bilateral relations.

Warmly congratulating Putin on the celebration of Russia Day, President Duterte said: “On this day of national unity and celebration, let me convey the Filipino people’s best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of your great nation.”

“This year, the Philippines and Russia mark 45 years of warm and fruitful ties. It was my great pleasure to have commemorated this special milestone with Your Excellency on the 2nd of June.”

“I am confident that our strong relations will continue to thrive in the years ahead as we deepen cooperation in more areas of mutual interest, including in our common fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

In a similar message, President Putin expressed his greetings to the Filipino leader for the Philippines’s 123rd Independence Day celebration.

“The Russia-Philippines relations are traditionally friendly. I am confident that by joining efforts we will secure further development on constructive bilateral dialogue, fruitful cooperation in different fields as well as partnership to respond to pressing international challenges,” Putin told President Duterte.

“It fully meets the interests of our two nations and goes in line with strengthening security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Concluding his message, he wished the Philippine president good health and success, and the people of the Philippines—well-being and prosperity.

Last April, President Duterte and Putin had a telesummit, tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and defense cooperation between the two countries.

The 30-minute telesummit took place at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse.  PND

On Independence Day message: President Duterte says Filipinos must be heroes in their own right to overcome pandemic

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined the entire Filipino nation Saturday in celebrating the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence, hoping the patriotism of heroes of the past will inspire the current generation of Filipinos to overcome present-day challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic.

In his message, President Duterte said the challenges of the past year have tested the nation’s character.

“Each of us has been called upon to be heroes in our own right --- in fighting for our survival and in devoting ourselves to the common good, just as our heroes did more than a century ago,” he said.

“With their noble example inspiring us, we look forward to a brighter future filled with hope that we will overcome the challenges brought by this pandemic. May the patriotic fervor continue to burn in our hearts,” he added.

During the anniversary celebration, simultaneous flag raising and wreath-laying rites were scheduled to be conducted Saturday in Manila, Cavite, San Juan City, Bulacan, Caloocan City, Pampanga, Cebu, and Davao City.

This year’s Philippine independence celebration has for its theme: “Kalayaan 2021: Diwa ng Kalayaan sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan". PND

President Duterte honors nation's frontliners in Independence Day message

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the commemoration Saturday of the 123rd anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, encouraging the Filipino public to honor the country’s frontline workers who are instrumental in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we commemorate this year’s Independence Day, let us honor our modern-day heroes – our healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, and other frontliners who have been instrumental in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” the President said in his address in Provincial Capitol Grounds in Malolos City, Bulacan.

“In the past year, they have risked their own lives and sacrificed their own comfort and security to ensure that our society will continue to function despite this crisis. Maraming pong salamat sa inyong pagmalasakit at serbisyo.”

During his message, the President announced the construction of a Wall of Heroes, being erected by the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Libingan ng mga Bayani to honor medical frontliners who perished during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At lahat ‘yong namatay na mga doktor, mga nurses, ‘yong mga attendants na nahawa ng COVID will be honored by their name inscribed in that wall,” he said in announcing the wall’s construction.

“It is now being built. And I’d like to thank the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their pagmalasakit sa kapwa Pilipino.”

Prior to delivering his speech, President Duterte honored the heroes of Bulacan – General Gregorio S. del Pilar and Marcelo H. del Pilar — conferring them, through their descendants, the Order of Lapu-Lapu.

Marcelo H. del Pilar fought Spanish colonizers through his writings under the pen name “Plaridel".

Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, on the other hand, was hailed as the “Hero of Tirad Pass” – a true patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the young Philippine Republic.

“It is just fitting that, more than a century since their exploits, these two sons of Bulacan continue to inspire succeeding generations of Filipinos to cherish the liberties and freedoms that they bled and fought for,” he said.

“I therefore consider it a great honor to bestow upon them – through their kin who are with us today – the Order of Lapu-Lapu, in recognition of their extraordinary acts of heroism that served as the foundation of this nation.”

On behalf of the Filipino people, the President conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to General del Pilar and Marcelo H. del Pilar for their heroism, as he encouraged Filipinos to honor their legacy especially as the country faces a global health crisis.

Last year, President Duterte traveled to Malabang, Lanao del Sur during Independence Day to recognize the heroism of Jose Abad Santos.

Abad Santos, considered by the President a national hero, was beheaded by the Japanese imperial army for refusing to pledge allegiance to the Japanese flag.

The country is now modern, progressive, and ever thriving, but its continued progress will only be possible if Filipinos have a strong understanding and appreciation of the liberties that they enjoy today, according to the President.

“Let us move forward in solidarity and give greater meaning to the freedom that our forebears achieved for us 123 years ago,” he said.  PND

PSA to conduct quarterly fisheries surveys

By Nora C. Lanuza

BUTUAN CITY, June 14– The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga region will conduct four quarterly fisheries surveys starting June 21 to 25, 2021 in the different areas of the region. 

File photo

The surveys include the Quarterly Municipal Fisheries Survey (QMFS); Quarterly Aquaculture Surveys (QAqS); Quarterly Inland Fisheries Survey (QIFS); and Quarterly Commercial Fisheries Surveys (QCFS).

According to PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda C. Apura, the survey aims to generate volume and value on Commercial Fisheries, Marine Municipal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture production by species and by quarter at the national, regional, and provincial levels. 

“The statistics generated through the conduct of these surveys serve as input to the compilation of national accounts, researches and studies, estimation of the performance of agriculture, policymaking and program implementation,” Apura said.

Apura said that during the conduct of the surveys, hired statistical researchers (SRs) will visit the sample fish landing centers for commercial and municipal fisheries as well as selected sample aquafarm operators and inland fishing households. 

To ensure that the procedures and concepts are understood and to assure that they adhere to the prescribed COVID-19 safety protocols during the conduct of the interview, Apura said that the hired SRs are trained prior to its actual field operations. 

Apura also assured that all the data and information collected by the hired SRs from sample fishermen shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10625. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

PSA launches PhilSys fixed registration center in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jun. 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Provincial Office in Surigao del Sur opens Monday, June 14, 2021 the PhilSys Fixed Registration Center for the province of Surigao del Sur situated at the RCP1 Building, Telaje, this city.

PSA Surigao del Sur chief Ruel Dres says the center serves as a counter for the Step 2 process of the PhilSys which is focused on the validation of supporting documents and collection of registrants’ biometric information, including fingerprint biometrics, iris scans and front-facing photographs.

The same activity is currently conducted at the Municipal Hall of Barobo, the first municipality to launch the Step 2 registration for the National ID System processing in the province.

It can be recalled that PSA has already conducted the Step 1 registration last January 18 to April 30 of the current year prioritizing those households with low income.

The last step (Step 3) is the issuance of the PhilSys Number (PSN) and the Phil ID (card) to be delivered by the Philippine Post Office direct to the residence address indicated by the registrants or applicants, Dres explains.

Dres says that in partnership with the local government units of Cantilan, Tago, and Tagbina, the PhilSys Registration Center will be launched soon in their respective municipalities to cater to their residents.

Republic Act No. 11055, also known as the “Philippine Identification System Act” was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on August 6, 2018. This mandates the PSA to be the implementing agency of the PhilSys and the creation of the PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PSPCC) to formulate policies and guidelines to ensure effective implementation of the PhilSys.

The “Philippine Identification System Act” aims to establish a single national identification system to provide a valid proof of identity for all Filipino citizens and resident aliens that eliminates the need to present other forms of identification when transacting with the government and private sectors. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Take a deeper look into drug war situation, President Duterte tells CHR

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 June 14, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, June 14, called upon the Commission on Human Rights to take a second look at the administration’s war on drugs, saying lives are lost in the fight against illicit narcotics trade because the police are fighting armed criminals.

“Para ‘to sa mga tao na ayaw maniwala ng may namatay na mga tao in the prosecution of the drug war,” he said during his weekly Talk to the People.

“Kita mo naman o may patay pero kita mo ‘yong nahuli sa operations, it’s 1,000. May araw na mag-2,000, 1,000. Hindi bababa ng 1,000 ang mga nasa droga.”

During a meeting with the President, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano presented a chart showing the latest government’s drug bust where suspects were killed during operations. The latest anti-drug campaign confiscated a total of P1.2 billion worth of drugs within a week.

“You would notice that there are really persons who die almost daily because ‘yan ito lumaban talaga at hindi kasali ang pulis ko na may tama at namatay rin,” he said.

President Duterte then warned CHR not to threaten the police fighting drug traffickers, stressing he won’t allow opening of records containing sensitive details on police investigations and operations.

Investigation records and state secrets cannot be divulged to the public, since it could hinder with the police personnel’s drug operations, investigation and surveillance, he said.

“Hindi nga puwedeng i-open ‘yan eh. ‘Pag makita ninyo, baka makita ninyo ‘yong pangalan ninyo, kayo pala ang nagbibigay ng mga impormasyon sa pulis,” he said.

“Pero kung sabihin mo ‘yong engkwentro, paano namatay, paano sinugod, okay ‘yan, walang problema tayo diyan.”

“Ang problema diyan kay kung makita ninyo --- pati tatay mo makita mo ‘yong pangalan diyan, naloko na. Iyan ang ano, iyan ang intindihin ninyo.”

The proliferation of illegal drugs has been going on for years, he said, and there are current surges in the number of deaths of drug suspects because of a more intensified police anti-drug campaign.

“With the advent of this --- itong nauso na itong human rights investigation, pati ako, naimbestiga ako ng Human Rights Commission headed by de Lima,” he said.

“Tapos ‘yong siya na ‘yong naging Secretary of Justice, inimbestiga niya ako. Walang nangyari, walang rekomendasyon, wala lahat. Puro lang 'yong aspersions, ‘yong mga salita na ganoon.”

Defending the police, the President said law enforcers know that they cannot randomly kill during drug busts without reasons since they know that they could be held accountable later on. PND

President Duterte extends GCQ in Metro Manila, Bulacan with ‘some restrictions’ until June 30

President Rodrigo Duterte has retained the general community quarantine (GCQ) imposed in Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces or the so-called NCR Plus with certain curbs to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

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 June 14, 2021. RICHARD MADELO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The President approved an expert groups’ recommendation Monday retaining GCQ in Metro Manila and Bulacan with “some restrictions” from June 16 to 30.

The rest of the NCR Plus remains under GCQ with “heightened restrictions” for the same period.

The chief executive announced the new quarantine classifications during his weekly public address on the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Duterte also announced areas that will remain under GCQ for the whole month of June.

These are Baguio City, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Benguet, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batangas, Quezon, Iligan City, Davao City, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato City.

Meanwhile, President Duterte placed 21 more areas under a stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until June 30.

These are the City of Santiago, Cagayan Province, Apayao, Ifugao, Bataan, Lucena City,Puerto Princesa City, Naga City (Bicol), Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Butuan City, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur.

The rest of the country will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), President Duterte said.

Spokesperson Harry Roque, who was present during the meeting, said indoor and outdoor (al fresco) dining in areas under MECQ will have limited seating capacity at 10 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Venues for outdoor sports and courts will be limited to 50 percent only, Roque added.

Personal care services like beauty salons, barbershops, beauty parlors, nail spas are allowed for up to 30 percent.

At the same time, the presidential spokesperson said that indoor contact sports, courts or venues, other indoor leisure centers or facilities, scrimmages, and games are prohibited. Indoor and outdoor tourist attractions are also not allowed.

For areas under ordinary GCQ, indoor sports and venues, as well as indoor tourist attractions will be allowed at 50 percent operational capacity. Venues for meetings, conferences, and exhibition, will also be allowed to open at 50 percent capacity.

Personal care services, salons, parlors, beauty clinics, could also operate at 50 percent capacity. 

Religious activities and wake services, weddings, baptism, which, under MECQ could only operate at 10 percent capacity, are now allowed to be conducted at 30 percent for up to 50 percent capacity, according to Roque.

The Philippines has logged 6,426 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, putting the country’s active cases at 59,096, the Department of Health reported. There are 1,240,112 recoveries while the total death toll is 22,845. PND

President Duterte names personnel dismissed from service due to corruption

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced the dismissal from service Monday of another group of government personnel due to corruption, reiterating his resolve to fight the menace that has been going on for decades.

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 June 14, 2021. RICHARD MADELO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In his televised Talk to the People, the President announced the dismissal of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) personnel Nora Halamani and Abolais Ampa, both Revenue Officer III, for demanding P400,000 bribe in exchange of approval of signed tax payment forms for the settlement of Dealco Farms purported tax liabilities.

Also dismissed from the service was local government official Antonio Palanca, a Palawan Provincial Health Officer, for malversation of public funds or property.

He has been charged of misappropriating P250,000 from the illegal sale of 16,728 tons of iron steel from the demolished building of the Brooke’s Point District Hospital in Palawan.

“Sabi ninyo may corruption, may corruption talaga sa gobyerno. Iyong mga empleyado doon matagal na, halos tag-25 years. Ikaw ang manghinayang,” President Duterte said in announcing the dismissals.

“Kung sabihin ninyo corruption sa gobyerno, matagal na ‘yan, noon pa ‘yan. Nag-umpisa ‘yan hindi sa panahon ko. Kaya magdahan-dahan ng salita. ‘Pag sinabi ko “ayaw ko ng corruption,” ‘pag inabutan ka, patay ka,” he added.

Eliminating graft and corruption in government was one of the President’s campaign pledges when he ran for president in 2016, along with putting an end to the proliferation of illegal narcotics and criminality.  PND

Gov’t has money to fund massive inoculation drive, finance chief says

The government has enough money to fund an extensive vaccination drive in the country that will cover both the entire adult and young populations, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III 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 June 14, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

During his presentation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Dominguez said Congress has authorized the executive branch to spend P85 billion for vaccine purchases.

He enumerated the fund sources: the Department of Health budget, P2.5 billion; Bayanihan 2, P10 billion; and official development assistance (ODA) financing.

ODA financing includes borrowings from the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The country has borrowed a total of P58.5 billion - P23.9 from World Bank; P20.3 billion from Asian Development Bank; and P14.3 billion from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

“Other financing ho we are sourcing is up to 11 and a half billion and contingency funds probably another two and a half. But the total so far is we have P85 billion,” Dominguez said.

With P85 billion, the government can buy 140 million vaccine doses to inoculate 70 million Filipinos or the entire adult population.

In the case of the younger population or those aged 12 to 17 years old, he said they estimate it to cost another P20 billion, noting the government has enough reserves to cover that amount of money.

“So we have enough,” Dominguez said. “Tamang-tama, sapat po ‘yong pera natin para sa vaccination. So we don’t have to worry.”

“The money is there and we will certainly be able to vaccinate the entire adult population plus the teenagers who are I think around 15 million, right? Around 15 million Filipinos. So total 85 million Filipinos.”

The finance chief also responded to questions whether the government is borrowing too much money as a response to the pandemic.

He said that although the country’s debt has increased, it is just temporary, and the government’s finances will normalize in the next few years once the economy reopens.

Dominguez praised the Duterte administration’s tax reform initiatives that have kept the country’s credit rating “very, very strong,” with rating agencies retaining the existing status.

More than 100 countries around the world have been downgraded, according to the finance chief.

“Ang ibig sabihin niyan, pag na-downgrade kayo, mahihirapan kayong humiram o kung hihiram man kayo, mas mataas ang interest. So ang interes natin actually is quite low because our credit rating is very good,” Dominguez said.

“So we think that the debt level of our country is high but it is sustainable and we can manage to handle this debt in the coming years.” PND

Surigao Norte stakeholders intensify campaign vs ASF

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jun. 15  – Following the reported outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country, concerned agencies continue to reinforce stringent measures to protect the public against the threat of ASF.

Just recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Surigao del Norte Station, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Animal Industry, and Provincial Veterinary Office have intensified the conduct of a random inspection dubbed as “Bantay ASF sa Pantalan.”

The said inspection is in consonance with the marching order of the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Norte through an Executive Order No. 21-020 series of 2021 otherwise known as “An Order Establishing the Guidelines and Protocols to Prevent the Entry of African Swine Fever into the province of Surigao del Norte."

PCG Surigao del Norte Coast Guard Station Commander Elaine R. Pangilinan said the activity was purposely to strictly regulate the transport of live hogs, pork, and pork by-products particularly in seaports which intend to be transported bound for Siargao Island.

She said beforehand, the team conducted a short briefing in order to have an organized and systemic inspection plan which started by checking of pertinent documents of cargoes at the points of entries particularly Gate 7 of Macapagal Port Terminal, Surigao City and then, the team proceeded to Port Integrated Clearance Office (PICO) at the Surigao Baseport wherein issuance of shipping permits from Bureau of Animal Industry is located.

“We appealed to the general public its full cooperation and support against the fight of ASF that will lead to an ASF-FREE Surigao del Norte,” Pangilinan said.

The team has also conducted inspection at the Eva Macapagal Passenger Terminal in which the passenger entrance and the security screening procedure are situated.

On the course of inspection, the team intercepted pork by-products specifically pork meat and processed meat inside a box without any necessary permits in the possession of a certain passenger which was eventually confiscated.

The master of the vessel was given a stern warning and likewise reminded to adhere to the Executive Order by not accepting any cargoes without permits.

After the inspection, the team conducted a post-assessment analysis in order to improve the screening procedures against ASF. (PCG-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Philippine rice varieties info accessible worldwide

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 15 -- Information on genetic makeup of Philippine rice varieties can now be accessed by breeders and researchers from different countries through the Global Information System (GLIS) portal of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

“As of now, germplasm information of more than 3,000 Philippine rice varieties and their availability for breeding works can be accessed upon request through the GLIS Portal. This would help plant breeders to easily access up-to-date information of germplasm with desirable traits for varietal improvement programs,” Malvin Duldulao, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) ICT specialist, said.

He added that GLIS implements Digital Object Identifiers (DOI), which allows the use of material to be tracked as these genetic resources are being shared, duplicated, and used among institutions.

DOI is a unique alpha-numeric string assigned by GLIS to identify rice accessions and facilitates the exchange of associated information across organizations.

“This is useful in monitoring the impact of our Genebank collections in research and breeding programs,” he said.

Duldulao said DA-PhilRice Genebank is among the first genebanks worldwide to implement the use of DOI through redesigning and upgrading its in-house Germplasm Management System database during a series of software training and hands-on experience thru a FAO-Benefit Sharing Fund funded project held at Bogor and Bali, Indonesia in 2019. This project is in collaboration with the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Research and Development and the International Rice Research Institute. (Mervalyn Tomas, DA-PhilRice/PIA-Caraga)

FEATURE: DA-PCC incorporates whey in fruit-flavored isotonic drink

The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), through the Product Development and Innovation Section (PDIS), recently reached a milestone in advancing product development by way of incorporating whey into its fruit-flavored isotonic drink. This means whey, which is previously considered as waste, is now put to good use while reducing harm to the environment.

The PDIS team headed by Ms. Mina Abella, Supervising Science Research Specialist, submitted the utility model for registration under the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, which was approved and published last February 2021.

The utility model relates to the use of whey and fruit as a flavoring in beverage production. Whey is the liquid remaining after the milk has been curdled and strained during cheese production. It was previously considered as a pollutant or waste because of its high organic matter content causing serious environmental problems. Various technological approaches have been employed to convert whey into value-added products such as energy drinks.

“When we do cheese making, we only get the curds so the whey usually goes to waste. Instead of letting it go to waste, we thought we should just develop it into another valuable product as additional income for dairy cooperatives and interested entrepreneurs. We wanted to add value to it because whey is still nutritious. In fact, whey-based food and beverage products are already introduced in the market and they are often a choice for health-conscious people,” Abella said.

She furthered that whey is an excellent source of high-quality protein and amino acids good for muscle tissue development. It also helps in lowering blood pressure, enhancing the body's antioxidant defense, which can prevent or slow down the damage of cells caused by free radicals, and promoting weight loss.

Out of 10 liters of fresh milk utilized for cheese production, 8 to 10 liters of whey are produced. The fruit-flavored isotonic drink utilizes fresh acid whey and aims to reduce its lactose content using the lactase enzyme. The collected whey is then used in the preparation of an isotonic whey beverage intended for the lactose intolerant and to replenish nutrients that are lost during physical activities.

The drink is flavored to give a much more soothing, refreshing, and pleasing drinking experience for consumers. Currently, the fruit flavoring includes mango, lemon, and orange.

The DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (CLSU) has also produced a line of whey products such as whey vinegar, whey wine, whey taho and ricotta cheese. (Chamanei Elias, DA-PCC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PH can now export processed meat products to Japan

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 15 -- In addition to “chicken yakitori,” the Philippines can now export processed meat products to Japan.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said this favorable development is due to the recent inclusion of the Philippines by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in its list of certified countries that passed the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based (HACCP) hygiene management protocols.

“This is definitely a big boost for our livestock producers, and food manufacturers, meat processors, and exporters, as we continue to look for market opportunities to jumpstart the country’s economic recovery amid the pandemic,” the agri chief said.

“It is also a testament to our commitment in providing safe, healthy and world-class quality food for both domestic and export markets, and Japan is a discriminating market. Thus, we look forward to penetrating more export markets,” he added.

“We are pleased that we have successfully hurdled Japan’s stringent food safety and hygiene management standards,” Secretary Dar said.

Hence, the Philippines can start exporting beef, carabeef, pork, chevon, mutton, and their by-products to Japan. Article 11 of Japan’s Food Sanitation Law provides that only meat products using HACCP management systems may be imported into the country.

Since 2003, the Department of Agriculture through its National Meat Inspection Service (DA-NMIS) has implemented the mandatory application of the HACCP program in all licensed “triple A” (AAA) meat establishments. HACCP is a science-based, systematic protocol that identifies hazards and measures for their control to ensure food safety.

Prior to getting the thumbs-up to ship processed meat products to Japan, the Philippines was only allowed to export chicken meat, mainly used for grilling as “yakitori.” said DA-NMIS Director Jocelyn Salvador.

Yakitori is a Japanese menu where bite-sized chicken, beef, pork and other meat or fish are put on skewers, which are then grilled and served.

“The HACCP certification implies that the systems of certification of the Philippines are at par with global standards,” Salvador said.

“The significance of this move by Tokyo is that they rely upon and trust our systems of certification. This means that if the Philippines certifies certain establishments and meat products, Japan will automatically accept this certification without question,” she added.

To date, there are at least 70 Philippine meat establishments, including slaughterhouses, meat-cutting plants, poultry dressing plants, and cold storage facilities, in the country that have “AAA” certification from the DA-NMIS, the list of which has been furnished to the Japan’s MHLW, Salvador said.

Japan remains one of the country’s largest trading partners which was further enhanced with the signing of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in 2006.

The country’s major agriculture exports to Japan include Cavendish banana, pineapple, coconut oil, and chicken yakitori.

“This is a victory, and we are now reaping the rewards of the DA’s continuing efforts to educate Philippine food manufacturers to adhere to global food safety standards,” said Sec. Dar.

“This is in line with the Duterte administration’s strategy to increase the country’s exports of farm and fishery products, with emphasis on diversified and expanded value-chain or food systems from farms and fishing grounds, to processing, and finally to dining tables. We will therefore continue to push for more exports of farm and fishery products to propel the agri-industrialization of the Philippine countryside,” he said. (DA StratComms/PIA-Caraga)