CONTENTS 2 -8 July 2016Volume 1, No. 14

REGIONAL NEWS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

MINDANAO NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

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New Butuan City mayor bares 10 priority impact projects

COVER

Army distributes school kits to recipient pupils, schools in Caraga

AgNor guv bares list of completed infra projects

Gov. Plaza: Advanced education continues to improve in AgSur

PNP-13 registers decreased crime rate in Caraga region

DA Caraga turns-over modern corn drying facility to Agusan farmers

DAR AgSur conducts pre-membership education seminar; distributes titles to farmer beneficiaries

Army holds bloodletting drive in Surigao Norte

Caraga RDRRMC leads 2016 NDCM celebration

Bring Alternative Learning System (ALS) to more learners -DepEd

Mindanao leader receives senior honors from PNoy

Palace names country’s top drug lords

PRC Agnor-Butuan chapter bares accomplishments

People-based projects will continue in AgSur, assures Cong. Plaza

DTI conducts product development training in Surigao Norte town

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3424DTI holds training to Surigao org to improve local products, services

25Kalahi-CIDSS, SurSur town ink MOA for partnership on community driven development program

722 planters join 2016 Arbor Day celebration in SurSur

28DTI SurSur hosts 2016 CMCI roadshow26

The Police Provincial Office (PPO) of Agusan del Norte was awarded plaque of recognition during the 21st Police Community Relations (PCR) celebration as outstanding PPO in the implementation of the PCR plans and programs that significantly contributed in the attainment of the overall mission and objectives of the Philippine National Police.

The Dept of Trade & Industry (DTI) - Consumer Protection & Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) under the Consumer Protection Group released another new Suggested Retail Price (SRP) guides for basic necessities & prime commodities as of June 1, 2016. This is the 3rd time this year that the CPAB made such SRP releases.

Agusan del Sur 1st dist. rep. Ma. Valentina Plaza expressed her warm thanks and gratitude to all the Agusanon constituents for their support, cooperation & trust to the activities & programs of the provincial government. She further emphasized that the local government units of the province will be more equipped with the necessary logistics & support for the different programs and services that will benefit the local citizens. The good congresswoman who also have the love & sympathy for the lumads, reassured that the IPs in the province will benefit more from the programs of the government. It can also be recalled that Cong. Plaza immediately responded to the death of the lumads who were recently shot to death by the NPAs. She shouldered the expenses for the decent burial of the killed lumads.

The local government unit of Mainit in Surigao Norte was awarded as the Most Outstanding LGU in the region for being the top earner in the tourism industry, while Surigao City Tourism Council was awarded as the Most Outstanding Tourism Council during the 3rd Regl Tourism Stakrholders Summit held in Tandag City today.

News Briefs

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Cover StoryCover Story

I n time with the inauguration and oath-taking ceremony of the

newly-elected officials here on Thursday, newly-elected city mayor Ronnie Vicente Conde Lagnada also bared his ten Priority Impact Projects that

his administration wanted to accomplish for the first 100 days.

New Butuan City mayor bares 10 priority impact projects

Among these are: 1) Bright Butuan (to include street lights; 2) Clean Butuan (campaign on solid waste management will be intensified); 3) Orderly Butuan (peace and order situation); 4) Progressive Barangays (no barangay will be left behind in the development); 5) People-friendly City Hall; 6) Excellent-Driven City Hall; 7) Clean Water (with upgraded water facilities); 8) Fast and Efficient Licensing in Butuan; 9) Transparent City Hall; and 10) Save Butuan.

“We will see to it that the change that we have been longing to see and experience will be realized

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

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by this administration. We will work together to achieve our common goals for the betterment of our city and our people,” stressed Lagnada. The newly-elected mayor also asked the public to help the city government on its advocacy campaign that will also lead to the development of the city.

Meanwhile, along with mayor-elect Lagnada who took oath are Agusan del Norte 1st District Cong. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun; Vice Mayor Jose Aquino II. 10 city councilors also took their oath, to wit: Glenn Carampatana; Ferdinand Nalcot; Rema Burdeos; Derrick Plaza; Cromwell Nortega; Omar Andaya; Cherry Mae Busa; Vincent Rizal Rosario; Ehrnest John Sanchez; and John Gil Unay.

The aforementioned newly-elected officials belong to one political party during the May 2016 elections.

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JOINT FLAG CEREMONY- Joint Flag Ceremony of 4ID CMO PA, AFPSLAI and PIA Personnel- Blessing of CMO’s three (3) units KM450 vehicles- Boodle Fight @ 4ID Advance Command Post/Camp Bancasi, Butuan City4 July 2016

Photo Gallery

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Army distributes school kits to recipient pupils, schools in Caraga

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army (4ID, PA) on Thursday spearheaded the ceremonial distribution of 20,670 ‘Project Shoebox’ school kits to recipients pupils and schools at camp Bancasi here. The school kits were given to recipient pupils of the city and Civil Military Operations (CMO) officers of Caraga region who will then distribute the kits to their respective recipient municipalities and schools.

The school kits are intended to pupils from Kinder to Grade six from the

different schools of the region. During the ceremonial distribution, two schools from Butuan City – the Consuelo Elementary School and Bancasi Elementary School have received a total of 360 and 422 school kits and were received by Sylvia B. Cabrera and Rosilda B. Bacon, school

REGIONAL NEWS

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principals of said schools, respectively.

Capt. Angelo Jose Gomez, CMO officer of the 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) has received 2,689 project shoebox school kits intended for the recipient schools in the municipalities of Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

A total of 5,000 project shoebox school kits intended for the recipient schools in the municipalities of Cagwait, Marihatag and Tago, Surigao del Sur were also received by CMO officer of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion 2Lt Johngie Siatanan.

For the municipalities of Carmen, Cantilan and Cortes, Surigao del Sur, a total of 2,503 project shoebox school kits were also received by 16IB CMO officer 2Lt Edelyn Glarian.

CMO officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion 1Lt Miguel Borromeo also received the 2,910 project shoebox school kits intended for the municipality of Barobo and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur. The municipalities of Bacuag, Alegria, Mainit, Malimono, Tubod, Gigaguit and Sison in the province of Surigao del Norte received 3,162 project shoebox school kits through 30IB CMO officer Capt. Rofhel Pacheco.

The 2,650 project shoebox school kits intended for the recipient schools of the municipalities of Tago and San

Miguel, Surigao del Sur were received by 2nd Special Forces Battalion CMO officer Capt. Rommel Salve.

Also, the municipality of Sibagat and Bayugan City school recipients in Agusan del Sur received a total of 789 project shoebox school kits through 3rd Special Forces Battalion CMO officer Capt Ray John Labiao.

The distribution of school kits was attended by 4ID assistant division commander BGen. Paul Atal, Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional director Abner M. Caga, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Caraga regional director Atty. Pinky Grace P. Pabelic, assistant regional director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico of the Department of Education (DepEd) - Caraga, and Department of the Interior and Local Government Caraga assistant regional director Donald Seronay.

The Project Shoebox is an initiative and partnership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, DepEd, National Bookstore Foundation, SM and 2GO Express.

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PNP-13 registers decreased crime rate in Caraga region

BUTUAN CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP)-13 deputy for operations PSupt Rudy Elandag said recently that there is a decrease by 22 percent in the crime volume in the region for the period January to May 2016 which totaled to 4,616 as compared to the same period last year with 5,884 crimes recorded.

This was revealed in the presentation of accomplishments during the 87th Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga meeting held in this city, while other agenda also include the following: State of the Region and RDC Accomplishments under the leadership of Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas; 2015 Regional Development Report; 2015 Annual Regional Economic

Situationer; Reorganization of RDC-GADCC; Millennium Development Goals Final Report; and Updates on the K-12 Implementation.

Meanwhile, commanding general of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army MGen Benjamin Madrigal disclosed that they have recorded 77 encounters, 75 firearms gained, and 74 enemies neutralized.

By: Venus L. Garcia

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Caraga RDRRMC leads 2016 NDCM celebration By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – In time with the kick-off celebration of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM), the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) briefed the media partners on disaster-related updates and other undertakings of the council.

MGen Madrigal said that the 402nd Brigade was able to neutralize the New Peoples Army’s (NPA) shadow government in Surigao del Sur. He added that 38 barangays in the region were already cleared from NPA for the first semester of this year and 157 more are still to be cleared.

“Our campaign against the left-leaning groups is on the right track and gaining headway, and that the ‘Bayanihan’ is the suitable formula to beat the New Peoples Army (NPA). The consistent high engagement rate will weaken the rebel enemy’s fighting power, with the integration also of the

military’s peace and development activities, and socio-economic programs of other government agencies,” said Madrigal. Meanwhile, as chair of the RDC Caraga for six years in her term, Surigao del Norte governor Sol Matugas expressed that she is very lucky to have been elected to lead the RDC. She also assured that with the coming new administration, she will continue to support the council and give her best to assist in anyway she can in order to sustain and achieve a more peaceful, secured and developed region.

In Caraga region, said observance kicked-off with a thanksgiving mass, motorcade and a short program at the Agusan del Norte provincial covered court.

Right after the program, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga also facilitated a press conference held at the provincial

governor’s conference room with the regional heads of the OCD, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH),

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PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as panelists.

RDRRMC chair and OCD Caraga regional director Manuel Luis Ochotorena asked the help of the media partners to help the council disseminate relevant disaster-related information and updates to the localities especially with the La Niña phenomenon. “The council is conducting the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) days before a typhoon is expected to hit the area, in order to strategize plans for appropriate preparations and response,” stressed Ochotorena.

Ochotorena also thanked the partner agencies for their constant

cooperation. As in-charge in coordination, he bared that the council stays comprehensive in promoting strategic platforms approved by the council. “We are also into humanitarian assistance and the council is not digressing but progressing in terms of performing the directives in advancing efforts in calamity/disaster mitigation and prevention,” he said.

With regards to preparedness on the silent calamity earthquake, Ochotorena reiterated that the council has continuously capacitated the responders with skills on search, rescue and retrieval. He said that contingency planning is always part of the preparation, and they are going to conduct emergency telecommunication simulation exercises.

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Regional director Abner Caga of PIA Caraga reiterated that the agency has established a portable radio equipment and developed a system that can manage communications even during disaster/calamity. “The 107.8 Power FM/ Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network of PIA Caraga has tested its functionality and effectiveness during the Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. It is ready to be utilized even in extreme weather condition,” he highlighted.

Vice chair for Disaster Preparedness and DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion emphasized that policies on disaster preparedness are strictly implemented and monitored in the different local government units in the region.

LTC Rey Pasco, executive director of 4th Infantry Division Advance Command Post, Philippine Army also emphasized that they are very ready

to respond to any eventualities/emergencies. They are also equipped with necessary facilities and have been continuously capacitating its personnel thru trainings.

Also, Angelita Amista of DSWD Caraga reiterated that the department has already established a system that will immediately respond to the needs of the local citizens during disaster/calamity. At any given time, they have a standby relief packs of 30,000.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of La Nina, Dr. Ernesto Pareja of DOH Caraga revealed that their agency has already prepositioned teams to respond to any possible effects of said phenomenon. A quick response team to focus on La Nina and other disasters that the region will encounter has been proposed.

The 2016 NDCM is anchored on the theme, “Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa.”

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Photo Gallery

HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) Meeting & Orientation on HIV/AIDS for the Newly Elected Officials of Butuan City8 July 2016

2016 Nutrition Month Celebration Theme: “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagaan

para sa malusog na kinabukasan.”NUTRITION MONTH FORUM

Luciana Convention Center, Butuan City4 July 2016

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AgNor guv bares list of completed infra projects

BUTUAN CITY – Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba recognizes that economic development can be hastened if appropriate public infrastructures are in place in the province.

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

In year 2015, 105 different infrastructure projects with a total cost of P891,229,765 were completed in the province, said governor Matba during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) held on Friday in one of the convention centers here.

According to governor Matba, road improvement and rehabilitation were implemented along the Agusan-Bukidnon Road/Buenavista Section, Nasipit-Buenavista-Masao Port Coastal Road, the Nasipit Port Road and the improvement of the provincial roads.

Also, other improvement works such as slope protection, drainage and

sidewalks were maintained, governor Matba added.

“The province has also substantially completed two major projects – the Construction of Cabadbaran Putting Bato Road coasting P84,843,219.06 and a road network traversing Poblacion-Hinimbangan in the municipality of Kitcharao costing P150 million which will soon be completed,” said governor Matba.

Pre-implementation documents like preliminary engineering surveys and detailed engineering designs for 11 projects costing P371,907,048 were also completed, she said.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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DA Caraga turns-over modern corn drying facility to Agusan farmersBy: Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY - To help corn farmers attain premium quality of their produce, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga turned-over another Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center to the farmers through the local government unit of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last June 1.

The second unit established in the said town and third in the region, the Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center situated in Brgy. Pinana-an, is a modern drying and shelling facility worth P3.5 million and has a capacity of processing 10 tons of corn.

The facility will process either freshly harvested corn in cob or shelled kernels that need further drying just for a very minimal fee.

DA Caraga regional director Edna Mabeza said that modern drying facility helps to eliminate poor quality

of corn that may pose health hazard to human and animal due to aflatoxin.

“There are reports based on laboratory test results that some areas are having high aflatoxin level of corn produce which is caused by delayed drying after harvesting,” she said.

According to corn quality parameter, aflatoxin level of corn for feed purposes must not exceed the tolerable limit of 50 parts per billion (pbb) and for human consumption of not more than 20 pbb.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina Rosales

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extended her gratitude to DA Caraga for supporting their corn farmers and vowed to implement measures to ensure sustainability of the project.

“I am urging the farmers to help maintain the facility because it is a multi-million peso project from the government and be cooperative on the policy that we are going to implement to make this project sustainable,” she said.

Aside from corn, the facility is also

designed to dry palay thus making it more advantageous for the farmers.

The first two Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center funded by the DA is located at Brgy. Tiniwisan, this city and Brgy. Malicato of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

More of this kind is on the pipeline for completion in various parts of the region as implemented under AgriPinoy Corn Program. (DA-Caraga)

PRC Agnor-Butuan chapter bares accomplishments By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter in its regular Board of Directors meeting held Tuesday here bares the accom-plishments of the six different committees for the month of May 2016.

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For the Disaster Management Services, the chapter was able to conduct a three-day International Humanitarian Law Training for Disseminators for Red Cross Action Team 143 held at the RCY development training center here.

Also, the committee conducted a Training of Trainers of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for the Department of Education teachers and children to the five municipalities of Surigao del Sur under the Save the Children Project held in Tandag City.

On Blood Services, the committee was able to collect 578 units of blood including those acquired from blood letting activities. Donors are categorized as walk-in, patient-directed, replacement, mobile blood donation, and units acquired from other blood service facilities.

On the Safety Services, the committee conducted Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Professional Provider Training Course and produced 23 graduates from the members of the Agusan National High School (ANHS) Senior Red Cross Youth (SRCY).

A total of 157 graduates from the members of ANHS SRCYs, employees of Coca-Cola and Solaris Shell Gas Station also graduated from the Occupational First Aid and Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for

Adult Lay Rescuers Training Course.

Also, 103 students attended the lecture discussion on First Aid and Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Meantime, the Committee on Health Services has attended the Epidemic Control for Volunteers Training of Trainers Course which aims to capacitate volunteers in handling epidemic emergencies. Senior Health Volunteers were also mobilized during the 2016 national and local elections to assist in First Aid and Health Emergencies.

The Welfare Services also referred 123 clients to different agencies for blood processing assistance.

The Red Cross Youth/Volunteer Service also conducted two batches of the Leadership Development Program Training Course and trained 100 SRCY of ANHS. Twenty one SRCY of Saint James College were also trained and 25 SRCY from the Caraga State University-Cabadbaran Campus Laboratory High School and Cabadbaran National High School.

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PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – “Advanced education continues to improve in 2015 as a result of the Scholarship Program that the provincial government has been implementing. A total of 447 individuals have availed of the Scholarship program in 2015,” stressed Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) held recently at the Naliyagan Cultural Center Main Stage in the province.

Gov. Plaza: Advanced education continues to improve in AgSurBy: Jennifer P. Gaitano

Gov. Plaza emphasized that the early education has improved from 21,847 in 2014 to 23,284in 2015, as a result of construction of day care centers. “As of 2015, there are now 501 day care centers that have been constructed. Around 4,000 children have benefitted from the provision of ne school facilities and supplies under the PAGTUON Program in 2015,” he said.

Also, the good governor added that as the provincial government addresses the educational needs of the children in the province, their health

and nutrition are also prioritized.

“Key milestones have been achieved in health and nutrition: Prevalence rate of underweight children reduced from 6.04 percent in 2014 to 5.59 percent in 2015; Top 3 High Performing Province in the Philippines in Immunization; Top 1 High Performing Province in Immunization in Caraga; Best Provincial Leadership in Governance Program Site; Zero Malaria Case; Filaria-Free Province; and TB-DOTS Achiever,” enumerated Gov. Plaza.

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DAR AgSur conducts pre-membership education seminar; distributes titles to farmer beneficiariesBy: Hazel Hope Bautista

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Forty seven farmers attended the pre-membership education seminar (PMES) conducted recently at Brgy. Mambalili, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Of the forty seven, forty one received the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA/Titles) distributed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur. The CLOAs covered a total of 82.0000 hectares which is part of Lot No.2 – SWO-100302-00269-AR under the Kaunlaran Settlement – Bunawan side.

These new Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) were invited to attend the said seminar aiming to promote cooperative membership and thus increase number of ARBs reached. The basics of cooperative movement were being discussed including the rights, rules and policy guidelines to which cooperativism is

molded upon, as stipulated in RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008.

It was also emphasized to the participants that the CLOAs that will be handed over to them at the end of the seminar are authentic, which should not be sold or leased within the first ten years upon registration of the said titles to the Registry of Deeds (ROD). “Because integrated support services reaches the ARBs faster than when it is provided individually, ARBs are encouraged to join in any existing Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) or create a new, registered one,” bared Municipal

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PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - “I will continue to implement people-based projects in Infrastructures, Education, Protective Services Program, Peace and Order, Environment Protection and Health Services of which the greater populace of Agusanons benefited on this endeavor since the 15th and 16th Congress. Your undying support to us in public office for three consecutive terms is also our strength in pursuing our dedication in serving our beloved and awesome province of Agusan del Sur.” This was the statement of Agusan del Sur 1st district representative Ma. Valentina Plaza, during her oath-taking ceremony held recently at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Hall, this town.

Cong. Plaza expressed her warm thanks and gratitude to all the Agusanon constituents for their support, cooperation and trust to the activities and programs of the provincial government. She further emphasized that the local government units of the province will be more equipped with the necessary logistics and support for the different programs and services that will benefit the local citizens.

“I take my oath of office, to one of our many multi awarded Barangay Captain of Gamao, Hon. Climaco C. Rosauro in the City of Bayugan. I give a very high regard to our barangay leaders because they are the public sergeants who are closest to people. By taking an oath to Hon. Barangay Captain Rosauro symbolizes that our hard work is dedicated to the frontliners of progress and development of our people,” Plaza underlined.

This will be the last term of office of Cong. Plaza as member of the 17th Congress representing the province’s first district, it was learned.

Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Merla Guhao. “We are thankful to DAR that we already received our titles. We promise

to strive harder to continue to cultivate the land that is awarded to us,” expressed Saripa Walingan, participant and now farmer beneficiary of DAR-AgSur. (DAR-Agusan del Sur)

People-based projects will continue in AgSur, assures Cong. Plaza By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

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SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Twenty three (23) units of blood were extracted from the army volunteers in the recent mobile blood donation activity in line with the 118th Independence Day celebration spearheaded by the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) under its Mobile Blood Donation program. With the theme, “Dugo para sa Kababayan, Alay ng Kasundaluhan sa Araw ng Kalayaan,” the bloodletting activity was held recently at the 30IB headquarters in Sta. Cruz, Placer, this province.

According to 30IB commanding officer LTC Rico Amaro, the said activity is the soldier’s way to share part of their life to their fellowmen.

Col. Amaro who is a regular blood donor led the list of donors including

his wife, son and daughter who is on vacation from Baguio City. “This is teaching our children the essence of humanitarian service on a voluntary basis. Teaching them to understand our life as public servants,” Amaro added.

During the said activity, PRC administrator Marilou Talingting explained that any person 16 years old and above, at least 50 kilograms, physically healthy as determined by

Army holds bloodletting drive in Surigao Norte By: Lt. Ryan D. Layug

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doctor on duty can donate blood, and a person can donate blood every three months.

Talingting then thanked the 30IB for its support to the program. “Our

vibrant relationship is encouraging, just last February our soldiers from 30IB also donated blood. Thank you very sir for your support,” said Talingting. (CMO-30IB, Philippine Army)

DTI conducts product development training in Surigao Norte townCLAVER, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office in partnership with the Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Claver conducted recently a two-day Product Development Training cum Packaging and Labeling Training Workshop held at the TMC Training Center, Barangay Taganito, this town.

The event aims to enhance the existing knowledge of the women producers of the said barangay by inculcating to them the entrepreneurship and marketing

aspects (packaging and labeling) in their existing food processing activities.

The two-day activity benefited 20 members and officers of Root Crops

By: Lyza D. Trapal

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Producers of Urbiztondo who are currently engaged in processing some rootcrops called “Kakanin” sold at TMC and schools canteen.

The first day of the training was allocated for short lectures on entrepreneurial awareness of which the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency level of the participants were assessed/measured and the skills training on Cassava Chippy and Dried Cassava Grates processing /making.

The training outputs paved the way for the kicking off of the packaging and labeling training on the second day.

Expected outputs of the skills training are cassava chippy and the dried cassava grates but due to the eagerness and enthusiast of the participants to learn new product line, they were able to produce jolly roll using dried cassava grates with the assistance of the trainer Vilmore Aliguay.

On the other hand, the packaging and labeling training encouraged the participants to create and innovate their own package and labels for their cassava chippy and jolly rolls. The expertise of the trainer, Mhea Villacartos, a freelance designer complemented by the enthusiasm and eagerness of the participants paved way for the creation of various packaging sizes and designs (cellophane and boxes).

In the end, the new entrepreneurs were able to produce complete package of two new products lines from rootcrops specifically the cassava – cassava chippy and cassava jolly roll which are made available not only to TMC personnel guests but also to LGU guests, as well.

Before the training ended, the chairperson of the Rootcrops Producers of Urbiztondo, Carolina P. Esteban, expresses her heartfelt thanks to TMC, DTI and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Claver for the convergence effort of helping them augment their income and hoped that the said project will be sustained and will provide them with additional earnings for their respective families. (DTI-Surigao del Norte)

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IWICA is a recipient of DTI’s 2014 BuB (Bottom up Budgeting) Lemon Grass Processing Project. The association produces hydrosol and essential oil form processed lemongrass and they enthusiastically believe that the mentioned products are viable for business.

Trainings on financial literacy, simple bookkeeping, and business operations planning and equipment usage demonstration and skills coaching were conducted recently to better prepare them with their enterprise venture. It was learned that the DTI also assists them through business consultation services.

The association was also provided with packaging materials and labels

to ready their products for market in the municipality of Sison, and other neighboring municipalities.

IWICA is now confident to go into business after the provision of several assistance and support from different agencies like DTI, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and local government unit to their new business endeavor but still, they are willing to learn to continually improve their business.

IWICA’s hydrosol and essential oil will be sold in trade fairs regularly and they will also join every selling activities and ensure presence of their products in busiest stores in the province. (DTI-Surigao del Norte)

DTI holds training to Surigao org to improve local products, services

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently conducted a series of trainings and activities to the members of Ima Women Initiated-Community Association (IWICA) of Barangay Ima, Sison, this province.

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Kalahi-CIDSS, SurSur town ink MOA for partnership on community driven development programSAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur - Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) and the local government unit of San Agustin signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as partners for the implementation of the Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP) held recently at the Family Resource Training Center in this town. It was learned that an orientation was also conducted on same day that emphasized that importance of collaboration to ensure for the success of its implementation.

KALAHI-CIDSS Sub-Regional Program Coordinator for Cluster 3 & 4 Maredith Julve discussed the overview of the program, and elaborated the roles and functions of the different stakeholders including the delivery of services.

“This is a welcome development for the people of San Agustin…the people of this town will again benefit from the program just as it reaped the profits of KALAHI-CIDSS a few years back,” said San Agustin Mayor Libertad Alameda.

“Our municipality was a recipient of the KALAHI-CIDSS PODER modality in 2005-2010, so when the opportunity came for the program to be implemented in the town this year,

By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

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722 planters join 2016 Arbor Day celebration in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Some 722 planters planted a total of 16,994 seedlings to 10.21 hectares during the recent Arbor Day simultaneous tree planting activities within four identified planting sites in the province spearheaded by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO-Surigao del Sur) and its field offices on June 24, 2016.

By: Johny S. Natad

we really grabbed the chance as or involvement to helped the people here,” Alameda added.

According to Marko Davey Reyes of DSWD Field Office, KALAHI-CIDSS is a program that utilizes the Community-Driven Development Approach, where the community is given activie participation in identifying and implementing community sub-projects which will address the community’s needs in

their respective barangays.

The said activity was attended by Surigao del Sur provincial administrator Efren Rivas representing governor Johnny Pimentel, Sangguniang Bayan members headed by vice mayor Mamerta Milo, local department heads and staff, barangay officials, and representatives from the civil society organizations. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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PENRO National Greening Program (NGP) Coordinator Forester Nannette Quinoñes bared that 5.0 hectares with 8,330 seedlings were planted at Barangay Mabuhay in the city under PENRO-Surigao del Sur, which was participated by 301 registered planters composed of LGU-Tandag City personnel headed by City Mayor Roxanne T. Pimentel, employees from the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, LGU-Barangay Mabuhay, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department and Public Works and Highways, King Cooperative, City Water District, Mabuhay Rural Workers Organization, students from St. Theresa

College, among others.

The CENRO Lianga registered 190 participants who planted 4,998 seedlings to 3.0 hectares at Barangay Rizal in Barobo town during the same activity.

In CENRO Bislig, a total of 71 planters joined the simultaneous tree planting at Sitio San Nicolas, Barangay San Jose in Bislig City who planted with 2,000 seedlings to 1.21 hectares while under CENRO Cantilan there were 160 planters who joined the same event with 1,666 seedlings planted at Barangay Bocaue in Lanuza town. (PENRO-PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Composed of mayors, vice mayors, sangguniang bayan members, planning and development coordinators, municipal engineers, local economic and investment promotion officer designates, business permit and licensing system officer designates and staff of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DTI, the participants were presented with an analysis of the 2015 CMCI results. A discussion was also made to unlock difficulty in complying with the 2016 CMCI Data Capture Form and to appreciate the 2016 Seal for Good

Local Governance criteria. “LGUs should strive to be more competitive as this increases their chances to qualify for DILG’s Seal for Good Local Governance and Infrastructure projects like bridges and roads,” emphasized DILG provincial director Pedrito Alacaba.

Alacaba’s words did not fall on deaf ears because last April 30, 2016 there was a 100 percent submission of LGUs of their duly accomplished 2016 CMCI Data Capture Forms, including annexes and other supporting documents. (DTI-Surigao del Sur)

DTI SurSur hosts 2016 CMCI roadshowBy: Sarah P. Estrada

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A total of 70 representatives from 18 of the 19 local government units (LGUs) in Surigao del Sur attended the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Roadshow hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Sur held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city.

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Regional Evaluation Gawad KalasagAgusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Council (PDRRMC)GAWAD KALASAG REGIONAL EVALUATION

Provincial Governor’s Conference Room4 July 2016

Photo Gallery

Second Rdrrmc Full Council Meeting

July 7, 2016Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City

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DAVAO CITY – President Benigno Aquino III conferred Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino with the Order of Lakandula, one of the highest honors granted by the Republic of the Philippines to individuals who have “demonstrated dedication to the welfare of society.”

Mindanao leader receives senior honors from PNoy

Secretary Antonino was given the rank of Gold Cross Bayani together with 23 other cabinet secretaries of the president during a ceremony on June 23 at the Malacañan Palace.

The Order of Lakandula is awarded for political and civic merit in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership,

prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people. President Aquino also bestowed the Presidential Medal of Merit on other senior officials who have rendered outstanding service to the country.

“I think it is incumbent upon me to give official recognition to those who have gone above and beyond our

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expectations,” said President Aquino in a statement delivered at the awarding ceremony.

During President Aquino’s term, Secretary Antonino through MinDA launched numerous banner programs aimed to strengthen drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth, following the strategies and directions set in place by the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan. The plan is considered as the region’s socioeconomic roadmap for 2011 to 2030.

Among these projects include the Mindanao Development Corridors, aimed to bolster infrastructure and connectivity within the island-region to facilitate its transformation as a cohesive and integrated economy participating in the international community. The corridors program was endorsed by key national government offices, ensuring budget for key infrastructure projects in Mindanao.

The MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, a project designed to ensure that Mindanao’s natural resources are properly managed is also being currently implemented by MinDA. The project utilizes the “ridge-to-reef” approach, a strategy that requires the protection, utilization, and rehabilitation of the environment from the mountains to the seas.

Through the MindaNOW Program and in partnership with the Department

of Environment and Natural Resources, a Guinness World Record for Most Trees Planted Simultaneously in an hour was achieved by the Philippines on September 26, 2014. The record, dubbed as TreeVolution: Greening Mindanao, facilitated the planting of 4 million trees across Mindanao’s six regions.

Under Antonino’s leadership, MinDA launched the Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT), a system designed to enhance the competitiveness of products originating from the region. Once fully utilized, the MCT will give Mindanao agri-products a certain distinction in the global markets. The MCT was launched in partnership with the European Union-Philippines through its Trade Related Technical Assistance Project 3.

Over the past six years, MinDA also forged partnerships with the Philippine Business for Social Progress for the conduct of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program; the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for an investment promotion and policy formulation agreement; the Asian Development Bank and the US Agency for International Development for the implementation of infrastructure projects and feasibility studies in the South Central Mindanao Corridors; and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies for the promotion of policy research in Mindanao and the establishment of the Mindanao Knowledge Center, among others.

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In 2012, the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) was organized by MinDA and the Department of Energy to address Mindanao’s power situation. Since its inception, the committee has facilitated the improvement of the region’s power capacities and secured more than 347 megawatts of power supply to the Mindanao grid. Additional power supply of 639 megawatts are expected to come online within the year.

The MPMC also opened the One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center to accelerate the approval of permits for renewable energy projects to cut one to two years from the three to five year requirement. A focused target to keep the region’s energy mix diversified with emphasis on renewable energy is being pushed by MinDA through the MPMC.

Antonino is the first woman to take leadership of the agency that serves as the Philippine government’s principal planning and coordinating agency in Mindanao. As MinDA secretary, she performs a broad range of responsibilities that includes addressing critical issues involving Mindanao, and those that require national representation or presidential intervention. Antonino was appointed as MinDA Chair by President Aquino in 2010.

She also sits as a board member of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and serves as the chairperson the agency’s infrastructure committee. As the infrastructure committee chairperson, Antonino pushed for higher tourism infrastructure budget for Mindanao, and facilitated the completion of several tourism projects across the island-region. (MinDA)

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Oath-taking Ceremony of Agusan del Sur Rep. Ma. Valentina Plaza

Blessing & Turn-over of 1 unit 2-storey/6 classroom SHS Building

Photo Gallery

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EWS MANILA - Malacañang, on Thursday, revealed the

names of the country’s top drug lords, according to the information received by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Palace names country’s top drug lords

Solicitor General Jose Calida made the announcement in a press briefing at Malacañang, two days after President Duterte identified active and retired police generals allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade. The Solicitor General identified

the three top drug dealers as Wu Tuan, alias Peter Co; Herbert Colangco, alias Ampang; and Peter Lim, alias Jaguar. Co and Colangco, Solicitor General Calida said, are high profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison. Co is reportedly the head of the Bilibid 19, a group of convicted drug offenders

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detained at the NBP. “There are five levels depending on capability of drug pushers to sell. Level five is top tier of drug hierarchy,” Calida said. Co is reportedly responsible for the drug trade in Luzon and Metro Manila. Lim, who is abroad, is reportedly the one behind the drug trade in the Visayas. “According to information, Peter Lim is outside the country and the President has warned him that if he steps in at NAIA, he will be killed,” Calida said.

Calida also explained retired Deputy Director-General Marcelo Garbo Jr.’s alleged role in the drug trade, being the supposed coddler of Lim.

“According to the briefing we received earlier, he’s level five associate/protector. In short - coddler,” said Calida. “A coddler is one who protects the drug trafficking activities of drug lords. You can find it in Dangerous Drugs Law. Penalty will be given to a drug lord, trafficker and coddler - same penalty,” he added. (PIA)

Bring Alternative Learning System (ALS) to more learners -DepEdPASIG CITY - Newly-sworn in Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor M. Briones is pushing for a more vigorous implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to bring education to more learners across the country. Photo by: Greatest Gift From Heaven Foundation, Inc.

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Herself a product of informal basic education during World War 2, Briones said her passion for ALS is shaped by the advocacies of a non-government organization Social Watch Philippines where she was Lead Convenor, as well as her own life experiences. Social Watch’s main thrust is increasing people’s awareness and participation in promoting social development concerns with government.

Speaking before DepEd employees during her first flag ceremony at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, Briones said that one can get educated in a non-traditional way. “The Department of Education had not invented ALS then but my own experience showed that one can get educated without formal schooling,” she recalled.

She shared that when the Japanese came to invade the Philippines, a university in Southern Philippines founded by American missionaries closed its facilities and its American and Filipino faculty fled to the hills.

The teachers set up a jungle university and continued to teach the mountain communities. Amidst the war, they never lost sight of the fact that they were primarily school teachers.

She said that her family also escaped to the hills where her mother, a teacher, gathered the children from the mountain villages and taught them how to read and write. “My mother,

who was a teacher, did not let the horrors of war deter her from teaching,” she explained.

Her students used banana leaves with their natural lines as writing pads and sharpened bamboo sticks as their improvised pen. She was then three years old and listened to the lessons which her mother imparted.

When the war was over, children were tested to determine their grade equivalences. “The district supervisor tested me and decided to promote me by two grades. And I was not even enrolled!” Briones enthused.

ALS is a kind of education delivery in a non-formal setting. Learning space can be a covered court, barangay hall, church yard or any other common area in a community where the learners are. The ALS facilitators deliver lessons based on the capability of the learners. ALS is open to all learners and does not discriminate against age, gender, or ethnicity. Graduates of ALS’s who passed the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test can get either an elementary or high school diploma and proceed to formal schooling if they so choose. (DepEd)

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Meeting with OCD Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena, Caraga Ham Volunteers Amateur, Inc. Founder Don Cabalquinto

& PIA Caraga regional director Abner M. CagaPIA Caraga Regional Office

8 July 2016

KBP Officials’ visit to PIA CaragaKapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Officials’

visit to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga8 July 2016

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Agusan del Sur

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Surigao del Sur

ABNER M. CAGA

EDITORIAL BOARD

FRYAN E. ABKILAN

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE

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GERIE MAE G. COCORONNIE E. MADANGUIT

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PhotographerROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 815-1991E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.comFacebook: PIA Agusan del NorteTwitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.phTelephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga

AGUSAN DEL SURProvincial Government Center,Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del SurCellphone no. 0917-723-3455E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Agusan del SurTwitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL SUROld DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag CityTelephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com;sds_pia@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Surigao del SurTwitter: @piasurigaosur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDSParrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao CityTelephone no. (086) 826-9450E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.comFacebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat IslandsTwitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

AURELIUS P. ARAISHAZEL HOPE BAUTISTA

LYZA D. TRAPALLT. RYAN D. LAYUGJOHNY S. NATAD

SARAH P. ESTRADACMO-30IB, PHILIPPINE ARMY

DTI-SURIGAO DEL NORTEDTI-SURIGAO DEL SUR

PENRO-SURIGAO DEL SURDAR-AGUSAN DEL SUR

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