Friday, June 30, 2017

NCCA promotes 1st Budayaw Festival in PH

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 30 (PIA) – In working for the preservation, development and promotion of arts and culture, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) under the Office of the President is set to hold a press conference slated on July 14, 2017 (Friday) in this city to promote the “Budayaw Festival”.

“Budayaw, a fusion of the Bahasa word ‘Budaya’ (culture, heritage) and the Filipino word 'dayaw' (bounty, prayer, beautiful) sums up what the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (BIMP) Culture Fiesta is about: a celebration of peace, bounty and diversity of cultural expressions,” elaborated Rene Napeñas, head of the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO).

The 1st Budayaw: 2017 BIMP-EAGA (East-Asian Growth Area) Festival on Culture and Arts, a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary festival of arts  and culture of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East-Asian Growth Area will take place on September 20-24, 2017.

The event is anchored on the theme, “Taking Pride in the Creative Diversity of the BIMP-EAGA Region”. The five-day fest will be participated by around 300 contemporary artists and indigenous cultural masters. The creative works of cultural masters, artists and cultural practitioners coming from the four countries will be simultaneously showcased in various venues in Mindanao, particularly in General Santos City and in the Province of Sarangani.

In time with the country’s hosting of the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN, the festival was recommended to be launched in the Philippines this year. The Budayaw Festival, which will be held every two years rotating in the four member countries, will showcase the diversity of creative expressions of the region.

Some of the highlights during the festival include: 1) The Bulos Kana! Selmat  Datengln Photo Exhibit and interactive lectures on the landscapes and peoples of the EAGA region; 2) Intertwining  Dreams for Harmony and Peace: Master IKAT Weavers Pavilion Showcase; 3) Narratives of Earth  Music:  Tell-tales of the  EAGA Indigenous  Virtuosos in traditional music; 4) Jewels of the  EAGA: Performance showcase  of Contemporary  Artists; 5) Young Voices Rising for  Peace: Invitational  Choral  Concert  Performance; 6) Under  One Sky: EAGA Collaborative Installation Art  and EAGA Visual  Arts Exhibition; 7) Film  and  Digital  Arts  Festival; 8) Special Events: Collaborative Performances,  Community  Outreach and  Hosted  Community Tours and  Creative  Interactions. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Mining caravan goes to Cantilan town

CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur, June 30 (PIA) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) spearheaded on Thursday an Information Education Communication (IEC) caravan in mining held at the municipal gymnasium here.

The said activity is in line with the celebration of the Environment Month with the theme, “Connecting People to Nature.”

During the caravan, the speakers shared the significant policies that govern mining operation to the participants from various stakeholders including mining industries.

MGB Caraga Regional Director Roger de Dios, in his message, emphasized that the activity conducted primarily aims to educate the misconception of mining.

De Dios said they have conducted regular monitoring activities to ensure that mining operations in the region adhere to the government standard as provided under Republi Act 7942.

"Of the 25 mining companies operating with permit in Caraga Region, four are in Surigao del Sur: Carrascal Nickel Corporation; CTP Construction Development Corporation – Dahican Project; CTP Construction Development Corporation – Adlay Project; and Marcventures Mining Development Corporation," said De Dios.

De Dios added that the region has a total approved mining permit area of 180,070.14 hectares (9%) from 1,913,842 hectares of the total land area in the region. "Of the 9% approved mining permit areas applied, only 2% are active mining permit area," he said.

He also claimed that the mining industry in Caraga generated 30,829 jobs in 2016. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DOST, house committee push bill to upgrade S&T officers’ rank

BUTUAN CITY, June 30 (PIA) - The House Bill No. 1205 entitled, “An Act Upgrading the Position of the Provincial Science and Technology Officer into the Provincial Science and Technology Director in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Amending Republic Act No. 6959,” also known as Provincial Science and Technology Directors Act of 2016 filed by Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Divina Grace C. Yu is a welcome development to recognize the huge inputs of DOST provincial directors to the whole science community.

Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) directors of the DOST have their hands quite full every working day. Their offices are mini-DOSTs, implementing various programs that address their area’s needs in health and nutrition, livelihood generation, education, disaster preparedness, and others.

Thus, the said bill aims to upgrade the status and rank of Science and Technology (S&T) center provincial officers with commensurate increase in remuneration and benefits.

House Bill No. 1205, once enacted into law, upgrades the PSTC director to Salary Grade 27 and shall be entitled to reimbursable representation and transportation allowance and other benefits prescribed by law. Currently, most PSTC directors are within Salary Grades 19-22.

Likewise, the PST office shall be provided with a minimum of six technical staff and one non-technical officer, thereby further strengthening the PSTC. PSTCs currently have only one to two permanent staff, plus a few project staff.

Also, the PSTC shall be appropriated with separate funding by the Department of Budget and Management allowing it to better extend service to the people in the provinces.

PSTC directors currently have the following functions: formulate the provincial S&T plan, programs and projects; implement and monitor technology promotion and commercialization of projects under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP); disseminate S&T related information of R&D results; coordinate with LGUs, the academe and other public and private institutions to push S&T education, research, and human resources training; among others.

With this development, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña is quite grateful. “We thank the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology headed by Rep. Aumentado for supporting this bill to upgrade the position of our PSTC officers,” says de la Peña.

“They are the ones directly implementing the DOST programs like SETUP for livelihood, the RxBox for healthcare service, our scholarship programs and many more,” he adds.

To push the enactment of the bill into law, the Committee on Science and Technology at the House of Representatives held a public hearing at the Bohol Bee Farm in Dauis, Bohol last May.

Committee chair Rep. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado of the 2nd District of Bohol and host of the event said that the committee fully recognizes the many projects of the DOST in the province, as well as in the regions, that greatly help people improve their lives.

The public hearing served as a venue for the participants to submit their comments, suggestions, and recommendations before the final draft is made for endorsement to the committee-at-large.

“We also are thankful for the DOST and the PSTC in Bohol for providing our people the needed assistance using science and technology like the STARBOOKS that were given to our public high schools, therefore, providing them with information they can use for school work,” says Rep. Aumentado.

The public hearing was also attended by other House Committee on S&T members namely, Rep. Francis Gerald A. Abaya of the 1st District of Cavite, Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang of the Lone District of Kalinga, and Rep. Mark Aeron H. Sambar of the PBA Party List. (DOST-STI/PIA-Caraga)

OCHA, UNHCR launch Mindanao displacement snapshot

BUTUAN CITY, June 30 - The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Philippines launched the Mindanao Displacement Snapshot, an interactive online map that provides an overview of displacement incidents in Mindanao, Philippines from January 2012 to June 2017.

The displacement incidents range from armed conflict to natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes and typhoons.

The collaborative project combines data collected by UNHCR from the field, Protection Cluster members and official reports from the Philippine government and Mindanao local authorities, with interactive software that will be hosted on Humanitarian Data Exchange.

“More than just numbers and data, sharing vital information of the displaced will help humanitarian actors in assessing and monitoring of vulnerable communities,” said Yasser Saad, UNHCR Head of National Office.

The Humanitarian Data Exchange is an open platform hosted by OCHA for sharing data, making humanitarian information easy to find and use for analysis. “The interactive snapshot provides an at-a- glance insight into patterns and trends of displacement in Mindanao. It presents a challenging issue such as protracted displacement in an interactive way that engages a wider audience.” said Mark Bidder, OCHA Philippines Head of Office.

The launch of the humanitarian map coincides with the release of a new global study commissioned by OCHA. Breaking the Impasse: Reducing Protracted Internal Displacement as a Collective Outcome comes at a time when the numbers of those repeatedly displaced by over four decades of conflict in Mindanao are again increasing and is underscored by the conflict in Marawi City.

The study highlights the need for a new approach –using collective outcomes to end or reduce vulnerability for IDPs and move towards durable solutions– and offers concrete recommendations to guide Governments, humanitarian and development organizations and donors. Case studies including from the Philippines illustrate the challenges and opportunities of attaining sustainable return, local integration or relocation for those who have been displaced either by disaster or conflict. A full PDF version of the study can be read at https://www.unocha.org/idps. (UNOCHA/PIA-Caraga)

Cusi vows long-term energy security in Mindanao

BUTUAN CITY, June 30 - With the launch of the Mindanao Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) on Wednesday, June 28, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi pledged his full commitment to President Rodrigo Duterte’s people-centered policies and government’s long-term economic vision for the country.

“I will see to the accomplishment of the paramount objective of guaranteeing long-term energy security in Mindanao,” Cusi averred in his keynote speech during the unveiling of the Mindanao WESM that took place at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang Premier in Davao City.

WESM provides a competitive and transparent power market for Mindanao electricity consumers.

Cusi said, “The launch of the Mindanao WESM brings us one step closer to the fulfillment of the intent to restructure the electric power industry – to introduce higher efficiency, greater innovation and end-user choice, as well as enhance the entry of competitive market forces.”

By providing a healthy and genuinely fair competition in the power market, Cusi underlined that “WESM is calculated to bring forth the beneficial effects of improved consumer services, lower electricity rates, and reasonable returns to investments.”

Specifically, WESM will provide a cost-effective mechanism for dispatching power capacities in Mindanao, which is already experiencing improved generation supply since the first half of 2016.

According to the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau data, Mindanao now stood a total installed capacity of 3,352 megawatts (MW) as of first half of 2017, in which available capacity is around 2,100 MW against the actual peak demand of 1,696 MW posted in April 2017.

Additionally, the increase in generation capacity will continue until 2019 with an expected around 1,300 MW additional capacities to operate, and another 1,500 MW by 2022 from the indicative power projects.

The Energy chief further informed that “the WESM in Mindanao also complements the Retail Competition Open Access and the Competitive Selection Process, which are all kindred programs under the Administration’s energy regulatory agenda.”

The Secretary also highlighted the role of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) both armed with a strengthened fair competition policy to serve as watchful eyes against unwanted market abuses and anti-competitive behaviors.

In conclusion, the Secretary shared the lined up energy projects the DOE targeted for the region in the next years to come: additional power generation projects across Mindanao; the Visayas-Mindanao grid interconnection and the continuing mission to significantly boost the household electrification level in Mindanao. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Army joins LGU-led medical mission in AgSur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) – The 26th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army has recently joined in the medical caravan with the two local government units in La Paz and Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

2Lt. Romel Arnado, Civil-Military Opertions (CMO) officer of 26IB bared that some 800 individuals from the two municipalities have benefitted in the medical check-up, circumcision and eye check-up with free reading eyeglasses

“The medical mission in La Paz was held in the morning on Saturday, while afternoon in Talacogon. It was supported by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur through second district Representative Evelyn Plaza-Mellana,  La Paz mayor Ambrosio Lim,  and Talacogon mayor Jezreel Masendo,” underscored Arnado.

Also, in time with the conduct of the medical mission, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez extended cash assistance to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in La Paz and Talacogon.

In his message, Alvarez gave emphasis on his current scholarship program to IP-youths, as well as the educational program of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, LTC Rommel Pagayon, battalion commander of 26IB led the overall supervision and area security operation in the two venues.

The medical mission caravan was anchored on the theme: “Malasakit sa may Sakit.” (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

MGB-13 holds info caravan in Caraga region

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) – As part of the undertakings for the 2017 Environment Month Celebration, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau - Regional Office No. 13 (MGB-13), in cooperation with the Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council and the Community Relations, Education and Development Officers (CREDO), Inc., has been conducting an Information Caravan in select areas within Caraga region.

The four-day events took place in different venues: Loreto Municipal Gym in Loreto, Dinagat Islands (June 27); Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City (June 28); Cantilan Municipal Gym in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (June 29); and in Caraga State University (CSU) - Butuan City campus (June 30).

“The activity aims to heighten public awareness of the current state of Caraga minerals industry. In the same way, it aims to foster the participation of and dialogue between the media and the mining stakeholders in achieving our common goals of responsible mining, ecological sustainability and social development,” said MGB-13 regional director Roger De Dios.

It will culminate through a press conference on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in this city.

“We also hope to forge collaborative ties with our media colleagues in the promotion of accountability, transparency and equity,” underscored De Dios. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Aggie chief launches Easy Access Loan Program for farmers

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 - The government is beefing-up its effort to alleviate the economic conditions of the farmers and fisherfolks in the countryside.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol launched a nationwide credit program for the farmers and fisherfolks dubbed as Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program.

The launching ceremony was held at Malimono, Surigao del Norte some 32 kilometers away from Surigao City on June 26, 2017.

Through PLEA, marginal and small rural farmers and fisherfolks in the area can loan an amount of up to P50,000.00 with no collateral.

Borrowers can pay the loaned amount from 2 to 10 years depending on the commodity or activity with only 6% per annum or 0.5% per month interest rate.

During the launching ceremony, Secretary Piñol awarded to Malimono Multi-Purpose Cooperative an amount of P15 million as lending conduits where borrowers can access the said loan program.

“Our farmers have 3 basic needs which is technology, financing, and marketing, and PLEA is one of the answers to their financial needs,” Piñol said.

The loaned amount is intended to finance any agricultural or fishery production activities covered with insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

However, before a farmer or fisherfolk could access the loan, they shall be enrolled in the Juan Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Database System and issued with an intervention card.

Prior to the launching in Malimono, DA Central Office through the Information and Communications Technology Services (DA-ICTS) conducted a data gathering activity through an interview and geo-tagging the areas to identify the location of their farms and fishing grounds.

“The reason why farmers are hesitant to lend money from the banks is due to numerous documents needed, that is why we simplified the process, once you are registered in our database system and issued with Juan Magsasaka’t Mangingisda Card you are now eligible for the loan program,” Piñol explained.

PLEA with funding support of up to P20 Billion through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) is targeting around 2 million family-beneficiaries across the country. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD-Caraga’s assistance to Marawi IDPs reaches P14.4M

By Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 - As response to humanitarian assistance and social responsibility, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga proved its swift and compassionate service (maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo) by augmenting a total of 30,000 Family Food Packs (FFPs) amounting to P9,859,200 and P4,579,894-worth of non-food items intended for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) due to the on-going gun fight between the government authorities and local terrorist group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

The first leg of relief distribution of 10,000 FFPs to the affected families was delivered on May 27, 2017, while additional FFPs were transported in June 1 and lastly, in June 19.

Each family food pack consists of 6 kilos of rice, 6 canned goods, and 8 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee, while the non-food items include blanket, plastic mat, mosquito net, malong, laminated sacks, and hygiene kits.

Also, the department deployed 10 social workers who will assist in the disaster response operations and will conduct psycho-social processing for victims dealing physical and psychological symptoms that are generally associated with trauma exposure brought about by the siege.

On the other hand, DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim ensured that the agency is always willing to send an additional augmentation support if needed since repacking is still on-going at Tiniwisan Warehouse, this city.

“We are always ready to provide additional intervention for the families affected in Marawi Siege. In fact, we are closely coordinating with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDOs) in the region to check the presence of IDPs and offer them appropriate interventions.  Also, we are continuously checking request from the LGUs for us to fast track our delivery of service,” said Lim.

As of now, the department is still waiting for the submission of masterlist and other related information by the concerned LGUs, although the agency already responded the communication letter from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos seeking assistance from the reported IDPs, and the said request was already forwarded to CSWDO in Butuan City for validation and assessment for their needs. (DSWD-Caraga Social Marketing Unit/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: IP leaders ng Caraga region nanawagan ng agarang aksyon sa problema sa Ancestral Domain at FPIC

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo 29 (PIA) - Nanawagan ngayon ang grupo ng Indigenous Peoples o IP women at tribal leaders ng Caraga region sa pamahalaan sa agarang pagresolba sa mga isyu ng kanilang Ancestral Domain at mga proyekto sa gobyerno na pumapasok sa kanilang lugar na walang free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).

Sa ginanap na IP Women’s Congress dito sa lungsod kamakailan, inihayag ni Joeralyn Paje ng Manobo Federation of Agusan del Sur na resolbahin na sana ng gobyerno ang kasalukuyang problema sa kanilang teritoryo sa tatlong komunidad ng Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte at Surigao del Sur, at mga proyekto ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na walang koordinasyon sa mga tribal communities.

Samantala, nangako naman si Atty. Jake Dumagan Jr., ang regional director ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga na magtitipon-tipon ngayon ang ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang mas mapag-usapan ang mga gagawing hakbang at mabigyang solusyon umano ang mga hinaing ng mga IPs sa rehiyon.

Ayon kay Dumagan, kabilang na sa mga ahensyang magbibigay interbensyon sa mga pangangailangan ng IPs ay ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Education (DepEd) at Department of Agriculture (DA).

Nabanggit din ni Atty. Dumagan na isa sa mga hiling ng IPs sa NCIP ay ang mabigyan na ng Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles ang Kahugpungan sa mga Tribung Mamanwang Manobo (KATRIMMA) at Federation of Trento Manobo Tribal Councils, Incorporated (FETREMTCO).

Ayon naman kay Butch Olano, ang head of office ng Amnesty International – Philippines’ Empowerment, Education, Justice (EEJ), isang non-government organization na naka-base sa Caraga region at siyang nanguna sa ginawang IP Women’s Congress, kasama ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, itinataguyod din ng Amnesty International ang karapatang economikal, sosyal, at politikal ng mga IPs. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

DTI-Caraga to kickstart ‘OTOP Next Gen’

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 28 (PIA) – The drive for inclusive local economic growth through programs for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is set to roll out dubbed One Town One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) in Caraga region.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga Regional Office is undertaking activities that include: a) briefing by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) with DTI trade promotion officers and local designers; b) conduct of an intensive product clinic and assessment for MSMEs) in processed food and wearables/home-style known as OTOP Next Gen screening, assessment and triage (SAT) sessions.

“We are also going to conduct a press conference on June 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nasipit Hall of Almont Inland Resort to further explain the concept of the program as well as to cover a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing for yet another program by DTI, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with RISPhilippines for Rural Impact Sourcing Everywhere (RISE) Caraga,” said DTI-Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran.

DTI-Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga and officers from the DCP will join the panel with DTI-Caraga officers.

The OTOP Next Gen program aims to level up local products and services. Building from the gains of the initial OTOP program of the DTI, and with local MSMEs with viable products, this project aims to offer a package of public-private assistance to have significant improvement and innovation in the areas of quality, design, standards compliance, marketability, production capability, brand development, among others. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Agnor PDRRMC readies NDCM celebration; bares lined up activities

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, June 28 (PIA) – In celebration of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte has lined up a month-long activities this July.

PDRRMC chairperson and governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba enjoined the stakeholders to join in the celebration that will kick-off with a thanksgiving mass, a motorcade at the municipal gymnasium of the Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on July 4.

Also on same day, different contests to be participated by different schools will be held at the municipal gym, to include: Jingle contest, Poster making contest, On-the-spot Essay Writing Contest, Quiz Bee Competition, and Video Clip Making contest.

During the celebration, an orientation on Republic Act 10821 also known as “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, Civil Society Organization and Youth Forum" will be held at the provincial training center here.

In barangay Pinana-an, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, a Comprehensive Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Training is also scheduled on July 11-13 to be participated by the community members and barangay council.

A DRRM advocacy for the Bureau of Local Government Finance employees is also set on July 12.

Radio groups and Provincial RETT members will also be joining the two-day Agusan del Norte on Air Training on July 12-13 at the provincial training center.

One of the highlights in the celebration is the Provincial Fire Olympics to be participated by the different barangays and municipal fire brigades at the capitol commercial complex on July 14.

Also, a five-day simulation drill is set on July 18-22 to barangay Tagbongabong, RTR; barangays San Roque and Bangayan in the municipality of Kitcharao; ba rangays Caloc-an and Sto. Niño in Magallanes, all in the province of Agusan del Norte.

To test the response capacity and capability of the youth, different school youth organizations and emergency response teams from the different schools of the province will undergo a Rescue Exercise in Buenavista on July 27-29.

To culminate the month long celebration, a program will be held at the Robinsons Atrium here on July 29.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, “4Ks: Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan.” (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DA launches loan program in Surigao Norte town

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, June 28 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched its Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program on June 23, 2017 in Malimono town. The launching was graced by DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

According to Secretary Piñol, the program will have an initial credit fund of P15 million, which will be downloaded to the Malimono Multipurpose Cooperative and will serve as the lending conduit for the municipality.

He said that the fishing and farming municipality will serve as the pilot areas of the program since small farmers and fishers need adequate, fast convenient and affordable credit in order to finance their production requirements thus raise production and incomes; and in effect, it will help provide sufficient and affordable food not just for the people in the municipality but for the province as a whole.

“Not just in Malimono, but other municipalities in the Philippines also feel the same sentiment that they are not being reached and served by most banks. Consequently, many of the small farmers and fishers do not have access to credit from formal sources and are therefore depending miserably on informal sources that charge high interest rates,” said Sec. Piñol.

Secretary Piñol emphasized that he has been going around the country visiting remote areas like Malimono under his “Biyaheng Bukid” in order to hear from the farmers and fishers themselves about their problems and requirements.

He said through his “Biyaheng Bukid,” the PLEA was designed to address the financial needs of marginalized farmers for a fast and affordable credit for agri-fishery production especially among those in remote and less productive areas.

Secretary Piñol explained that the program will be implemented by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), an attached agency of the DA through cooperatives and non-government organizations (NGOs) as lending conduits.

Piñol further said that the loans under the PLEA program do not need a collateral. The maximum loanable amount a farmer or fisherman can borrow is P50,000 depending on the activity and commodity being produced.

“The loan is payable within a period ranging from 2 to 10 years with an interest rate of 6 percent per annum. Loans released under the said program are also covered with crops insurance by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC),” Piñol added. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA Caraga holds ASEAN info caravan to students in Butuan

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, June 28 (PIA) - Hundreds of students from the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) gathered recently at the FSUU Morelos Campus here for the ASEAN Information Caravan 2017.

The caravan aims to deepen appreciation of the public about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN and the benefits it would give them in their daily lives.

"This is part of the government's effort to intensify the information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign about ASEAN. We want to communicate the opportunities and benefits of ASEAN to the Filipinos," said PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga.

During the info caravan, Jennifer Gaitano of PIA-Caraga shared the privileges, benefits, significance, as well as the importance of being a member of the ASEAN community.

Meanwhile, Rica Ella Batino, 4th year Business Administration student, said the activity helped her understand the significant role of ASEAN in the country. "I need to strive hard in my education for me to be more globally competitive," she said.

Also, Dr. Emiliana Lozano, dean of Business Administration Program, thanked PIA Caraga for granting their request to be their resource speaker on ASEAN.

She noted that thru this activity, the students can have a deeper understanding of the employment opportunities in neighboring countries and the advantages that the ASEAN brings to its citizens. (FEA/RCO/PIA-Caraga)