Friday, July 19, 2019

LTFRB calls on LGUs to submit local public transpo route plan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 19 (PIA) - To ensure the security of traveling passengers and smooth flow of traffic in Caraga region, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) emphasized to all the local government units of the region the importance of having a local public transportation route plan for the public utility vehicles.

With this, LTFRB-Caraga OIC-regional director Kristina Cassion called on local government units (LGUs) to comply and submit the required plan.

She said, their office has yet to receive it from different LGUs and should they need technical assistance, the LTFRB will guide them to complete the said plan.

Despite having a delay in the submission, Cassion is still hopeful that all LGUs would be able to submit it within the year.

Cassion added that if in case the LGUs still could not provide the route plan in spite of constant reminder and assistance, they will seek the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as indicated in the joint circular of DILG and Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Meanwhile, the official stressed that the LTFRB intensifies its campaign and monitoring against ‘colorum’ vehicles illegally operating in the region. She emphasized that passengers should ensure their safety by riding only in registered Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs).

Cassion, further, lauded the active support of the transport sector in the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program of the government.

Under this program, several units of new vehicles will soon be launched in the two routes of Butuan City and three in Siargao islands.

Apart from that, the first 100 taxis will also be operating in Butuan in the coming months. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Grupo ng mga magsasaka itinakwil ang teroristang CPP-NPA sa Agusan del Norte

By Nora L. Molde

BAYAN NG BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Hulyo 19 (PIA) -- Mahigit 100 miyembro ng Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte o UMAN ang nagkaisang itakwil ang CPP-NPA terrorists o CNT sa kanilang lugar. Ang UMAN ay isang grupo ng mga magsasaka na sumusuporta sa mga CPP-NPA kung saan ang pagrerecruit ng mga magsasaka ang pangunahing pinagkukuhaan ng kanilang lakas, pera at logistics at papangakuhang bibigyan ng lupang sasakahin.

Sa ginawang peace consultation dialogue ng 23rd Infantry Masigasig Battalion ng Philippine Army na pinangunahan ng commanding officer na si Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, nanumpa ang mga magsasaka na itakwil ang mga CPP-NPA at maging loyal sa gobyerno.

Ayon kay alias Joseph, kung alam lang nila ang totoong layunin ng UMAN, hindi na sana sila sasama sa kilusang ito.

Ang  mga magsasaka ay nangakong magbabago at gagawin ang lahat sa pamamagitan ng programang binigay sa kanila nga gobyerno.

Ipinaliwanag din ni Lola Agnes, isang dating rebelde, sa mga magsasaka ang mga ginawang panlilinlang at tactics ng mga teroristang grupo sa kanila.

"Hangga't may armado sa lugar ninyo, hindi kayo uunlad. Kung talagang para sa bayan pinaglalaban ng mga NPA, bakit nila sinisira ang mga tulay at gusali na itinayo ng gobyerno? Bakit sa loob ng 50 taon wala silang naitayong paaralan, tulay, kalsada, health centers o kahit mamigay man lang ng mga gamot," dagdag pa ni Lola Agnes.  

Matatandaang kamakailan lang ay may mahigit 200 na mga magsasaka ang naunang tumakwil sa teroristang grupo sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

LTFRB-Caraga binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng local public transportation route plan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Hulyo 19 (PIA) - Upang masiguro ang seguridad ng mga pasaherong bumabiyahe at ang maayos na trapiko sa Caraga region, binigyang-diin ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ang kahalagahan ng pagkaroon ng Local Public Transportation Route Plan sa mga pampublikong sasakyan.

Dahil dito, hinimok ni LTFRB-Caraga OIC-regional director Kristina Cassion ang mga local government units (LGU) ng rehiyon na magsumite na ng route plan ng kani-kanilang lugar.

Matagal na nila itong hinihingi sa LGUs subalit marami pa rin ang hindi pa nakapag-comply. Handa naman ang kanilang ahensiya na magbigay ng teknikal na tulong upang mabuo ang nasabing plan.

Nilinaw ni Cassion na bagamat mabagal ang pagbuo ng mga ito, positibo naman ang LTFRB na maisusumite ito ngayong taon.

Dagdag pa ni Cassion, sakaling hindi pa rin makasunod ang  LGUs sa kabila ng mahabang panahong binigay sa kanila, mapipilitan na umano silang ipaabot ito sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) alinsunod na rin sa joint circular ng DILG at Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Samantala, iginiit ng opisyal ang ginagawang monitoring ng kanilang ahensiya laban sa mga kolorum na sasakyan.

“Mas maigi pa rin sumakay ang mga pasahero sa mga sasakyang pampubliko na rehistrado upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan,” sabi ni Cassion.

Habang tinututukan ito ngayon ng ahensya, pinuri naman ni Cassion ang transport sector sa kanilang patuloy na pagsuporta sa implementasyon ng Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) Modernization Program ng gobyerno. May ilulunsad na mga bagong unit ng sasakyan sa dalawang rota sa lungsod ng Butuan, at sa Siargao Islands na may tatlong rota.

Maliban diyan, may 100 taxis na rin ang ilulunsad sa Butuan sa susunod na buwan. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Army commanders in Caraga discuss peace efforts with SurSur guv

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 18 – The commanders of the 401st and 402nd Infantry Brigades of the Philippine Army covering the province of Surigao del Sur paid courtesy call to Governor Alexander Pimentel and discussed the current peace and order situation, and security and development efforts held recently at the provincial capitol, this city.

Colonel Allan Hambala and Colonel Maurito Licudine, Brigade Commanders of 401st and 402nd Brigade, respectively, together with the Battalion Commanders of 75th Infantry Battalion (IB), 36IB and 3rd Special Forces Battalion paid visit to the newly-installed chief executive of the province to formally introduce themselves and update the governor on the security and development efforts being undertaken by the Army units on the ground.

Surigao del Sur is one of the eight provinces covered by the Army’s 4th Infantry Diamond Division based in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

The two cities and 17 municipalities of the province are further geographically subdivided by three infantry battalions which confront the terrorist groups of the New People’s Army.

According to Colonel Hambala, the visit was just the start of a frequent engagement between the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur and the 401st Brigade, as the unit covers Bislig City and the seven municipalities of Surigao del Sur.

“With the implementation of Executive Order 70 in the region, Surigao del Sur, which has 12 municipalities identified as the Peace and Development Zones (PDZ), must fully take advantage of the opportunities that will be brought by this initiative,” Hambala said.

“With a strong political will and continuous commitment of our new local chief executives in Sursur spearheaded by Governor Pimentel, I am very sure that the localized implementation of EO 70 will become effective and successful in the whole province,” Hambala added. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

20 FRs, supporters surrender in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

CARMEN, Surigao del Sur, July 18 (PIA) - A total of 20 former rebels (FRs) and supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) Terrorist surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) team of Charlie Company, 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), in close coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Carmen on July 14, 2019 in Brgy. Hinapuyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, an army official confirmed.

Lt. Jonald Romorosa, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 36IB, said the surrenderers were composed of eight regular members, one courier, two organizers, one medic, one collector, and seven contact members, all residents of Carmen town.

During the interrogation, the FRs and NPA supporters have pledged their sincere commitment to go back to the fold of the government and vowed to withdraw their support from the NPA terrorist.

"For the longest time, we thought that the NPA will help us. But, we were just deceived, we were made to believe that supporting the terrorist NPA will improve our lives. We thanked the Army CSP for opening our eyes on the deceptions and lies of the CPP-NPA-NDF organizations," said one of the surrenderers.

Carmen Mayor Jane Valeroso-Plaza delivers her message during the mass surrender of 20 former rebels and supporters in Carmen, Surigao del Sur. (Photo: 36IB, Philippine Army)

During the mass surrender, Carmen Mayor Jane Valeorozo-Plaza administered the pledge of allegiance to the government with the presence of Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Commanding Officer-36IB and TESDA Caraga Regional Director Ashary Banto.

Mayor Plaza stressed that the people of Carmen are already awakened of the NPA's deception.

"The pledge of allegiance manifests the peace-loving Carmenanon’s withdrawal of support and rejection of the NPA terrorists from the communities," Mayor Plaza added.

The 20 FRs will be processed and validated for their enrollment to the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government intervention package for former rebels. (with a report from 36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Surigao Sur LGU intensifies organic farming

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 17 (PIA) - With the aim to help the agriculture sector in the province of Surigao del Sur, the provincial government has been stepping up its campaign and initiatives to fully implement the organic or the natural way of farming in all the municipalities of said province.

According to Vice Governor Librado Navarro, chair of the Committee on Agriculture, the provincial government wants to help the local farmers thru organic farming, which has great advantages and benefits not only to people, but also to the environment, as it helps preserve the fertility of the land.

Navarro added that it also prevents consumers from ingesting food with harmful chemicals that are linked to negative health effects.

It can be recalled that Navarro, a former mayor of Bislig City, led the establishment of the City Organic Agri-Fishery Complex with 27 hectare-facility for organic agriculture education, training and research.

The said city has a prominent organic agriculture program and aims to become the "model city for organic agriculture in the Philippines by 2020." (JPG/VLG/NGBT/PIA-Caraga)

Pantawid beneficiaries promote Nutrition Month through communal gardening

By Joana Rica P. Millama

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, July 17 – In line with this year’s observance of Nutrition Month campaign, the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Barangay Mabuhay grew their own vegetable garden to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Susana Hipolito, parent leader, said that they put up the garden all by themselves with the knowledge they got during Family Development Sessions.

“Tungod sa FDS, nakakat-on kami nga importante gayud ang pag-atiman sa atong kalawasan. Ang among pagpananom nakatabang kanamo sa pisikal ug pinansyal nga bahin (Because of FDS, we learned the importance of taking care of our bodies. Our gardening has helped us physically and financially),” she said.

Their communal garden showcased variety of vegetables that they have planted. These are eggplants, okra (lady fingers), beans, cucumbers, peppers, and onions. Cacao plants and sugarcane are also available in their garden area.

Aside from earning by selling these vegetables, growing their own garden has helped them save since they will no longer buy in the market.

Last Monday, during the kick-off of the Nutrition Month Celebration headed by Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., regional director of the Department of Health – Center for Health and Development Caraga, encouraged all the government agencies to support their undertakings in raising the awareness of Caraganons towards healthy living and nutrition concerns.

This year’s theme is, “Kumain nang Wasto at Maging Aktibo… Push Natin ‘to!” (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

TESDA set to launch '911-TESDA'

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 17 – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is set to launch 911 TESDA,  said Deputy Director-General for Policies and Planning Rosanna A. Urdaneta.

During Monday’s national assembly of the TESDA Gender and Development Focal Point System held in one of the local convention centers here, Urdaneta informed those in attendance that TESDA Central Office is scheduled to launch the project dubbed as “911-TESDA”.

According to Urdaneta, the concept of 911 TESDA is like of that concept with the Grab and Uber where TESDA services can be availed where anybody can hire the services of TESDA graduates online.

She stressed that this will be available the soonest possible and will be pilot-run in Metro Manila.

In earlier reports, TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña said the agency will also launch a free online app that would provide guides on home repair.  (TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Caraga stakeholders tackle strategies, mechanisms for EO 70 implementation 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) -- Led by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the member-agencies of the Regional Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict or (RTF-ELCAC) convened and discussed the strategies and mechanisms to intensify the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole of nation approach to end insurgency in Caraga region.

According to Director Manuel Orduña of NICA, government agencies should work together in identifying the issues and concerns in the communities, as well as the root causes of armed conflict, and address all these. Planning on specific ways and means should also be determined in order to achieve peaceful resolutions and sustainable development.

He also said that the task force would strengthen the areas covered under the peace and development zones, where government’s programs and services will continuously be provided to them. The needs of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) would also be given due attention as they are the ones directly affected by the conflict caused mainly by the new people's army.

Capt. Aldim Viernes, civil military operations officer of 401st Brigade, Philippine Army emphasized that they have constant engagement and development activities with the IPs.

Meanwhile, in the field of communication, Capt. Viernes highlighted that the army in Caraga would continue to enhance their skills on the responsible use of social media and other platforms in disseminating relevant information, including the accomplishments of the task force, so people would not be deceived by the false information and propaganda which the communist-terrorist groups circulate online. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PopCom, partners to address RH, fertility concerns

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) –- With the aim to address reproductive health and fertility concerns among the growing children – the adolescents of the region, the Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga has partnered with different government agencies, civil society organizations and church.

PopCom Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano is hopeful that with the partnership, the adolescents will help the adolescents become responsible especially in saying no to early sexual activity to prevent teenage pregnancy.

According to Makinano, the partnership has a started a year ago and they are looking forward for a result a year from now with the hope that there will be no unplanned pregnancy among our teenagers in future.

“As of now, teenage pregnancy is increasing in both rural and urban areas as per Philippine Statistics Authority Demographic Survey Result,” Makinano said. However, urban areas are higher in cases compared to the rural due to unregulated accessibility pornographic materials including social media access of young people, he said.

“The higher the exposure among our growing children to pornographic materials, the higher the probability they would engage in sex,” Makinano added.

Makinano also said that there is a resolution by the Caraga Regional Development Council requesting government offices concerned to closely supervise, monitor and even restricts the minors especially during school hours from using the internet, and not allow owners to maintain closed cubicles in their internet cafes.

Moreover, Makinano said that parents still hold the responsibility to monitor their children’s activities.

Meanwhile, Department of Health Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr. said that giving the right health information is very important. He urges partner media, the press to disseminate the correct information on health especially on family planning. The government is doing its part in providing good health but it is the responsibility of every individual to maintain it, he said. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

 2 NPA terrorists killed in Agusan del Sur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 16 -- Two terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in clash with the government troops in Barangay Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019, after the 75th Infantry Marauder Battalion (75IB) conducted security operations in the area due to the reports of the concerned citizens on the presence of armed men in Sitio Sta Monica, Bunawan Brook, collecting money and foodstuffs to the residents.

The 15-minute clash erupted after the NPA fired upon the patrolling soldiers while clearing the vicinity of the Sitio Sta. Monica, which resulted to the death of two terrorists and the recovery of one Norinco AK 47 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, empty magazines of AK47 and M16, backpacks and personal items, while there was no reported casualty on the government side.

According to Lt. Colonel Jaime Datuin, commanding officer of 75IB,the encounter was the result of the joint efforts of 75IB and the concerned residents of So. Sta Monica.

“Without the efforts of the residents themselves in giving us timely and accurate information, we cannot pinpoint the exact location of these terrorists. And because of that, we were able to decisively engage them, stopping them on their extortion activities to the residents, and preventing them to conduct more atrocities in my Area of Operations,” he said.

Based on the report, the two terrorists killed belonged to the NPA’s Weakened Guerrilla Front 14 under Arnold Orlanes Conejar, alias Jorlan, operating in the boundary municipalities of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.    

“We will continue to intensify our security operations in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility to neutralize the remaining members of this terrorist NPAs to boost the confidence of our local government units in facilitating the localized implementation of EO 70 in the province. We now have three neutralized NPAs and four high powered firearms recovered just this week, and I strongly believe, this will send a strong message to these terrorists,” Colonel Allan Hambala, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, pointed out.

“Avail now of the government’s amnesty initiative or die later. You are free to choose,” Col. Hambala added.

The cadavers were brought to Dolete Funeral Homes in Trento for identification and proper disposition. (75IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Farmers’ group disowns CNTs

By 1Lt Roel Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, July 16 – Members of Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte or UMAN, a known New Peoples Army (NPA) allied organization, recently disowned the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) New Peoples Army (NPA) Terrorists or CNT group and took their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government during a Peace Consultation Dialogue held in Barangay Bitan-agan, Butuan City.

In a dialogue initiated by the Barangay Council of Barangay Bitan-agan, in partnership with the local government unit of Butuan City and the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, more than 150 UMAN members, NPA supporters and residents of Barangay Bitan-agan, Butuan City have denounced their support to the CNTs.

The dialogue was aimed to address the issues raised by the residents and the former members of UMAN in the said area. Some of the issues discussed include he security of land tenure; livelihood and employment; youth recruitment; and peace and order, among others.

The UMAN is an organization used by the CPP-NPA Terrorists to recruit farmers as its source of manpower, finance and logistics. Members are being made to pay dues with a promise to give them the lands that they are tilling.

According to Joseph (not his real name), “Kung nakahibalo lang mi sa una na mao ang tomong sa UMAN, wala mi unta nag-apil. Nagpasalig sila na tagaan mig yuta. Kinsa bay dili ganahag yuta busa niapil mi nila. Pero, nabutang hinuon mi sa kasamok. Paningkamutan namo na mausab among kinabuhi pinaagi sa mga programa sa atong gobyerno (If we only knew the real intent of UMAN, we could not have joined them. They promised to give us land so we joined them, only to find ourselves lodged in turmoil. We’ll do our best to straighten up our lives through the programs of our government)."

After taking their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government, they took an oath to disown UMAN, end their support to the CPP-NPA-NDF, and not to succumb to any group who will organize and take advantage of them.

Meanwhile, Lola Agnes, a former rebel (FR) and the National President of People’s Advocacy for Collaborationand Empowerment (PEACE), which is an organization of FRs, explained the deception strategies and tactics of the CNTs in recruiting their members. 

“Hangga’t may armado sa lugar ninyo, hindi kayo uunlad. Hanggang kailan ba matatapos ang patayan na walang saysay? Kung talagang para sa bayan pinaglalaban ng mga NPA, bakit nila sinisira ang mga tulay at gusali na itinayo ng gobyerno? Bakit sa loob ng singkwentang taon wala silang naitayong paaralan, tulay, kalsada, health centers o kahit mamigay man lang ng mga gamot? Mamulat na tayo sa katotohanan. Huwag na tayong magpaloko at magpagamit sa komonistang NPA," she said.

Moreover, Lt. Colonel Francisco Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23IB encouraged the former members of UMAN and CNT supporters to stop supporting the CNTs.

He said “Akong giawhag ang tanan na dili na mag-apil-apil sa grupong UMAN og magsuporta sa Teroristang CPP-NPA. Kung inyo ning ipadayon mabutang lang sa piligro ang inyong kinabuhi. Walay maayong mahatag ang Teroristang CPP-NPA kung dili kadautan og kagubot (I encourage everyone not to join UMAN anymore and support the CNTs. It will not give you good but only destroys and makes your lives miserable)," Molina added.

In his statement, Col. Maurito Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander said "the trend of shift of support is the result of the convergence of effort being orchestrated and initiated by the local government leaders. The game changer in addressing the insurgency problem here in Caraga."

Lastly, Col. Licudine emphasized that with the Executive Order No. 70, the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development in the conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities facilitate social inclusivity and ensure participation of all sectors. (NCLM/CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Monday, July 15, 2019

Over 1K residents benefit from PNP’s community outreach program in SurSur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 15 (PIA) -- More than 1,000 local residents of Barangay Javier, Barobo, Surigao del Sur benefitted from the community outreach program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga.

The locals were delighted to have availed the free medical and dental check-up, as well as the free haircut, medicines, food packs, school supplies, slippers, and eyeglasses.

The said activity formed part of the PNP’s “Project Kasing-kasing” or “Project Heart,” which is a flagship program that aims to help the underprivileged in the remote communities and strengthen police-community ties to effectively address criminality and insurgency in the region.

According to PNP-Caraga regional director Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, the project also aims to intensify the good partnership between the PNP and the locals, and their cooperation towards preventing the problem on insurgency.

The official also said that Barangay Javier in the municipality of Barobo is among the identified conflict-affected areas in the region, and declared the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non-grata, to protect and save their constituents against the NPAs as the communist-terrorist groups have been causing chaos in their community.

Cruz further bared that several violent incidents have already been recorded in Barangay Javier, which include the NPA’s burning of container vans filled with export-quality bananas in 2013.

The community outreach program is part of the PNP’s initiatives in implementing Executive Order 70 or the whole of nation approach in the combat against insurgency. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Soldiers counter stress through health awareness

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, July 15 – The Ever Onward Troopers of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army, have recently undergone lectures on health awareness held at the headquarters’ multipurpose hall, Talacogon, this province.

Dr. Rolly Dacera, head doctor of Talacogon District Hospital and medical retainer of 26IB, together with Janis Eryl Jandayan and Erwin Perez, facilitated the lectures particularly on lifestyle diseases and related health problems emphasizing on hypertension, its cause, complications and how to avoid it, in which the soldiers were eager to learn.

 “Hypertension or commonly known as high blood pressure is timely and common health problems nowadays especially for those individuals with undesirable lifestyle,” Dr. Dacera said.

He also conveyed that they will continue to provide health care support to the soldiers including their families.

They will also help the Philippine Army in giving health assistance to the community.

In his statement, Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, 26IB commander said, “Health is wealth, it must not be taken for granted especially for our troops.”

“Increasing the health awareness of our troops will equip them not only in performing their duties but also in combating diseases and countering stress. It will be their greatest weapon to carry out the mission for serving our people and securing our motherland,” Jimenea added. (26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

OWWA-NRCO Caraga awards livelihood starter kits to distressed undocumented OFWs

BUTUAN CITY, July 15 - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office – Caraga through its attached office, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), has recently awarded livelihood starter kits composed of two piglets, three sacks of feeds and vitamins to five distressed undocumented OFWs under the NRCO’s Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP).

About three of these beneficiaries are from Del Carmen in Siargao Islands, one from Surigao City and one from Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

One of the beneficiaries, Georgette Vestil Pal from Barangay Songkoy, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, was personally visited in her residence by OWWA Caraga officer-in-charge Ma. Ireen Cambaling and NRCO support staff Berly Sain to award the starter kit and to relieve her from traveling to Surigao City, which would take her more or less than two hours.

Pal thanked OWWA-NRCO for the livelihood starter kits she had received and did not expect to receive two piglets instead of one, including feeds and vitamins, which made her even happier and that, she can now start her proposed business.

Meanwhile, the remaining starter kits were awarded at the DOLE – Surigao del Norte Field Office.

The LDAP is a livelihood grant intervention consists of livelihood start-up kit worth P10,000, small business management training and financial awareness seminar intended to bring about improved socio-economic well-being for returning and undocumented OFWs.

Eligible beneficiary under the program shall be any undocumented OFWs who have returned in the Philippines.

An undocumented OFW is defined as: those who acquired their passports through fraud or misrepresentation; those who possess expired visa or permits to stay; those who have no travel documents whatsoever; those who have valid but inappropriate visa; or those employment contracts which were not processed by the POEA or subsequently verified and registered on-site by POLO, if required by law or regulation.

For more information, visit the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) – Caraga at OWWA Caraga Training Hall, Nimfa Tiu Bldg II, JP Rosales Ave., Butuan City or visit its website at www.nrco.dole.gov.ph or message them in their Facebook account at Nrco Owwa Caraga. (NRCO/OWWA/PIA-Caraga)

EO 70 isusulong sa Caraga 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Hulyo 15 (PIA) -- Sa pangunguna ng National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), nagtipon-tipon ang ibat-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan na bumubuo sa Regional Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), para talakayin ang mga gagawing hakbang upang mas mapalawak at mapaigting pa ang implementasyon ng Executive Order No. 70 o “whole of nation approach” sa pagsugpo ng insurgency sa Caraga region.

Ayon kay Director Manuel Orduña ng NICA, kailangang magkaisa ang mga ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pagtukoy sa mga pangunahing isyung kinakaharap ng bawat komunidad nang mabigyang solusyon ang mga ito at pagplanohang mabuti ang mga gagawing hakbang na makatutulong sa mga Caraganons sa pagkamit ng inaasam nitong kapayapaan at sustainable development.

Pagtitibayin pa ng task force ang mga lugar na kabilang sa Peace and Development Zones ng rehiyon, maging ang mga programa't serbisyo na binibigay sa mga residente nito. Bibigyan din ng tuon ang pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga Indigenous Peoples (IPs) na siyang direktang naaapektuhan ng mga kaguluhang dinudulot ng New People's Army.

Ibinahagi naman ni Capt. Aldim Viernes, Civil Military Operations officer ng 401st Brigade, Philippine Army, marami na rin silang engagements kasama ang IPs.

Magandang paraan din aniya ang pagsagawa ng Community Support Program upang maihatid ang mga programang naaayon sa mga residenteng nasa liblib na lugar, at maipaabot sa kinauukulang ahensiya ang mga problema't hinaing ng komunidad na kailangang matugunan agad.

  

Pagdating naman sa larangan ng komunikasyon, binigyang-diin ni Capt. Viernes na mas pagbubutihin pa nila ang kanilang kasanayan sa pagamit ng social media at iba pang platform sa paghahatid ng balita sa mga ginagawang hakbang o aktibidad ng kanilang hanay kasama ang ibang ahensiya sa Task Force at malaman ito ng publiko nang hindi sila malinlang sa mga maling impormasyong ipinakakalat ng mga komunistang grupo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)