Friday, March 6, 2020

40 IP families return home in SurSur

By Lt. Krisjuper ANdreo Punsalan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 6 -- “The tribe went home because the military assured their safety. If the Army will not be around, we will evacuate (again). We need the Army to protect us from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs),” said Datu Constancio Duhac, Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Lianga, Surigao del Sur during the return of 40 families from the tribe in Sitio Simuwao, (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on March 5.

After the CNTs harassed the civilians last February 21, the indigenous peoples (IPs) at Kilometer 9 have requested the permanent presence of the military and the establishment of a patrol base in the sitio to drive away CNTs and to establish the DepEd schools for their children.

It can be recalled that the CNTs harassed the civilians, as stated in the affidavit of the wounded civilians, with the intent to execute their playbook, “Taktikang Bakwit,” which is usually organized by the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Mga Sumusunod (MAPASU) to blame the military, request their pullout and delay government’s peace and development projects in the area.

As a result, their planned Taktikang Bakwit backfired on the CNTs and MAPASU. Instead of gaining sympathy to request the pullout of the Community Support Teams, their plan resulted to the demand of the IP to further request military presence in the area to protect them from the CNTs.

“The IP community is now enlightened. Dati pag nagbabakwit, ang apela nila ay paalisin ang military para bumalik sila sa community. Ngayon, nakita na nila ang katotohanan na ang mga teroristang NPA ang naghahasik ng lagim sa komunidad at hindi ang sundalo. Kaya ang gusto nila ngayon ay huwag ng umalis ang mga sundalo para maprotektahan sila laban sa exploitation ng mga teroristang NPAs at mga masterminds gaya ng MAPASU,” said LTC Joey Baybayan, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion commander.

The IPs were assisted by the local government unit of Lianga and Surigao del Sur provincial government by providing transportation and food supplies for the whole duration of their temporary evacuation and their eventual return to their homes while the Army provided security.

 “This is a concrete example of the Whole-Of-Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict because the military, which belongs to the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster and the LGUs under the DILG belonging to the Basic Services Cluster of EO 70 worked together to provide the needed services and assistance by the conflict-affected community during this critical time,” said Col. Allan Hambala,” 401st Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, the IP leaders of Lianga said that this is no longer a tension between the Army and the CNTs alone. It is now a fight of the IPs, the government, and the whole Filipino people against the CNTs and their masterminds.

 “We cannot be neutral in the fight against CNTs. Our tribe chose to fight against the CNTs because we want to put an end to their abuses, exploitation and atrocities against the IPs. Our lives are in danger and we need the military to protect our home. Kung sino man ang dapat paalisin sa komunidad, ang mga NPA at MAPASU, hindi ang gobyerno. Kung aalis ang military, papatayin nila kami dito, “ exclaimed Datu Jumar S. Bucales, IPMR of Lianga. (3SFBn CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Army conducts info drive in different schools vs NPA recruitment

TALACOGON, Agusan Del Sur, March 6 -- The 26th Infantry Battalion has intensified its campaign against NPA recruitment in different secondary schools especially those from remote areas of the four municipalities of this province, which is under its area of responsibility. The unit conducts info drive and awareness to students who are the primary target of massive recruitment by the leftist group.

According to 1Lt. Percival Carido, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of 26IB, the said info drive is designed to counter the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) youth exploitation particularly students, as well as to educate them and make them aware of the deceptive propaganda and false ideology of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

“It is very alarming that we received reports and news from the local and national regarding youths who have been killed in an encounter between the NPA and military, only to find out that they are students from known universities who are members of different left leaning organizations. Since last year, we have been constant in the conduct of info drive in areas of Talacogon, San Luis, Esperanza and lately, at the La Paz National High School. We will continue to do it every school year to remind them,” Carido added.

Arceli L. Hapon, the School Principal of La Paz National High School, commended the efforts of the Philippine Army in securing the future of her students. “NPA recruitment in schools is a gross violation of children’s right under RA 7610. For that, we will continue to collaborate with the AFP and PNP in protecting our students from the communist ideology. We are very thankful to our counterpart in mentoring our students to become an essential member of the community especially in the pursuit of a long and lasting peace advocacy,” she said.

Likewise, Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, the commanding officer of 26IB also commended the consistent support of the faculty members in the schools for the said activity. “Teachers who are doing their best in providing education for their students deserve to be recognized. For this, we are hoping that they should not allow themselves to be used by the NPA for recruitment activities, agitation and propaganda against the government for it will affect the sacredness of the school’s main purpose, to educate children for the betterment of their future,” he said.

Jimenea also appealed to the Communist Terrorists to spare the children especially students, from their violent way of life and selfish political ambition. “Give our young generations a chance to grow up,  achieve their aspirations and be successful in life. Do not use them as your instrument in destroying our nation’s democracy,” added Jimenea. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Gov’t turns over water supply system in AgNor

By 1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Mar. 6 -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte with the support of other partner stakeholders conducted recently the turn-over and oath-taking ceremony on the construction/rehabilitation of the water supply system level II at So. Cadahondahonan, Brgy. Poblacion 2, Santiago and So. Ancili Brgy. Puting Bato, this city.

The said water system projects were funded under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process- Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (OPAPP- PAMANA) Program. The said areas were those identified as Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) influenced or the Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) where primary issues such as problems of water supply were being exploited by the CNTs to deceive and recruit the community.

Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale B. Corvera, and Agusan del Norte Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba led the turn-over and the oath-taking ceremony. 

Gov. Corvera said he was glad that despite the opposition of the enemies against peace and development, "the government is still willing to provide us with wonderful projects such as this. As Filipinos, we should recognize that we only have one government whom we need to respect and give support to because it’s only the true government who could help us and not the NPAs.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Matba assured the public that the government is doing its best to help them. "But my only appeal is that we all be united in helping our government because as leaders we cannot do it alone. We need your continuous help and support also,” she said.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding officer of 29IB, also urged the community to support the causes of the military.

"But just as they are pleading as leaders of AgNor, we too are asking and pleading for your support. How? Simple. Stop supporting the NPAs. Stop feeding them. We assure you that they will not survive if you will not allow them to enter and take advantage of the resources in your areas,” he said. (CMO Officer, 29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PCW, RGADC nilagdaan ang partnership agreement sa taong 2020-2022

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 6 (PIA) -- Sa layung mas mapagtibay pa ang koordinasyon at magandang relasyon ng Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) at ng Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) ng Caraga region, nilagdaan ng dalawang partido ang isang Partnership Agreement na naglalaman ng mga aktibidad kasama ang ibat-ibang sektor para sa taong 2020 hanggang 2022.

Apat na pangunahing aktibidad ang target ng PCW kasama ang RGADC. Ito ay ang mga sumusunod: 1) 2nd Caraga GAD Focal Point System Assembly; 2) Leveling session para sa mga RGADC Caraga members, regional line agencies at state universities at colleges sa rehiyon; 3) Leveling session para sa RGADC Caraga members, local government units ng rehiyon; at 4) Regional orientation on Men Opposed to Violence Against Women (VAW) Everywhere (MOVE).

Ayon kay Nharleen Santos-Millar, chief ng PCW-Technical Services and Regional Coordination Division, patuloy na isinusulong ng komisyon ang women empowerment at gender equality and mainstreaming sa lahat ng rehiyon, at nang maiwasan ang mga insidente ng domestic violence sa kababaihan at mga bata, maging ang iba pang uri ng pang-aabuso sa mga ito.

Kaya naman suportado ng PCW ang ibat-ibang kampanya at aktibidad ng RGADC sa patuloy na pagpapalaganap ng layuning ito.

“Suportado ng PCW ang lahat ng aktibidad ng RGADC lalu’t patuloy din itong tumutugon sa mga isyu ng mga kababaihan sa rehiyon at nagsasagawa ng inisyatibo para sa kapakanan ng sektor,” ani ni Millar.

Sa nalalapit na selebrasyon ng Women’s Month sa Marso, magkakaroon ng Women’s Summit ng RGADC sa Butuan City, kung saan pag-uusapan dito ang climate change at epekto nito sa kababaihan at mga bata.

Hinimok din niya ang lahat ng Caraganons na sumuporta at lumahok sa selebrasyong ito.

“Nananawagan po kami sa lahat ng Caraganons na maging aktibo sa ating kampanya laban karahasan at pang-aabuso sa mga kababaihan at sa mga aktibidad ngayong Women’s Month,” sabi ni MIllar.

Samantala, nanawagan naman si CHR-Caraga regional director at RGADC chair Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang sa lahat ng LGUs na i-reactivate ang kanilang MOVE o ang men oppose to VAW everywhere campaign.

Isa aniya itong magandang hakbang upang aktibo rin ang partisipasyon ng mga kalalakihan ukol sa anti-VAW campaign ng gobyerno. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Thursday, March 5, 2020

₱520M rice fund empowers farmers in Caraga Region

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 5 -- March 5, 2020, marks the first anniversary of the implementation of the Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL).

Over a year, the Department of Agriculture  (DA) – Caraga together with its implementing agencies took the challenge to pursue a more efficient implementation of the four component programs of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

As a result, a total of ₱520 million agri support has been poured to the rice farmers in the region. This includes the provision of farm machinery, quality seeds, credit, and training and extension services.

Today, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together with Engr. Rene Q. Morales lead the turn-over of farm machinery to eligible farmer associations held at DA-Caraga ILD Grounds, Brgy. Taguibo, Butuan City.

"You are now receiving the fruit of the implementation of RTL. The rice tariff revenues are allocated to programs that will make Caraga rice farmers globally competitive. Rest assured that more interventions are coming and sooner will be realized. We just need your support and your cooperation," Monteagudo said.

In support of agricultural modernization, DA-Caraga distributed a total of ₱350 million worth of farm equipment. Around 280 farmer associations and cooperatives received their proposed farm equipment such as mechanical rice transplanters, four-wheel-drive tractors, rice combine harvesters, hand tractors, rice threshers, rice reapers, seed spreader, and pump and engine set.

Robert "Datu Bantiles" Tagalogon, tribal leader of Manobo Farmers Sectoral Tribal Council Inc. in La Paz, Agusan del Sur is very grateful from the five pump and engine set they received.

According to Datu Bantiles around 3,000, Manobo rice farmers will benefit easier access to the water supply.

"We are now ready for the next cropping season through the help of the pump and engine. We are looking forward to an abundant harvest," said Datu Bantiles.

On the other hand, the DA – Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) – Agusan distributed ₱65.5 million worth or an equivalent of 86,243 bags of inbred rice seeds to 34,258 farmers in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur for the November – December 2019 planting season. This corresponds to an estimated planted area of 44,852 hectares.

Another round of seed distribution worth ₱72.96 million will be done this month for the wet cropping season that will benefit more than 40,000 farmers.

In addition to RCEF credit assistance, the DA together with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, Landbank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines open more windows for financial aids such as loan programs intended to eligible beneficiaries.

Under the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance (SURE-Aid) Program, a total of 6,596 rice farmers from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte including Butuan City received a ₱15,000-loan at zero interest payable in eight years.

Meanwhile, the release of cash grants to 1,210 qualified rice farmers under the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program provided unconditional ₱5,000 cash assistance to farmers with one-half to two hectares of rice land. Another 16,000 rice farmers will receive the said assistance not later this month.

For the training and extension component, DA-Agricultural Training Institute – Caraga together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Caraga is closely working to conduct more refresher courses, training, accreditation programs, and scholarships.

The department aims that on the next six years as a result of RCEF, it will effectively reduce the average production cost of palay by ₱4 kg, from the current ₱12 kg, increase the average yield by at least two tons per hectare from the current four metric tons per hectare, and double the income of rice farmers. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

'AGUSAN UPdates' gilunsad sa probinsya

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Marso 5 -- Gilunsad sa probinsyal nga kagamhanan sa Agusan del Norte niadtong Marso 2 ang AGUSAN UPdates, usa ka basahon nga magsilbing instrumento nga moganoy sa mga Agusanon sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa kalambuan ubos sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera.

Unod sa AGUSAN UPdates ang mga nag-unang kalihukan, mga serbisyong natunol ug  kalambuan sa mga programang gipatuman ilabina sa 8-point development agenda nga gisumada diha sa AGUSAN UP!

Dugang sa gobernador nga pinaagi sa upat ka palid nga basahon masayran, masabtan, magkabinayloay og hunahuna, naay koordinasyon sa mga lihuk ug maghibaw-anay kung unsa na ang dagan sa gipunting nga mga kondisyon sa kalambuan matag karon ug unya.

Dugang ang maong basahon sa Facebook Page, mga news dispatches ug uban pang materyales pangkasayuran nga ginahimo usab sa probinsya pagseguro nga mapakaylap pag-ayo ang mga kasayuran  kalabot sa AGUSAN UP!

Niini, nanghinaut si Gob. Corvera nga magsilbi unta ang maong basahon nga instrumento alang sa hiniusang paglihok sa mga Agusanon. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Pagdiriwang ng Fire Prevention Month sa Caraga, pormal na binuksan sa Bislig City

BISLIG CITY, Surigo del Sur, Marso 5 (PIA) -- Matagumpay na idinaos ang pormal na pagbubukas taunang selebrasyon ng “Fire Prevention Month” na pinangungunahan ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ngayong taon sa rehiyon ng Caraga sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Bislig, kung saan dito idinaos sa unang pagkakataon ang nasabing aktibidad, araw ng Martes.

Dinaluhan ito ng mga firefighters na nagmula pa sa limang probinsya sakop ng nasabing rehiyon: ang Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, at ang Dinagat Islands. Kasali rin dito ang iba’t ibang syudad na sakop nito: ang Butuan City; Cabadbaran City; Bayugan City; Surigao City; Tandag City; at ang Bislig City.

Sa unang araw, nasaksihan dito ang iba’t ibang tagisan ng mga talento sa pagguhit at kaalaman ng mga estudyanteng kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan sa nasabing syudad na idinaos sa Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center. Ito ay ang “Drawing Contest” o pagguhit, “Poster Making”, at “Photo Contest” na nakabase sa tema na, “Matuto Ka, Sunog, Iwasan Na.”

Malugod naman na tinanggap ni Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay ang mga partisipante na nagmula pa sa iba’t ibang probinsya. Sa kanyang talumpati, taos puso syang nagpapasalamat sa BFP Caraga na pinamumunuan ni Caraga Regional Director FSSupt. Rommel Tradio dahil pinili nito ang kanilang lungsod sa selebrasyon.

Samantala, sa layunin na matugunan ng madaliang pagresponde tuwing may insidente sa sunog, binanggit ni Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga Regional Director FSSupt. Rommel Tradio ang planong paglalagay ng sub-station sa Sentro at sa Barangay Mangagoy sakop ng Bislig City.

Napag-alaman, na ang lungsod ng Bislig ang may pinakamalaking populasyon sa probinsya, na umabot sa 94,535 base sa census noong 2015.

Ibinunyag naman ni Regional Director FSSupt Tradio na ang Caraga ay nakatanggap na ng apat na firetrucks sa unang batch ng modernization program ni President Duterte. Dalawa nito ang napunta sa Surigao del Sur, isa sa bayan ng Cantilan, at isa naman sa bayan ng Barobo. (PIA-Bislig City) 

Wednesday, February 4, 2020

Caraganons participate in advocacy walk for 2020 Women’s Month

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, March 4 (PIA) - Wearing their colorful shirts, the government employees, with the representatives from the private sector, academe, and women organizations brought along with them their information materials and convened early morning on Monday for the kick-off activity of this year’s Women’s Month celebration in Caraga region.

All have actively participated in the advocacy walk from the Capitol grounds going to the Guingona Park of Butuan City.

Said activity was aimed to level-up the awareness of every Caraganon on the rights of women and children and prevent them from being victims of any form of violence and abuse.

Men have also joined the event as an expression of their support to all women in the region and the world.

Carl Van Lucero, who joined and witnessed the camaraderie of women and men through the kick-off activities, recognized the valuable contribution of women in nation-building. He also emphasized that change should really work for women.

“We continue to support women and their rights, and their great contribution to the communities. I hope that we would also be able to help them and let change work for them,” cited Lucero.

Police Staff Sergeant Christine Taub also bared that the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in different communities are ready and taking measures to ensure the protection of the locals especially the women and children.

“The PNP personnel in the barangays are very willing to help especially women should there be any violation committed by perpetrators against them,” Taub said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, regional director of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga and chairperson of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), emphasized that said celebration is for everyone and not only for women.

“We celebrate Women’s Month because it is for everyone. We celebrate as women and men also celebrate with us for the progress and development of all women,” bared Bacang.

She further urged every family to apply shared responsibility such as doing household chores, instead of letting women at home do it themselves. She also elaborated that gender equality and mainstreaming should be observed and practiced everywhere. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PhilHealth urges Caraganons to avail benefits under UHC law

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) -- With the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law in the country, the Philippine Health Insurance Company (PhilHealth) Caraga urged Caraganons to enroll in order to avail the benefits covered by the law.

In the recent media forum conducted by the agency in Watergate Boutique Hotel with the Philippine Sweepstakes Charity Office (PCSO) and the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga, the benefits of the said law were discussed, such as the objective of the government to provide better financial assistance to Filipinos in accessing medical services.

According to Jane Santos of PhilHealth Caraga, around 1.2 million Caraganons, equivalent to almost 82 percent of the total population of Caraga, are set to be covered by the law's benefits. At present, over 9,500 members have already benefited from UHC law.

Kate Atenta, a Caraganon, is relieved that such a law has been created. It will greatly benefit people like her who are unable to provide finances to avail access to quality medical services.

“Such law will be of great assistance to people like me who are minimum wage earners. Such initiative is a testament of the government’s compassion for its people,” she added.

At present, PhilHealth Caraga is aiming to accommodate more members to avail the UHC law which is why for PhilHealth member Mariel Calo, who has also availed the Zero Balance Billing, information drive is crucial in the effective implementation of the law. For her, the mandate of the law holds great promises for the future of health care services in the country, especially for Filipinos who barely earn a decent income.

"The benefits of the program should be availed by every Filipino. Disseminating information should not only be through social media, but also through the TV and radio, and even through distributing flyers and placing posters in places with a huge crowd,” she suggested.

The Universal Health Care Law, or the Republic Act No. 11223, aims to improve the health care system in the country by extending financial assistance in medical care to all Filipinos, financially-able and otherwise. The said law took effect on February 20 on the previous year. (PIA-Caraga)

Religious leaders join interfaith dialogue to end local communist armed conflict

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, March 4 – The religious leaders were united in an interfaith dialogue and discussed the role of the religious sector in the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s Sectoral Unification and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Clusters held recently at the Kalinaw (Peace) Building, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion in Barangay Noli, this city.

Lieutenant Col. Sahisa T. Adzramen (Chaplain Service), 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division post-Islamic Chaplain; 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Col. Joey Baybayan INF (GSC) PA with religious leaders from the Catholic, Islam, United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP), Seventh-day Adventist Church and Iglesia Independiente Filipina (IFI) attended the event.

First Lieutenant Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, 3SFBn Civil-Military Operations Officer, oriented the participants in the Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as a peaceful concept to end any armed conflict by focusing on peace and development interventions in conflict-affected areas to address root causes of conflict and in advocating the E-CLIP to induce peaceful surrenders.

Punsalan also encouraged the participation of the religious sector in Deradicalization program for former rebels through values formation, and strengthening of spiritual dimensions to denounce violence in resolving conflict, the promotion of Family and reconciliation, and the conduct of intensified information drives among youth ministries and their respective members to protect the religious and other faith-based organizations from communist and other terrorist groups’ infiltration which can destroy their credibility and corrupt their faith.

LTC Adzramen further emphasized that a true religious leader who believes in God leads his followers to the path of peace and the goodness of life.

“Ang tunay na alagad ng Panginoon ay hindi kumakanlong ng kasamaan at kaguluhan. Kung ang tao ay naging masama, tungkulin nating akayin sila pabalik sa kabutihan at ibalik sa tamang landas para hindi na ulit sila maligaw (The real follower of Christ are those who do not engage in wrong doings to cause conflicts. If an individual has become the person he/she shouldn’t be, it is then our responsibility to help them be at the right path and never let them do the same mistake again),” the chaplain said.

LTC Baybayan called on the participants to promote reconciliation to end conflict and prevent the unnecessary loss of lives. “We greatly hope that you could help us promote peace and reconciliation to induce more peaceful surrenders. The country has already suffered enough and as the President said, we cannot afford to pass this communist armed conflict to the next generations,“ he said.

Meanwhile, the Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment Cluster of Executive Order No. 70 shall engage, unify, capacitate, empower and mobilize all sectors (including the religious sector) of society to be free and resistant to Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTG) mass base building operations and infiltration activities, to reinforce good governance, enduring peace and sustainable development. (KAP/3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AgNor bags international award on RABMis

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 -- The Province of Agusan del Norte coveted one of the highest awards on Rabies Management Information System (RABMis) during the 11th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development held in Siem Reap, Cambodia held on February 28 - March 1, 2020.

Dr. Joseph P. Dargantes, Veterinarian IV of the Provincial Veterinary Office and the representative of the province, was awarded the Excellent Paper Award during the said international conference.

Dr. Dargantes presented his paper “Integration of Rabies Management Information System (RabMIS) through One-Health Approach into the Rabies Prevention and Control Program in the Province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines: An Evaluation.”

Attended by more than 100 researchers all over the world, the main objective of the conference was to discuss and develop sustainable and effective processes and strategies for sustainable rural development taking into account the agricultural and environmental aspects in developing countries.

The conference was organized by International Society of Environmental and Rural Development Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation, Japan and co-organized by United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability collaborated with Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, Bohol Island State University, Philippines, Association of Environmental and Rural Development, Thailand.

The paper presented was the research study of Dr. Dargantes when he obtained and graduated his master’s degree at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand last June 2019. The research was funded by GREASE (Gestion des Risques Emergents en Asie du Sud-Est) and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD).

Rabies Management Information System (RabMIS) is a novel initiative by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte in its record-keeping of pertinent data of its rabies program. It was co-developed by Mr. Paul Cupay of Management Information System (MIS) of the province. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Selebrasyon sa Women’s Month, sinimulan sa Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 4 (PIA) - Suot ang kanilang makukulay na t-shirts at dala ang kani-kanilang information materials, maagang nagtipon ang mga kawani ng gobyerno kasama ang private sector, women organizations at academe para sa kick-off activity ng Women's Month sa Caraga region.

Sa isinagawang Advocacy Walk mula kapitolyo hanggang sa Guingona Park sa lungsod ng Butuan, target nitong mapalawak pa ang kaalaman ng bawat residente ng Caraga ukol sa karapatan ng kababaihan at mawakasan ang anumang uri ng karahasan at pang-aabuso sa sektor.

Lubos naman ang suporta ng mga kalalakihan sa taunang selebrasyon. Isa si Carl Van Lucero sa mga bumati sa mga kababaihan at kinilala ang malaking kontribusyon nito sa pag-unlad ng bawat komunidad.

“Patuloy kaming sumusuporta sa mga kababaihan at sa pagsulong ng kanilang mga karapatan. Kinikilala din namin ang kanilang malaking kontribusyon sa kaunlaran ng bansa,” ani ni Lucero.

Pagtitiyak naman ni Police Staff Sergeant Christine Taub na nakaantabay at nakahanda ang kapulisan sa bawat komunidad para masigurong ligtas ang lahat lalu na ang kababaihan at bata.

“Handa ang ating kapulisan na rumesponde sa ating mga kababaihan sakaling may mga report ng paglabag sa kanilang mga karapatan at seguridad,” pahayag ni Taub.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, regional director ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga at chairperson ng Regional Gender And Development Committee (RGADC) na ang nasabing taunang selebrasyon ay para sa lahat at hindi lang para sa mga kababaihan.

“Pinagdaraos natin ang Women’s Month dahil para ito sa lahat. Ang mga kalalakihan naman ay sumusuporta sa lahat ng kababaihan at nakikiisa sa kaunlaran ng sektor,” sabi ni Bacang.

Hinimok din niya ang bawat pamilya na magtulungan sa bawat gawain sa bahay at wag lang iasa sa mga babae. Maging ang pag-alaga sa kalikasan sa pamamagitan ng hindi pagamit ng single use plastic. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

CNTs, front groups continue to deprive SurSur IPs of education, social services in SurSur

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 4 -- The residents of Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, in Lianga town sought refuge in Sitio Neptune (Kilometer 6) near the military detachment as they reported intimidation and harassments by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa mga Sumusunod (MAPASU) on February 28 to postpone the scheduled ocular inspection of the proposed Department of Education (DepEd) indigenous peoples (IP) government school site.

The DepEd IP schools will replace the inactive, non-DepEd accredited and alleged communist-influenced school of Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS).

“There are upcoming Serbisyo Caravans and other implementation of development programs like the establishment of DepEd accredited IP schools. As usual, the CNTs resorted to intimidation by threatening defenseless residents and even Lianga Local Government Unit officials to delay the implementation," said Lt. Colonel Joey Baybayan, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion Commander.

It can be recalled that Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel has offered MAPASU leaders to have its schools accredited by the DepEd during the dialogue at Sitio Simuwao last 2019 in the presence of Bayan Muna representatives and their allied religious groups. The governor pledged unequivocal support just to make these schools accredited as he shared his concern for the education of the students of these schools and fully agreed with the need for the government to uplift the quality of learning.

However, such plea fell on deaf ears as the MAPASU leaders insisted to operate on their own as they fear that having their schools accredited by the government would make the affected residents and the students realize their continued exploitation on them to become agents of violence, killing and nation-destruction.

“This is a crucial point. This kind of situation will define the character and leadership of our fellow local government officials and will test their commitment to End Local Communist Armed Conflict through delivering basic social services despite CNTs threats. We, in the military, will always be on our foot to perform our duty to assist them as we have the oath to protect the state, the country, and the people. We are always ready to answer the call of duty to support the implementation of EO 70 just to end this conflict in our area of responsibility,”  said Colonel Allan  Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander.

"The government wants to put up a DepEd-accredited school to provide quality education for IPs and deliver social services to address the root causes of insurgency.

Yet, MAPASU, the Communist NPA terrorists and their allied groups continuously prevent it by any violent means such as their recent attack on defenseless civilians. This situation only made the people and the nation more aware that it is they who deprive the IPs of quality education, not the government. Their actions contradict their placards’ battle cry during their scripted rallies which says, 'IP has the right for free and quality education,'” said LTC Baybayan.

The members of MAPASU consolidated in Sitio Han-ayan (Kilometer 16) while threatened KM 9 residents proceeded to Sitio Neptune, where a CAFGU detachment is established, along with their relatives to seek for safety and protection against the CNTs and MAPASU leaders’ continued harassment. (CMO-3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Pagproseso sa tuba sa nipa ngadto sa suka ug laksoy iasdang sa mga mag-uuma sa Magallanes

MAGALLANES, Agusan del Norte, Marso 4 -- Iasdang sa mga mag-uuma sa Magallanes, Agusan del Norte ang laing paagi sa pagkutsitsa sa tanom nilang nipa nga maoy nag-unang tinubdan sa ilang panginabuhian ug buot kini nilang himoon ubos sa Process! Process! Process! Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa kalambuan sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrayon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera.

Bugtong ang pagpawod lamang og nipa aron himuong atop sa balay ang kasamtangang gimugna sa ilang abot nga nilapa sa 50 ektaryas nilang plantasyon sa nipa ug dili kini igo aron isustenir sa inadlaw-adlaw nga panginahanglanon sa pamilya sa mga sakop sa Bascaa Farmers Association sa Sitio Bascaa Brgy. Guiasan, Magallanes.

Sumala ni Zenaida Tupas, presidente sa maong oganisasyon nga nakuha nila ang ideya nga moproseso og mga produkto gikan sa mga abot sa nipa gikan sa konsepto sa Process! Process! Process! ug madasigon kini nilang gihisgutan sa pagbisita sa mga personahe sa AGUSAN UP! nga miadto sa ilang lugar alang sa ocular inspection sa 31 ektaryas nga ilang gikometer aron tamnan og falcata, cacao, mangga ug cassava ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Project, laing proyekto sa AGUSAN UP!

Sa panaghisgut, gipadayag nila ang ilang interes nga mo-proseso og suka ug laksoy gikan sa tuba sa nipa aron mahimo silang mas produktibo ug moangat ang kita sa matag usa.

Dinhi gihangyo nila ang probinsya pinaagi sa AGUSAN UP! nga tabangan sila aron mahimong andam sa makuting proseso ug mga ekipos sa pagproseso sa nasangpit nga mga produkto, lakip na ang mga pagabansay nga gikinahanglan sa trabahante. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraganons, hinimok na mag-enrol para sa UHC law

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 4 (PIA) -- Kasabay ng puspusang pagpapapatupad ng Universal Health Care (UHC) Law sa bansa, hinimok ng Philippine Health Insurance Company (PhilHealth) Caraga ang mga Caraganon na mag enroll upang makinabang sa mga benepisyong handog nito.

Sa isinagawang media forum ng ahensya sa Watergate Boutique Hotel kasama ang kagawaran ng Philippine Sweepstakes Charity Office (PCSO) at nga Department of Health (DOH) sa Caraga, binigyang-diin ang mga serbisyo ng nasabing batas, lalo na sa pagbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal sa mga gastusin sa hospital.

Sa pag-uulat ni Jane Santos, kawani ng PhilHealth, nakahanda na ang 1.2 million na mga Caraganon o mahigit 82 porsyento ng populasyon sa rehiyon na makikinabang sa UHC. Sa taong 2019, nakapaglaan na ng tulong-pinansyal ang ahensya sa halos 9,500 nito na mga miyembro na handog ng batas.

Malaki ang pasasalamat ni Kate Atenta, isang Caraganon, sa tulong na maibibigay ng batas, lalo na sa mga Pilipinong tulad niya na may pamilya at hindi kaagad makakalaan ng pera pang gastos sa mga serbisyong medikal.

“Malaki ang maitutulong ng batas, lalo na sa mga tulad namin na mahihirap lamang. Patunay ito sa dedikasyon ng gobyerno na matulungan kami," aniya. 

Para naman sa miyembro ng PhilHealth na si Mariel Calo, isa sa mga nakinabang ng 'Zero Balance Billing,' mahalaga na maipaabot sa publiko ang impormasyon ukol sa UHC, lalo na’t mas maganda ang mga oportunidad na maibibigay nito sa mga mamamayang Pilipino.

“Iminumungkahi ko po na mas mabuti ay hindi lang sa social media nila ipaabot ang impormasyon ukol sa nasabing batas. Mas mainam na ipaabot din nila ito sa radio at sa TV, at magpaskil ng mga karatula at flyers sa mga matataong lugar," dagdag niya.

Isa din sa mga pangunahing layon ng ahensya na madagdagan pa ang makabenepisyo ng UHC, kung kaya’t nananawagan sila sa partisipasyon ng mga kawani ng media na ipaalam sa masa ang naturang batas.

Layon ng Universal Health Care Law, o Republic Act No. 11223, na maiangat ang health care system sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaabot ng tulong pinansyal sa lahat ng Pilipino, may-kaya man o wala. Naipatupad ang nasabing batas noong Pebrero 20 ng nakaraang taon.  (PIA-Caraga)