Butuan City locals
support agri-4Ps during this COVID-19 pandemic
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- To sustain food security in various
communities during this coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the
local residents in a village in this city took the initiative along with the
Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga for the establishment of a communal
garden.
The concerted effort is under the DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program or
Agri-4Ps.
Led by Hanawi Alauya, chief of Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine
Services of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), residents in
the area have started planting in the 400-square meter land.
Alauya said he felt the need to help his neighbors particularly those
whose livelihood were greatly affected, hence, he convinced them to get free
seedlings from the DA and have it sown in the vacant lot in the village.
”I want to help my neighbors who are affected with this pandemic and
with this little way, I believe this could support their family’s daily
consumption during this time of pandemic,” said Alauya.
Lyn Montes, a tricycle driver whose husband is a construction worker,
was among those hit hard by the community quarantine and is now active in
communal gardening.
She added, this does not only help them survive in their daily
consumption but also allows them to earn some income.
”Since the onset of the COVID-19, many were unemployed due to temporary
suspension of several establishments, including the transport sector and we
experience difficulty in coping with our daily expenses while we are on
community quarantine. This is why, we are thankful to the initiative and
collaboration of the concerned individuals and groups for this communal garden,
where we could harvest and consume for our family,” Montes bared.
Meanwhile, a 300-square meter was added to the current land planted with
different vegetable seedlings, and locals are now planning to venture into corn
through the Project “Maisan sa Nataran” o Pro-Mais Movement, a new food
production initiative of the DA. (JPG/NCL/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga RTF-ELCAC eyes
closure of non-DepEd schools amid pandemic
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- In line with the pursuit of ending
insurgency in the region, the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga has
pursued the closure of unaccredited schools in Caraga region amid the pandemic,
per the mandate of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed
Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).
Schools established under the Alternative Learning Center for
Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), Inc. and the Tribal
Filipinos Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS), Inc. in Lianga and Marihatag
towns in Surigao del Sur have now been closed, which were allegedly being used
as training grounds by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) in the area.
These are now being replaced with DepEd-accredited lumad schools.
In Brgy. Diatagon in Lianga town, over 80 percent of the makeshift
classrooms are nearly complete. It is expected to cater in 29 tentative
enrolees, wherein 10 students are expected to enrol under the Kinder level;
eight under Grade 1; four under Grade 2; one under Grade 3; four under Grade 4;
and one in Grades 5 and 6.
The construction of the makeshift building was accomplished by personnel
from the military unit in the area and was funded by the provincial government
of Surigao del Sur and the municipal government.
Meanwhile, in Brgy. Mahaba in the municipality of Marihatag, enrolment
is still being conducted by teachers of the nearby San Roque Elementary School
and Mahaba barangay officials.
Due to the gravity of the insurgency situation in the area, the
construction of the makeshift building had to be postponed. However, the 9th
Coy Special Forces (SF), Philippine Army and barangay officials are
coordinating with the municipal government of Marihatag and the provincial
government for the fast procurement of the building materials.
Both makeshift schools will be manned by three teachers, one from the
department and the other two from the local community.
According to DepEd Caraga Regional Director Francis Cesar Bringas, the
technical working group of the task force decided to establish schools for the
displaced learners in the area for the pilot batch of establishing
government-owned lumad schools.
“Both areas were chosen since they were identified as ‘most problematic
areas’ by the provincial government of Surigao del Sur,” he said.
Prior to the closure of the unaccredited schools, the schools’ directors
were given final notice of closure on February 21 of this year. Since no proper
response was provided to the authorities, closure of the schools was pushed
through.
The schools are expected to become fully functional prior to the
resumption of classes on August 24. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
TESDA Agusan Norte
holds forum on assessment center managers
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 -- A forum for the assessment center managers of the
province of Agusan del Norte was held Thursday through online/virtual.
In her message, TESDA-Agusan del Norte Acting Provincial Director Liza
B. Budtan said the provincial office received letters asking when the
assessments will be continued, “thus the need for the conduct of this forum,”
she said.
Also, Dir. Budtan emphasized that although a number of programs have
been affected due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, TESDA is
finding ways so that its mandates will still be delivered to the public
observing the new normal. “All of us face challenges brought about by the
global pandemic but we need to embrace the new normal, she said.
The official further presented the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)
Resolution No. 47, series of 2020 dated June 19, 2020 with emphasis that TESDA
is now allowed to resume trainings and assessments.
The TESDA chief of the province explained that the Technical-Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) may conduct trainings in Technical Vocational
Institutions (TVIs) and TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs) subject to the
compliance with TESDA Guidelines and minimum public health standards under the
following conditions: 1. Full online/e-learning trainings; 2. All training
programs related to agriculture/fishery qualifications for food production and
processing; 3. Distance learning for TVET programs; 4. E-learning component of
Blended Learning for TVET programs; 5. Dual Training System, Enterprise-Based
Trainings, and In-plant Training in establishments allowed to operate under
GCQ; and 5. Virtual assessment and portfolio assessment through electronic
means for certain TVET qualifications.
Furthermore, Dir. Budtan said the face-to-face TVET training and
competency assessment may be conducted at up to 50% training and assessment
site capacity, provided there is strict compliance with minimum public health
standards, TESDA Guidelines and consultations with local government units.
Meanwhile, Senior TESD Specialist Irenea A. Dela Victoria who is the
Provincial Technical Competency Assessment and Certification System (PTCACS)
presented the 2019 Accomplishments of TESDA-Agusan del Norte in as far as
Competency Assessment and Certification System (CACS) is concerned.
She also presented the top five assessment centers who have contributed
in the accomplishments of the provincial office wherein a remarkable 120%
accomplishment was recorded in 2019, as follows: 1. Provincial Training Center
of Agusan del Norte; 2. Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries; 3. Candelaria
Institute of Technology of Cabadbaran, Inc. (CIC); 4. Philippine Electronics
and Communications Institute of Technology (PECIT); and 5. Caraga State
University (CSU).
Among the updates of CACS presented include: 1. Accreditation of
Assessment Centers; 2. Accreditation of Competency Assessors; 3. Compliance
Audit; 4. Administrative and Assessment Protocols and; 5. Online Application.
The provincial forum was attended by 47 participants composed of
assessment center managers and processing officers of the different assessment
centers in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan
del Norte)
DA Caraga ensures
unhampered corn farming
By Aurelius P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 -- As the medical experts fight against the dreaded
coronavirus, farmers are ensuring food availability for all.
With the support from the Department of Agriculture-Caraga (DA-Caraga),
corn farmers are set to establish corn model farms in three sites in the region
at Brgy. Mandamo, Butuan City; Bunawan, Agusan del Sur and San Miguel, Surigao
del Sur.
DA-Caraga will provide free seeds, fertilizer, soil ameliorants, and
bio-control agents as well as technical and marketing support for the three
farm-cluster cooperators.
DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together
with Regional Corn Program Coordinator Melody Guimary recently led the
turn-over of farm inputs to Mandamo Integrated Farmers Association (MIFA) of
Butuan City and Bunawan Agusan del Sur Corn Farmers Association held at the
DA-ILD Compound, Taguibo, Butuan City.
Gracing also the occasion were officers of Butuan City Agriculture
Office headed by Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven and officers of the cluster-cooperators.
Corn model farm will serve as show window of learning for the
farmer-cooperators as well as farmers in adjacent areas. This will showcase
appropriate technology to increase yield, reduce production cost through farm
mechanization, and produce quality yellow and white corn grains.
Each farmer-cluster cooperator committed 50 hectares of land to be a
corn model farm involving around 150 farmers.
“To help our farmers continue their noble role as a food producer, DA
will support them through the provision of seeds and other inputs to make them
productive despite of the pandemic,” Monteagudo said.
Nazario Baslote, chairperson of MAFI said that the project is a big help
for them as they have availed free seeds and other inputs which is a big saving
on their production cost.
“We are grateful that DA is always there for us. Despite the pandemic,
we can produce food continuously,” he said.
The project is in support of the Plant Plant Plant Program (Agri4ps)
towards a food-secure and resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and
fisherfolks. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)
TESDA distributes
toolkits to SSTP scholars in AgNor town
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 -- The Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) distributed on Wednesday toolkits to graduates of the Special
Skills Training Program (SSTP) in Brgy. Casiklan, Las Nieves – one of the
priority barangays identified by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist
Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) under Executive Order 70.
According to Agusan del Norte Acting Provincial Director Liza B. Budtan,
the training was conducted on January 7-15, 2020 in Produce Organic Vegetables
(Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II). It was made possible in
coordination with Mabakas Techno-Demo Farm, Municipal Agriculture Office of Las
Nieves and the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. “They finished
the training on January 15, 2020 but due to COVID-19 pandemic, the toolkits
distribution was suspended,” Budtan added.
In his welcome address, Casiklan Punong Barangay Erwin C. Pesquito
expressed his gratitude to TESDA for the free training that his constituents
have availed. “In behalf of the residents of Brgy. Casiklan, I would like to
express my sincerest thanks and gratitude to TESDA for the free training that
our resident-farmers have availed, especially because aside from the training,
we also received toolkits that would help them make their works easy,” Pesquito
said.
Further, Marife B. Sanoy, one of the scholars said in her testimony that
because of the training she obtained from TESDA through the Mabakas Techno-Demo
Farm, she and her husband were able to build a house which is a dream-come-true
of the couple.
“When I finished my training last January 25, 2020, I immediately
applied all the learnings and knowledge I gained in the training and with God’s
help, we were able to sell vegetable products amounting to Php 15,000.00
weekly… With the average income we have per week, we were able to build our own
house,” she said.
Meanwhile, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto enjoined the
scholars to enroll in Organic Agriculture Production NC II so that the
knowledge they have right now will be leveled-up, thus leading to the
production of high-valued agricultural products. “TESDA will always be
here for you. Just tell us if you are interested to be trained specially in agriculture-related
qualifications and we will be providing you with knowledge, skills, and the
right attitude so that you will succeed in as far as agricultural farming is
concerned,” Dir. Banto said.
Among the starter toolkits the scholars have received include: steel
rake, sprayer, shovel, garden hoe, and sprinkler. Aside from the toolkits, they
also received seeds from the Provincial Agriculture Office through its
officer-in-charge Mr. Alvin P. Aclan.
Among the officials in attendance are Agusan del Norte Board Member
Virgilo Escasiñas and Las Nieves Mayor Avelina Rosales. Likewise, personnel of
the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and PNP-Las Nieves were also
present in the activity providing security to guests and visitors. (TESDA Agusan
del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Caraga RDC approves
COVID-19 recovery program
By Ann B. Jaquilmac
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Caraga Regional Development Council
(RDC) has granted approval on the Caraga Regional Recovery Program (RRP) from
COVID-19 during its 102nd Full Council meeting on June 26 via
teleconference.
Presented by Caraga RDC Vice-Chairperson and National Economic
Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Bonifacio G. Uy, the RRP is a
supplemental program to the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022
Midterm Update, which aims to lay down Caraga’s COVID-19 recovery roadmap
taking into account the region’s unique needs arising from the ongoing health
crisis.
The RRP spells out the overall assessment on the impacts and challenges
in the region arising from the pandemic; strategic action plans; and proposed
programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) of the key sectors in the region.
RDC Chairperson and Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera reiterated
the importance of the said program in rebooting the economy from the losses it
had sustained due to the health crisis.
“With the present situation that we are confronted with, we have to deal
not just with the socio-economic and health impacts of this pandemic, but also
its important implications on the role of the Council – not only as an agent of
development, but also as an agent of recovery,” the chairperson said.
In the same meeting, the Caraga RDC also passed Resolution No. 27,
Series of 2020, entitled “Supporting the Implementation of the Balik Probinsya,
Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program and Approving the Creation of the Special BP2
Committee.”
Institutionalized by virtue of Executive Order 114, the BP2 Program is
geared towards decongesting Metro Manila’s urban areas by encouraging people,
especially the informal settlers, to return to their home provinces and assist
them in this transition with support and incentives on transportation, family,
livelihood, housing, subsistence and education, among others.
Relative to this, the Council resolved that the Special BP2 Committee
shall be chaired by the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security
(CORDS) for Caraga Region, Cabinet Secretary Karlo A.B. Nograles and, as an
initiative of the region, co-chaired by Caraga RDC Chairperson Gov. Dale B.
Corvera.
To conclude the meeting, Gov. Corvera has highlighted the importance of
cooperation among local authorities primarily to uplift the welfare of
Caraganons amid the difficulties faced.
“Our region’s success in bouncing back hinges primarily on our ability
to work together, and our accountability in delivering what is expected from
each of us. It is only then that we altogether can successfully transition from
the pandemic’s harsh effects and step into the ‘new normal’ before us,” he
affirmed. (NEDA Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
CHR Caraga holds
‘right to health’ webinar series
BUTUAN CITY, July 2 -- While the country is battling against the spread
of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is high time also to better
understand the right to health.
Participated by different representatives from regional line agencies,
the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga led a webinar series held on June
24 and 30, 2020.
The first session centered on the normative discussion of the right to
health by Mi-an Joy Taglucop and Atty. Ralphmar Oñez of CHR Caraga. The agency
saw the importance for these offices to be reminded of the State's obligation
most especially in time of this health crisis.
Participants were also able to share the measures their respective
offices are undertaking to promote and protect the health of their employees
and of course their clients.
Meanwhile, the second session highlighted mental health care in the new
normal by Dr. Aime T. Guarino, RGC, RPsy of De La Salle University. Discussions
include RA 11036 or the Mental Health Act and ways on how to cope with the
mental health effects of the pandemic at home and in the workplace. (CHR
Caraga/PIA Caraga)
