COVID-19 testing lab
to rise in Surigao del Norte
By Venus L. Garcia
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Per statement from
Surigao del Norte Assistant Provincial Administator and Spokesperson Simeon
Vicente Catrence, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing laboratory will
soon rise in the province. Through a collective support, the Taganito HPAL,
Taganito Mining Corporation, Cagdianao Mining Corporation and Platinum Group
Metals Corporation mining firms have donated a total amount P18 million for the
establishment of said molecular lab which will be manned by the Philippine Red
Cross.
Upon approval of the board of the Surigao State College of Technology
under a usufruct agreement, the required 2,000-square meter lot was also made
available to concretize the plan.
“This molecular lab can process for up to 2,000 swab specimens per day
collected from patients suspicious of COVID-19. All materials are ready and
hopefully by November of this year we could start with the operation,” said
Castrence.
He said the medical technologists are currently undergoing a proficiency
training in molecular diagnostic techniques. So, in time with the completion of
the laboratory construction and as soon as they finished and passed, they will
immediately start delivering their services.
“Amid this crisis, the local government makes all efforts not only to
lessen our anguish but to address all issues and concerns of Surigaonons. The
LGU is working for you. Gov. Lalo Matugas would also like to convey to everyone
that he and the rest of partner stakeholders are really doing everything to
contain, if not eradicate, the virus,” said Castence. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del
Norte)
DILG-13 orients 2,500 new contact tracers
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- To intensify the contact tracing
efforts in the Caraga Region, more than 2,500 newly hired contact tracers have attended
the simultaneous orientation conducted by the Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG) - Caraga in this city and other provinces.
"If we have a large number of
contact tracers, we can also speed up the identification of close contacts,”
said director Charissa Guerta of the DILG-Butuan City.
Upon identifying the close
contacts of the persons who tested positive of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19), the contact tracers will then immediately notify them of the
necessary isolation or quarantine protocol.
“They will start with their
services very soon. They will sign the contract of service for contact tracers
for immediate deployment,” said DILG-Caraga regional director Lilibeth
Famacion.
Given the extent of exposure and
risk among these contact tracers, Famacion assured the provision of appropriate
personal protective equipment.
They will take charge of the
conduct of interviews, profiling, and perform an initial public health risk
assessment of COVID-19 cases and their close contacts.
“This will be our way of giving
service to the government, the people. We are here to assist in the contact
tracing efforts and to fast track the identification of those who are exposed
to the virus,” said Haydee Elen, contact tracer.
Raul Cuenca, Jr., also a contact
tracer, underscored the essence of ‘Bayanihan’ where everyone has to do
something to help avert COVID-19 transmission.
Famacion also reminded the
residents to strictly practice the minimum public health standard and to remain
in their residences at all times, except when buying essentials and doing vital
transactions. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Youths in Dinagat Islands join in tour operation, management contest
By Venus L. Garcia
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- As part of the
festivities during the celebration of the 14th Charter Day of Dinagat Islands,
the youth leaders participated in one of a kind tour operation and management
contest.
“This is the first-ever competition done for the making of tour
packages. If we learn to understand our special connection with the
environment, we will do our best to protect and preserve it especially when we
do tourism. The exploitation of the environment happens when we human beings
treat ourselves separate from it,” said regional director Mary Jean Camarin of
the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Caraga.
The competition aims to promote the concept of conservation in Dinagat
Islands’ brand of tourism by involving the youth as the future leaders of the
province.
Dinagat Islands bears the tagline “Biyahe sa Dinagat Islands, Biyahe sa
Kalikasang Buhay” which seeks to boost tourism and its abundant natural
resources that made it known as the mystical and rising paradise in the Caraga
region.
“Here and now, in the paradise we know as the province of Dinagat
Islands, we are giving birth to something that will breathe new life to our
island ecosystem. Community conservation tourism! And this kind of tourism
entails not just having tour guides who will tell us where to go. We will
develop tour guides, our own people, who will fulfill what truly a tour guide
means – one who knows the essence of conservation tourism, creating communities
that are conscious of the nature surrounding them,” emphasized Dinagat Islands
Gov. Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao.
The solon further pushed for measures that advocate conservation. She
also wants to create a kind of tourism that highlights conservation and guides
the communities and visitors. This, she means learning while exploring,
understanding the nature while swimming or island hopping.
“I am certain that our partners in the region will also act as our guide
as they support us with this endeavor. We have to look at conservation as a
form of activism, as a way to fight against capitalist greed that leaves the
marginalized hungry and impoverished,” said Gov. Bag-ao.
The team Cagdianao was awarded first place for being the Best in
Itinerary and Package Development and Best in Tour Package Implementation. Team
Loreto as the second-place winner for Best in Tour Package Promotions and
Marketing. Team Tubajon also garnered the third-place award while Dinagat was
adjudged as the fourth-place winner.
The SK participants also went through several skills development
workshops on tourism management, tour packaging, and tour guiding.
“We not only limit in training the youths. We
want them to become accredited tour guides,” said Camarin. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del
Norte)
AgNor LGUs recognized
in this year’s ANGELL Awards
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Amid the coronavirus disease-2019
(COVID-19) pandemic, the recognition of local government units in the province
of Agusan del Norte was held recently dubbed as the Accelerating New Dimensions
on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL) Awards.
The ANGELL Awards was aimed to recognize the exemplary performance of
the LGUs, institutions, barangays, and employees who continue to deliver their
services to the constituents despite the risks brought about by the COVID-19
pandemic.
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),
the ANGELL Awards also served as an inspiration to the LGUs for them to excel
and continue to provide quality programs and services to the public.
Agusan del Norte second district Representative Maria Angelica Rosedell
Amante-Matba highlighted that those who work harder are worth to be recognized.
The provincial government acknowledged the LGUs that continue to provide
quality programs and services to the public even during the crisis.
“All our good practices may be replicated by other agencies and LGUs.
The barangays are very important, in fact, they are the backbone of our
governance. Good governance will not stop even during a pandemic,” said Matba.
Being a consistent awardee, Mayor Jovette Calo of Carmen, Agusan del
Norte took this as a challenge and vowed to enhance their performance in public
service.
“We have more to do for our municipality. We are really working hard and
this COVID-19 is a test of our leadership. People would see how serious we are
in providing public service during crisis such as this,” Calo shared.
Other programs in the province that were recognized included the
disaster-resilient LGUs, best performing anti-drug abuse councils, barangay
nutrition scholars, most persons with disability (PWD)-friendly LGUs, and
ecological solid waste management, among others.
The ANGELL Awards is now in its 6th year and is expected to continue to
recognize the performing LGUs in the province. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Army, BHWs facilitate
medical care to 3 pregnant FRs, 30 children
By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 9 -- The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army facilitated the provision of medical care and assistance to three pregnant former rebels (FRs) and 30 children of former Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) through the medical services activity held at the battalion headquarters at the Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista on October 2, 2020.
The medical activity, which included free deworming, immunization and
pre-natal check-up was conducted in partnership with the members of Barangay
Health Workers (BHWs) of Alubihid headed by Jasmine Millagracia, the barangay
nurse. The success of the activity was also made possible through the
collaboration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and
the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista who are part of the
implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP)
of the government.
The said health activity is among the regular programs being done
by the 23rd IB to monitor the health situation of the FRs, including their
children at their halfway house called “Happy Home” inside the battalion
headquarters. It is also aimed to protect the FRs and their families from the
threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Alias “Jannah,” a pregnant FR was among the beneficiaries of the medical
activity who thanked the Army and the government for providing them and their
children the much-needed health interventions.
She also added in her testimony that the proper care she received from
the soldiers since she surrendered will help her prepare to reintegrate back to
her family and community.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB expressed his
full support to the activity and thanked the partner agencies and the LGU
concerned for the support they extended to the former CNT combatants and their
children.
He also condemned the CNTs for the continuing act of injustice that they
do to the families and children of their combatants who, for years, were denied
of the access to the health services of the government.
“When you returned to the fold of the law, among the primary services
that the government has provided you is health care. The Army, the line
agencies, and the LGU want you to be in good health, especially your children,”
Paulo said.
He also emphasized that the provision of regular health services will
also ensure the physical growth and development of the children of the FRs who
are considered as the future leaders of Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region and in
the whole country.
“These children are our future leaders. We condemn the CNTs for denying
them the right to access to health services. We are aware that here in Agusan
del Norte and the rest of the region, hundreds of children, whose parents are
still enthralled by the false ideology and claims of the CNTs are suffering
from malnutrition and other life-threatening ailments,” Paulo said.
He also urged the remaining CNT members in Agusan del Norte to make one
and concrete decisions to abandon the communist movement and go back to the
government.
He also pointed out that the government has been giving favorable
treatment to former rebels who wish to change their lives and face a renewed
future. (CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Newly appointed
PRO-13 chief strengthens ties with Army in Caraga
By Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr.
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Newly appointed Police Regional Office
(PRO) 13 chief PBGen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. reaffirmed the Caraga police force's
ties with the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, Philippine Army during his
official courtesy visit to the Brigade Headquarters on Wednesday, October
7.
The region’s new top cop was accorded with foyer honors by BGen. Maurito
Licudine, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, and the army brigade’s officers
and enlisted personnel for his first official visit, followed by the signing of
the guest book and tree planting. Scribbled on the tree guard is the police
brigadier general’s name to signify the brigade’s esteemed partnership with
PRO-13.
PBGen. Caramat, Jr., assumed the position on September 17 after former
PRO-13 regional director PBGen. Joselito Esquivel's retirement.
The PRO-13 regional director conveyed his sincerest gratitude to the
brigade, underscoring the enduring partnership between the Philippine National
Police (PNP) and Philippine Army in Caraga region. He affirmed the
long-standing commitment of the whole PNP force to the Philippine Army as the
two organizations pursue its common goal in ending the local communist armed
conflict in Caraga region.
In his statement, BGen. Licudine cited the ‘outstanding partnership’
between the police and army forces in the region, which enables them to
“complement its functions and achieve successful joint operations in
maintaining the peace and security in the region.”
“Rest assured that the 402nd Brigade is steadfast in supporting the PNP.
We have a firm belief that we can thrive successfully if we work together.
Thus, the visit of PBGen. Caramat signifies the reaffirmation of the
partnership as our organizations both continuously perform our mandate to serve
the people and protect the communities," BGen. Licudine added. (402nd
Brigade/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
Mahigit 2,500 bagong contact tracers sumailalim sa orientaton ng DILG-13
By Venus L. Garcia
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 9 (PIA) -- Sabay-sabay na sumailalim
sa orientation sa magkakahiwalay na venue dito sa lungsod at iba pang
probinsiya sa rehiyon ang mga bagong hire
na contact tracers kontra coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Bahagi sila ng mahigit 2,500 na mga bagong hire na contact tracers sa
Caraga region.
Sinimulan ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang
hiring ng 50,000 na mga contact tracer sa buong bansa matapos
mapirmahan ni pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang “Bayanihan to Recover as One
Act” or Bayanihan 2 Law.
“Kung marami ang bilang ng contact tracers, mabilis natin
ma-trace ang close contacts. At kung malalaman natin ang
close contacts, agaran silang maiisolate at maiquarantine,” sabi ni
director Charissa Guerta ng DILG-Butuan City.
Kapag natukoy na nila ang close contacts ng isang nagpositibo
sa COVID-19 ay agad nilang aabisuhan para mai isolate o mai-quarantine.
Kung kailan naman magsisimula ang mga
bagong contact tracers sa kanilang serbisyo, sinabi ni
DILG-Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion na kailangan nilang magsimuka
agad.
“Kaya mayroong orientation para maideploy na kaagad sila. Pinoproseso na
ang pag-acquire ng mga personal protective equipment. Hindi natin maiwasan ang
panganib kaya sumunod lang palagi sa minimum health standards,” ani Famacion.
Pag-iinterview, profiling, at initial public health risk assessment ng
COVID-19 cases at close contacts - ilan lamang ito sa mga isasagawa
ng contact tracers kapag sila’y naideploy na.
“Ito na rin yung paraan ko ng pagbibigay serbisyo sa gobyerno at kapwa.
Mapadali namin yung paghahanap sa mga nakontak ng nagpositibo,” sabi ni Haydee
Elen, bagong contact tracer.
Binigyang diin din ni Raul Cuenca, Jr., isa rin sa mga bagong hire na
contact tracer, ang kahalagahan ng ‘Bayanihan’ kung saan kinakailangang
magtulongan ng bawat Pilipino para masugpo ang COVID-19.
Sa patuloy na pagdami ng kaso ng local transmission sa rehiyon,
pinapayuhan muli ni director Famacion ang publiko na sumunod sa minimum
public health standard at manatili sa loob ng bahay kung walang
importanteng lakad o gagawin sa labas. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Dinagat Islands,
inilunsad ang 'tour operation, management contest’
By Venus L. Garcia
LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte, Oktubre 9 (PIA) -- “Biyahe sa
Dinagat Islands, Biyahe sa Kalikasang Buhay” – ito ang tagline ng probinsiya ng
Dinagat Islands kung saan matatagpuan ang mala-paraisong mga lugar na sagana sa
likas na yaman.
Kaya naman, sa pagdiriwang ng 14th Charter Day ng probinsiya, inilunsad
ang natatanging ‘Tour Operation and Management Contest’ na sinalihan ng mga
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leader.
“Ito ang kauna-unahang kumpetisyon ng pagsasagawa ng tour packages.
Kapag alam nating tingnan na tayo ay iisa sa kalikasan, gagawain natin ang
lahat para maprotektahan at mai-preserve ito lalung-lalo na ang turismo,” sabi
ni regional director Mary Jean Camarin ng Department of Tourism (DOT) - Caraga.
Layunin ng kumpetisyon na isulong ang konsepto ng ‘conservation’ bilang
brand ng turismo sa dinagat islands.
Sumali rin ang lahat ng mga alkalde ng iba’t ibang munisipalidad sa
lalawigan sa isinagawang pagpupulong at napag-usapan nila ang mga pangunahing
batayan at aspeto ng ‘ecotourism’ na makatutulong anya sa pagkakaroon ng mas
higit na pang-unawa sa direksiyong tatahakin ng probinsiya sa pagpapalago ng
turismo.
Nasungkit ng team Cagdianao ang first place bilang Best in Itinerary and
Package Development at Best in Tour Package Implementation. Second place winner
naman ang team Loreto bilang Best in Tour Package Promotions and Marketing.
Third placer ang team Tubajon at fourth place winner ang Dinagat.
“Ngayon, dito mismo sa alam nating paraiso ng Dinagat Islands,
bigyang-buhay natin ang ecosysytem. Community conservation tourism! Itong klase
ng turismo ay hindi lamang pagkakaroon ng tour guides na magdadala sa atin sa
magagandang lugar sa isla kundi may kaalaman at kasanayan din sa pagtuturo sa
mga turista sa kahalagahan ng pangangalaga ng kalikasan. Learning while
exploring, understanding the nature while swimming and island hopping,” sabi ni
Dinagat Islands Gov. Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao.
Sumali rin ang mga SK leader sa skills development workshop gaya ng tour
packaging, tourism management, tour guiding, at marami pang iba.
“Hinda lamang tayo matatapos sa pagti-training ng mga SK. Gusto natin makitang accredited tour guide sila,” ani Camarin. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Why mechanize: insights from SAAD abaca-planter
By Mark Angelo Pineda
Using mechanized equipment hastens the stripping of abaca stacks and
improves the quality and market price of abaca fibers. Take it from Gil
Gabales, abaca-planter for 20 years, who switched from wide stripping (laguras)
to mechanized stripping for almost a year now.
Manong Gil, 43 years old, a native of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, is a
beneficiary of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of
the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga. The abaca production project (worth
P1.9M) included four abaca stripping machines shared among 41 members of the
Culiram SAAD Abaca Farmers Association (CUSAFA) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
“There is a huge difference in output and income between manual and
mechanized stripping,” expressed Gil. “With the machines, an individual can
strip around 30 to 40 kilos of abaca fibers, which is thrice the reach of
manual labor in a day. Plus, machine-stripped fiber is priced high in the
market, almost double the price of manually processed fibers,” said Gil.
Manong Gil had an existing abaca plantation before the SAAD Program
arrived in Barangay Culiram. While waiting for the SAAD-funded abaca plantlets
to mature by 2021, he and members of CuSAFA have been utilizing the stripping
machines to boost their production.
According to Manong Gil, about 1,111 abaca plants can fit in one hectare
of land. From the said piece of land given one cropping season, he harvests an
estimate of 925 kilos of abaca fibers.
With high-quality abaca fibers, Manong Gil’s profit per harvest runs
around Php 70,000/hectare, which is 35 percent more than manual labor. Under
the same condition, his annual profit will amount to P280,000/hectare because
abaca trunks replenish themselves after 3-4 months.
The income potential of abaca fibers
Abaca, also known as Manila hemp (Musa textilis NΓ©e), is native to the
Philippines. According to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority
(PhilFIDA), abaca fibers are the strongest among natural fibers making them
more marketable over synthetic fibers.
With abaca fibers worldwide consumption predicted to increase over the
years and the Philippines being the top exporter, the potential for Filipino
farmers to capitalize on the commodity has become more pressing. But to
maximize this potential, mechanized stripping should complement their
production.
As of writing, in Agusan del Sur, machine-stripped abaca fibers are
priced at P92/kilo while hand-stripped produce is at P57/kilo. The reason
behind the 35-peso difference is the former’s produce being white ivory while
the latter is dark brown.
Farm modernization is among DA’s eight paradigms to level up
agriculture. It ensures that agricultural production is sustainable and
efficient such that farmers can move from subsistence farming to
market-oriented farming.
When asked what advice Manong Gil would give to abaca farmers alike, he
said, “If you have access to stripping machines, try as much, as possible, to
use them. In our community, we encourage our fellow farmers, especially
non-members, to borrow our stripping machines provided they spend for the fuel
and maintenance. All in all, this will increase their profit.”
As has been emphasized by the Department of Agriculture, farm
modernization plays a crucial role in the pursuit of a food-secure Philippines.
The case of CuSAFA, with Manong Gil leading the group, shows that local
farmers are capable of putting their best foot forward if provided with
adequate resources and knowledge.
“Abaca is a promising commodity. But for us farmers to succeed, we
should not be afraid to try new ways even if it requires putting away our
long-established ways for better-yielding machines. This is the challenge that
we have to face. Nonetheless, we have to mechanize our production to keep up in
the market,” Manong Gil added. (DA-SAAD13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Poultry: farmers’ hope on heavy rains in SurSur town
By Mark Angelo Pineda
Rice and corn production have been the primary livelihoods of the
Cancavan Corn Growers Association (CCGA), a Special Area for Agricultural
Development (SAAD)-funded farmers’ group in Carmen, Surigao del Sur. The first
half of the year beginning March is for corn planting while rice is November.
While these practices are fixed in the community, they leave some farmers idle
when heavy rainfall floods the lowland areas.
The climate in Surigao del Sur is characterized by year-round rainfall
with annual precipitation of 4175 mm. This phenomenon results in light to
moderate flooding beginning in November and ending in June that only rice can
withstand, according to association president Rezie Mollaneda.
“In Cancavan, most lowland areas suitable for rice and corn are flooded
by the end of the year. This is the reason why we readily take any opportunity,
be it producing other crops in upland areas or raising animals, to support our
families’ needs,” shared Mollaneda.
This is where the Native Chicken Production Project of the Special Area
for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture -
Caraga has proven useful. Part of assisting small farmers in establishing
income-generating livelihoods, the program introduces small farmers to
manageable and sustainable livelihoods that can endure the driest or wettest
days.
In December 2019, CCGA received 90 native chickens, a poultry house with
a perimeter fence, feed, incubator, water plastic drum, and drugs and biologics
all amounting to Php 516,000.00.
As of August 2020, they have earned Php 19,529.00 from eggs and chicks’
sales. Rightfully, it is poultry that assures CCGA members have income even on
rainy days.
Making it work
Introducing poultry in a corn-dominated area is not far-fetched;
chickens feed on corn, after all. But because the project was relatively new to
the community, some locals had their share of reservations.
Mollaneda recounts that incorporating poultry into their daily routine
proved to be challenging. “At the start, the majority of CCGA members were
reluctant. Though government support is not new to us, this is the first
poultry in the community. It’s not entirely laborious, but it took us time to
get the hang of it.”
As found, both economic conditions and community factors affected the
success of the interventions. Inputs-wise, CCGA is sufficient with SAAD-funded
farm inputs that will cover its production until 2021. Turns out, that the
cooperation of the community was another hurdle that CCGA had to face.
“It did not help that people outside the association have had doubts as
to the success of the project,” added Mollaneda. “Here, some locals had
inherent doubts with government-funded projects. They were all ears waiting for
our downfall. And this affected the mindset of some members. To date, almost
half of the members have withdrawn from the project.
From the original 35 members, the CCGA has been reduced to 20 members
(17 males and 3 females), nine months after the poultry kicked off. However,
they only need the existing committed members to stand the test of time.
Among the ones who remained committed to the project is Edilberto Frias—
a senior, who spends an hour a week at the site to fulfill his tasks.
“I’m a widower and have been advised to take less-demanding tasks. So, I
take part in feeding our chickens and in maintaining the poultry house well
kept. This is my spare-time activity aside from gardening,” expressed Frias.
According to Mollaneda, poultry is easy, but you have to invest your
time and effort for it to thrive. “As the president, I take it upon myself to
lead my members. We have implemented a schedule for everyone to participate in
the labor. We have the inputs necessary for production. It is time and effort
that are required of us, especially in monitoring the chickens,” shared
Mollaneda.
As to the status of the project, Mollaneda admits that they have just
begun. “We are through with the adjustment period. With the steady income
coming in, we’ll eventually fulfill our goals that include joining the leading
suppliers of native chicken products in CarCanMadCarLan (the northernmost
quarter of SDS).”
Later this year, the group will receive additional 160 native chickens,
which they needed to boost their egg production. These inputs are on top of the
vegetable and corn seeds (OPV and hybrid) and fertilizers (complete and
ammonium sulfate) which they acquired earlier this year, totaling to an amount
of Php 203,594.77.
Diversifying farm produce, which the association is pioneering with the
poultry in their community, is an important component of economic growth that
also helps achieve food security and increases employment in rural areas,
according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
For most small farmers, all it takes is an opportunity to leap of faith. Truly, CCGA is on the right track. (SAAD/DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
