Saturday, November 14, 2020

Army, police operatives nab MB member in AgNor

By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov. 14 -- Joint forces of the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23rd IB) and the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) from Stations 1 and 5 arrested an active member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) and Sanga sa Partio sa Lokalidad (SPL) under the Guerrilla Front (GF) 4-A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) during a law enforcement operation conducted on November 1, 2020, at Purok 22, Bagong Silang, Barangay San Mateo in Butuan City.

The apprehended CNT member was identified as Eduardo Namaog Bagsican @LOLONG, 55, and a resident in the area.

The police personnel and the 23rd IB troopers were in the area for the service of an arrest warrant issued against the subject CNT member. Bagsican is wanted for the crime of Attempted Murder docketed as Criminal Case No 2020-985 at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3 in Butuan City. His arrest warrant was issued by Judge Marigel S. Dagani-Hugo with a recommended bail bond of PHP150,000.00. After the arrest, authorities brought the CNT member to BCPO station 5 for custody and proper disposition.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23rd IB commended the Army and police personnel involved in the arrest of Bagsican.

“No one is above the law,” Paulo said, referring to the remaining members and supporters of the CNTs in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.

He pointed out that the government will not stop in performing law enforcement operations against CNT members who have standing warrants of arrest and the implementation of the programs and services under Executive Order No. 70, or the Whole-of-Nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

“We will do our best to neutralize all the spoilers of peace and those who destroy our country. It is always the aim of the government to make this country constantly soaring high to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development,” Paulo said.

He also urged the remaining members of GF 4-A of the CNT to surrender as the government continue to offer them programs and services.

“Stop exploiting, manipulating, harassing and extorting from the people, especially those in the countryside. You are only making the lives of our people miserable and their communities impoverished,” Paulo said.

He also reminded the CNT members that criminal charges will be filed against them once they continue to harass and intimidate residents. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DA launches breeding source of Itik Pinas in Caraga

By Kent Warren H. Fugoso

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 14 -- With its potential production efficiency and improved egg-laying capacity, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga through its Livestock Program launched the Regional Center for Native Animal Development, Production, and Learning for ItikPinas, held and located at the Trento Research and Experiment Station (TRES) in Trento, Agusan del Sur, October 30.

DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together with DA Caraga Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega initiated the ribbon cutting, which was then followed by a turnover ceremony of 100 female and 15 male ItikPinas strain and one sack of duck feeds to the three identified farmer recipients from the Municipality of Trento, Agusan del Sur, Lingig, Surigao del Sur, and Butuan City.

ItikPinas (IP) strain is a genetically superior breeder duck which is a product of continuous selection and organized breeding of the traditional Pateros duck. A strain that is smaller in size with a minimum amount of food consumption but with predictable higher egg production performance. The strain was developed by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) as an output for its Duck Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP).

Moreover, the DA – Caraga through its TRES, withstanding its performance as one of the well managed and high performing stations in the Philippines, was chosen by the National Livestock Program (NLP) to launch the Native Animals Development, Production, and Learning Centers in three (3) strategic regions. This includes the Caraga Region, centering to the production of Itik Pinas strain as a commodity.

Livestock Program Focal Person Jekem Sanchez expressed that one of the objectives of developing the multiplier farm is to augment the low supply of poultry production in the region, specifically the duck.

Dir. Monteagudo added that the recipients should address this opportunity as a platform to call forth business initiatives that will improve the agriculture sector in the region, that through this, additional livelihood will prosper.

Elevating the commerce in agriculture, Ryan Raymond Fortich, one of the recipients of ItikPinas strain and owner of the Double R Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT) Integrated Farm in Lingig, Surigao del Sur, said that one of his objectives anchor on the agricultural diversification.

“I came from the infrastructure sector, I have enough space that has no use already since my business was severely affected this pandemic. I don’t want to lose my workers so I decided to convert my space to an agricultural farm. I kept them busy by building goat house, poultry house, house for farm equipment, and so on,” he said.

“To make use of my 1.5-hectare farm, I acquired multiple livestock and poultry animals for production and also for multiplying,” Fortich added.

From infrastructure to agriculture, Fortich explained that this is a good venture for creating livelihood within his area.

“I have 100 square meter of land allocated only to ItikPinas. I already have plans for this once it’s ready for production. Maybe we can use this for balut, and salted duck egg production. I observed, there’s no producer of such products here in Lingig. Through this, we can create some livelihood. We create business,” he said.

“After all, what matters most is that we gain something from this and we can help so many people especially here in Lingig. So instead of just leaving my land to empty, I make sure to make it productive. Soon, if we are already GAP-GAHP certified, we can attract even more tourists,” he added.

Individuals, farmer cooperators, and indigenous people interested in duck farming may inquire to their respective Local Government Units through the Agriculture Office for endorsement, followed by a letter of intent addressed to the regional executive director. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Surigao City village SK enjoins youth for gov't initiatives vs pandemic

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) --  The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Brgy. Mabua in Surigao City enjoins the youth to take part in government initiatives amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the Bisaya Gyud program episode on Saturday, November 7, with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Martin Dela Cruz, chairman of SK – Brgy. Mabua chapter said that despite the pandemic, various initiatives have been launched by and for the youth.

In addition to providing relief goods to the village residents, they also made sure to allocate some for the youth.

They also launched various activities to commemorate the Linggo ng Kabataan held in August.

“Various contests were launched by the group such as a TikTok competition, spoken word poetry, and a singing contest,” the youth leader said.

In support to the implementation of distance learning, they also created the ‘SK-Wela Tabangan Program’ aimed to look for donors to support Mabua Elementary School and Ipil National High School, where most children in the village are enrolled, in their needs to effectively implement the new modes of learning in the present school year. Furthermore, they also launched a free online tutorial service dubbed as ‘Sangguni ng Katalinuhan’ or ‘SK’.

“We stand by the belief that the youth is the hope of this nation and providing education is crucial for empowering them. This is our way of lending additional help for learners in our area, especially since learning is now taking place in their homes and teachers cannot facilitate them in going about with their school work,” Dela Cruz said.

The project is still in its infancy, with only a few volunteers working for its cause. The SK leader said they are still looking for other personalities they can tap to partake in this initiative.

When asked about the some of the challenges they face in the implementation of the said project, stability of the internet connection in their area is a primary concern. Nonetheless, they are doing their best to persevere just to lend assistance to the learners in Brgy. Mabua.

At the end of his guesting, SK chairperson Dela Cruz urged his fellow youth to be more adaptive to the present circumstances and persevere despite the challenges.

“I understand that all of us are experiencing difficulties due to this health crisis, especially since we, the youth, are expected to experience life outside the comfort of our homes at this point in our life. However, we also have to put in mind that everyone’s life is at stake here and our safety is paramount given the circumstances. We must always keep in mind that this health crisis spared no one so must, therefore, do our part to get by with the situation,” he said.

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/bisayagyudph, every Saturday.

The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Its 'Operation Tabang' is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials.

The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

SEC calls on public to join fight vs scams in First Investor Protection Week

By Neil Maynard C. Conde

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Nov. 12 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is rallying the public to join the fight against investment scams, as it spearheads the first Investor Protection Week from November 9 to 13.

The Commission will celebrate Investor Protection Week to promote investor education amid the rising number of unauthorized investment-taking activities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the SEC has issued advisories against more than 100 groups and individuals soliciting investments without the necessary license, almost double the total number for the whole of 2019. 

The Commission has likewise issued cease and desist orders and revocation orders against entities engaging in fraudulent investment schemes, including Boss Network, Forsage and Fast Track Worldwide, Inc.

The SEC has charged 32 individuals in seven cases for violations of Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code, and in two cases for violations of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code provides that securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distributed within the Philippines, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC.

Ponzi and pyramid schemes are among the most common types of investment fraud in the country, according to the SEC.

In a Ponzi scheme, scammers guarantee ridiculously high returns to attract more investors. They pay the promised profits to earlier investors using the money placed by newer members.

Meanwhile, pyramid schemes require members to recruit people into the group in exchange for fees. As in Ponzi schemes, they rely on new members’ contributions to pay out the promised returns to older investors.

Such schemes often deliver payouts at the start to please investors and encourage them to invite more people to join. To create a semblance of legitimacy, scammers tout products or services, which are either overpriced, worthless or inexistent.

As part of its efforts to educate the investing public and keep them falling prey to investment scams, the Commission advocated for the institution of Investor Protection Week. On November 15, 2019, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 846, declaring the second week of November of every year as such.

The Investor Protection Week follows the celebration of World Investor Week, a global campaign promoted by the International Organization of Securities Commissions and held in October.

“Our fight against investment scams is anchored on the public’s awareness and empowerment to spot, avoid and expose investment scams,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

“While we remain relentless in unmasking and busting investment scams, we also encourage the public to always check with SEC before entertaining any investment opportunity, especially when they are too good to be true.”

To expand the reach of its investor education programs, the Commission gathered organizations from the public and private sectors alike to form the SEC Campaign Network, which will be formally launched on November 9.

The Commission will also launch The SEC Academy, an online learning resource center developed in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education.

The SEC Academy will offer courses and learning modules for students and educators, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to invest in securities, among others.

On November 11, the SEC a webinar for high school and college students on doing business and investing safely in the Philippines was conducted, live-streamed on Facebook.

The Commission, together with The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc., a corporate governance forum was also conducted on November 12.

The SEC will close Investor Protection Week by recognizing its partners in promoting ease of doing business, capital market development and investor protection, as it celebrates its 84th Anniversary on November 13.

For more information, visit the official SEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PhilippineSEC and website at www.sec.gov.ph. (Information Officer, SEC/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AgSur LGU hopes to level up with P392-M loan from Landbank

By Noelle B. Manansala

ROSARIO, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 12 – The local government unit (LGU) of Rosario, this province has sought the assistance of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to finance priority projects amounting to P392-million under the Bank’s Restoration and Invigoration Package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards Upgrowth for LGUs (RISE UP LGUs) Lending Program.

Part of the projects to be financed by LANDBANK for this 2nd class municipality are the acquisition of heavy equipment, purchase of land for local development, and construction of a public terminal and market.

“We are honored and excited to partner with the Rosario LGU as we see their dedication in assisting our stakeholders, which are the farmers. We hope that, in a way, this will contribute in cushioning the effect of this pandemic to the local economy,” said LANDBANK Caraga South Lending Center Head Arnel M. Caalim.

Additionally, the LGU is looking to purchase one six-wheeler and one 10-wheeler trucks for its logistical requirements, as well as a dump truck and a garbage compactor with auto-loader for better disposal and segregation of waste materials. The heavy equipment are seen to reduce operational expenses and provide additional income to the local coffers as these can be rented-out to neighboring LGUs.

Meanwhile, the development of their public terminal and market will also help Rosario farmers augment their income since more consumers will be able to reach them while cheaper market stall rentals can be offered to them.

“We would like to thank LANDBANK for being a partner of LGU Rosario in pursuing our dreams especially in our quest for developmental projects that will benefit our constituents, provide their basic needs, promote health and public safety and hopefully improve our economic stability,” said Rosario Municipal Mayor Jupiter Abulog.

A LANDBANK depositor since the 1990s, Rosario LGU is hoping to further strengthen its partnership with the bank in terms of providing accessible financial channels to their people.

“We are also looking forward to the installation of a LANDBANK ATM in our office since this will be the first one in the entire municipality. Currently, we still have to travel to our neighboring municipality if we want to withdraw or deposit cash from the machine so this will really be helpful to our people,” Mayor Abulog added.

RISE UP LGUs Lending Program is a new offering of LANDBANK to local governments that aims to facilitate the regional and local development in its area by integrating the different players in the agricultural value-chain, and finance other innovative programs of LGUs which can bring back the confidence of its constituents in the local economy.

Interested borrowers of the LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs Lending Program may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000. (LandBank/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Butuan City farmers benefit from the National Rice Technology Forum

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- The local government units of Caraga region have started determining the variety of hybrid and inbred rice suitable for planting in the different areas of the region.

A 100 hectares of rice paddy was utilized as demo farm during the conduct of 11th national rice technology forum.

Twenty six variety of hybrid and inbred rice were planted for farmers to know the best variety of grain that could also bring higher productivity.

Director Abel James Monteagudo, regional director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, stressed the need for the farmers to innovate and learn the new trend in farming. “We will assess what variety would best fit and be applied in the kind of soil that you have in your farm,” he said.

Joean Casison was grateful to have joined the forum for she was able to learn the techniques, appropriate variety, and technology she could use in her farm.

“We are now gearing towards producing hybrid rice because we have seen its best result, which is far different from the inbred,” bared Casison.

Meanwhile, Ebenezer Basco of the Rice Technology Productivity, Incorporated also urged the farmers to produce hybrid rice and maximize the use of technology in farming.

“Our local government unit and the Department of Agriculture, together with other stakeholders and private sector are working closely to resolve all the issues and challenges in the field of agriculture in order to achieve higher productivity and income,” Basco said.

DA Secretary William Dar is also optimistic that agriculture will be of great help in uplifting the lives of the people in the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

OWWA-Caraga assists more than 6K returning OFWs

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 11 -- Amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office Caraga continues to provide assistance to the returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) upon their arrival at the Bancasi Airport and other nearby port of entries in the Caraga region.

As of November 4, 2020, OWWA-Caraga has assisted a total of 6,468 returning OFWs including their dependents who have availed of the sweeper flights and “malasakit” voyages arranged by the OWWA beginning April 29, 2020.

Of this number, 1,449 are residents of Butuan City; 1,271 from Agusan del Norte; 1,065 from Agusan del Sur; 1,153 from Surigao del Norte; 1,346 from Surigao del Sur; 138 from Dinagat Islands; and 115 from Misamis Oriental (Region X).

The said OFWs strictly observed all the health and safety protocols before they were allowed to board the plane and vessel that includes negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The concerned local government units (LGUs) of the returning OFWs in the region were informed and coordinated beforehand in order to prepare their respective quarantine facilities and transport services that will ferry the OFWs from Butuan City going to their respective localities subject to the minimum health standards required in their area.

All returning OFWs are provided with free meals, food packs, transportation assistance, and accommodation for those who need to wait for their arranged transport service.

Apart from the repatriation of displaced and distressed OFWs, more than ten human remains/cremains of deceased OFWs from Caraga region have also been repatriated in coordination with their next of kin. Financial assistance for the surviving dependents of the deceased OFWs was provided especially those with active OWWA membership at the time of death.

The repatriation assistance was successfully provided through the support and coordination with the members of the Regional Task Force (RTF) for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield.

Also, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the OWWA Caraga have so far released a total of P24,850,000 cash assistance to 2,485 approved and qualified beneficiaries of the DOLE-AKAP for OFWs in the Caraga region, as of November 4, 2020.

The OWWA-Caraga is expecting an influx of Caraganon OFWs for the next days as the Yuletide season nears. The agency is continuously on standby 24/7 for any developments regarding their repatriation. (OWWA-Regional Welfare Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PSA starts 2021 quarterly fisheries survey

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 11 -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will conduct the January 2021 round Quarterly Fisheries Survey.

According to PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda Apura, the survey aims to generate volume and value on Commercial Fisheries, Marine Municipal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, and Aquaculture production by species and by quarter at the national, regional, and provincial level.

Apura said that the statistics generated through the conduct of these surveys serve as input to the compilation of national accounts, researches and studies, estimation of the performance of agriculture, policymaking, and program implementation.

“There will be hired Statistical Researchers (SRs) who will visit the sample fish landing centers for commercial and municipal fisheries as well as selected sample aqua farm operators and inland fishing households to generate fisheries outputs,” Apura said.

During the data collection, the PSOs are encouraged to ensure that the hired SRs and/or Field Supervisors are practicing proper social distancing from their respective respondents to avoid possible contamination with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Also, Apura enjoins PSOs to explore the use of phone, email, and other creative ways to collect information needed in the surveys.

Apura also ensures that all the data and information collected by the hired SRs from sample fishermen and aqua farms shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10625. (NCLM/PSA/PIA Caraga)

DA Caraga’s projects help in fostering peace, development

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 11 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga's interventions have been recognized in the recently concluded Peace and Development Expo in the city.

The activity is the culmination of the week-long series of events in Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) for the city of Butuan on October 26-30, 2020.

As an active partner in the Whole-of-Nation Approach, the DA-Caraga together with the other regional line agencies showcased and extended respective services during the said activity.

Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office and the City Interior and Local Government Office of Butuan, the activity was participated by different sectors such as the youth and students, urban poor, labor, transport, and women.

DA-Caraga extended its services to the participants through the giving of vegetable seeds for backyard gardening, IEC materials, and facilitating technical consultations.

Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of DILG-Caraga underscored the contribution of each participating agency in attaining peace in the region, especially in the conflict-affected areas.

“We commend the effort of the DA in implementing farm to market roads (FMR) and other interventions that bring development in the serviced areas,” she said.

DA-Caraga is closely working with various local government units in addressing the needs of their farming constituents such as the provision of farm inputs, machinery, FMR, technical support, and more through DA’s banner programs and special projects.

Director Famacion is the chairperson of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Technical Working Group (RTF-ELCAC TWG).

The Whole-of-Nation Approach aims to attain inclusive and sustainable peace as embodied in Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through the creation of a National Task Force (NTF) that will take the lead in institutionalizing a national peace framework. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Army, LGU conduct consultation, dialogue for peace and development in AgNor community

By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov. 11 -- The troops of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte and the local officials of Barangay Durian conducted a peace and consultation dialogue with the residents on November 6, 2020.

The activity was aimed to discuss the primary issues and concerns of the residents particularly on land, the recruitment of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) among the youth, the peace, and order situation and other related matters. It was attended by the identified local supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). The said supporters are known for providing food, finances, information on the whereabouts of the government forces, and other forms of support to the NPA.

During the open forum, some residents openly voiced their concerns about the security situation in their barangay. They admitted to being forced to support the NPA because of fear. The residents added that for a couple of times, they were threatened by NPA combatants and warned of repercussions once they decline to give support to the communist movement. Residents said most of those who experienced harassment and intimidation from the NPA are those residing in the remote areas of the barangay.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales assured the residents of Durian of the continuing support of the LGU, the line agencies, and the Army. She also thanked the 23rd IB troopers for protecting and saving the residents of Durian from the threats of the CPP-NPA. She also assured the residents of the constant delivery of basic services and livelihood opportunities to address the different issues that are being exploited by the NPAs.

“Together, we can build a strong, peaceful, and resilient community here in Durian. Rest assured that your LGU, the Army, and the line agencies of the government will continue to deliver development interventions for the residents of Barangay Durian,” Rosales said.

Rosales also asked the residents to do their duties and responsibilities, emphasizing that defeating the insurgency is a shared task of the stakeholders and the community members. She added that residents are also bound to protect their community from the encroachment of the CPP-NPA.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB, expressed optimism that the residents will eventually defeat communism and terrorism with the support of the different stakeholders in Las Nieves and the province of Agusan del Norte. He also thanked the barangay council of Durian for their continuing support to the unified efforts to defeat the insurgency in the area. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Mga dating rebelde sa Agusan del Norte magkakaroon ng sariling bahay

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Nobyembre 11 (PIA) -- Mahigit 100 mga dating rebelde sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte ang magkakaroon na ng sariling bahay mula sa 1.4 hectares na lupaing bigay ng San Roque Metals, Incorporated (SRMI) sa probinsya.

Emosyonal na nagpasalamat si alyas Kris ng malamang isa siya sa makikinabang sa gagawing bahay. Ayon sa kanya sensiro ang gobyernong tumulong sa kagaya nila upang makapagbagong buhay.

Sa ginawang turn-over at ground breaking ceremony, nagpasalamat si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa SRMI sa pamamagitan ng kanilang representante na si Ryan Culima sa bigay na lupain at  ibinalita din nya na sisimulan na ang pagpapatayo ng kanilang mga bahay at binigyang badyet ng probinsya ng tig P450,000 ang bawat bahay na itatayo para sa mga dating rebelde.

Dahil na din sa tumataas n na bilang nga mga nag-susurender sa 29th at 23rd Infantry Battalions na nakabase sa probinsya, personal na tinutukan ni 2nd district Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba ang paghanap ng lupain upang doon itatayo ng mga bahay para sa mga dating rebelde.

Dahil sa mabibigyan na ng kani-kanilang bahay ang mga dating rebelde, tinatawagan ni Rep. Matba ang iba pang mga myembro ng NPA na magbalik loob na sa gobyerno ng makapagbagong buhay na rin.

Ang nasabing lupain, kung saan itatayo ang mga bahay ay matatagpuan sa Barangay Del Pilar sa lungsod ng Cabadbaran. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Monday, November 9, 2020

Agusan Norte PRLEC launches San Antonio Agri-Tourism

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 9 -- The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the province of Agusan del Norte recently launched the San Antonio Agri-Tourism Enterprise Village at Brgy. San Antonio, Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR).

During the program held at the municipality’s tourist destination – Tagnote Falls, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera and RTR Mayor Richard B. Daquipil cut the ceremonial ribbon.

In her speech, Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba underscored the necessity of the provision of livelihood opportunities to be given to the residents of Barangay San Antonio especially in this time of pandemic where more people are left unemployed. She also extended her full support for the sustainability of the said project that will benefit the community through this PRLEC community development initiative.

Also, Gov. Corvera pointed out the importance of unity emphasizing that if more individuals will come together and work hand-in-hand, “truly, we can achieve whatever our goal will be,” he said.

Enterprise development programs to be undertaken include: Restaurant and Shop Souvenir; Farm Tourism and Training Center (vegetable, native chicken and goat); Fish pond (tilapia); Swine raising; Green Charcoal business; Abaca and Native Crafts; Health and Wellness spa; Tagnote Falls; Glamping/Homestay; Cut Flower; and Processed Foods.

Also present during the launching are TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto, TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva, Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 Regional Director PBGen. Romeo M Caramat Jr., Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Regional Director Nelia R. Arina, Joel Oclarit of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Caraga, Silver Joy B. Tejano of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Rose Murphy of the Provincial Tourism Office, Cristina Cassion of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Caraga, Dir. Brenda Corvera of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Agusan del Norte, Rustico Ranoco of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Caraga, Keith Duran, Provincial Head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Agusan del Norte, Provincial Agriculturist Office through Alvin Aclan, Col Pajarito of the 401st Brigade-Philippine Army, PCol. Martin M Gamba of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, Lt. Col. Brnjamin B Pajarito Jr. of the 65th Infantry Battalion, Engr. Charlyn Binghoy of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Rodel Mendez of PENRO-Agusan del Norte, Marlyn Negrido of DAR-Agusan del Norte, Augustus Manuel Mantua of Land Bank of the Philippines, RD Genaro Pogata Jr. of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Administrator Romel M. Natad of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), and Administrator Abegail B. Eupeña of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center (PTC).

Other member-agencies of PRLEC-Agusan del Norte are: National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippines Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), 29th Infantry Battalion, 23rd Infantry Battalion, Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office, Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Norte Division, and Agusan del Norte Irrigation Management Office. (TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Former rebels receive cash aid from AgSur LGU

By 2Lt. Cecille Tappa

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 9 – Two former rebels (FRs) from the municipality of San Luis, this province received cash assistance amounting to P25,000.00 from the local government unit (LGU) of the said municipality on November 5, 2020.

Municipal Vice-Mayor Ronald Y. Corvera generously released the cash assistance as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits, a government program that aims to help the rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

The FRs, alias ‘Gielan’ who was then a regular member of the NPA for one year, while alias ‘Nagoy’, an active member of the NPA for two years, both belong to the Guerilla Front (GF) 88 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) finally realized their futile struggle and made up their mind to surrender last August 24, 2020, with the hope to have a more renewed life together with their families.

Alias ‘Gielan’ expressed his gratitude to the government for the humane treatment they received which they didn't actually expect. “Wala namo damha nga bisan sa among pagka rebelde tabangan kami sa gobyerno. Gikapoy na mi sa bukid, walay pulos ang among mga pakigbisog. Gilimbongan lang kami sa among komander. Nag surrender mi tungod kay ang saad sa NPA nga maayong kinabuhi nahulog ra sa pag-antos ug kahadlok. Nagpasalamat kami sa gobyerno sa pagdawat pag-usab ug pagtabang kanamo (We were not expecting that despite being part of the rebel group, the government still accepted us and offered help. We got tired living and hiding in the mountains. Our sacrifices were useless and put to waste. We were fooled by our commander, that’s why we decided to surrender. We are thankful to the government for taking care of us)," he said.

Through this government program, the local government agencies are working hand in hand in serving various initiatives to help sustain the needs of the former rebels for them to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives especially in this pandemic crisis.

Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, encouraged all other rebels in the province of AgSur to surrender. "I am greatly encouraging those who are still in the ranks of CPP-NPA movement to peacefully lay down their arms and stop this useless armed struggle, return to the mainstream society and contribute as good citizens for the prosperity of the community as well as the whole province of Agusan del Sur," he said.

“We sympathized to those NPA members who have realized the deception in their organization, that is why our door is open to those who are willing to go back to the fold of the law. We are offering them a way out. But if they continue to resist, then, they will cause their own senseless miseries. Surrender now, Christmas is coming, your family is waiting for you," added Goce. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)