Saturday, August 28, 2021

Secretary Andanar: Land grants for youth to pivot interest of younger generations in agriculture

MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday expressed his support for the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) initiative of encouraging the youth sector to engage in agriculture.

“I agree that we really should be tapping our youth more in agriculture. At maganda na talagang natututukan in particular ang ating mga kabataang graduate ng mga kursong agrikultura at nabibigyan ng lupang sakahan [I agree that we really should be tapping our youth more in agriculture. It is good that we are giving particular attention to our agriculture students and giving lands for them to till and develop],” he said during an episode of the Cabinet Report.

Secretary Andanar said that there is a vast opportunity for Filipinos in terms of developing the country, especially the countryside. He noted that development should also reach those outside of the city centers.

“Patuloy ang ating panawagan: lawakan ang ating pananaw, we have 7,641 islands of beauty of our opportunity, we have fields of bounty, mountain tops of growth and waters and richness around us. Kaya, sana makita natin ang pangangailangan ikalat ang development sa buong kapuluan [We continue to call on everyone to broaden their perspective. We have 7,641 islands of beauty of our opportunity, we have fields of bounty, mountain tops of growth and waters and richness around us. I hope we can see more clearly the need to spread development across these islands],” he said. 

“There is more to the Philippines than our city centers, let us appreciate our countryside and invest in it for our own future,” he added.

Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones sat as guest during the program where he discussed the recent incentive policy of DAR for agriculture graduates. He said that these individuals may be eligible for land grant under the agency’s program pursuant to Administrative Order No. 3 issued last 2020. 

Castraciones said that this will help  encourage young people to venture into agriculture. 

“Ang ating mga magsasaka, tumatanda na. Ang average age ng magsasaka ngayon ay 57 years old. And whether we like it or not, most of our citizens, they would like their children to finish college, and thereafter, leave agriculture or farming. They would rather be engineers or accountants, lawyers, etc. [Our farmers are getting older. The average age of Filipino farmers today is 57 years old. And whether we like it or not, most of our citizens, they would like their children to finish college, and thereafter, leave agriculture or farming. They would rather be engineers or accountants, lawyers, etc.],” he said.

Under the said Administrative Order, new graduates of agricultural courses may be awarded with land of not more than 3 hectares so long as they meet the qualifications and secure the requirements.

It states that the individual must also be landless at the time of his application for the program, and their parents must not be applicants or beneficiaries of other agrarian reform programs. They must also be residents of the municipality where the land to be distributed is situated .

“Ito po ay ginagawa natin para muling magising po iyong tinatawag natin na love of the youth for farming [We are doing this to awaken the so-called love of the youth for farming],” Castraciones said.

“Napagtanto po natin during the time of the pandemic na agriculture is the last frontier of our survival. Without agriculture, I’m sure there will be a problem of food sufficiency. And that is the reason why kailangan po natin na i-motivate iyong atin pong mga kabataan para po talagang muling magbalik iyong kanilang pagmamahal sa agrikultura [We realized during this pandemic that agriculture is our last frontier of survival. Without agriculture, I’m sure there will be a problem with food sufficiency. And that is the reason why we need to motivate our youth to engage in agriculture],” he added.

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Secretary Andanar optimistic of turning over a more competitive Philippines to the next admin

MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar is optimistic that with the policies prepared by the current government, the Duterte administration will be able to pass on the leadership confidently to its successors.

In an interview, Secretary Andanar highlighted the legacies of President Rodrigo Duterte which have bolstered the economy and created more opportunities for Filipinos to be competitive in both the local and international setting.

“Kapag nagtransition na po tayo mayroon po tayong maipapasa po tayong Pilipinas na handang-handang makipagcompete sa buong mundo pagdating sa job market, mga produkto [When we transition to the next administration, we will be able to pass on a Philippines that is ready to compete globally in job market and products],” he said.

He reiterated that the remaining months of the administration is a crucial period for the country and called for everyone’s cooperation. He said that political differences should not be an issue in seeking resolutions to address the current health crisis.

“We only have one country, one government. Itabi muna natin ang politika dahil hindi naman mahalaga ang politika in the next 10 months. Ang mahalaga ay yung matalo natin ang COVID-19 at mailagay natin sa tamang direksyon ang lahat ng mga aspeto ng ekonomiya at ng ating buhay [We only have one country, one government. Let’s set aside political differences because that is not important in the next 10 months. What’s important is defeating COVID-19 and setting the direction of the country in the aspects of economy and securing and saving lives],” he added.

Secretary Andanar noted that the government is now focused on responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including crafting and implementing policies that will allow economic recovery. He is optimistic that the economy will be able to open up by next year.

 “Ang ating pakikipaglaban sa COVID-19 ay napaka-crucial. Hindi lang ito laban para sa ating kalusugan, kundi laban po ito para masiguro natin na nakalatag po yung mga plano ng ating pamahalaan para makabalik ang mga negosyante, ang ating mga kababayan ay makabalik din sa kanilang trabaho, at ang tuluyang pagbukas ng ekonomiya [Our fight against COVID-19 is crucial. This is not just a fight for our health, but also a crusade for the government to lay down plans to help our business sector to recover, for our workers to be able to return to their jobs, and for the reopening of our economy],” he said

Secretary Andanar said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s high approval rating among Filipinos serves as an inspiration for the administration to continue its job in public service delivery. He also thanked the Filipino public for their support to the administration even amid the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thank you so much for the support to the President. Until now 91% ang kanyang acceptance, approval rating at yan ay napakalaking bagay po para sa ating administrasyon. We will continue to work hard and we will continue to see that as an inspiration para po makapagserbisyo hanggang sa kahulihulihan ng administrasyong ito [Thank you so much for the support to the President. Until now he is enjoying the 91% acceptance, approval rating and that is a big win for us in the administration. We will continue to work hard and we will continue to see that as an inspiration to deliver our public service for the remainder of this administration],” he said.

Friday, August 27, 2021

MABINAY TOWN EYES AGRO-INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY SHIFT

MANILA - The local economy has to adapt to a more productive industry in order to move forward on its road to cityhood, Mabinay, Negros Oriental Mayor Joeterry Abada-Uy said on Friday.

“Mabinay is eyeing to shift to agro-industrial economy because it will not work if we will just remain on what we are used to,” she said during the Network briefing News with host Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar as he discussed programs they have placed to assist the agricultural sector.

The local government is supporting mechanization of the agriculture sector, which is also in line with the programs of the Department of Agriculture. Farmer cooperatives there were given mechanical equipment, such as tractor, harvester,and farm implements, for their crops. They are also a recipient of a Solar Power Irrigation System.

There were also 110 marginalized farmers who benefitted from DA’s Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid Program). This aims to assist the rice farmers whose incomes were affected by the drop in the farm gate price of palay.

Aside from this the town is also a recipient of the animal dispersal project under DA’s SAAD program, an agricultural intervention that is intended to help alleviate poverty among the marginalized sectors of agriculture and fishery.

Mayor Uy said they are now seeking the assistance of the provincial government for the concreting of more farm-to-market roads there. She added that almost 95% of their main road is already concreted and this is really a big help for their farmers.

On the other hand, Mayor Uy said they are planning for the eventual cityhood of Mabinay by focusing their efforts on allowing more investors to venture in the municipality, and likewise increase job opportunities there.

She also noted that they are qualified in terms of municipal revenues, and required area, and the only thing lacking is the required population to become a city.

Friday, August 27, 2021

Secretary Andanar: Peace and order at hand with creation of Bangsamoro Region

MANILA - The administration has attained various notable achievements in terms of ensuring peace and order in the country and part of this is the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday.

He cited this as one of the legacies of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in terms of attaining lasting peace in Mindanao.

“Ilang administrasyon yan na ipinaglaban pero ngayon lang sa panahon ni Presidente Duterte naging batas [Many administrations have pushed for it, but it was only now during the term of President Duterte that it became a law],” he said.

Through Republic Act 11054 or the 'Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Muslim community in Mindanao was given the autonomy to pursue its political, economic, social, and cultural development in its indicated jurisdiction. 

The legislation culminates the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that spanned for 17 years since its talks started in 1997.

Apart from this, the administration’s anti-criminality, and anti-illegal drugs campaigns have pushed back the number of crimes reported across the country. According to Secretary Andanar, the crime volume in the country during the administration of President Duterte dropped by at least 64 percent.

Along with this, more than P50 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized; more than 700 drug dens have been dismantled; and more than 1.2 million drug dependents have voluntarily surrendered themselves to be rehabilitated, to date.

“Mas panatag na ang loob ng ating mga kababayan na maglakad pauwi dahil [sila] ay kumbinsido na hindi sila mabibiktima ng krimen. Mayroon na pong law and order [Our countrymen are more at ease, that they can walk home knowing they will not be victims of crime. There is law and order],” he said as he went on to mention other initiatives which defanged modus operandi in airports, such as the tanim-bala extortion scheme and the so-called pastillas scheme.

The government has reported significant strides in terms of its anti-insurgency bid in conflict-affected areas in the countryside through the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Secretary Andanar cited that more than 18,000 rebels have surrendered to the authorities because of the whole-of-nation approach. This approach has been successful in convincing communist rebels to give up the armed struggle as there are readily available programs and projects that will help them reintegrate into their communities.

There is also the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which was signed by President Duterte to give the country more teeth in curbing threats and acts of terrorism.

Friday, August 27, 2021

PSA to conduct 2021 listing of marine fish landing centers

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office XIII (PSA-RSSO XIII) is set to conduct the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers (LMFLC).

The 2021 LMFLC is a nationwide activity. It will cover all provinces with existing landing centers based on the current sampling frame used by the PSA. The activity will involve the listing and geotagging of commercial and municipal fisheries landing centers in the provinces. However, only landing centers that are currently operational or are temporarily closed will be geotagged and only operational landing centers will be visited for interview.

The activity aims to provide an updated list of landing centers throughout the country. Specifically, it aims to generate the sampling frame for the conduct of quarterly commercial and municipal fisheries surveys based on the following information: 1) Type of Landing Center; 2) Average Daily Unloading; 3) Peak Unloading Time and; 4) Peak and Lean Unloading Months.

The enumeration will be done using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). In this process, the enumerators will be working on a handheld tablet device to facilitate the interview using the following questionnaires converted into digital format:

1. LMFLC Form 1A – Commercial Landing Centers

2. LMFLC Form 1B – Municipal Landing Centers

3. LMFLC Form 2A – New Commercial Landing Centers

4. LMFLC Form 2B – New Municipal Landing Centers

5. LMFLC Form 3 – Landing Center Characteristics

During the conduct of the survey, hired enumerators will visit the existing marine fish landing centers that will do a face-to-face interview with the key informant (fisherfolk/officer of the fisherfolk organization/boat owner/operator/landing center official) using CAPI.

The hire enumerators are trained prior to field operation to ensure that the procedures and concepts are understood and to assure that they adhere to the prescribed COVID-19 safety protocols during the conduct of the interview.

In line with this, the PSA encourages everyone, especially the provinces with existing marine fish landing centers, to support and cooperate in the conduct of the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers. The data collection will be conducted on September 1-30, 2021. (PSA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)  

Friday, August 27, 2021

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the passing of veteran journalist Melo Acuña

Today, we lost a good friend and veteran journalist with the passing of Melo Acuña. A reporter through and through, he continued his work of delivering news while already confined at the Quezon City General Hospital. He was a media man until his very last breath.

As one of the pillars of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Melo played a pivotal role in the growth of Philippine journalism with his extensive experience throughout his career as an accredited broadcast journalist.

He was someone who was frank and straightforward, never one to shy away from asking questions that needed to be asked. He was a dedicated journalist and a committed partner in disseminating truthful information to the public.

Melo will be remembered for his informative platter shows, which have let us connect with different key information sources on important issues. We will also remember him for his participation in our programs in the PCOO, such as the Laging Handa and the Virtual Presser, among others.

As someone who has devoted his life to journalism, Melo will be truly missed, especially by those whose lives he has touched and those he has served through his love for his profession. We will keep our memories of him close to our hearts.

We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues of Melo Acuña for his passing. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

Friday, August 27, 2021

P27-M worth of bridges turned over to AgSur farmers

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Agusan del Sur has turned over a P27 million worth of uni-steel bridges in Barangay Salvacion and Saguma, all in Bayugan City on August 24, 2021.

The Bingay and Saguma Bridge are two of the four bridges in Agusan del Sur built under the “Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo” (TPKP) Program formerly called the President’s Bridge Program, which is a zero-based budgeting approach by the government, funded by France, monitored by DAR and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Unified Project Management Office- Bridge Management Cluster.

 

DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones said that the construction of the bridges is a vital component of rural development that will link the agrarian communities to the economic mainstreams, especially in the market centers in Agusan del Sur.

 

“Farmers, being the true heroes especially at this time of pandemic deserve to be given this kind of support services that will provide them easy means to transport their produce,” said Castriciones.

 

PARPO II Jamil P. Amatonding, Jr. said that the project would benefit some 2,731 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), especially in the marketing of their farm products, as well as to at least 12,000 residents.

He added that the completion of the bridges is a manifestation of how aggressive President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in pushing the implementation of the TPKP project after it was halted sometime in 2011.

 

“Our present administration has a high regard in giving importance to our farmers as they represent a vital element of societal transformation that will lead to economic stability,” said Amatonding.

 

Also present during the ceremony were DAR Caraga Regional Director Leomides R. Villareal, ARDO Agnes Dela Cerna, Provincial Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., 1^st District Representative Alfelito M. Bascug, Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis, City Councilors and Barangay Officials of Salvacion and Saguma, respectively. (Rechel D. Besonia, DAR-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Friday, August 27, 2021

6 FRs receive cash aid from AgSur LGU

SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur – Six former rebels (FRs) of San Luis, Agusan del Sur received cash assistance amounting to P25,000.00 from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Luis on August 23, 2021. 

Municipal Mayor Phoebe Corvera released the cash assistance as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits, which is 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.

Alias ‘Trexie’ is a regular member of the NPA and a platoon medic for one year; alias ‘Simply’, ‘Shark’ and ‘Jemuel’ are also active members of the NPA for two years. They all belong to the dismantled Guerilla Front (GF) 88; while alias ‘Lance’ and alias ‘Criss’, both members of Compaq, all of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), who had finally realized their futile struggle and made up their minds to surrender last October 23, 2020, all are hoping to have a renewed life together with their families.

Alias ‘Trexie’ expressed her 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 an NPA members, the government would still accept us and provide us the necessary assistance. We got tired fighting for a senseless cause. Our commander betrayed and exploited us. We finally decided to surrender because we have been suffering for years),”  she 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 with 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, your family is waiting for you," added Goce. (2Lt Jerica Alyanna Franz Dacanay, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Friday, August 27 , 2021

6 coffee farmers groups in SurSur receive 2.6M solar tunnel dryers 

By: Myra Q. Yu

 

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Six coffee farmer groups from the towns of Tagbina and Barobo, all in Surigao del Sur received P2.6 Million worth of solar tunnel dryers funded under the Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) held last August 24, 2021, in Baranggay Kahayagan in Tagbina town. 

Handover of turnover documents of the Solar Tunnel Dryer to one of the ARBOs. From left: ARDO Agnes Dela Cerna, Municipal Mayor Generoso Naraiso, 2 nd District Congressman Johnny Pimentel, MKCGC Chairperson Daniel Guingue, DAR Secretary John Castriciones, Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal, Project ConVERGE Manager Gomercindo Tumbali, PARPO II Leoncio Bautista, Jr and Mun. Vice Mayor Antonio Adlao

The solar tunnel dryers are set to boost the coffee production, rejuvenation, processing, and marketing enterprise benefiting 2,036 coffee farmers members of the six (6) Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) across the province. 

 

In the message of DAR Regional Director and ConVERGE Regional Project Director Leomides R. Vilareal, he emphasized the importance of providing the facilities to improve the efficiency and quality of our farmers’ produce, aside from the capacity building and mentoring provided to them. 

 

During his speech, DAR Secretary Castriciones highlighted the role of our farmers in the country’s battle against a pandemic. “At the height of the pandemic, we could realize how important agriculture and the farmers are in our economy and in our survival against COVID-19…importante po ang papel ninyong mga magsasaka, dahil kayo po ang siyang nagbibigay buhay sa ating pamahalaan at sa ating mamamayan,” he said. The DAR chief also underscored unity as a major factor in improving the lives of our farmers. “Gusto po naming iparamdam sa inyo na bagamat may pandemya, kapag tayo po ay nagtulong-tulong, ang ating hangarin na mapataas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga magsasaka ay makamit,” he added. 

 

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Leoncio Bautista, Jr. in his project brief mentioned that among the organizations that benefited the project were Ugoban Multipurpose Cooperative (UMPC), Tagbina Rural Improvement Club Producers Cooperative (TAGRICCO), Mabuhay Kahayagan Coffee Growers Cooperative (MKCGC), Barangay Villaverde Coffee Growers Cooperative (BAVILCOGCO), Tagarebe Multipurpose Cooperative (TAGAREBE MPC), and San Roque Cooperative (SARCO). 

 

Chairperson of Mabuhay Kahayagan Coffee Growers Cooperative Daniel Guingue expressed his gratitude and thanks, “Daghang salamat labi na sa Secretary sa DAR sa inyong suporta kanamong mag-uuma ug sa kooperatiba (Thank you so much specially to DAR Secretary for the support to the farmers and to the cooperatives)," he said. 

 

The ceremonial turnover was led by Sec. Castriciones together with 2nd District Congressman Johnny T. Pimentel, Municipal Mayor Generoso L. Naraiso, Vice Mayor Antonio N. Adlao, Dir. Villareal, Asst. Regional Director Agnes L. Dela Cerna, Project Manager Gomercindo G. Tumbali, PARPO Bautista, and witnessed by DAR officials and employees, ARBO members, barangay officials, and hundreds of participants. (DAR-SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Friday, August 27, 2021

PMO-Surigao nabigyan ng bagong rescue equipment ng DOTr

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO (PIA) -- Isang brand new motor vehicle na pinasadyang gawing firefighting equipment at isang rescue boat naman ang natanggap ng Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) Surigao mula sa Department of Transportation o DOTr.

Layon nitong palakasakin pa lalo ang search, rescue, firefighting at marine patrol na kakayahan ng PMO Surigao.

 

Ang nasabing firefighting vehicle ay may transport trailer para sa rescue boat na may 50 horsepower outboard engine at remote steering na kayang lusubin ang malalakas na agos ng tubig-baha at malalaking alon sa karagatan.

 

Maliban sa water tanks ay kumpleto rin ito sa iba pang kagamitan gaya ng bolt cutter, crowbar at sledgehammer na magagamit sa mga emergency at rescue operation.

 

“Malaking tulong itong firefighting vehicle at search and rescue boat hindi lang sa PPA kundi pati na rin sa ating community. Kaakibat ng BFP at Phil. Coast Guard, available ang kagamitang ito sa panahon ng sakuna kagaya ng sunog at pagbaha. kaya naman nagpapasalamat tayo kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, kay Sec. Tugade ng DOTr, at kay general manager Jay Daniel Santiago ng PPA,” sabi ni Froilan Caturla, acting port manager ng PPA PMO Surigao.

 

Ayon kay Caturla, mahalaga aniya na laging maging handa upang makaiwas at maligtas sa peligro. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Secretary Andanar: Government putting more emphasis on development, reportage of provinces

MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday said that the government is providing more support for local development, likewise empowering local media in reporting relevant local news.

In his interview, Secretary Andanar said that reporting in the Philippines is highly dominated by news focused on Metro Manila information, while relevant news from other provinces and regions is not highlighted.

He stressed that such news coming from the national government should also be taken in the context of how Filipinos residing outside Metro Manila will be affected. He said that localizing context should also be considered.

“Pagsugod nako sa paglingkod as PCOO Secretary, nagfocus gyud ko sa pagreach sa atong mga kauban sa media sa mga probinsya. Kay for such a long time ang focus man gud diri sa Metro Manila is diri lang sa Metro Manila [When I sat as the PCOO Secretary, we really focused on reaching out to media outfits in the provinces. Because for the longest time the focus of our news is here in Metro Manila],” he said.

Secretary Andanar recalled President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s support to decentralize governance and empower the local government.

“Dili lang Manila ang Pilipinas [The Philippines is not Metro Manila alone],” noting that even on the PCOO, the government also shifted to building more infrastructure projects that will support the operations of government media in provinces.

These projects include the state-of-the-art Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City which houses the regional arm of the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), APO Production Unit, Inc. (APO), Radyo Pilipinas, and the Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) there.

The same media facility will also be built in Mandaue City, Cebu which will be called the Visayas Media Hub. Secretary Andanar said that the initial budget of P200 million has been approved for the construction of the building. The allocation will be included in PCOO’s budget next year.

The promotion to deliver the information of the government to the people has resulted in a strengthened partnership with local media through the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

“It has never been done before and now we are doing it because of the political will of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he said.

Secretary Andanar also noted that the anticipated construction of the Government Communications Academy in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon is one of the tangible results of the first National Information Convention held in Davao City last 2018. He said that all these programs and initiatives form part of the government’s advocacy to empower local media.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

P7.6 milyong halaga ng housing assistance, ibinigay sa mga former rebels ng Agusan del Norte

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Labis ang kasiyahan ng 17 former rebels (FRs) sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte dahil sa wakas magkakaroon na sila ng sariling bahay kasama ang kani-kanilang pamilya.

Buong pusong pasasalamat ni Caren Yatan, myembro ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF sa loob ng 12 taon at dati nang nagsilbing political instructor, sa tulong na ibinigay ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng Task Force Balik-Loob sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at National Housing Authority.

Aniya, totoo ang gobyerno, at handa silang tulungang makapagbagong buhay dahil isa na din syang ganap na sundalo sa ngayon.

“Sa totoo lang ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang ganitong saya dahil magkakaroon na kami ng bagong bahay, bagong buhay at pag-asa,” tugon ni Yatan.

Gayundin si Jay-ar, apat na taong naging rebelde at ngayon ay isa na ring sundalo sa Philippine army na lubos ang tuwa dahil magkakaroon na ng maayos na tahanan ang kaniyang mga anak dahil sa tulong ng gobyerno. “Magkakaroon na kami ng bahay ng aking pamilya, kasama ng mga anak ko, hindi kagaya noon, palipat-lipat lang,” ani Jay-ar.

Tiniyak din ni Gobernador Dale Corvera na tutulungan nilang umunlad ang lugar upang tuluyan din aniyang maramdaman ng mga dating rebelde ang buhay payapa at sagana.

Ayon sa gobernador, parte ito ng Provincial Development Plan, para maipakita sa mga tao na seryoso talaga ang gobyerno.

Ipinaabot din ni mayor Judy Amante ng Cabadbaran City ang tulong para sa mga FRs. “Sana makita at madama ninyo itong tulong namin. Hinding-hindi kayo magsisisi. Sunod nating pagplanuhan ang inyo namang pangkabuhayan,” tugon ni Amante.

Ang nasabing housing assistance na nagkakahalaga ng 450,000 pesos bawat isang FR ay gagamitin upang maipatayo sila ng kani-kaniyang bahay sa tulong ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Norte at lungsod ng Cabadbaran.

Ang nasabing lugar ay bigay ng SRMI, isang pribadong kumpanya, na kung saan pwedeng patayuan ng mahigit isang daang bahay para sa nagbalik-loob at sa mga gustong magbalik loob na mga rebelde sa gobyerno. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

 

Thursday, August 26, 2021

PSA Caraga chief enjoins support for the conduct of 2021 LMFLC survey

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office XIII (PSA-RSSO XIII) will conduct the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers (LMFLC) on September 1 to 30, this year.

Apura

PSA-RSSO XIII Regional Director Dr. Rosalinda C. Apura said, hired enumerators (ENs) will do the conduct of the survey in a face-to-face interview with the existing Marine Fish Landing Centers’ Key Informant (Fisherfolks/Officer of the Fisherfolk Organization/Boat owner/Operator/Landing Center Official) in the entire region using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). The hired ENs will be trained prior to field operation to ensure that the procedures and concepts are understood and to assure that they adhere to the prescribed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) safety protocols during the conduct of the interview, Apura said.

Apura said, the 2021 LMFLC is a nationwide activity that will cover all provinces with existing landing centers based on the current sampling frame used by the PSA. “The activity will involve listing and geotagging of commercial and municipal fisheries landing centers in the provinces. However, only landing centers that are currently operational or are temporarily closed will be geotagged and only operational landing centers will be visited for interview,” she added.

Also, Apura said that the conduct of the activity is aimed to provide an updated list of landing centers throughout the country. Specifically, to generate a sampling frame for the conduct of quarterly commercial and municipal fisheries surveys based on the following information: Type of Landing Center; Average Daily Unloading; Peak Unloading Time; and Peak and Lean Unloading Months.

The enumerators will be working on a handheld tablet device to facilitate the interview using the following questionnaires converted into digital format: LMFLC Form 1A – Commercial Landing Centers; LMFLC Form 1B – Municipal Landing Centers; LMFLC Form 2A – New Commercial Landing Centers; LMFLC Form 2B – New Municipal Landing Centers; and LMFLC Form 3 – Landing Center Characteristics. 

 

Apura encourages everyone, especially the provinces with existing Marine Fish Landing Centers, to support and cooperate in the conduct of the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)

 

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Gob. Corvera nag-awhag sa mga partners nga suportahan ang Brigada Eskwela

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Giawhag ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang mga partners sa probinsya sa pagpadagan sa mga eskwelahan nga magtinabangay sunod sa tema sa okasyon nga “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan” sa pagtubag sa mga panginahanglanon aron mahimong hapsay ug epektibo ang pagtuon sa mga kabataan.

Sa virtual message nga gipadangat ni Gob. Corvera atol sa paglunsad sa “Brigada Eskwela” niadtong Agosto 24, giila niya ang mga kalisdanan sa hiniusang paglihuk tungod sa mga limitasyon nga dala sa pandemya apan nakita usab niya nga naay mga pamaagi aron mahimo kini.   

“This is indeed a formidable challenge, but armed with our spirit of Bayanihan, we have made it through so far, with each and every one of us doing our part to make sure that we succeed,” sumala pa sa gobernador. 

“While there are definite changes on how the Brigada shall be undertaken, this year pursuant to the new normal, its goals remain the same,” padayon ni Gob. Corvera.

Gawas sa mga kabag-ohan nga himoon tungod sa pandemya, talagsaon usab ang porma sa pagtinabangay ning tuiga tungod kay nakasentro kini sa pagtinabangay diha sa pagtuon sa kabataan sa pagbasa, sumala ni Romeo O. Aprovechar, ang Schools Division Superintendent sa Agusan del Norte. 

“The implementation of Brigada Eskwela is something unique, because its focus is in reviving the reading program of the schools, the districts and the division,” pasabot ni Aprovechar.

“Brigada pagbasa is an after school reading program that envisions bringing together education partners and experts to help all learners read and become functionally literate” dugang ni Aprovechar.

Ang gi-punting nga tutokan sa 2021 Brigada Eskwela mao ang programang “Brigada Pagbasa” o diha sa pagbasa, literacy ug numeracy sa mga learners’ o mga studyante sa Agusan del Norte.

Nanguna ang DepEd-Agusan del Norte sa pagapatuman sa maong programa uban ang hugot nga pag-abag sa probinsya ug sa buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba.

Isip usa sa mga suporta ipursige sa probinsya nga adtoon gyod sa mga teachers ug assistant teachers ang mga bata sa ilang mga balay, ilabina sa mga hilit nga lugar, ug tudloan sa pagbasa. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

  

Thursday, August 26, 2021

DA, BSWM composting facility turns wastes into assets

BUTUAN CITY -- To promote and further develop the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines, Organic Agriculture Act (RA 10068) highlights the importance of enriching the fertility of the soil and the need to undertake community-based organic fertilizer production.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through its Organic Agriculture Program in partnership with the DA-Bureau of Soils & Water Management (BSWM) turned over Small-Scale Composting Facility (SSCF) to three Local Government Units and a cooperative in the region on August 25.

Each small-scale composting facility is composed of 15 kilogram African Night Crawlers, one unit of shredder machine, and two units of vermitea brewer.

The facility recipients were the Local Government Units of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, Province of Dinagat Islands, and Center for the Poor Agricultural Cooperative (CEPAGCO) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.  

DA-BSWM Regional Soils & Water Area Coordinator for Caraga Marcelo P. Dayo said that the ₱1.7million worth of intervention will serve as machinery to transform farm waste into organic fertilizer.  

“The facility is expected to provide the needed vermicast or vermicompost of farmer-beneficiaries. This will ensure higher profit because of the gradual reduction of their dependence on the use of chemical fertilizers. The use of organic fertilizers will also significantly contribute to protect and rebuild soil health naturally,” Dayo said.

Since 2010, a total of 193 SSCF have been distributed to organic farming advocates in the Caraga region.  

George G. Ballongay, CEPAGCO – Board of Director was grateful for the intervention they have received. “The SSCF will open more opportunities to widen our resources in providing services to our members and the community through our organic agriculture livelihood programs. Aside from using the fertilizers to our crops, we can also sell the vermicast at ₱400 – ₱450 per bag at 50 kilos,” he said.

CEPAGCO is a church-based agri coop that mainstreams food production in an organic way. The cooperative is affiliated with the Missionary of the Sacred Heart Congregation dedicated to taking care of the well-being of the people and the environment by providing services to the community, disaster responses, concerns for the poor, and the marginalized.

Moreover, Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega hopes that the facility would encourage more farmers to engage in organic farming as a sustainable approach to food production.  

The turn-over ceremony were also graced by Genome A. Fortun, Mindanao Regional Coordinator, Villar SIPAG Foundation and Gemma Asufre, DA-Caraga OIC-Chief Integrated Laboratories Division. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)