14 Milisyang Bayan members, 325 UGMOs surrender to Army
By Cpt.
Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA,
Agusan del Norte, May 5 -- The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB),
Philippine Army together with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and
the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves welcomed back to the folds of the
law 14 members of the Milisya ng Bayan (MBs) and 325 members of Underground
Mass Organizations (UGMOs) in a pledge of allegiance ceremony recently in Barangay
Consorcia, Las Nieves.
The MBs
and UGMOs once served as the main support mechanism of the Communist Party of
the Philippines (CPP) New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) in Barangay
Consorcia for years.
The
mass surrender ceremony was witnessed by Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales;
Gerry Joey Laurito, the Provincial Administrator of Agusan del Norte; Lt. Col
Julius Cesar C. Paulo, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 23IB; PLt. Fritzel
V. Cubillan, Chief of Las Nieves Municipal Police Station; Dir. Rey M. Cueva of
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Agusan del
Norte; Ms. Karen S. Rosales, head of the Youth for Peace in Las Nieves; and the
member of Sangguniang Bayan of Las Nieves. Barangay Captain Wennie A. Loquinte,
together with the members of the barangay council joined by hundreds of
residents of Consorcia.
It can
be recalled that a peace consultation and dialogue, locally known as
pulong-pulong, was conducted last December 18, 2020 in Barangay Consorcia.
During the activity, the residents expressed their issues and concerns,
especially on peace and order. They also lamented on the continuing terroristic
activities of the CNTs and voiced out their worries on the recruitment of the
terrorists among the vulnerable sectors in their community, especially the
youths. The 23IB, during the pulong-pulong, also provided the residents with
inputs and information on the different schemes the CNT members utilize in
recruitment. When enlightened, the residents, especially the members of MBs and
UGMOs decided to surrender to the government.
During
the mass surrender activity, the MBs and UGMOs also handed over to the
government nine (9) Caliber 22 (Airgun) rifles, four (4) homemade shotguns with
two (2) live ammunition, and one (1) Caliber 38 pistol with five (5) live
ammunition.
Alias
"Nong" was among the MBs who surrendered and shared his experience
and difficulties when he was still supporting the communist movement and
even ask for forgiveness to the people of Barangay Consortia for extorting
them.
In her
message, Mayor Rosales lauded the courageous act of the residents of Consorcia
for condemning the CNT and making a turn to the right path.
"As
you chose to start a new life, you have finally made up your minds to cut ties
and withdrew your support to them. We are grateful that you have finally
realized that there is no tomorrow with the presence of CPP NPA Terrorists in
your barangay. This program is not only for the Army, the police, and the government
agencies. We want nothing but peace and development. We can only achieve this
through your cooperation," Rosales said.
Provincial
Administrator Laurito, who represented Gov. Dale B. Corvera, expressed gladness
for the decreasing number of CNT members and supporters in the province.
"Our
government is always here to listen to your concern and is very eager to give
the basic services to the people.We are glad that you have denounced your
support to the CPP-NPA Terrorists for hindering the development
interventions," Laurito said.
The
head of the Youth for Peace in Las Nieves, Karen S. Rosales asked the parents
to look over their children to prevent them from being recruited by the CNTs,
and transform them as effective youth in the community.
"The
youths are among the vulnerable sectors of the community and the CNTs are
taking undue advantage of their vulnerability. Let us go hand in hand to end
the 52 years of deceptive recruitment that have been destroying the future of
our youth," Rosales said.
TESDA
Dir. Cueva extended his compliments to the residents for their bravery.
"Now
that you have withdrawn your support to the CNTs, development will surely boost
in your community. In partnership with the LGU of Las Nieves, we at TESDA are
providing support, especially in honing your knowledge and skills for increased
productivity," he said.
Lt.
Col. Paulo welcomed the former rebels and mass supporters and thanked them for
the withdrawal of support and enslavement from the CNT.
"We
are grateful that you denounced the CNT and finally cut your support with them.
You also surrendered tools and devices used against the Army and the police.
Rest assured that this kind of act will never be put to waste," Paulo
said.
The
23IB commander thanked the barangay officials of Consorcia for their support of
the mass surrender activity.
"We
thank you for the support you have given to us. Your Army, especially the
troopers of 23IB, will always be your partner in attaining lasting peace and
development here in Barangay Consorcia," Paulo said.
He also
reminded the residents to guard their community against the terroristic
activities of the CNTs and shield the youth from the deceptive recruitment of
the terrorists.
"Now
that their number continues to decrease, they will never stop to regain their
strength by recruiting new members. The first line of defense in shielding our
youth against these terrorists are the families and the community as a whole. I
also assure you that your 23IB is always ready to provide support to secure
your community," Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB 4I PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
17 IP soldiers complete DepEd ALS A&E program in Butuan City
By Maj.
Francisco P. Garello
BUTUAN
CITY, May 6 -- Seventeen indigenous peoples (IPs) who enlisted as
soldiers under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade completed the
two-year Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS
A&E) program facilitated by the Department of Education (DepEd) - Division
of Butuan City on April 30, 2021 at the 402nd Brigade Headquarters, Camp
Romualdo P Rubi, Brgy. Bancasi, this city.
Colonel
Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., 402nd Brigade deputy brigade commander representing on
behalf of brigade commander BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, attended the simple
Completion Ceremony with a theme, “Edukasyon Pahalagahan, Ito’y Daan Tungo sa
Magandang Kinabukasan…Alternative Learning System ang Kailangan.”
The
ceremony signifies that the soldiers are now on their way to become eligible
and qualified members of the regular force of the Philippine Army.
Ana
Marie L. Ceniza, representative of School District Supervisor of West Butuan;
Remedios C. Hinampas, the district in-charge and ALS manager; and Brgy. Kagawad
of Bancasi Teresita A. Durante were also present to witness the moment of
success of the IP soldiers.
It can
be recalled that the Philippine Army allocated a special enlistment quota for
IPs and FRs and waived all their educational and age requirements to serve for
at least six years term.
As part
of sustaining the professionalism of all Army troops, the higher headquarters
directed the said soldiers to complete at least secondary education soonest,
hence, they enrolled in the DepEd’s ALS A&E program.
Captain
Algiem U. Basig, the personnel officer of the 402nd Brigade who monitored the
status of the ALS education of the IP and FR soldiers said, “We always monitor
the progress and development of our soldiers’ as ALS students and continuously
guide them to ensure that they could continue their service in the Army. They
must cope up with the qualifications or requirements as members of the AFP once
they will be subjected to examinations and/or when they become eligible for
promotion.”
The ALS
A&E assessment and certification is a process that comprises an exam and
other appropriate assessments to measure the competencies acquired by ALS
learners based on the ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC).
Col.
Balaoro congratulated the soldiers for completing the DepEd A&E program.
“We are pleased that these soldiers painstakingly hurdled the process of
undergoing the program that will be of their best interest in continuing their
military service. We also laud the efforts of the ALS teachers who patiently
taught our soldiers. More than anything else, it’s their sacrifices that led to
the success of our soldiers,” he said.
Meanwhile,
BGen. Licudine conveyed his sincere gratitude to the leadership of DepEd -
Butuan City led by schools division superintendent Marilou D. Dedumo for the
continuous commitment and partnership that enhances the capability of its
personnel.
He said
the Department of Education is always a committed partner of the Philippine
Army towards peace and development. Hand in hand, the DepED became part of
continuously professionalizing our troops. Thank you, DepEd.
“As we
move towards sustaining our gains against those who utilize education as a way
to deceive learners and advocate violence for their own agenda, we implore
everyone to be wary of the Sectoral Front Organizations of the Communist
Terrorist Group (CTG) and drive them away from the campuses and communities,
and support our efforts to stop youth recruitment,” said BGen. Licudine. (CMO
Officer, 402nd Infantry Brigade, PA/PIA-Caraga)
AgNor bares 12 core
processing projects for LGUs
By Aimee
B. Sienes
BUTUAN
CITY, May 6 -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte under Governor
Dale B. Corvera, foresees that “By 2027, Agusan del Norte is the Agriculture
Processing Center and Industrial Estate Zone on the Caraga Region driven by
Godly, Efficient Services and Effective Governance towards a Progressive and
Sustainable Environment."
Armed
with this vision, the mission is to “Take the lead in achieving sustainable
agri-forestry base and emerging industry clusters, operationalizing Special
Economic Zones (SEZ), developing social and basic infrastructures support
facilities and utilities and environmental protection and conservation.”
Anchoring
from what the province wanted to be and how to achieve its dream to have a
remarkable feat in Caraga region, the local government of Agusan del Norte is
currently running a development campaign dubbed as AGUSAN UP! an eight-point
development agenda that is broken down into four flagship programs.
Plant
and Process or AGUS 3Ps for concerns related to economic development;
AmomangAgusanon for social development concerns; Lunhaw’ngAgusan for
environment development concerns; and Hiniusang Lihok Agusan for development
management concerns.
Through
the AGUS 3Ps, which is more known for its Plant! Plant! Plant! And Process!
Process! Process! projects, the province intends to realize its vision of
rising as the Agricultural Processing Center in the Caraga region, and with its
mission, deliver to its constituents a satisfying life.
As a
strategy to realize the economic vision, the province had to set in motion the
rise of as many processing activities as possible under AGUS 3Ps.
The LGU
Agusan del Norte entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to spearhead
the implementation of the core processing projects of the city and
municipalities of the province and solidified under Sanggunian Resolution No.
525 -2020, resolution authorizing the Provincial Governor, Hon. Dale B. Corvera
to sign various MOU to be entered into by and among the provincial government
of Agusan del Norte, the Office of the 2nd Congressional District
Representative, regional offices, provincial offices component local government
units and private entities for the implementation of a core processing project
in each LGU of the province.
With
this MOU, 12 Core Processing Projects are placed in the province, one for each
local government unit and the inclusion of the NasipitAgusan del Norte
Industrial Estate (NANIE).
In a
glance, spare a look for these 12 Core Processing Projects that make Agusan del
Norte to rise in the region of Caraga.
Nasipit
Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate (NANIE), Nasipit
The
62-hectare NANIE has been a thrust for development for over 20 years now but
only 11 hectares have so far been taken and at land development stage yet with
no certainty on when processing activities could kick off.
Located
in the barangays ofCamagongangTalisay, the idea is to make it the center of
industries and factories in the province where plants, warehouses, container
yardsand other industrial facilities will be established.
The
signatories of the MOU are the provincial government of Agusan del Norte,
Office of the 2ndCongressional District Representative, LGU Nasipit, National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, DTI Agusan del Norte, DOST Agusan
del Norte and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
Orchard
Stopover, Carmen
LGU
Carmen has an abundant supply of mango and is into the production of fruits.
Currently, it is also operating a mango processing plant but is operating at
only around 10% of its operating capacity of 2000 kilos of mango a day.
It
desires to raise its operating performance and is open to a cooperative
undertaking with the provincial government, with other government agencies,
other mango and fruits stakeholders in the municipality and the province.
The
keyplayers include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Carmen, Department of
Agriculture (DA)Caraga Region XIII, Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI)Agusan del Norte and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Agusan
del Norte.
Chocolate
City, Nasipit
The
project involves the development of a complex that will serve as the provincial
market and processing center of various chocolate products. The facility will
also serve as the Provincial Chocolate Processing Center. To be even more
interesting and appealing, the facility will also have a chocolate-themed
children or family park to attract this segment of the market known to be chocolate
lovers to frequent the place.
Chocolate
City can create more jobs for post-harvest, initial processing, continuous
production and marketing activities.
The
signatories of the MOU are the provincial government of Agusan del Norte,
Office of the 2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Nasipit, DA
Caraga, DTI Agusan del Norte and DOST Agusan del Norte.
Sardines
Processing Project, Buenavista
The LGU
Buenavista is rich in aquatic resources; the presence of “tamban” is very
prominent and also serves as the mainingredient in making sardines. The
Sardines Processing Project involves the putting up of a 3,000-kilo a day
tamban (sardine) processing plant. This project, once realized, will finally
improve the economic status of the municipality and its constituents.
The
signatories of the MOU are the provincial government of Agusan del Norte,
Office of the 2ndCongressional District Representative, LGU Buenavista, Bureau
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), DTI Agusan del Norte and DOST Agusan
del Norte.
Feed
Mill, Las Nieves
LGU Las
Nieves is rich in corn and cassava crops that propels to the establishment of a
Feed Mill Project that involves the operationalization of the 500-kilo capacity
set of equipment awarded to a corn farmer association (A.G. Montilla Corn
Farmers Association) in Las Nieves.
The
signatories of the MOU are the provincial government of Agusan del Norte,
Office of the 2ndCongressional District Representative, LGU Las Nieves, DA
Caraga, DTI Agusan del Norte, DOST Agusan del Norte and E.G. MontillaCorn
Farmers Association.
Bibingka,
Puto, Suman, UPB Stopover (Beyond Rice), RTR
LGU RTR
has an abundant supply of rice. It is initially conceptualized as a project
idea to put the interest of stakeholders together to shepherd the rise of RTR
delicacies. The project seems to spell out the establishment of a
marketing center of rice products like bibingka, bitsu-bitsu, puto, suman, UPB
and also level up the operation of existing processing plant with the coming in
of more supply from the entire province and trigger the interest of more
farmers to go into rice production.
The
keyplayers include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU RTR, DTI Agusan del Norte and DOST
Agusan del Norte.
Abaca
Handicraft Village, Cabadbaran City
LGU
Cabadbaran has been chosen to be the location of the project mainly because of
the various products, the existence of a considerable size of abaca farms and
the presence of organizations active in abaca handicrafts making.
The
keyplayers include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Cabadbaran City, DA Caraga
Region XIII, DTI Agusan del Norte and DOST Agusan del Norte.
Banana
Processing Center, Santiago
LGU
Santiago has an abundant supply of banana and has an existing processor for
banana chips. The project involves the putting in place of a facility that
would serve as provincial market development campaign center, processing and
training center in processing of products made out of banana as raw material.
Among these processed products are banana chips, banana flour and banana
ketchup.
The
keyplayers include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Santiago, DA Caraga Region XIII,
DTI Agusan del Norte and DOST Agusan del Norte.
Integrated
Coconut Processing Center, Jabonga
LGU
Jabonga is rich in coconut crops and known for its coconut processing products.
The project involves expanding the virgin coconut oil, processing capacity of
the Libas Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative from the current 200 kilos a week
to 10,000 kilos a day.
With
this capacity, the project will already pull other coconut industry players
into the project and serve as coconut processing center of the province. Other
than the VCO, other products such as geonet, activated carbon and desiccated
coconut will be produced at the center.
The
keyplayers include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Jabonga, DA Caraga Region XIII,
DTI Agusan del Norte, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Libas Farmers
Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Food
Basket, Kitcharao
LGU
Kitcharao desires to raise its operating performances and is open to a
cooperative undertaking with LGU Agusan del Norte, other agencies of the
government, vegetable stakeholders in the municipality and the province. The
project is seen to spell out not just the establishment of a marketing center
of fresh vegetables but also facilitate the rise of various processing
activities of vegetable as raw material.
The key
players include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Kitcharao, DA Caraga Region XIII
and DTI Agusan del Norte.
Mineral
Processing Project, Tubay
LGU
Tubay has abundant supply of nickel. The project seems to spell out not just
the establishment of a marketing center of minerals, but also level up the
operations of the existing processing plant with the coming in of more supply
from municipalities rich in nickel.
The key
players include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative and LGU Tubay.
Power
Plant, Magallanes
The
municipality of Magallanes has abundant supply of waste from wood and situated
at the center of the province and the two major producers of waste, the cities
of Butuan and Cabadbaran that can be used as Waste-to-Energy Technology.
Magallanes
is willing to serve as host of the power plant. PRESCORP has an existing
partnership with Waste-to-Plant technology provider Evergent Canada and has
expressed interest to offer a public private partnership (PPP) with the local government
of Agusan del Norte.
The
keyplayers include the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, Office of the
2nd Congressional District Representative, LGU Magallanes and Philippine
Renewable Energy Solutions Corporation.
Gov.
Corvera is hopeful that the key players will fully back up these 12 core
processing projects of the province for full implementation through their
respective help and support most especially from farmers, processors, workers
of the projects and consumers of the products made from the province.
“The
province entered into various Memorandum of Understanding that we will
spearhead the establishment and implementation of the core processing projects
of the local government units of Agusan del Norte that will start the influx of
economic activities for the processing of the produce of farmers and other raw
materials abundant in the locality,” Gov. Corvera said.
He
expressed confidence that these will pave the way to open new doors and
opportunities for job generation, additional income and economic development
and improve the quality of life for the province and its people.
“Signing
the MOU is a vote of confidence,” says Brenda B. Corvera, DTI Agusan del Norte
Provincial Director. They are committing their support through the possible
assistance in terms of equipment through their shared service facility, market
development, investment generation and product development of existing and
those products that still need to be developed.
Department
of Science and Technology (DOST) Caragat through the Provincial Science and
Technology Center of Agusan del Norte committed to extend support to the
various products identified by assisting the key players in the identification
of appropriate processing technologies; with the deployment of technologies it
will help shorten processing time, ensures the quality of the products and
improve productivity.
The
Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region fully extends its support and
assistance for providing equipment for cacao production and other farming
activities.
All
other national line agencies involved committed their full support and
assistance as mandates of their respective departments.
These
projects once realized, would create value adding products, decrease the rate
of unemployment and finally improve the economic status of the province that
will leave lasting imprint in the Caraga region and the nation as a whole. (LGU
Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
AgNor school facilitates conduct of anti-insurgency campaign
By Victoria
A. Sumayod and Wyler C. EupeΓ±a
BUENAVISTA,
Agusan del Norte, May 6 -- In support to Executive Order (EO) No. 70
series of 2018, ”Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining
Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local
Communist Armed Conflict and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace
Framework”, the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), Barangay
Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte headed by Officer-in-Charge Nancy C. De
Guzman has facilitated the Anti-Insurgency Campaign conducted by the 23rd
Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army under the Acting Commander
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo attended by 245 students.
According
to OIC De Guzman, this is a very laudable activity in order for students to be
aware and be informed on how they are being led by those insurgents in another
direction.
“So we
are trying our best for our students, especially in TVET, not to go in that
direction. TVET is one of the responses, because according to some experts that
the very cause of rebellion is poverty and the answer to poverty is education,”
de Guzman said.
Assistant
Civil-Military Operations Officer 2nd Lieutenant Angel Grace M. Sebelina who
led the advocacy team, has stressed how it will save the students from going to
the wrong path. Louie Fuentes a.k.a. Kuya Louie, a former rebel has bared the
recruitment activities in Caraga and inside campuses. Kuya Louie revealed that
even though his parents are pastors, he was still persuaded by one of the
CPP-NPA members to join because of the “welfare and good of everyone propaganda.”
Further,
Kuya Louie shared how he found out that the doings of the CPP-NPA were the
exact opposite of the promises they made during his recruitment. These vicious
and unlawful acts of destroying government properties used for the concreting
of roads for example and going hungry for many days due to the scarcity of food
were just some of the factors that opened his mind and led him to leave and
return to the fold of the government. Finally, he hoped that through his
testimonies, the students will not go through the sufferings he experienced at
the hands of the CPP-NPA.
During
his talk, Captain Roel T. Maglalang, 23IB Civil-Military Operations Officer,
has warned the students on how to avoid becoming the prey of the terrorists and
other criminal groups. He supplemented it with video presentations that
effectively show how their lies ruined the lives of the youths and their loved
ones.
Capt.
Maglalang concluded by posing these challenges to the students: Be a good and
obedient youth, focus on your studies, obey your parents, and be law-abiding
citizens.
The
activity reflects NMSF’s commitment and support towards the attainment of true
and lasting peace in the country. (TESDA-NMSF/PIA Asan del Norte)
PCAF bares 2022 plan
and budget, welcomes proposal for improvement
BUTUAN
CITY, May 6 -- The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF)
presented the 2022 plan and budget proposal, a 69 percent increase over the
2021 enacted budget, to further strengthen the involvement of its
private-sector partners in the realization of the Department of Agriculture’s
(DA) Program, Activities and Programs (PAPs).
The
proposal was presented by the agency to its partners, the Agricultural and
Fishery Councils (AFCs) at the national and regional levels, during the online
Civil Society Organization (CSO) consultation on Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Plan and
Budget Proposal on April 21, 2022.
The
activity aims to generate greater appreciation among PCAF’s private
sector-partners on the budget requirements of the agency’s planned activities
and strategies for FY 2022, as well as to get suggestions on how to improve the
proposed plan and budget of the agency.
Aside
from the chairpersons of Regional AFCs and the National Banner Program
Committees (NBPCs), also present were regional executive officers, regional
coordinators and key PCAF officials and staff.
“It is
about time to help us defend and convince legislators that we need relevant
funding to engage fully the AFCs, volunteers and industry players to support
and implement the DA’s PAPs,” said PCAF Acting Executive Director Liza G.
Battad to the agency’s private sector-partners.
Battad
also presented the agency’s goals and strategies, in line with PCAF Innovative
Consultation for Agriculture and Fisheries Policy Reforms and Engagement or
PCAF iCARE.
Included
in the proposal were the agency’s planned activities and commitments towards
the operationalization of OneDA framework through policy research and
evaluative policy study.
Under
the policy research, PCAF will shepherd the AFCs’ engagement on the State
University and Colleges (SUC)-CSO co-implementation on the research and
development policy action and strategies.
Battad
mentioned the creation of SUC-hosted PCAF service hubs to ‘creatively’ tap the
expertise of the academe.
“It is
fundamental that PCAF benefits from the mentoring culture of the academe. This
will help us empower the AFCs because this is inherent to the universities and
we have the right personnel and officials to work with. At the same time, (we
want to) bring about the engagement of the Agricultural and Fishery Youth
Council in policy development and improving the monitoring and evaluation (M&E),
feedbacking system and into the R4D policy,” said Exec. Dir. Battad.
The
policy research involves online opinion poll, enforcement of biosafety
standards for livestock and other commodities of high export potential and
border disease prevalence, M&E of DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program,
effectiveness of regulation and monitoring of DA and its food safety regulatory
agencies in the importation and exportation of agri and fishery products, and
expanded crop insurance compendium package to farmers affected by recurrent
disasters and calamities to sustain agriculture credit and financing towards
food security.
For the
evaluative policy study, PCAF also engage AFCs with third party and CSO
co-implementation to review the Food Safety Act of 2013, review the National
Livestock Genetic Improvement and its planned effects in sustainability of
community livestock enterprises, and ex ante analysis of the Republic Act 7160
known as the Local Government Code of 1991 (Mandanas Ruling) effects on food
security.
Through
an improved budget, Battad also presented the agency’s commitment to enhance
its agriculture and fishery stakeholders’ participation in policy development.
She
also added that in 2022, PCAF will also focus in co-implementing agri-fisheries
issues and concerns with good focus on Bantay ASF sa Barangay, Bantay Presyo,
Bantay FAW and PAFES concerns.
As
discussed over the consultation, the private sector-partners recommended the
following to PCAF to consider in the 2022 plan and budget:
· To
work on the implementation of the convergence of the AFCs and the Fisheries and
Aquaculture Resources Management Councils.
· To
provide status of utilization of the PL480-funded projects
· To
strengthen monitoring and tracking of activities in coordination with NBPCs and
AFCs specifically on the operational adoption of policies endorsed.
· To
explore the possibility of providing communication expenses and other
incentives for NBPCs and AFCs for the conduct of virtual meetings and
consultations.
· To
work on the bushels per acre with PhilMaize in coordination with the Philippine
Carabao Center, National Dairy Authority, National Livestock Program on the
utilization of corn silage.
· To
set special consultation on the corn industry on the genetic improvement,
post-harvest and insurance programs.
· To
consolidate the policy researches and evaluative studies’ suggestions from the
NPBCs and AFCs.
· To
enhance the Information Communications Technology capacity specifically for the
development of PCA’s industry desk dashboard
· To
enhance participation for AFCs in the Agriculture Dialogues and Information
Network Groups (ADING) by ensuring their involvement the post qualification or
awarding of bids
· To
work on the needed requirements for the implementation of Mandanas Ruling. (JC
/ DA-PCAF/PIA-Caraga)
Agri chief prompts to transform PH agri-fisheries sector
BUTUAN
CITY, May 6 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is advancing the
transformation of the agriculture and fisheries sector into a competitive, science-based
and technology-backed industry, managed by young, creative, innovative, and
vibrant Filipino agricultural and biosystems engineers (ABEs).
Agriculture
Secretary William D. Dar articulated the Duterte administration’s over-all
vision of a food secure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous
farmers and fisherfolks, in his keynote message at the opening of the 70th
Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) Annual
National Convention held online on April 27.
“The
theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Harnessing Industry 4.0 for Agricultural
and Biosystems Engineering,’ is indeed relevant to the current situation faced
by the agriculture and fisheries sector,” said Sec. Dar. “Engaging the youth is
imperative to attain a growth of 2.5% goal for 2021 and to sustain our progress
towards a fully food-secure nation.”
Attendance
of ABEs in the annual event is meaningful since they are key players in the
implementation of RA No. 10915 or the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering Act of 2016, RA No. 10601 or the Agricultural and Fisheries
Mechanization Law, and other related laws, he added.
Now
more than ever, farmers need to maximize tried and tested technologies and
generate new ones responsive to the present times. The Agri Chief elaborated
the four key pillars in transforming the Philippine agriculture and fisheries
sector under One DA Reform Agenda- farm consolidation, modernization,
industrialization, and professionalization of agriculture, and urged agricultural
and biosystems engineers (ABEs) to look into how they can come in and support.
In farm
consolidation, “DA considers the establishment, operation, maintenance and
management of Agri-Fisheries Machinery and Equipment Service Centers (AFMESCs)
and the Laser Land Levelling spearheaded by DA-BAFE (Bureau of Agricultural and
Fisheries Engineering) to support the Bayanihan Agri-Clusters.”
Modernization
heavily requires the involvement and participation of ABEs through the
provision of agricultural machinery hugely funded by DA banner programs for
rice, corn, high value commercial crops, livestock and organic agriculture
which form part of the implementation of National Agricultural and Fisheries
Mechanization Program or NAFMP.
DA is
pursuing the industrialization of agriculture by strengthening of local
assembling and manufacturing of agricultural machinery with the on-going
formulation of agricultural machinery manufacturing road map and feasibility
study of Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in Clark. Agro-processing like the
expansion or upscaling of the Rice Processing Centers as well as processing
centers for corn and high value crops need the services of ABEs.
Sec.
Dar emphasized the need to establish the career system of ABEs, agriculturists,
veterinarians and fishery professionals who are frontline professionals in the
agriculture sector. A career system for ABEs in DA is established with the
creation and institutionalization of BAFE, Regional Agricultural Engineering
Divisions (RAEDs) and ABE Groups of concerned DA bureaus and attached agencies,
and with corresponding ABE plantilla positions. LGUs at the provincial, city
and municipal levels are currently replicating the system.
To
complement professionalization in agriculture, DA and the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE) entered a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in 2020 for the
implementation of Government Internship Program (GIP) for ABE Youth. The
internship program has already deployed the first batch of 110 young ABEs in DA
Regional Field Offices and other DA agencies like Philippine Fiber Industry
Development Authority (PhilFIDA), and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
DA is
likewise pursuing the implementation of a MOA with Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), PSABE, and Agricultural Machinery
Manufacturers and Distributors Association Foundation, Inc. (AMMDA) on the
rolling out of the training regulations for the agri-fisheries mechanization
sector with the end-view of producing adequate number of agri-fisheries
machinery operators and technicians. ABEs would serve as trainers and
competency assessors in the said program.
Sec.
Dar enjoined PSABE and all its member ABEs to the furtherance of the four key
pillars in harnessing Industry 4.0 for agricultural and biosystems engineering.
The annual convention coincides with 17th International Agricultural and
Biosystems Engineering Conference and Exhibition and 32nd Philippine
Agricultural Engineering Week.
National
officers and members of the PSABE, PSABE Board of Trustees, regional chapter
officers, past presidents council, Young Engineers Section, Pre-Professional
Groups or ABE students, Professional Regulatory Board of Agricultural and
Biosystems Engineering (PRC-BOAE), officials of the Bureau of Agricultural and
Fisheries Engineering, agricultural and biosystems engineers from ASEAN member
attended the two-day event that concludes on April 28. (DA-BAFE Media
Group/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga’s economic performance drops by 7.2%, GFCE posts growth in 2020
BUTUAN
CITY, May 6 --The economy of Caraga contracted by 7.2 percent in 2020 compared
with the 5.4 percent growth in 2019. The top three contributors to decline in
2020 were construction, which dropped by 32.9 percent; transportation and
storage at -26.8 percent; and mining and quarrying at -11.5 percent, according
to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Caraga.
PSA
reported that agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) grew by 3.9 percent in
2020 from a contraction of 3.6 percent in 2019. AFF contributes 14.3 percent to
the regional economy.
Of the
-9.6 percent economic contraction in the country, Caraga’s contribution to the
decline was estimated at -0.1 percentage points while accounting for 1.6
percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On the
other hand, Caraga’s GFCE recorded 9.5 percent growth in 2020. Other
expenditure items showed contractions, in which the Imports of goods and
services from the Rest of the World posted the largest decline of 33.4
percent. Likewise, Gross capital formation dropped by 27.9 percent,
contributing 8.9 percentage points to the decline of the expenditure in the
region. Meanwhile, region’s household spending, which accounted to 74.6 percent
of the region’s economy, declined by 7.8 percent in 2020.
Meanwhile,
the per capita Household final consumption expenditure (HFCE) of Caraga
declined by 8.8 percent, higher than the national per capita HFCE of -9.2
percent.
The
highlights of Caraga’s economy were presented during the simultaneous Regional
News Conference in the country last 29 April 2021 via Zoom platform.
(PSA/PIA-Caraga)
U.S., PH conclude ‘child protection compact partnership’
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 6 – The United States (U.S.) and Philippine government officials conducted the final high-level dialogue to mark accomplishments and outline next steps after the conclusion of the four-year U.S.-Philippines Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership on April 29.
The
dialogue centered on recognizing the progress made over the last four years
towards achieving the CPC Partnership’s objectives of improving the
government’s capacity to investigate and prosecute cases of online sexual
exploitation of children (OSEC); identify and respond to child labor
trafficking; provide comprehensive services to protect child trafficking
victims; and prevent future human trafficking crimes.
During
the meeting, Philippine government officials and civil society leaders
committed to carry forward and build on the accomplishments achieved under the
partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to combat all forms of child
trafficking.
“Through
the CPC, the Philippine government has been able to carve out a more targeted
and focused response to OSEC by identifying key objectives and adjusting
critical resources in order to address priority responses in the prevention and
prosecution of OSEC cases as well as the protection of victim survivors,” said
Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
Emphasizing
the U.S. commitment, the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat
Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) Acting Director Dr. Kari Johnstone said,
“Today we celebrate the tremendous work accomplished under the Child Protection
Compact Partnership over the last four years and look ahead towards new
initiatives to sustain the improved capacity of both the Government of the
Philippines and civil society organizations achieved under this partnership.”
“Our
strong partnership with the Philippine government and civil society
organizations has built a solid foundation reflected in various efforts aimed
at eliminating all forms of exploitation against children. I remain confident
that this Partnership will become even more effective at combating many forms
of abuse against of children in the years to come,” said U.S. Embassy in the
Philippines ChargΓ© d’Affaires John Law.
The
partnership, signed by the two governments in 2017, concluded on April 11,
2021. Its jointly developed and implemented plan strengthened the capacity of
the Philippine government and civil society to address online sexual
exploitation of children and child labor trafficking in the Philippines,
specifically improving their ability to prosecute and convict child
traffickers, provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for victims, and
prevent these crimes from occurring.
Throughout
the partnership, the TIP Office committed P237 million ($4.9 million) and the
Philippine Department of Justice Inter - Agency Council Against Trafficking in
Persons pledged approximately P44.6 million ($921,760) to meet these
objectives. Programming was implemented by partner organizations International
Justice Mission and The Salvation Army.
Under it, the International Justice Mission has successfully identified 312 child victims of online sexual exploitation and facilitated the arrests of 97 perpetrators of trafficking crimes, while The Salvation Army trained more than 355 social workers on victim-centered care and directly supported 44 survivors in aftercare facilities. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Pangalawang
COVID-19 isolation facility sa SurSur ng DPWH inaasahang matatapos ngayong
buwan
LUNGSOD
NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, Mayo 6 -- Tanging “finishing touches” na lang
ang ginagawa para ganap na matapos ang pangalawang COVID-19 isolation facility
ng Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) dito sa lalawigan ng Surigao
del Sur.
Ayon kay Asst. District Engineer
Annabelle Acma ng 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), ang P25 Million halaga
na imprastraktura ay inaasintang mai-turn-over sa loob nitong buwan ng Mayo,
taong kasalukuyan.
Nito lang nagdaang buwan ng Abril
ay nauna nang nai-turn-over ang kaparehong pasilidad na matatagpuan sa Bislig
City.
Sa katunayan, ayon mismo kay DPWH 2nd District Engr. Noel Oclarit, malaking pakinabang ang nabanggit na pasilidad dahil pati aniya ilan sa kanyang mga tauhan na nadapoan ng COVID-19 ay kabilang sa naipasok. (DXJS RP Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
