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Caraga InFocus - June 18-24, 2016

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An Electronic News Magazine of PIA Caraga

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CONTENTS 18 - 24 June 2016Volume 1, No. 12

REGIONAL NEWS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

MINDANAO NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

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DA-13 launches 31M Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Siargao

COVER

CCPD holds media fellowship night in Butuan City

DOH Caraga turns-over TseKaP equipment package to Surigao Norte barangays

ICT program rolls out in SurSur, trained 42 beneficiaries

RCWC gears campaign on “One Million Lapis” Project

Pres. Aquino signs law creating multi-species marine breeding stations in Surigao Norte

Drive vs illegal drugs steps up in Butuan, AgNor

AgSur guv highlights USAD Program in AgSur

‘Buy Caraga, by Caraga’ attains P3.2 M sales performance

BIR collection for May 2016 grew by P23.68 billion

Canada announces additional humanitarian assistance to conflict areas in Mindanao

Palace: PHL now ‘Asia’s Rising Star’ because of good governance

DENR calls to combat biodiversity loss, protect wildlife

P1M for AgNor barangay relocation site OK’d

Lawless armed group continues to prey lumads

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Cover StoryCover Story

Department of Agriculture (DA) - 13 in partnership with the provincial government of Surigao del Norte and Winrock International officially opens the P31 million

Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in Dapa, Siargao Island.

DA-13 launches 31M Agri-Pinoy

Trading Center in SiargaoBy: Fretcher D. Magatao

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A total of 413 farmers and 14 groups of fishers in eight municipalities of the island would benefit from the project. Fruits, vegetables, root crops and fishery products can now be traded in the center.

The center is like a dream-come-true among the farmers and fishers. “God has granted us this dream, we can now see a standing establishment where we can display all our agricultural goods,” said Governor Sol Matugas.

Matugas encouraged the sellers of the center to plant and increase production so the establishment will be filled with locally produced goods with high value and quality.

Farmers in the island mostly rely on what they called as “mamikilay” or the ones who trade their goods to the market and return to them for payment after the goods are sold.

Traders of the goods have stores in the market which the farmer gamble to pass up the selling of their produce. “Most of the time we need to entrust our produce to the traders since we don’t have stores where we can display our goods,” said Elmar Salado, a farmer from San Benito.

The one hectare trading center answers the long-time desire of the farmers in the island. “We are so much grateful that the government has seen our need and granted the desire of our hearts; we now have a place to sell our goods,” Salado said.

The center also has a cold storage with 15 tons capacity and chilling room with 10 tons capacity courtesy of Winrock International under the Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP).

There are just 21 trading centers all over the Philippines; 11 are already launched and 10 are still being built.

“This facility has truly inspired us. Let all operations and transactions in this establishment be done accordingly so we can sustain this project and allow the next generation to still benefit from this,” said DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness Leandro Gazmin.

Gazmin, who led the inauguration and turnover ceremony, stressed that sustainability demands better financial management and marketing, and improved knowledge in management through experience and constant coordination among members and stakeholders.

The establishment of trading center aimed to increase agricultural productivity of fruits and vegetables, poultry and fishery products, and to create new agricultural producer groups and strengthen existing ones.

DA-13 regional director Edna Mabeza also reminded the recipients to take care of the project. “We have been entrusted with a project and all we have to do is to be responsible of what is given to us,” Mabeza said.

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Photo Gallery MEDIA NIGHTBishop’s Home, Ampayon, Butuan City

21 June 2016

MGen Benjamin Madrigal Courtesy Call to Most Rev. Juan de Dios PueblosBishop’s Home, Ampayon, Butuan City22 June 2016

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REGIONAL NEWS

By: Venus L. Garcia

CCPD holds media fellowship night in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY – The Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD), in cooperation with the 4th Civil Military Operations Battalion (CMO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), sponsored the Media Fellowship Night on Monday at the Bishop’s Home in Ampayon, this city that gathered local journalists to share a gesture of camaraderie among themselves. Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase welcomed the friends from media and expressed his gratitude to its partners for the incessant support to CCPD’s programs. He further addressed the media

guests that apart from delivering news as journalists they have to consider themselves evangelizers and stewards of truth through unbiased slant of presenting viewpoints.

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Meanwhile, PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga underscored in his inspirational message the significant role of media as stakeholders in pursuing peace and development. He meant to inculcate in the minds of every journalist to put a heart in their chosen profession and reserve sensitivity in treating issues in the community. In acknowledgment also to the media mileage created, commanding general of 4ID MGen Benjamin Madrigal expressed in appreciation the support it gained from the media partners to the Philippine Army. He said that it is a badge of honor to be with them in the said occasion and to be working in the timely and accurate dissemination of information, making the public aware of everything that has been taking place. “We are all aware of the hardships and challenges that you have to go through in the performance of your duties, and 4ID appreciates your efforts,” said MGen. Madrigal. He also encouraged the media partners to be the catalyst of change by getting more involved in telling news stories or issues that is beneficial to nation’s inclusive growth, peace, and security since they take an integral part of the society in bringing accurate, factual, and relevant information. Also, as one of the lead convenors of Caraga Conference for Peace and Development, Bishop

Juan de Dios Pueblos of the Diocese of Butuan stated that he is fully supportive to the call of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte that all mining companies operating in Mindanao must be stopped. Pueblos said mining destroys the country’s resources and Filipino communities are at the losing end. “I am in strong support to environmental preservation including the stoppage of mining activities in the region, and for everyone to enjoy something better in life, one must stay positive in the things he/she do. Peace and development is achievable by working hand in hand,” he added. Moreover, Pueblos stressed that aside from bringing news to the public, it is more important for journalists to be part in advancing good governance. He likewise urged local writers and reporters to spread good news and success stories in order to inspire others. (PIA-Caraga)

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RCWC gears campaign on“One Million Lapis” Project

BUTUAN CITY – In time with the opening of classes for school year 2016-2017 and in preparation for the National Children’s Month celebration in November, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has embarked and geared its advocacy project entitled “One Million Lapis” for

the underprivileged students in elementary schools of 4th to 6th class municipalities.

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

The One Million Lapis campaign aims to collect One Million pencils to be given to the aforementioned students, and at the same time set a Guinness Book of World Record for the longest line of pencils.

In line with this advocacy, all government agencies are enjoined to participate in this event by providing a drop box for the One Million Lapis Project, where interested individuals can place their pencil donations. The Lapis drop-boxes will be collected every two months if already filled-up.

Campaign runs from April until October 2016. Final counting and official declaration of Lapis generated will be on November 5, 2016 as a kick-off activity of the

2016 National Children’s Month celebration, official turn-over of Lapis generated will be given to the Department of Education (DepEd) on November 20, 2016 as a culminating activity.

Also, upon end of the Project Campaign, all Lapis drop-boxes will be returned to CWC for use in subsequent activity.

The CWC is a focal government inter-agency body mandated to formulate polices and plans, monitor the implementation and enforcement of laws to protect and promote children’s rights by virtue of Presidential Decree 603, otherwise known as the Child and Youth Welfare Code. (PIA-Caraga)

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‘Buy Caraga, by Caraga’ attains P3.2 M sales performance

Facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga region, the activity showcased products of at least 20 producers from the different parts of Caraga region.

According to DTI Caraga Information Officer Irene T. Macheca, this year’s sales performance is way much higher than the P1.2M sales attained last year.

With this year’s good sales performance, DTI CAraga regional director Brielgo O. Pagaran vowed to double the department’s efforts in product development.

DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, who was the guest of honor during the event, also committed to give more support for the development of products from Caraga region. (Radyo ng Bayan-Butuan)

BUTUAN CITY - A total of P3.2 sales performance was attained during the three-day ‘Buy Caraga, By Caraga’ Trade Fair and Exhibit at Robinsons Place, Butuan City on May 11-13.

By: Maria Lourdes P. Apego

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Photo Gallery87th Regional Development Council (RDC)

Caraga Region FULL COUNCIL MEETING

NEDA Conference Room, Butuan City22 June 2016

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SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Region has turned-over a total of 207 TSeKaP (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) Equipment Package to 57 Rural Health Units (RHU) and Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in the

province on June 2, 2016 at the Parkway Hotel, here.

PROVINCIAL NEWSDOH Caraga turns-over TseKaP

equipment package to Surigao Norte barangaysBy: Susil D. Ragas

Each TSeKaP equipment package contains two pieces non-contact thermometers, one stethoscope, one digital Blood Pressure apparatus, one glucometer set (for measurement of blood sugar), one dressing set (for sterile wound care, and two nebulizers (for asthma relief).

According to DOH Caraga assistant regional director Dr.

Cesar C. Cassion, each equipment package is worth P35,000 and a total of 207 said equipment were allocated to different RHUs and BHS in the province including Surigao City.

He said that the distribution of TSekaP is part of the department’s continuing effort in strengthening health systems, increase the efficiency

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Pres. Aquino signs law creating multi-species marine breeding stations in Surigao NorteBy: John Glenn Platil

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte - President Benigno Aquino III has signed Republic Act (R.A.) 10825 establishing multi-species marine hatcheries in Surigao City and the municipality of Del Carmen, this province.

Said hatcheries shall be established under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act wherein the local government unit

concerned shall set aside funds from any available local revenue to fund their management and operation.

Rules and regulations shall also be issued for supervision and monitoring by the DA Secretary. (PGO-Provincial Information Center)

and effectiveness of delivery of basic health services that is relevant, timely, and of quality.

Dr. Cassion further said that with the said equipment, the BHWs (Barangay Health Workers) can now provide the necessary help in their respective area of concern especially during emergencies and disasters.

Respective Municipal Health Officers, midwives and barangay

health workers personally received their equipment package.

The turned over of the said equipment was witnessed by Provincial Administrator Atty. Premolito Plaza in behalf of Governor Sol Matugas, City Legal Officer Atty. Manuel Delani representing Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Taganaan Mayor Cesar Diaz, City Health Officer Dr. Emmanuel Plandano, and Provincial Health Team Officer Erwin Pingal. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has renewed its call to all Filipino people to help fight against biodiversity damage and protect wildlife in the country as the agency commemorates Philippine Environment Month. DENR Sec. Ramon J.P. Paje urged every Filipino to help save and protect the environment and natural resources which are the vital sources of food, livelihood and leisure. Specifically, he renewed his call to help in the fight to save and protect the majestic Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), as the nation celebrates the Philippine Eagle Week (PEW) from June 4-10 with the theme “Saving eagles, Protecting forests, Securing our future: Stop the Killings.”

“The Philippine Eagle is a unique heritage, found only in this part of the world that needs to be nurtured as it is the Filipino people’s gift to the global community,” Secretary Paje said. “There is a need to usher in a renewed commitment to protect the eagle and other wildlife from extinction and allow them to perpetuate for future generations,” he added.

In celebrating the whole month of June as Philippine Environment month,

Secretary Paje encouraged everybody to reaffirm its commitment and action on the critical role to save and protect the environment.

“We celebrate Environment Month this year with the renewed and strengthened conviction to care for the land we live on, the air we breathe, and the water which gives us life. More than any time in this planet’s history, it is now that we must put our acts together to combat increasing threats to our ecosystems,” Secretary Paje pointed out.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur OIC PENR Officer Raul Rosales appealed all Surigaonons to revive their dedication and support in the environmental initiatives and advocacies.

With this year’s Environment Month theme, “Go Wild for Life, Combat Biodiversity Loss. Beat Climate Change,” PENRO Rosales said that the fight against environmental crimes is the key to prevent biodiversity loss and

DENR calls to combat biodiversity loss, protect wildlife By: Johny S. Natad

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ICT program rolls out in SurSur, trained 42 beneficiaries By: Jean Pearl I. MillonesSURIGAO DEL SUR – The Information and Communication Training (ICT) program spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) rolled out in two municipalities of this province recently. The four-day back-to-back on-site training benefitted 42 participants - 23 from Cagwait town and 19 participants coming from San Agustin town.

The said activity aims to capacitate the OFWs and their families by giving them an access to technology that they can use as a communication tool and upgrade their IT (Information Technology) skills for potential employability.

Inclusion in the training modules are composed of the following topics: basic computer fundamentals 1& 2, internet Fundamentals, Word Processing, Spread Sheet, Power Point Presentation and Digital Media Fundamentals.

During the onset of the training,

OWWA-Caraga regional director Samuel Madrid on his message emphasized that the advent of today’s technology should be practiced with prudence. He also conveyed that making this program more accessible to the clients is one way that the government will be felt by its constituents.

Meanwhile, OWWA will also provide training for walk-in clients like OFWs including their dependents at their regional office. Interested applicants may register at the regional office and are required to submit the accomplished form with 1x1 photo, Proof of OWWA Membership (official receipt, OWWA ID, O.E.C., Passport), and Proof of Relationship to the OFW. (OWWA-Caraga)

mitigate global climate change.

“The fight against wildlife trade, illegal logging, and other environmental offences must continue with the help of everyone,” PENRO Rosales said.

“The natural calamities brought by global climate change are the result of biodiversity loss and environmental

crimes which have already affected our economy and livelihood particularly in agriculture and fishery sectors. By reviving our commitments to save and protect our environment, we can restore our biodiversity, preserve our wildlife, beat climate change, and sustain the lives of people enjoying the natural resources and clean and healthy environment,” PENRO Rosales emphasized. (PENRO-Surigao del Sur)

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S On Friday, June 3, Cabadbaran City Police Station (CPS) scored and was able to confiscate six heat-sealed transparent sachet of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 15 grams with Dangerous Drug board (DDB) value of P177,000 worth of illegal drugs and cash amounting to P2,320.

Cabadbaran CPS identified the arrested persons as Arlyn Castillo Madrona and a certain Jerson Yulin Engcoy. The arrested suspects and the confiscated items were brought

to Cabadbaran CPS for proper documentation while a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the two.

Also, on June 1, authorities nabbed six drug pushers and seized 11 grams of Methamphetamine Chloride with DDB value of P129,800 cash money and various drug paraphernalia during the simultaneous implementation of search warrants against known drug personalities in the city.

Drive vs illegal drugs steps up in Butuan, AgNor By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The campaign against illegal drugs in the city and province of Agusan del Norte is in full swing within the past few days with the arrest of eight persons.Photo: Pio Pro Caraga

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Jamal Cabogatan Mapandi, Jalel Cabogatan Mapandi, Japar Casan Dima, and Abubakar Cabogatan Macabenta were apprehended at Purok 11, Barangay Ong Yiu while Jonathan Udarbe Estabaya Alias Atan, and his live-in partner Elvie Ladao Curita Alias Bianca were arrested in Purok 2 by the elements of City Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSOTG) City Intel Branch (CIB), Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) and

Butuan City Public Safety Company (BCPSC) at 4:20PM.

Arrested persons are now under the custody of BCPO while cases for violation of Sections 11 and 12 of Article II RA 9165 are now prepared for filling in court.

PNP Caraga regional director PCSupt Rolando B. Felix lauded his men for another job-well done. (PNP/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

P1M for AgNor barangay relocation site OK’d

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to purchase a parcel of an agricultural land in Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, Agusan del Norte with an area of 10,369 square meters amounting to P1,000,000.00 for the relocation site of said barangay.

By: Aimee B. Sienes

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S Barangay Cahayagan has not enough funds for the purchase of the said relocation sight, thus, the Barangay Council headed by Punong Barangay Isagani A. Pajardo requested for financial assistance from the province. As part of the priority programs of the provincial government, the province addressed the needs of the said barangay for the improvement of the barangay and the lives of the constituents.

The Provincial Appraisal Committee already appraised the market value of the property and considering that the price is fair and

reasonable, which is lower than the actual sale value in the locality, the province agreed to finalize the sale.

To immediately acquire the said relocation site, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign the Deed of Absolute Sale in behalf of the province with the owner of the said land Mr. Alberto Villahermosa through Sanggunian Resolution No. 088-2016, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

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AgSur guv highlights USAD Program in AgSurPROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – In his State of the Province Address (SOPA) held on Friday at the Naliyagan Cultural Center (NCC) Main Stage here, Governor Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza cited the Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Program as one of the highlights of his accomplishments in the province. Gov. Plaza recalled that the provincial government has initiated the participatory rapid appraisal in the communities with the help of the barangay and municipal officials so as to assess the necessary needs and identify resolutions to the existing issues in the barangays. With this, the local government unit was able to provide livelihood, clean drinking water, roads, day care centers, and sanitation and health facilities, among others.

The governor emphasized that the USAD program has been implemented in the municipalities of the province since 2013. According to him, it prioritizes those municipalities that need utmost attention and provision of different services and projects from the government. He also thanked all the farmers who

enrolled in the said program, who also believed that it could improve the quality of life they have.

“The Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) convergence program is an avenue for partners where resources are pooled and initiatives are rationalized and harmonized to ensure continuity, complementation, and impact. Each barangay in every municipality in the province has been benefitting from the said program,” Plaza said.

It was also learned that from 2014-2015, a total of 63 barangays were already provided with technical and capital assistance under the USAD Program covering six municipalities in Agusan del Sur. In 2016, a total of 49 barangays

By; Jennifer P. Gaitano

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According to “Dodong” (not his real name), a 10-year old lone survivor of the said incident, he and his family left Purok 3, Barangay Freedom, Cabanglasan Bukidnon heading towards Mt. Katalawan, Barangay Binicalan. As they were traversing Taguikan Creek, they were fired upon by an undetermined number of lawless armed men.

The child claimed that he immediately took cover and ran in order to survive until he finally reached Barangay Indalasa in Bukidnon. There he reported the incident to the local authorities.

Upon receipt of the report, the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, together with the Philippine National Police, immediately conducted a search and rescue operation which led to the discovery of the corpse of Lando Bocalas (father), Julina Bocalas (mother) who was five months pregnant, Mancolobe Bocalas (Lando’s brother), while Rosalyn (eight years old), Bahanan (six years old) and Bayubasan Bocalas (four years old) are still missing up to this time.

Pursuit operation is ongoing to put the perpetrators to justice. (AFP)

Lawless armed group continues to prey lumadsBUTUAN CITY – Only less than a month after a lawless armed group murdered Josefina “Nicnic” Bajade, a 64-year old retired provincial welfare and development officer (PSWDO) in the province of Agusan del Sur, another killing incident transpired in Barangay Binicalan, San Luis of the same province when a family of lumad were fired upon by the same bandit, the New People’s Army (NPA), on June 5, 2015 at about 8:00 a.m.

are targeted to be under the said program. Twenty-four (24) of the 49 barangays were former USAD barangays and they will continue to receive support until such time that sustainability of the gains is guaranteed. To date, around 1,314 farmer enrollees have availed of the USAD program in the province.

Gov. Plaza further revealed that a certain Carlos Denonong, a farmer-enrollee in San Patricio, La Paz of the province (who was also introduced

during the event) has been one of the beneficiaries from the USAD Program. The said farmer has availed farm inputs – the rubber seedlings from the said program.

“With the USAD program, I was able to avail free farm inputs provided by the local government through planting of rubber seedlings. Aside from that, I and my family was able to further improve our income from planting corn and vegetables,” expressed Denonong. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Photo Gallery Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) “Day of the Filipino Seafarers”

Final MeetingMARINA Butuan Extension Office

17 June 2016

2nd Quarter National Earthquake DrillPIA Caraga Regional Office,Butuan City22 June 2016

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MINDANAO NEWS

MANILA - The Government of Canada announced it is providing Cad$ 1.25 million (approx. PhP 43 million) in humanitarian assistance to support those living in conflict areas in Mindanao.

Canada announces additional humanitarian assistance

to conflict areas in Mindanao

This funding will be provided to Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and will contribute to improved food security, health, living conditions, livelihoods and emergency-preparedness in Zamboanga and Maguindanao.

The funding forms part of the Canadian government’s commitment

of Cad$ 331.5 million in humanitarian support to the world’s most vulnerable, recently announced by Canada’s Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.

“Canada’s support will help meet immediate life-saving needs and address unprecedented humanitarian challenges including those in the

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Philippines,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said.

This new funding will help the most vulnerable in more than 32 countries, including the Philippines. Support will be provided to 25 experienced humanitarian partners, including a variety of United Nations humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations, as well as Canadian organizations, that are addressing complex humanitarian situations.

“Given the size of current humanitarian needs, Canada is committed to working with all partners—including those at the local level—to combine our strengths and maximize the impact we have on humanitarian crises. We are especially concerned with women and girls, who are often the most vulnerable in crises. That is why they are at the heart of Canada’s humanitarian response,” Ambassador Reeder added.

Cad$ 500,000 will be provided to the ACF to improve food security for more than 3,000 people displaced by conflict in Zamboanga and Maguindanao. This will include the provision of unconditional cash grants to meet their basic needs, focusing on assisting pregnant and lactating women and households with children aged 6-23 months, and provision of quick impact livelihood support through cash transfers and the appropriate training.

“This is another significant step in lifesaving and humanitarian assistance with the support of the Government of Canada especially to conflict-affected people in Zamboanga and Maguindanao. This makes Canada’s support very unique and strategic in such a critical situation,” ACF International country director Javad Amoozegar said.

The Cad$ 750,000 in assistance to the ICRC will provide medical care and physical rehabilitation to detainees and weapon-wounded patients through 6 ICRC-trained/supported health facilities, and non-food items to up to 160,000 and food items to up to 50,000 conflict/violence-affected people. It will also ensure emergency water and sanitation services to up to 33,000 conflict/violence-affected people, cash grants to up to 12,500 conflict/violence-affected people and livelihood inputs to up to 25,000 conflict/violence-affected people. (Embassy of Canada)

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NATIONAL NEWS

MANILA, - A good governance that Pres. Benigno Aquino III consistently exercised throughout his six-year term as president has made the Philippines the “Asia’s Rising Star,” a Palace official said.

Palace: PHL now ‘Asia’s Rising Star’ because of good governance

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”Mahalagang tingnan natin ‘yung malaking larawan at dito makikita natin na simula nang manungkulan si Pangulong Aquino noong 2010, malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtatatag ng mabuting pamamahala o good governance [Since Pres. Aquino began his term in 2010, we have gone far because of good governance],” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a media interview after the 118th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Coloma said the achievements of the Aquino administration for the last six years had transformed the Philippines from being the “Sick Man of Asia” to the “Asia’s Rising Star”.

He reiterated that good governance translates into good economics that resulted

to high position of the Philippines as an investment grade country, from Transparency International, and lowered rating in the Corruption Index.

”Kaya’t dapat itatak natin sa isipan ng lahat ng Pilipino, taas-noo tayo sa buong mundo dahil nagtatag tayo ng mabuting pamamahala sa ating bansa [We should be

proud because of good governance during the past six years],” Coloma said.

Coloma said Pres. Aquino is ready to step down as the country’s 15th President on June 30. He will be replaced by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

”What I know is that he is ready to leave on Thursday, June 30 next week,” Coloma told the media.

Aside from gracing the 118th DFA Anniversary, Pres. Aquino also attended the anniversary of the Department of Health.

”The President is also scheduled to speak in the commencement exercises at the Ateneo de Manila University,” Coloma. (PNA)

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BIR collection for May 2016 grew by P23.68 billion

QUEZON CITY - For the month of May 2016, the BIR collected P152.14 billion in tax revenues, P23.68 billion or 18.44% more than collections made in May 2015. For May 2016, collections from BIR operations amounted to P148.95 Billion, P23.76 billion or 18.98% more than collections made in May 2015. Collections from non-BIR operations amounted to P3.18 Billion, P75.4 million or 2.32% less than the collections made in May 2015.

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Collections by the Regional Offices amounted to P48.95 Billion, or P4.97 billion or 11.3% more than the collections made in May 2015. While collections by the Large Taxpayers Service amounted to P100.01 billion, or P18.79 billion or 23.13% more than the collections made in May 2015. For the 5 month of the year, the BIR collected P659.96 billion, P63.65 Billion or 10.67% more than the collections made in the first 5 months of 2015. Collections from BIR Operations amounted to P644.47 billion, P64.27 billion or 11.08% more than collections made in the first 5 months of 2015. Collections from non-BIR operations amounted to PhP 15.49 billion, P624.33 million or 3.87% less than collections made in the first 5 months of 2015.

Collection by the Regional Offices in the first 5 months of the year, amounted to P242.02 billion or P23.83 billion or 10.92% more than the collections made in the first 5 months of 2015. While collections by the Large Taxpayer Service amounted to P402.45 billion or P40.44 billion or 11.17% more than collections made in the first 5 months of 2015. (BIR)

28 18-24 JUNE 2016

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Photo GalleryInterview with Mindanao Centro Daily officials20 June 2016 Interview with BJMP Officer

24 June 2016

ONE MINDANAOMOBILE APP

Business Manager

Regional Office

Information Centers

FRETCHER D. MAGATAO

ZARINA O. LASTRA

Executive Editor

Associate Editor

Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Layout Artists

Contributors

Agusan del Sur

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

Surigao del Sur

ABNER M. CAGA

EDITORIAL BOARD

FRYAN E. ABKILAN

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE

VENUS LIM GARCIA

GERIE MAE G. COCORONNIE E. MADANGUIT

JENNIFER P. GAITANO

SUSIL D. RAGAS

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN

JEAN PEARL I. MILLONESJOHN GLENN PLATIL

OWWA-CARAGA

RADYO NG BAYAN-BUTUAN

PNP-CARAGA

PhotographerROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 815-1991E-mail: [email protected]: PIA Agusan del NorteTwitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga

AGUSAN DEL SURProvincial Government Center,Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del SurCellphone no. 0917-723-3455E-mail: [email protected]: PIA Agusan del SurTwitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL SUROld DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag CityTelephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: [email protected];[email protected]: PIA Surigao del SurTwitter: @piasurigaosur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDSParrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao CityTelephone no. (086) 826-9450E-mail: [email protected]: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat IslandsTwitter: @PIASurigaoNorteLGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE

PENRO-SURIGAO DEL SUR

MARIA LOURDES P. APEGOAIMEE B. SIENES

AFP-CARAGA

JOHNY S. NATAD