Regional News

Provincial News

Mindanao

National News

23

2627

10121517

212019

Volume 1, No. 3 16-22 April 2016

By: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

Cover StoryDILG 13 reveals best

lupons for 2016,Surigao Norte most

improved

COMELEC, PIA provide election info via One Mindanao mobile app

Increasing production through artificial insemination

DA recognizes 2015 Rice Achievers

DTI partners with business establishments in resolving consumer complaints

President Aquino vows to punish masterminds of violent Kidapawan mass action

President Aquino discusses May 9 polls, fight against criminals during security meeting

Palace backs legal processes for $81-million Bangladesh bank heist

SurSur DENR continues to undertake activities for “Earth Month”

SurSur agri chief remains concerned over El Niño despite occasional rains; assures mitigating measures

DAR AgSur distributes 425 hectares to Esperanza Farmers

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

By: Kristine Pedralvez

By: Fretcher Magatao

By: Rhea C. Abao

By: Irene L. Macheca

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

23

26

1910Table of contents

The Department of Agriculture recognizes the contribution of its

stakeholders in the production of rice in the countryside.

11 Agricultural Extension Workers, 2 Local Farmer

Technicians, 1 Small Water Irrigation System Association,

& LGU of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is given

recognition as the national awardees for the 2015 Agri-

Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards representing Caraga region.

DTI Caraga has established a total of 171 Consumer Welfare Desks (CWD) in the different business establishments in the region and has resolved 1,856 cases with 145 still on process for the first quarter of 2016.

NGCP holds a briefing to mediamen & representatives from the natl govt. agencies in Butuan City on their preparations for the upcoming 2016 National & Local Elections to include the agency’s Election Contingency Plan & Transmission Line Safety Practices.

The Dept of Trade & Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte prov’l office

conducted a 1-day training on Packaging & Labelling for seaweed-based food products to

Taganaan Women Federated Association (TAWFA). TAWFA has

availed an approved product fund amounting to P500,000 under the 2014 Bottom-

up- Budgeting (BuB) Program thru DTI as participating agency & the local

gov’t unit of Taganaan, as implementing office.

News Briefs

4 16-22 APRIL 2016

By: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

DILG 13 reveals best lupons for 2016,Surigao Norte most improved

After thorough deliberation of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Regional Awards Committee last March 30,

2016, the LTIA 2016 regional finalists covering first to fourth quarters of C.Y. 2015 were revealed recently through a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion, chairperson of the awards committee.

Cover Story

516-22 APRIL 2016

DILG 13 reveals best lupons for 2016,Surigao Norte most improved

Cover Story

For the Highly Urbanized Cities Category, Brgy. Tiniwisan of Butuan City, the sole entry, was assessed and deemed fit for the national search. This is the second time Brgy. Tiniwisan is an entry for Butuan City after Brgy. San Vicente was awarded Hall-of-Famer status in the national search for having won for three consecutive years in the same category. For Component Cities Category, Brgy. Taft of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte rose from being first runner-up last year to a regional winner this year. It bested Brgy Telaje of Tandag City which is another improving contender being the first runner up this year from being second runner up last year; and Brgy. Mabini, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte which unfortunately slid as last year’s regional winner to second runner up this year.

For 1st – 3rd Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Alegria of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur held the same position last year as the regional winner, besting first runner up Urbiztondo, Claver, Surigao del Norte which rose two notches up from being third runner up last year; Brgy. R.E. Ecleo, Sr., Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands which is a new entry for the province but held the same position as second runner up with that

6 16-22 APRIL 2016

of Brgy. Cabungaan, the entry from Cagdinanao, Dinagat Islands last year; Brgy. Poblacion of Barobo, Surigao del Sur finished third runner up, one notch higher from being fourth runner up last year; and Brgy. Macalang, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte which slid from 1st runner up last year to this year’s fourth runner up. And for 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Poblacion, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte jumped up two notches from being second runner up last year to being this year’s winner, winning over Brgy. Doña Helene, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands in the same position from the province’s entry last year (i.e. Brgy. Sta. Cruz of San Jose, Dinagat Islands); Brgy. Poblacion, Cortes, Surigao del Sur which is a new entry from the province but reached second runner up (last year’s entry, La Purisima of Cagwait, was third runner up); and Brgy Poblacion, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte at third runner up (new entry from the province, their entry last year, Brgy. Tagmamarkay of Tubay, was regional winner). All in all, Surigao del Norte lupons were most improved, rising from lower ranks from last year’s regional assessment, and winning two categories and one first runner up this year. Surigao del Sur lupons generally fared better as well, two first runners-up and one second runner up this year from being last place in all three categories last year. Agusan del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands maintained their performance.

716-22 APRIL 2016

Agusan del Sur’s sole entry was in the 1st-3rd class municipality category and maintained the top place, while Dinagat Islands, although new entries, generally maintained their positions (first runner up and second runner up). Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte lupons showed declining performance this year. These regional winners also serve as qualifiers/finalists to the national search where they will compete against other regions for the top three spots per category. The National Winners will be awarded in December this year at the Malacañang Palace. The LTIA Regional Assessment was held at DILG Regional Office – Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) with the presence of the Regional Awards Committee (RAC): DILG RD Famacion as chair; Atty. John S. Magdaraog, LTIA RAC Vice Chairperson and Regional Prosecutor of the Department of Justice XIII; and RAC Members Atty. Cisco Franz S. Maclang, of the Branch 1, Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region; PSInsp. Junalyn Basa Suan of the Philippine National Police Caraga; Exec. Dir. Arnold L. Tapere of Propegemus Foundation, Inc. and Dir. Mary May R. Cadosales-Diaz of the Educational Discipline in Culture and Area-Based Development Services, Inc. (EDCADS). Three major criteria, to wit (1) efficiency in operations, (2) effectiveness in securing Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) objectives, and

8 16-22 APRIL 2016

(3) creativity and resourcefulness of the Lupong Tagapamayapa were followed in the assessment.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) was established since 1997 as a means to institutionalize a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to the Lupong Tagapamayapa that demonstrates exemplary performance in settling disputes at the grassroots level. These Lupons, comprising of the

Punong Barangay as chair and 10-20 members, are based on the mandate of the barangays to enforce peace and order and provide support for the effective enforcement of human rights and justice as stipulated in Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the 1991 Local Government Code. Decentralization has facilitated the recognition of the Katarungang Pambarangay or Barangay Justice System as an alternative venue for the resolution of disputes.

916-22 APRIL 2016

GALLERY

Agusan del Norte Provincial Debate20 April 2016

10 16-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

COMELEC, PIA provide election info via One Mindanao mobile appBUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga and Commission on Election (COMELEC) Caraga on Thursday launched the COMELEC icon via PIA Caraga’s One Mindanao mobile app aimed at providing timely, accurate and revelant information in the 2016 national and local elections.

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga highlighted during the launching that with this app, people can

easily access the information they need from COMELEC. “With just a click of their finger, people can immediately get the

REGIONAL

1116-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

data they need from the commission especially this coming May 2016 elections. Also, with this app, they need not to personally go to COMELEC office and this is just one of the advantages that will benefit the people from this mobile app,” he said. The said app can be downloaded in both the Android and IOS phones for free. “The agency’s One Mindanao mobile app is also designed to be utilized by the media in their information gathering. It’s like a one-stop-shop where they can find different relevant features and data,” disclosed Caga. Atty. Renato Magbutay, COMELEC Caraga regional director also thanked PIA Caraga for making them part of the PIA’s platform. “I am very glad that we came up with this strategy of reaching a broader scope of recipients that can access the information from our office. With this coming election, we are optimistic

that the public will be informed and updated on the information they need to know with the help of PIA Caraga,” he stressed. “We’ve known very well the significance of information. Before we rely on the traditional way of delivering the information to the public but our partnership with the Phil. Information Agency Caraga, the brainchild of these mobile app project, has helped us in leveling up the services of the COMELEC here in this region,” Magbutay added.

Atty. Magbutay further reiterated that it is becoming vital nowadays to be at par with the fast growth of communication and information technology. “It’s a good thing that through our COMELEC icon/tile embedded in the ‘One Mindanao’ mobile app, created and managed by PIA Caraga, people can easily track updates on the upcoming 2016 elections. Truly, we have revolutionized the way we deliver our services for a more advanced and highly interactive elections monitoring,” he enunciated.

12 16-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Increasing production through artificial insemination

Pork is the main meat product consumed in Caraga and in the Philippines as a whole. Just like rice and chicken, it is one of the staple food products of Filipinos and at present comprises about 60% of the country’s meat and poultry production.

By: Fretcher Magatao

Pig husbandry is a profitable occupation especially for small and marginal farmers. It requires minimum capital investment and labor but the return over the investment is quick and high. Within a short period, piglets achieve marketable maturity. The island town of Socorro used to be the swine capital of Siargao

Island. In the previous years, Socorro had been supplying live hogs to the commercial town of Dapa and the tourism municipality of General Luna. Meat-type hogs from the commercial farms in Davao provinces which have superior blood lines compared to the breeds reared locally entered the island. Since then, the

1316-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

hog consolidator in Siargao started to shun the local supply thereby cutting the much needed market by the local swine raisers which most of them eventually stopped raising pigs and in time occurred a shortage of supply in the municipality. Through this pressing concern, Socorro Empowered Peoples Cooperative (SOEMCO) took the challenge and decided to put up a Swine Production Project capable to produce pork with the quality comparable with that of the hogs from Davao commercial farms. Many challenges were encountered such as the needed amount for starting the business and the necessary trainings for the keepers. But despite the challenges, a light of opportunity through the help of Department of Agriculture–Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) gave hope to its people.

“We are grateful that the interventions from DA have reached our island; a proof of sincerity to its commitment in serving the people all over Caraga,” said Reil Consigna, Operations Manager of SOEMCO. The organization has accessed P5 million for the needed capital and cost of operations for the project from MRDP through the untiring assistance from the Municipal Local Government Unit of Socorro. “SOEMCO has been an active cooperative since the start of its operation last 1996. The organization’s visible commitment to help its members has inspired us to support them,” Mayor Denia Florano said. The amount from MRDP provided the project with housing and facilities, tools, farm equipment, working capital, and two boars and 30 gilts which gave a start for its operation in October of 2013.

14 16-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

“People of Socorro were delighted seeing pigs with higher type of breed being raised in the locality. This would be a solution to our problem with pork shortage,” said SOEMCO Board Member Virgilio Gelsano. The organization practiced artificial insemination (AI) with the technical assistance from the Department of Agriculture and the Municipal Agriculture Office for its production. “AI is better than traditional breeding since the amount of semen taken from a boar in one session can be used up to four sow,” said Noel Cagatin, resident agricultural technician of the organization. Having two healthy boars, the organization can also earn through conducting AI sessions to small scale swine raisers and backyard breeders. This would create an additional income of 1,500 pesos per session and an additional spread for a high quality breed. “Breeders in Socorro will just call and set a schedule for AI, I usually perform AI services weekly with other breeders in the municipality,” said Cagatin. An average of P200,000 gross income per quarter is gained by the organization in the operation of its swine production and AI services. Since there is an increase in the number of pigs, an expansion of its facilities is necessary and better waste management should be enhanced with the help of DA and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Through this need, biogas was introduced and practiced by the organization to utilize the waste from pigs. “I am amazed how we can utilize the waste of our animals into renewable energy,” said Consigna. Now they can save around P800 per month since they will not need to buy a tank of gas for cooking. The accumulated amount of waste from a number of pigs caused much supply of processed methane gas and because of this SOEMCO is working on the facility that converts biogas into a source of energy for electricity. The organization is also facing a challenge of utilizing its by-product which can be used as organic fertilizer to plants. “Because of this by-product which can effectively fertilize plants, the members are challenged to plant more since there’s much supply of fertilizer,” said Cagatin. Members of SOEMCO and the people in the municipality have seen the progress of the swine production business. “We can say that this business has been successful because there is no more shortage of pork in the municipality and we did not only benefit from the pigs sold, but we have also influenced other backyard raisers to duplicate our good practices and through our AI services, they too have the same kind of high quality breed of pigs like we have,” Consigna said.

1516-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

DA recognizes 2015 Rice Achievers

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognizes the contribution of its stakeholders in the production of rice in the countryside. Eleven Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW), two Local Farmer Technicians (LFT), one Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is given recognition as the national awardees for the 2015 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) representing Caraga region in which awarding held on April 20 at the Resorts World Manila. APRAA is an annual recognition for the top performing key players in the rice industry. Its goal is to recognize and motivate AEWs, LFTs, SWISAs and LGUs to act as partners for the development of the agriculture sector.

Out of the 399 outstanding AEWs, there are 11 AEW national awardees from the region. These include: Maria Theresa O. Bagunoc and Cherrie Mae L. Berganio from RTR, Agusan del Norte; Editha G. Osin, Patricinio G. Moran Jr., Marion G. Martin III, Bohmind C. Nonan and Lindamar I. Nonan from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Concepcion P. Sumaoy, Basilisa C. Huera and Gertrulyn T. Natonton from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; and Victoria I. Roda from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Meanwhile, out of the 83 outstanding LFTs in the whole country, 2 LFTs comes from Caraga in the person of Crescencia V. Virgen from

By: Rhea C. Abao

16 16-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte and Elizabeth I. Uy from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. On the other hand, Siana Irrigators Association from Mainit, Surigao del Norte is chosen as the outstanding SWISA for Mindanao cluster. Out of the 16 municipal national awardees, the municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is again included in the list as one of the outstanding LGUs (municipality category) for bringing significant contribution in meeting the rice production targets under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program. Aside from honor and recognition, each AEW and LFT receives P20,000 cash award while the outstanding municipality receives P1-million worth of projects which will further boost the rice industry in their locality. The outstanding SWISA will also receive

P500,000 worth of project grant. “Despite of the weak El Niño, we were still grateful for a favorable harvest. The national awardees were our allies in implementing the needed support in combating climate change. With this, we congratulate the outstanding LGU, AEWs, LFTs, and SWISA for their commitment in doing their respective functions and responsibilities for the development of the agriculture sector,” Mabeza said. Selection of awardees is based on the criteria set by the National Technical Working Group. The criteria includes: production data in 2014 versus 2015; yield increment and production; trainings conducted and attended; internal revenue allotment allotted to the agriculture program; allocation of personnel to the rice program; use of quality seeds; road map; number of farmers and clusters assisted and submission of reports.

1716-22 APRIL 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

DTI partners with business establishments in resolving consumer complaintsBUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Caraga has partnered with the different business establishments in the region in the establishment of a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) to provide easy access for consumers’ queries and speedy complaints resolution. With the creation of CWD, complaints are now readily heard and resolved without going through the tedious litigation process. In Caraga, there are 171 recognized CWDs. Based on CWDs established procedure of addressing consumer complaints, it has resolved 1,856 cases with 145 still on process for the first quarter of 2016. True to its objective of speedy resolution, 74 percent or 1,478 were resolved within the day or two. The rest were settled within the prescribed period of 10 days. This also holds true in 2015 of the same period. The remarkable performance of CWDs has lessen the number of formal complaints lodged with the DTI’s Consumer Welfare Officers. For the first quarter of 2016, only 21 consumer complaints were filed throughout the region and all these

were resolved through mediation within 10 working days.

“With the strengthened CWDs in various establishments, we have a ‘multiplier effect’ considering the limited human resource of DTI,” said DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo O. Pagaran. The Consumer Welfare Officers have more time on consumer empowerment activities such as the conduct of consumer education and advocacy, monitoring and enforcement of Fair Trade Laws. The Consumer Welfare Team of DTI Caraga will continue working with the business establishments to achieve the objectives of CWDs which are to promote consumer welfare, develop self-policing and responsible entrepreneurship and establish procedures to systematically and appropriately address consumer complaints.

By: Irene L. Macheca

18 16-22 APRIL 2016

GALLERY

National Grid Corporation of the PhilippinesBrieing on the Preprations of the 2016 National and Local Elections

21 April 2016

1916-22 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PROVINCIAL

DAR AgSur distributes 425 hectares to Esperanza Farmers

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here has distributed 273 individual titles to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of Brgy. Nato, Esperanza recently. The titles covered 425 hectares land.

The issuance of titles or Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) was held during the Barangay General Assembly where projects for Bottom-up Budget (BUB) fund were identified. The titles were handed over by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) Allan N. Mundalla

assisted by Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers Chito C. Tubin and Amancio C. Boquilon, Jr. and the municipal and barangay officials of the said place. “Land ownership is a privilege because not everyone had the opportunity to own a land,” PARPO

By: Kristine Pedralvez

20 16-22 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Mundala said. “Once you received your titles, do not forget your obligations as Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. You should continue to cultivate, nurture and make it productive,” he reminded the ARBs.

“For many years, we have been waiting for the titles. With this, we will be inspired to work hard to make our land more productive. Mapasalamaton kami sa DAR og sa atong Local Government Unit,” Marlon Gonzales, one of the ARBs happily said.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- In spite of occasional rains amid persistent warnings on El Niño phenomenon, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) here has not ruled out its effect, thereby assuring farmers about mitigating

measures.

SurSur agri chief remains concerned over El Niño despite occasional rains; assures mitigating measures By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

Marcos Quico, provincial chief agriculturist, said that farmers had nothing to worry about since they have equipped themselves with adequate preparation, citing basic farm and training support plus other aid to blunt the possible impact of severe dry spell. Early this year, the provincial chief agriculturist reported a loss in rice yield pointing to mild effect of El Niño.

He said in a report during a flag ceremony program which they hosted, the province had posted a “-6.84 percent growth rate (GR),” citing rice production at 112,493 metric tons in 2014 as against 104,794 metric tons in 2015. It can be recalled that Quico had said before that their office had always been in close coordination with the agriculture office at the regional level as well as with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here to address potential problem.

2116-22 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here has continued to carry out activities in relation to the celebration of “Earth Month 2016” this April with the theme “Earth Day, Every Day, Everywhere for Everyone.”

SurSur DENR continues to undertake activities for “Earth Month”

According to Eddie Duhaylungsod, Supervising Environment Management Services (SEMS) and Protected Areas Biodiversity Ecosystem Section (PADES) chief, early on, tarpaulins carrying the information for the big event had already been hung in select conspicuous areas to drumbeat public awareness. Besides, the DENR here headed by Raul Rosales, OIC Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), was also able to facilitate “planting of large-leaf Mahogany free-seedlings done by BJMP at Ecopark, San Jose, Tandag

City last April 1, 2016, among others, all for the month-long celebration, he said. However, on April 22, dubbed as “International Earth Day,” all DENR personnel would be taking part in “Forest tree seedling planting of Mancono at Ecopark, San Jose, Tandag City,” Duhaylungsod stressed. The remaining days of April would be dedicated to pamphlets distribution and conduct of IEC campaign, he went on saying. On April 29, coastal clean-up at Mabua Beach, this city, would wrap

22 16-22 APRIL 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Photo Credit: Ma Angelica Beatriz Tan

GALLERY

Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Committees’ First Simultaneous Meeting

22 April 2016

up the celebration, the PADES chief pointed out. Meanwhile, Edgar Valentin, PENRO-LGU of Surigao del Sur, had expressed “support for 2016 EARTH DAY/MONTH Celebration,” in behalf of the provincial government.

Earth Day/Month celebration in the Philippines has started “in 1990 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 553 issued by the late Pres. Corazon C. Aquino,” according to OIC PENRO Rosales in his information letter to Governor Johnny Pimentel. (GT)

2316-22 APRIL 2016

MINDANAO

MINDANAO

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday, April 18 said he is awaiting the result of the investigation on the bloody dispersal of a rally of farmers in Kidapawan City, vowing that those responsible will be held accountable.

President Aquino vows to punish masterminds of violent Kidapawan mass action

In an interview with reporters, the President said the farmers’ quest for government support in the midst of a severe drought in Mindanao should not have resulted in violence. “Siyempre, nakikiramay muna ako doon sa namatay. Awang-awa ako sa lahat nang nasaktan,” he said.

He however noted that it appears that an organized group duped people from different places into believing that they will receive rice from the government by joining the mass action. “Tila may mga nag-organize na talaga parang pinagsabong ang mga tao at balewala ‘yung buhay ‘nung

photo: rappler.com

24 16-22 APRIL 2016

MINDANAO

lahat ng dinala nila doon. Iyon ang kailangan nating tugisin rin. Kung hindi man sila ang sole na may kasalanan, e malaki ang parte nila doon,” President Aquino said. “Ulitin ko, ihiwalay ko ‘yung mga naengganyo, naudyok, naloko na sumama doon; at ‘yung kabilang grupo naman na nanloko, na nangengganyo, na nagplano nitong karahasan na ito para humantong na merong... Ginawa nila para meron silang isyung i-exploit.” He said the Department of Justice has finalized the process to free those who were deceived into joining the rally, so they could go home. Although there is still no comprehensive report, the President said he believes it was not justified for the protesters to block the main highway and attack policemen when they tried to send people home. The actions of authorities to disperse the protesters were lawful since the activists did not secure permits for the rally, he said. The President also dispelled the notion that his government did nothing to ease the suffering of the people as the El Niño weather phenomenon hit Mindanao. Since last year, when El Niño was predicted to affect the country, the government began adopting the Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Niño or RAIN, he said.

He pointed out that under RAIN, the Department of Agriculture distributed seeds, fertilizer, and other soil ameliorants to affected areas. The department also distributed equipment, such as those for drip irrigation, solar pumps, high-density polyethylene pipes, drums, pump, and open-sourced irrigation systems, he said. He further said that the Department of Health released more than P2 million to its regional offices for the provision of drinking water containers, commodities, logistics, and water purifiers, while the Department of Trade and Industry monitored food supply and prices. As quick support, he said, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed 34,277 family food packs and implemented the cash-for-work program. The Department of Labor and Employment also carried out cash-for-work interventions, benefitting 1,658 farmers region-wide, in coordination with the National Irrigation Administration and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Region 12. The TESDA trained and certified 27,348 farmers on masonry to give them an alternative source of livelihood, he added. PND (as)

2516-22 APRIL 2016

Department of Health (DOH) CaragaMonthly Press Conference/Media Forum

22 April 2016

GALLERY

26 16-22 APRIL 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL

“The security cluster meeting focused on continuing efforts to ensure peaceful and orderly elections and ongoing law enforcement operations against communist insurgents and other lawless elements,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement. Prior to his meeting with security officials, the President attended the change of command rites of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the retirement ceremony for outgoing chief of staff, Gen. Hernando Iriberri. Meanwhile, Secretary Coloma condemned the hacking of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website, saying different government agencies are coordinating with the commission to strengthen its cyber security.

“Government strongly condemns the latest cyber-attack on the website of the COMELEC. Concerned government agencies, including the DOST-Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), are closely coordinating with the COMELEC, to further strengthen its security protocols,” he said in a separate statement. Although the recent attack has not compromised the integrity of the automated election system, he said the Palace shares the public’s concern on the ill effects of such breach. “Government is determined to ensure that similar acts will not be repeated in the future and that the perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said. PND (as)

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday met with security officials in Camp Aguinaldo and tackled issues on how to ensure a peaceful election on May 9, as well as the government’s campaign against lawless elements.

President Aquino discusses May 9 polls, fight against criminals during security meeting

2716-22 APRIL 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

“The government supports all legal processes that are observed to ensure the integrity of all banking and financial transactions in the Philippines,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Anti-Money Laundering Council has primary responsibility for determining if there has been violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act,” he said, adding that the council then conveys its findings to the Department of Justice or to the Office of the Ombudsman, “which takes on the responsibility of assessing whether

there is probable cause for the filing of charges”. The Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department reported on Monday that about 20 foreign citizens took part in the cyber theft. Citing the ongoing investigation, the department declined to name the foreign nationals who stole US$81 million from Bangladesh’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The amount ended up in the Philippines and was allegedly laundered in three casinos. PND (jd)

Malacañang has expressed support for all legal processes that aim to ensure the integrity of banking transactions in the Philippines, amid the investigation for the cyber theft of US$81 million from the central bank of Bangladesh.

Palace backs legal processes for $81-million Bangladesh bank heist

photo: www.ibnlive.com

28 16-22 APRIL 2016

CANDIDATES FORUM 2016- 1st Congressional District (Butuan City-Las Nieves) Candidates

- Butuan City Mayoral & Vice Mayoral Candidates22 April 2016

GALLERY

2916-22 APRIL 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

ONE MINDANAOMOBILE APP

Executive Editor

Associate Editor

Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Layout Artist

Contributors

Agusan del Sur Dinagat Islands

Business Manager

and

Surigao del Sur

ABNER M. CAGA

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA Caraga Offices

FRYAN E. ABKILAN

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE

VENUS LIM GARCIA

GERIE MAE G. COCO

JENNIFER P. GAITANO

RHEA C. ABAO

SUSIL D. RAGAS

IRENE L. MACHECA

ZARINA O. LASTRA

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN

KRISTINE PEDRALVEZGREG TATARO, JR.DON MANUELO O. PATRIMONIO

FRETCHER MAGATAO

PhotographerROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

AGUSAN DEL NORTEJ. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 815-1991E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.comFacebook: PIA Agusan del NorteTwitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

REGIONAL OFFICEJ. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.phTelephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga

AGUSAN DEL SURJ. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityCellphone no. 0917-723-3455E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Agusan del SurTwitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL SUROld DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com;sds_pia@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Surigao del SurTwitter: @piasurigaosur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDSParrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao CityTelephone no. (086) 826-9450E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.comFacebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat IslandsTwitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

ACROSS THE NATION

MINDANAO INFOCUS

In an interview with reporters here, the President said the farmers’ quest for government support in the midst of a severe drought in Mindanao should not have resulted in violence. “Siyempre, nakikiramay muna ako doon sa namatay. Awang-awa ako sa lahat nang nasaktan,” he said.