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Volume 1, No. 7 14-20 May 2016FMR benefits

coco planters in AgNor town

450 schools offer SHS in Caraga region

DILG 13 holds procurement compliance and performance indicators seminar-workshop

DTI Caraga facilitates ‘Buy Caraga By Caraga’ trade fair and exhibit

Palace hopes next admin to continue Mindanao peace process

Palace approves creation of Department of Information and Communications TechnologyDon’t require expensive school supplies, DepEd urges schools

SurSur new NIA chief bares plan to seek more irrigation projects

DepEd Caraga chooses SurSur as launch pad for Brigada Eskwela 2016

AgNor election ‘generally peaceful’

DTI-AgNor conducts green economic devt sensitizationDAR starts re-validation of beneficiaries of NGEI-NGPI lands

SurSur DTI to hold “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan”

Police, partners hold medical outreach program in Surigao City

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CONTENTS

Regional News

Cover

Provincial News

Mindanao News

National News

DTI-Agusan del Sur will be holding Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela edition in the municipality of Santa Josefa on May 30-31, 2016. DTI-ADS Prov’l Office OIC Brenda B. Corvera said that the 2-day Diskwento Caravan will be held in time for the town fiesta. Aside from 5-10% discounted prices of school supplies such as paper pads, notebooks, crayon, ball pens, and pencils, local food producers will also be selling their food products during the 2-day caravan.

DPWH has alloted more than P3 billion for 5 years or 1,800 calendar days for asset preservation and maintenance of the Daang Maharlika which stretches from Lipata, Surigao City in Surigao del Norte to Boundary Agusan del Norte Section in Caraga Region. It started in October last year and expected to expire on September 2020.

The Surigao del Norte Provincial Manpower & Training Center (PMTC) is now accepting enrollees for Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO). Requirements: professional drivers license code 123, must be 21 yrs old & above, birth certificate, and have knowledge in driving four wheels. For 21 slots only and first come first serve. To those who are interested just visit the PMTC Office located at Capitol Road, Surigao City.

Surigao Sur PPO PCR officer P/Chief Insp. Noel Naranjo confirmed sending a message regarding “Operational Guidelines & Procedures” on “Ligtas Balik Eskwela” to all lower units. He said that P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting PNP provincial director, had taken the cue of his action from the earlier memo coming from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13.

A newly paved Farm-to-Market Road in Brgy Poblacion, Carmen, Agusan del Norte constructed by the DPWH Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office is now benefiting coconut planters; easing the transport of the crop and rendering additional income. The improvements, consisting of road concreting with shoulders and line canal for the total length of 1.414 kilometers has an allocation of P15 million under the convergence with the DA-13.

This year’s Search for Outstanding Volunteers is now open. Individuals or groups of individuals who are engage in volunteer services & made commendable contributions are encourage to participate. The deadline for the submission of nomination is on July 30, 2016. For more info. & inquiries, contact Venus Derequito or Donabelle Bonghanoy at (085) 341-4066; 342-5774 loc. 21 & 22.

News Briefs

4 21-27 MAY 2016

A newly paved Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Brgy Poblacion, Carmen, Agusan del Norte constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

- Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office is now benefiting coconut planters; easing the transport of the crop and rendering additional income.

FMR benefits coco plantersin AgNor town

Cover Story

521-27 MAY 2016

photo: www.maxisciences.com

“Through the Kabayawa-Pintolocan FMR, coconut planters will be more encouraged to increase their production since they can already transport their products easily to any points of Agusan del Norte and even to other neighboring provinces,” said District Engineer Nicolas O. Alameda.

The improvements, consisting of road concreting with shoulders and line canal for the total length of 1.414 kilometers has an allocation of P15 million under the convergence with the Department of Agriculture 13.

It was completed on December 14, 2015, then recently, on May 5 this year it was turned-over to the local government of Carmen.

“The provision of FMR in this area is key to improve the economy of the province,” according to Municipal Mayor Ramon Calo, who expressed gratitude during the ceremonial turn-over of the newly-paved road.

“Although Carmen is the mango capital of Agusan del Norte, the municipality also contributes 6,936.77 metric ton to the 75,184.34 metric ton of coconut produced by the province,” he added.

Coconut is one of the major agricultural crops largely produced in the province, along with mango, rice, corn, banana and abaca. (DPWH/PIA-Caraga)

Cover Story

6 21-27 MAY 2016

Caraga Roadmap for Peace LaunchingRobinsons Place Butuan

24 May 2016Photo Gallery

721-27 MAY 2016

450 schools offer SHS in Caraga region

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 450 schools, 367 in public secondary schools and 83 in private schools/state universities and colleges (SUCs), in the region will be offering the Senior High School (SHS) effective June 13, 2016.

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

It was learned that the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga is now closely monitoring the status of all the inputs that are important to the successful implementation of the SHS. Some of the preparations of DepEd include the hiring and training

of SHS teachers, construction of classrooms, training of school heads, provision of tools and equipment for Technical-Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) as well as for science and mathematics, reproduction of instructional materials, and among others. (PIA-Caraga)

8 21-27 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

DILG 13 holds procurement compliance and performance indicators seminar-workshop

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 13 (Caraga) through the Regional Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) has conducted a two-day Seminar-Workshop on the Implementation of Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicators (APCPI) on May 12-13, in one of the convention centers here.

By: Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

The conduct of activity is in line with adoption and use of the Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicators (APCPI) System as one of the new requirements for the grant of Performance Based Bonus (PBB) for F.Y. 2015. This is by virtue of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Harmonization of National Government Performance

Monitoring, Information and Reporting System Memorandum Circular No. 2015-1 dated August 12, 2015 on the Guidelines on the Grant of the PBB. Designed to provide the participants with a working knowledge on the use and application of the APCPI, workshops on APCPI Assessment using actual data were conducted

921-27 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

per field operating unit (FOU). It was concluded with the Analysis of the 2015 Procurement Assessment Results and the Preparation of an Action Plan. A total of 33 participants composed of the DILG Regional Office BAC Members, BAC-Technical Working Group (TWG), BAC Secretariat, Ad Hoc Committee (to be created), one end-user representative of each Division/Section/Unit and a BAC Chair and two BAC Secretariat from the DILG Provincial Offices participated in the said event. The whole activity was facilitated by Regional BAC Vice-Chair Ray

Gregory F. Jaranilla serving as Resource Person with the assistance of Monet C. Bullecer and Kristine Jean E. Forsuelo, both Regional BAC Secretariat. The activity also included a review on the Government Procurement Process with a brief discussion on Republic Act No. 9184 and a lecture and hands-on practice of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PHILGEPS) by Atty. Allen M. Gasulas. With the APCPI Assessment Result as the main output of the activity, the participants per FOU were committed to submit it to the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) on or before June 30, 2016. (DILG-Caraga)

DTI Caraga facilitates ‘Buy Caraga By Caraga’ trade fair and exhibit

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Caraga once again facilitated the conduct of “Buy Caraga By Caraga” at Robinsons Place Butuan on May 11-13, 2016 to showcase the region’s best products. “Caraga does it Best” is this year’s theme. Truly, Caraga’s local products have gone a long way.

By: Irene L. Macheca

10 21-27 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Sales performance for three days hit P3.2 Million, a significant increase over last year’s performance of P1.2 Million. Most of the products that sells good were the processed food. At least 20 producers from the different parts of the region participated. “Balikbayans” on vacation were among the buyers. Irenea R. Hitgano of Hillsview Food Products said that summer is indeed the best time for the Buy Caraga By Caraga Trade Fair and Exhibit. She is happy with her sales and she can’t wait for the 2017 edition. 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 also

committed to give more support for the development of Caraga’s products. In partnership with Gifts, Decors and Housewares (GDH) Entrepreneurs Inc., and CREATE Food Inc. , this regional trade fair and exhibit exclusive for Caraga will continue as an annual event in the region. (DTI-Caraga)

1121-27 MAY 2016

Regional Assessment of the Philippine Plan of Actionfor Senior Citizens

Pietros Square, Butuan City24 May 2016Photo Gallery

12 21-27 MAY 2016

Police, partners hold medical outreach program in Surigao City

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the city in partnership with the City Health Office, Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH), Barangy Health Workers (BHW) and barangay officials of Poctoy recently conducted a medical, dental and free circumcision dubbed as “Libreng Operation Tuli” held at the covered in Barangay Poctoy, here.

Beneficiaries of the said barangay were able to avail the medical consultation, dental check-up and tooth extraction, and free circumcision for children with complimentary medicines and vitamins. During the said activity, the CRH through the Hospital Blood Bank Department personnel conducted a blood letting activity. Meanwhile, City Police Community Relation Officer (PCR) PSI Tessiel R. Moleta and Surigao del

Norte Provincial Police Office-Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Officer PSI Elsa G. Montenegro spearheaded an information education campaign through leaflets/flyers distribution and dialogue with the constituents, parents, children and beneficiaries of the said activity. Moleta and Montenegro also discussed the topics about Gender and Development (GAD) related laws, Children and Youth Welfare Code and health education and awareness. (SCPS-PPO)

1321-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here headed by Provincial Director Romel Oribe is set to carry out “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan” in time for the scheduled conduct of Brigada Eskwela on May 30 – June 4.

SurSur DTI to hold “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan”

Manny Disca, Consumer Welfare Division chief, said that the caravan would be held in four remote villages of Tandag City, namely, Mabuhay, San Isidro, Pandanon, and Maticdum. Diskwento Caravans (Discount Caravans) had been being conducted by the said agency here for many years already by way of selling goods to consumers at discounted prices. But, at this time, it would mainly offer school supplies, it was pointed out.

Disca added that they would be tapping the services of big stores/distributors to take part in this endeavor. Early on, the DTI Consumer Welfare Division chief also said that based on the latest monitoring, no price movement had been noticed among basic goods, citing that this could be “due to many outlets.” (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

14 21-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SurSur new NIA chief bares plan to seek more irrigation projects

Citing the lack of irrigation service facilities, Engr. Ferdinand Amon, Provincial Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) manager, said that he would try to push hard for more irrigation service expansion to cover the remaining irrigable areas in Surigao del Sur. He was talking about 40 percent of the 26,778 hectares of potential irrigable farmlands yet to be covered by irrigation service. Amon noted that if the new dispensation would indeed be aiming to make good about food security program, then it had to put premium on constructing more irrigation projects

for the agricultural sector. The new NIA provincial chief, who just assumed post on April 5, 2016, replacing predecessor Engr. Salome Layasan, said that he would go doing the rounds province-wide to muster support from the farm sector just to push through with the proposal. Engr. Amon explained that a significant issue such as this must have to undergo the process of passing the respective development councils especially from the municipal or city, provincial, and regional levels for the backing needed. (Greg Tataro Jr.,Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The new chief of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here has bared plan to seek more irrigation projects for the province.

DepEd Caraga chooses SurSur as launch pad for Brigada Eskwela 2016TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office in Caraga has chosen this province as its launch pad for the Brigada Eskwela 2016 on May 30.

1521-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Set to take place at St. Christine National High School in Lianga town with the kick off ceremony at 8:00 a.m., Alex Mistula, DepEd Division Office Brigada Eskwela Coordinator here, indicated that the said public school got what it takes to host such a regional event being one of the schools to implement senior high school. “As per Memorandum DepEd Order No. 35 po, Brigada Eskwela 2016, isa po sa mga requirements na pagdadaosan po ng kick off ceremony. . . is isang school implementing senior high school,” he explained in a mix of Filipino and English.

Earlier, Mistula assured in an exclusive interview that the DepEd Division Office in the province under Dr. Marilou Dedumo, schools division superintendent, together with the host school, would be all set for the big day. “Kaya nga po pusposan na ang paghahanda ng host school, particularly po ‘yung school head natin, si Dominador Verano at saka ang Division Office,” he pointed out.

Also, Governor Johnny Pimentel included, all stakeholders were already notified and invited to take part as well during the ceremony to be spearheaded by no less than DepEd Caraga Regional Director Dr. May Eclar, it was learned. Among the stakeholders that the Brigada Eskwela coordinator mentioned in particular were the army and police, saying however that their respective contingents had to come in “working clothes.” Mindful that the upcoming week-long “May 30 to June 4, 2016” activity was getting closer, Mistula took the opportunity to call the attention of all concerned stakeholders and communities “to participate and contribute their time, effort and resources” in what was “also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week.” With the theme “Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Seniour High School,” the event coordinator himself expressed hope that Brigada Eskwela 2016 would be a success. (Greg Tataro Jr., Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

16 21-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY -- “The conduct of the May 9 national and local elections in the province of Agusan del Norte is peaceful and successful,” Comelec said.

AgNor election ‘generally peaceful’By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

Agusan del Norte provincial election supervisor Atty. Ernie Palanan during the conduct of the Provincial Joint Security Control Center Exit Command Conference and Thanksgiving held Friday here expressed his sincerest gratitude to all the partners/stakeholders for the

successful and peaceful conduct of the May 9 election in the province. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) officials’ and our teachers’ great experiences have made the election successful,” Atty.

1721-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Palanan said. On the part of the AFP, 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), Phil. Army executive officer LTC Jezreel Diagmel affirmed the statement made by Atty. Palanan that based on their assessment, the conduct of the 2016 national and local elections in their area of responsibility (AOR) is generally peaceful. Diagmel added that a week before the election, their troops were already deployed in the critical areas of the province to ensure that the area will be safe for everybody during the election. Also, Maj Juanilio Olfindo, Jr. of the 29IB acknowledged the good partnership, constant coordination and early preparation and deployment of security forces to the different polling

areas of the province for the successful and peaceful conduct of the election. The 29IB’s AOR covers the municipalities of Remedios T. Romualdez, Tubay, Jabonga, Santiago, Kitcharao, Cabadbaran City and portions of Butuan City while for the remaining areas of the province such as Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen towns, and Butuan City are under the 23IB. According to Agusan Norte police provincial director PSSupt Ronelo Jaurigue, they have successfully provided appropriate security measures from the delivery up to the retrieval of official ballots and Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) from the provincial hubs down to the 155 polling centers in the province.

18 21-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

However, PSSupt Jaurigue also admitted that there are still aspects that need further improvement especially in the field of communication. He also said that intelligence fusion with other intelligence community with regards to rebel atrocities need be addressed. Deputy city director PSupt Joseph Boquiren of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) also bared that in an overall assessment, coordination among rightful authorities were carried out appropriately; security measures especially in strategic locations were imposed resulting to a smooth, peaceful and efficient elections. BCPO covers 86 barangays with 296 polling centers. In his message during today’s Exit Command Conference, PNP Caraga regional director PCSupt Rolando Felix said that based on their assessment and as heard from the feedbacks of the general public and media, the conduct of 2016 elections was generally successful. Support elements have collectively coordinated with one another and have done their part well in their areas of competence towards honest, clean and credible elections. Also, regional election director Renato Magbutay of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Caraga reiterated the several problems encountered during the 2016 elections. However, there is always a room for improvement

to rectify and patch up the glitches, he underscored. He also accepted the fact that they have failed to cater the concern of the Department of Education. So far, no formal complaints and protests were received by the Comelec. Meanwhile, Smartmatic provincial coordinator Jason Mercado also thanked everyone for their understanding as to the lapses and problems encountered during the recently concluded elections. He said that in as much as they wanted to shorten the procedures, skipping important protocols was never an option since accuracy and credibility of results were at stake.

Also during the activity, certificates of recognition were given to the stakeholders for their unrelenting support and cooperation in the peaceful conduct of 2016 national and local elections. Philippine Information Agency Caraga headed by regional director Abner Caga is likewise accorded with the same award for the PIA Caraga team’s communication support and intervention. (PIA-Agusan del Norte)

1921-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry Agusan del Norte (DTI-ADN) recently conducted a green economic development sensitization to its staff held recently at the Negosyo Center – Butuan Training Room with Raquel J. Capio of the Promotion on Green Economic Development (ProGED) Project as the resource person.

DTI-AgNor conducts green economic devt sensitization

The event was intended to facilitate in phasing of green economic development (GED) with the DTI programs, projects and activities and enable the personnel to integrate greening in the daily operation of the organization. As such, inputs included GED as driver of economic growth amidst climate change and environmental degradation, and approaches and strategies to go green. The activity was graced by DTI ADN Provincial Director Gay A. Tidalgo who gave the welcome remarks and GIZ-ProGED Project Manager Dr. Volker Steigerwald who enlightened

the participants on GED and posed a challenge to everyone with his message. A workshop capped the session with the participants discussing and formulating strategies on greening. ProGED is a development cooperation project jointly implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs by adopting environment friendly and climate smart growth strategies. (DTI-Agusan del Norte)

20 21-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan Sur -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur has started the re-validation process of the beneficiaries of the Guthrie Plantation and Estate Incorporated (NGEI) and NDC-Guthrie Plantations Incorporated (NGPI) lands in Rosario and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

DAR starts re-validation of beneficiaries of NGEI-NGPI lands

DAR Field Operations Office Undersecretary Jose Z. Grageda reported that at the close of the first day of the validation process, a total of 136 farmers were interviewed. 95 of these are those from the 1988 original list while 41 are found to be potential

beneficiaries. “We are 66 percent higher than our expected target of 90 farmers to be interviewed per day,” Grageda added.

2121-27 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

According to the DAR, even those that are not in 1988 list will be interviewed for as long the farmer can present proof of identity and proof of relationship with the company and the ARB-cooperatives. The re-validation process is DARs initial step towards resolving the various issues confronting the area and its beneficiaries. However, the DAR would like to stress out that the interview is just part of the gathering of information stage. “The qualification of the agrarian reform beneficiaries is a long process but we are doing all our best to speed up and finish this endeavor the soonest,” said DAR Caraga regional director Julita Ragandang. The DAR also said that with the pace of the interview, the office hopes to complete the interview of the 1988 ARBs and other potential ARBs by the end of June 2016. “This will pave the DAR to proceed to the next step of the validation process,” Ragandang added. The entire re-documentation process aims to segregate the lands not eligible for coverage out of the 7,927 hectares of lands turned-over by the National Development Corporation which was covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of the government and was distributed in 1988. These lands were under lease by the National Guthrie Plantations Incorporated (NGPI) and National Guthrie Estates Incorporated (NGEI). (DAR-Agusan del Sur)

22 21-27 MAY 2016

Photo GalleryPeace Negotiator Josefina Bajade’s Funeral

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur25 May 2016

2321-27 MAY 2016

MANILA -- Malacanang said it hopes that the next administration will prioritize the peace process with the Muslim rebels because the current government has already invested a lot in attaining peace in Mindanao.

Palace hopes next admin to continue Mindanao peace process

Incoming Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said they will not prioritize the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and they will concentrate on the pushing of federalism as championed by president-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

In a radio interview Saturday, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said the decision not to prioritize BBL rests on the next Congress.

“Iyon pong ultimong photo: luisliwanag.asia

24 21-27 MAY 2016

MINDANAO NEWS

pagpapasya hinggil sa mga batas na isusulong, iyon naman ay nasa mandato ng ating Kongreso. At sa sistema ng ating pamahalaan may paghihiwalay ng powers — iyong legislative, executive at judiciary,” he said over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Pero hindi naman po nasa isang vacuum iyong talakayan natin diyan. Ang masasabi na lang natin ay ‘yung pananawagan na pag-aralan mabuti at tiyakin na hindi mababalam ‘yung prosesong pangkapayapaan dahil malaki na rin po ang naging puhunan ng ating pamahalaan, ng ating sambayanan.”

“Kung ito naman ay bibigyan nila nang sapat na pagkakataon na mapag-aralan muli, marami na rin naman po a n g magsasabi na pwede namang ikonsidera ang pagpapatuloy nito.”

Coloma also said he hopes that legislators, who are elected by the people, will put national interest at the forefront on the debates on the Mindanao peace process.

“At sa akin lang pong opinyon, nasa pambansang interes na ituloy ang pagsulong sa prosesong pangkapayapaan,” he said.

At the same time, Coloma said he hopes that seeking justice for the SAF 44 who perished in Mamasapano

will be continued by the next administration.

He admitted that it’s not easy to gather evidence and find credible witnesses but he added that the Aquino government did its best to give justice to the SAF 44.

The Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation are the lead agencies in the pursuit for Justice for the fallen policemen.

“Hindi po tayo pwedeng mag-give up diyan sa bagay na iyan, sa

paghahanap ng hustisya para sa ating mga pulis at binawian ng buhay sa

Mamasapano,” he said. (PCOO)

2521-27 MAY 2016

Philippine Red CrossAgusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter

Board of Directors MeetingBalanghai Hotel, Butuan City

26 May 2016

Photo Gallery

26 21-27 MAY 2016

In a statement issued on Monday, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the DICT shall be headed by a Secretary, who will be assisted by three Undersecretaries and four Assistant Secretaries.

“The new law also provides that two of the three Undersecretaries and two of the four Assistant Secretaries

shall be career officers. One of the four Assistant Secretaries shall also be a licensed professional electronics engineer,” he said.

Secretary Coloma said the law also requires that the Secretary, as well as the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, have “at least seven years of competence and

MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law Republic Act No. 10844, which creates the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Palace approves creation of Department of Information and

Communications Technologyphoto: positivelyfilipino.com

2721-27 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

expertise in any of the following: information and communications technology; information technology service management; information security management; cybersecurity, data privacy, e-Commerce, or human capital development in the ICT sector”.

“According to the new law, the following agencies are hereby abolished and will be transferred to the newly created DICT: Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO); National Computer Center (NCC); National Computer Institute (NCI); Telecommunications Office (TELOF); National Telecommunications Training Institute (NTTI); and, all operating units of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) with functions and responsibilities dealing with communications,” he further said in the statement.

With the creation of the DITC, the DOTC shall be renamed as the Department of Transportation.

Coloma said the law provides for a six-month transition period from

effectivity for the full implementation of the transfer of functions, assets and personnel.

In the meantime, “the existing personnel shall continue to assume their posts in holdover capacities until new appointments are issued”, he added. (PND)

Don’t require expensive school supplies, DepEd urges schoolsPASIG CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its call to all public schools to avoid requiring expensive school supplies for students to purchase as classes begin this year.

28 21-27 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

The DepEd made the appeal together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the special monitoring activity for school supplies in bookstores around Recto Ave., Manila.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali urged the administrators of public schools to refrain from prescribing any branded or expensive school supplies which contribute to budgetary constraints of parents specially those with children studying in public schools.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ang ating mga pampublikong paaralan ay hindi mag-oobliga ng mga mamahaling school supplies. No specific type or brand of school supplies will be required.”

“Maski po yung mga lumang kwaderno na spiral na may sobrang pahina na hindi nagamit noong nakaraang taon ay pwedeng

pagsama-samahin at tahiin,” Umali added.

Also, Umali urges the public to check the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies released by the DTI to properly guide consumers in their purchase of school supplies.

“Ito po ay inilalagay natin sa website at social media accounts ng DepEd na may link diretso sa website ng DTI kung saan makikita ang karagdagang impormasyon ukol dito.”

The special monitoring activity for school supplies was spearheaded by the DTI, together with representatives from DepEd, Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), Local Government Unit-Manila and Senator Bam Aquino.

The monitoring team reported stable and reasonable prices on school supplies. (DepEd)

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Contributors

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Surigao del Sur

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EDITORIAL BOARDRegional Office

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

Jose 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 SURProvincial Government Center,Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del SurCellphone no. 0917-723-3455E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.phFacebook: PIA Agusan del SurTwitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL SUROld DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag CityTelephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-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