TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online and print media monitoring)
TOP STORIES - Tuesday, April 23, 2024
As of 5:00 p.m., 23 April 2024, Tuesday
-PBBM says wife’s sentiments vs VP Sara will not
affect their working relationship
-Marcos sees no reason to replace Sara Duterte as
DepEd chief
-Sara prefers private talk with Marcos on First Lady
issues
-Manila solon defends First Lady, questions VP
Duterte's 'character and integrity'
[Abante, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, Inquirer,
News5, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine STAR, The Manila Times, Manila
Standard, People’s Tonight, Pilipino Star NGAYON, People’s Tonight, The
Philippine STAR]
https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/997350-marcos-working-relationship-with-sara-duterte-not-affected-liza-comments
2. PHL, Qatar sign 9 key deals
[Manila Bulletin, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Malaya,
The Manila Times, Abante]
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/04/22/phl-qatar-sign-moa-amid-emirs-visit
3. Leachon bares doc-pharma firms ‘collusion’ in
prescribing meds; DOH warns health workers vs gifts from pharma firms
[BusinessMirror, GMA News, Inquirer, The Manila
Times, Manila Bulletin, Rappler]
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1932589/fwd-leachon-on-doctor-and-pharmaceutical-scheme
4. Marcos appoints retired CA magistrate Sadang as
new PCGG chief
[The Philippine Star, Malaya, Manila Standard,
News5, Inquirer, Rappler, ABS-CBN News]
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/22/marcos-appoints-retired-ca-magistrate-sadang-as-new-pcgg-chief-1614
5. BIFF top leader, 11 others killed in Maguindanao
military ops
[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
Manila Standard, Philstar, Rappler, The Manila Times]
https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/biff-top-leader-others-killed-maguindanao-military-operations-april-22-2024
6. Over 11 million Filipinos still consider
themselves poor —OCTA Research
[GMA News, Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, Manila
Standard]
https://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/314438804/over-11-million-filipinos-still-consider-themselves-poor-octa-research.html
7. SC overturns dismissal of disqualification
petition against Cagayan governor
[BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA
News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, The Manila Times,
Rappler]
https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/sc-overturns-dismissal-disqualification-petition-cagayan-governor-manuel-mamba/
8. PNP prohibits visible, offensive tattoos for cops
[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin,
News5]
https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/22/di-magandang-tingnan-pnp-prohibits-visible-offensive-tattoos-for-cops
9. DMW: No OFWs reported hurt in latest Taiwan
earthquakes
[GMA News, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Philstar, The
Manila Times]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/904456/dmw-ofws-taiwan-earthquakes/story/
10. Yellow alert up in Luzon, Visayas grids
[ABS-CBN News, News5, Philstar, Inquirer]
https://business.inquirer.net/455957/luzon-visayas-grids-under-yellow-alert
11. EASING EL NIΓO EFFECTS:
-Marcos gives aid to farmers in Occidental Mindoro
amid El NiΓ±o onslaught
-Marcos tells farmers gov’t is building dam, working
to ease effects of El NiΓ±o
-Marcos wants wider coverage of irrigation system in
El NiΓ±o-hit Occidental Mindoro
[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Daily Tribune]
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/04/23/marcos-bares-irrigation-plans-to-ease-el-ni%C3%B1o-effects
12. PISTON urges SC: Issue TRO vs PUVMP before April
30 consolidation deadline
[ABS-CBN News, Philstar, News5, GMA News]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904472/piston-asks-sc-to-act-on-tro-bid-vs-puvmp/story/?just_in
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
DA dev’t project boosts rubber production in Butuan City
By
Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) has provided support and assistance to rubber farmers and cooperatives in Caraga region to strengthen the rubber industry and widen its market opportunities.
The KM7 Farmers Producer Cooperative (KFPC) is a cooperative organized by rubber farmers in Barangay Tungao, Butuan City, and served as one of the project beneficiaries of the DA-PRDP in Caraga.
Samuel Calawigan Jr., chairperson of the KM7 KFPC, shared the transformation of their cooperative because of the support of DA-PRDP.
“Tungod sa suporta sa DA-PRDP, nakadawat mi ug dakong oportunidad ug nidaghan ang among produksyon sa rubber cup lump. Among naobserbahan nga sulod sa usa ka bulan, makakaya nami nga mukonsolida ug 30 tons nga rubber cup lumps,” Calawigan said.
(Through DA-PRDP’s support, opportunities have started to open for our farmers and the cooperative. Lately, in a month, the production of our cooperative has increased because we can now consolidate 30 tons of rubber cup lumps.)
Calawigan explained that the increase in their production of rubber cup lumps is due to the engagements and interventions facilitated by DA-PRDP, such as capacity building and training, saying, “We were taught good agricultural practices in rubber farming. This livelihood has also improved the peace and order situation in our community.”
DA Caraga Director Arlan M. Mangelen said, “The Integrated Rubber Production and Marketing subproject of the KM7 KFPC was completed in 2020 under the PRDP Mindanao cluster, with a project cost of P22,184,350.13. The completion of the project transformed the way of life and economic status of its members and the cooperative.”
“DA Caraga will continue to assist the project’s beneficiaries in improving their organizations to elevate their income and increase their productivity and competitiveness,” Dir. Mangelen added.
Under the DA, the PRDP is a national project that aims to establish a modern, value-chain-oriented and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.
In partnership with local government units and the private sector, it shall provide key infrastructure, facilities, technology, and information to raise income, productivity, and competitiveness in targeted areas. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
DPWH completes flood control project in Agusan Norte town
By
Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Agusan Del Norte District Engineering Office turned over the completed Mamkas flood control project in Barangay Crossing in the municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.
The 83.20-meter flood control project, with a total cost of P29,057,806.81, was completed on Jan. 10 and comprised the construction of embankments and slope protection structures to mitigate flooding in low-lying areas of Barangay Crossing, which often experience massive flooding due to bad weather conditions.
Barangay Chairperson Florencia L. Donaire is grateful to DPWH and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte for completing the project, saying, “The residents of the low-lying areas of Barangay Crossing are now assured that the flood control structure will protect them and their properties from calamity during bad weather conditions,” said Donaire.
Donaire also hoped that another flood control project would be constructed in other flood-prone areas of the province.
Agusan del Norte Second District Representative Dale B. Corvera shared that he facilitated an additional allocation of P25 million this year for another flood control project and will continue to facilitate and look for additional budgets for the construction of more flood control projects in other areas of the province.
“Protecting the welfare of the residents from damaging floods is important; I will continue to work and facilitate the allocation of funds for the continuation of the project,” Corvera said.
According to DPWH, the government has started to give high importance to projects on flood control and sabo engineering or sediment defense, as these infrastructures will spare and save the populace, properties, and livelihood from disasters. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
DSWD, LGU to build footbridge in Surigao Sur town
By
Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – A contract signing and ceremonial groundbreaking took place recently between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government of Tagbina in Surigao del Sur for the construction of a footbridge in Barangay Quezon, Tagbina.
Under the program Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) Additional Financing Phase 2, it will provide a dedicated and safe crossing point, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to the residents and people traversing in the area.
According to the Special Programs Division chief, Glenn B. Lazaro of Tagbina, “The project is valued at P1,011,526.47.”
Lazaro also said, “The footbridge will serve as a crucial link between key areas, facilitating easier access for pedestrians and enhancing transportation efficiency. The structure will promote safety by offering a secure passage over potentially hazardous areas, particularly during adverse weather conditions.”
Meanwhile, the soon-to-rise footbridge will also improve accessibility for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities who may face challenges navigating steep or hazardous terrain in the area, where the accessible design observes helpful and safe features such as ramps and handrails that ensure inclusivity and equal access for all residents and visitors. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Surigao Sur pledge full support to Caraga dev’t plan
By
Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Caraga Regional Development Council conducted a provincial caravan in Tandag City on April 16 to advocate the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 for the province of Surigao del Sur.
The campaign served as the third leg conducted in Caraga region to raise awareness and understanding of the Caraga RDP 2023-2028, emphasizing its goals, strategies, and the positive impacts it will have on the region’s development, and generate commitment from the LGUs, particularly on their respective contributions to the attainment of the RDP targets.
As partners of the Caraga RDC, leaders from all levels of the local government units, heads from the different line agencies, and academe joined the convergence to show their commitment of support to the RDP 2023-2028.
NEDA Regional Director Gemima Olam highlighted the significance of the Caraga RDP 2023-2028, which aims to achieve the country’s long-term vision of a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay para sa Lahat.”
“For the province of Surigao del Sur, the agro-industries, fishery, forestry, and tourism zone are the areas for the province to prioritize for innovation and industrialization to fully contribute to the RDP 2023-2028,” Olam said.
Olam disclosed that in 2022, the province of Surigao del Sur ranked second in the region in terms of economic performance, with a growth rate of 6.9 percent for fiscal year 2021-2022 and peso value of over P63 billion on gross domestic product (GDP).
“When it comes to growth, Surigao del Sur is second to Butuan City as the regional hub,” she said.
Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel pledged to align their programs and projects to the RDP 2023-2028.
Pimentel underscored putting an end to all forms of criminality, including insurgency in the province, as stumbling blocks to its development and to contribute effectively to the RDP 2023-2028.
As the host province, Pimentel expressed gratitude to all the attendees, especially to the Caraga RDC chairperson, Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. of the Province of Dinagat Islands, who also joined the activity.
Pimentel commended the leadership of Demerey for being a staunch advocate for vigorous economic growth.
Key agencies of the government and the academe were also called to support the development roadmap of the province, such as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga, led by Larry M. Heradez, which pledged to support the Caraga RDP 2023-2028 implementation in their agency and its stakeholders.
Heradez assured the public that regulations are in place to ensure responsible mining in the region.
North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) President, Dr. Nemesio Loayon, said, “We support the implementation of the Caraga RDP 2023-2028. We will actively participate in the collaborative activities and engagement in the province and in the region for the realization of this roadmap.”
Loayon shared that the NEMSU, with seven campuses in the province of Surigao del Sur, has institutionalized the establishment of research centers on all its campuses with 30,000 students who are engaged in continuing and emerging programs.
“Our schools, as a haven of innovative and new ideas, are aligned with the Caraga RDP 2023-2028,” he added.
He highlighted that the school will be sending its first batch of Bachelor of Laws students to take the upcoming Philippine Bar Examination on September 2024, and the ongoing efforts for the establishment of its Doctor of Medicine Program that recently passed the Committee on Higher and Technical Education in Congress, and along with the ongoing submission of documentary requirements for accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education, including the P100 million budget for a seven-story building for School of Medicine.
To recall, the first leg of the provincial caravan in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City kicked off on Jan. 31. The province of Agusan del Sur had its turn on April 12. The provincial caravan set off in Surigao City on April 19 to complete the final leg for the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)