Revitalizing Abaca Industry: DOLE-Caraga’s P5.4M Livelihood Grant to Abaca Farmers in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur

SOURCE: PIA CARAGA

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga has recently embarked on a transformative initiative that promises to uplift the lives of the abaca farmers in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. This massive project involves a livelihood grant of P5.4 million distributed among 12 abaca farmer associations, setting a new chapter in the local abaca industry.

The livelihood grant, part of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), covers farm machinery and business capital among others, primarily benefiting indigenous farmers. The program is a concerted effort to enhance livelihoods by improving and hastening abaca fiber production in the town, thereby increasing yield and creating better market opportunities for the local product.

The role of the local government, the Philippine Army, and other stakeholders has been pivotal in the implementation of this program. Appreciating their efforts, the Provincial Director of DOLE - Surigao del Sur, Genebelle Bal, acknowledges their vital contribution.

Twelve abaca associations in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, have been the beneficiaries of this livelihood grant, with most of the members being indigenous people who rely on abaca farming as their primary source of livelihood.

Bonito Bocales, the Tribal Abaca Farmers Association chairperson and a tribal chieftain, expressed immense gratitude for the program implementation. The introduction of stripping machines and assistance in document preparation has brought about noticeable improvements in productivity and efficiency.

Before the distribution of machinery, each member underwent comprehensive training on financial literacy, health education, workers' basic rights, and an overview of the DILP program. Specialized training on the efficient operation of the machinery was also provided.

With the mechanical equipment, it is anticipated that the production of abaca in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, will be more efficient and productive, leading to increased income for the abaca farmers and a boost in industry production.

The twelve abaca farmer associations given this grant include a diverse range of groups. Each association has a unique story to tell, and now, with this grant, they'll have the means to write their next chapter of productivity and growth.

The Philippines, according to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), is the world's largest producer of abaca fibers, supplying about 87 percent of the global requirement. From cordage and specialty papers to textiles, furniture and fixtures, handicrafts, novelty items, and industrial applications, abaca fibers have a wide range of uses.

In 2022, Caraga ranked third among the top abaca-producing regions in the country, with an estimated 10,000 metric tons of fiber production. Surigao del Sur, in particular, has reported a total of 24 abaca farmers and traders contributing to this promising industry. 

This initiative by DOLE-Caraga is a significant step towards promoting sustainable livelihoods for the abaca farmers in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. It is a testament to the potential of concerted efforts and strategic investment to create lasting change in the lives of the local farming community and the larger abaca industry.

A New Chapter in Infrastructure Development: P4.4-B Daang Maharlika Rehabilitation Plan Emerges in Caraga Region

SOURCE: DPWH

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently announced a groundbreaking initiative that is set to redefine the landscape of Caraga Region in Mindanao. A comprehensive year-long rehabilitation plan, amounting to a whopping P4.4-billion, is on the horizon. This initiative is intended to enhance the Surigao-Agusan and Agusan-Davao Sections of Daang Maharlika within the region's jurisdiction.

According to DPWH Regional Office 13 Director Pol M. Delos Santos, this ambitious plan comprises 45 distinct projects included in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA). These projects have been carefully designed with an aim to improve the condition of the Daang Maharlika Road, which spans from Barangay Lipata in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte to Barangay Langkilaan in Trento, Agusan del Sur.

The province of Agusan del Sur is slated to receive a significant portion of this budget. A total of 29 projects, amounting to P3.19 billion, are set to be implemented in this area, following a meticulous study and identification of priority sections along Daang Maharlika that necessitate improvements. The DPWH Agusan del Sur First and Second District Engineering Offices (DEOs) will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of these projects.

The remaining projects will be allocated across the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and in Butuan City. Agusan del Norte will see the implementation of six projects worth P456.78 million, while Surigao del Norte will benefit from seven projects amounting to P519.91 million. Butuan City, on the other hand, will be the focus of three projects worth a total of P275.34 million.

Director Delos Santos, in his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary for Mindanao Operations Eugenio R. Pipo Jr., detailed the wide range of projects that the DPWH plans to undertake along the Daang Maharlika in Caraga. These include preventive maintenance or asphalt overlaying, major repair and widening of roads and bridges, concrete reblocking, and the installation of road safety measures such as pavement markings and signages.

Director Delos Santos has assured prompt and vigilant monitoring of the projects. These initiatives are given priority status considering the importance of Daang Maharlika as a major trunkline in the Philippines. This is further underscored by the recent directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to repair roads damaged by recent flooding and earthquakes in the Caraga Region.

“We are accelerating the pre-construction requirements of these projects with some having completed procurement activities and are ready for implementation. Once all requirements are in place, we will immediately commence construction works,” said Director Delos Santos. This statement signifies the department's commitment towards prompt and efficient execution of the projects.

The unveiling of the P4.4-billion rehabilitation plan for Daang Maharlika in the Caraga Region signifies a major milestone in the country's infrastructural development. This initiative is not just about the construction of roads and bridges or the maintenance of existing ones. It is about building a stronger and more resilient region, capable of withstanding the tests of time and nature.

The significant resources being poured into this project illustrate the government's commitment to improving the lives of the people in the Caraga Region. With a clear vision and determined execution, the P4.4-billion Daang Maharlika rehabilitation plan is poised to transform the Caraga Region into a testament of sustainable development and resilience.

This monumental undertaking would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. The DPWH, local government units, and the citizens of Caraga Region will work hand in hand to ensure the successful implementation of this remarkable initiative.

Reshaping the Battlefield: The Activation of the Combat Engineer Battalions

SOURCE: PIA 10

A new dawn has broken over the Philippine Army's Combat Engineer Regiment (PACER), as it recently conducted a deactivation/activation ceremony formalizing the transition of six construction engineer battalions into combat engineer units. This significant shift is a testament to the strategic foresight of the Philippine Army, as it seeks to bolster its organizational resilience amid the evolving complexities of security.

Held at the PACER's headquarters in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, the deactivation/activation ceremony was led by none other than MGen. Proceso Rebancos, the Chief Engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Assisting him in this monumental occasion was PACER Commander BGen. Ulpiano Olarte. Together, they oversaw the transition of the 500th Engineer Combat Battalion, the 551st, 553rd, and 554th Engineer Construction Battalions, the 525 ECB, and the 524th ECB into their new roles as combat engineer units.

The restructured units have now been rechristened as the 500 Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), 501 CEB, 502 CEB, 503 CEB, 504 CEB, and 525 CEB. In addition to these, the Engineer Support Company and the Combat Engineer School have also joined the transformation, further strengthening the army's combat engineering capability.

This strategic reconfiguration is indicative of the Philippine Army's foresight for organizational resiliency in the face of evolving security complexities. MGen Rebancos emphasized that the move was designed to bolster the sustainment forces, including the combat engineering capability, to support a shift from internal defense mode to external defense mode.

Reflecting on the Marawi siege, MGen Rebancos pointed out that the 500th Engineer Combat Battalion played an indispensable role in the skirmishes. The battalion's role was a game-changer, potentially shortening the skirmishes between state actors and enemies of the state, and ultimately securing victory.

The transition of these units into combat engineer battalions is concrete proof of the belief that the Philippine Army and AFP leadership have in the capabilities of their engineers. They are viewed not only as reliable partners in nation-building but also as dependable combat support providers on the battlefield.

These combat engineer units will operate under the supervision of PACER, which was activated on February 15 at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. The mission of the regiment is to develop, organize, train, equip, support, and sustain combat engineers to contribute to combined arms operations and assist civil authorities when necessary.

BGen Olarte assured of continued support for stakeholders during the transitional period, particularly the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN. At the same time, the regiment will be advancing the development of its units' capabilities through progressive programs. 

The 500 CEB is set to remain in Marawi City until 2027 before relocating to Isabela. Meanwhile, MGen Rebancos reminded the activated troops to perform their duties with the utmost excellence, integrity, and professionalism, highlighting their new role in providing engineer combat support to the Philippine Army and other AFP units.

This transformation is a pivotal moment for the Philippine Army, marking a significant step in their strategic evolution. The activated combat engineer battalions stand as a testament to the army's commitment to adapt and evolve in response to changing security landscapes, ready to meet any challenge that comes their way.