More than 13,000 CARAGA farmers to benefit as DAR launches rural development program

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 16 — More than 13,000 CARAGA farmers are expected to benefit as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) launched recently, a rural-development project.

Dubbed as the Convergence on Value-Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad) provided funds for the project.

 Launched during the Agrarian Reform Beneficiairies’ Congress, DAR Secretary Rafael Mariano said ConVERGE would assist farmers planting abaca in Agusan del Norte, rice in Agusan del Sur, coconuts in Surigao del Norte and coffee in Surigao del Sur.

 “The ConVeRGE project is a “leveled-up” DAR-Ifad project aimed at helping farmers move from production to marketing, trading and even recycling,” said Mariano.

The projects include construction of postharvest facilities, improvement of rural infrastructures, production and marketing of agricultural products or commodities; capability-building, and procurement of farm equipment.

 Meanwhile, DAR Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted Projects Sylvia Mallari said the project would be implemented from 2016 to 2020.

 “As implementers of project ConVERGE, we will exert all effort to ensure the project’s success,” said Mallari.

 Projects under ConVERGE are also being implemented in agrarian-reform community clusters in various provinces of Regions 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and 10 (Northern Mindanao).

 At the ARBs’ Congress, the DAR also distributed certificates of landownership awards (CLOAs) to 529 ARBs from the municipalities of Dinagat Islands, Agusan Norte, Agusan Sur, Surigao Sur and Surigao del Norte.

 The distribution was led by Secretary Mariano, Undersecretary Mallari and DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang.

 Ragandang said the distribution of CLOAs covered a total of 718 hectares of agricultural lands.

 Ragandang encouraged the farmers to be a member of the cooperative to avail the support services provided by the DAR.

 “As member of the cooperative, farmers can avail credit assistance, crop insurance, farm facilities, and marketing support for a sustainable crop production, agri-enterprise, and livelihood projects that can help them to increase their income,” Ragandang said.

 The ARBs’ Congress is a two-day event that gathered more than 400 ARBs in Caraga to hear Secretary Mariano talk about his thrusts and priorities.

 It was also a venue where the DAR distributed economic benefits, loan credits, launched a project and distributed certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to ARBs. (DAR)

More than 3-M people sign petition to make Hillary Clinton US President

MOSCOW, Nov. 12 (PNA/Sputnik) -- More than 3 million people have signed a petition asking the US Electoral College to support Democrat Hillary Clinton instead of "unfit" President-elect Donald Trump in the Dec. 19 elections, as she won the popular vote.

Almost 3.2 million people supported the petition titled, "Electoral College: Make Hillary Clinton President on December 19" on the change.org website.

"We are calling on the Electors to ignore their states' votes and cast their ballots for Secretary Clinton. Why? Mr. Trump is unfit to serve [as US president]. His scapegoating of so many Americans, and his impulsivity, bullying, lying, admitted history of sexual assault, and utter lack of experience make him a danger to the Republic. Secretary Clinton WON THE POPULAR VOTE and should be President," the petition said.

Trump gained 290 electoral votes in the 2016 election, while his rival Clinton received 232 votes despite winning the popular vote by a margin of more than 200,000.

Presidential elections in the United States are held in two phases. The first stage is the popular vote. The winner in each of the 50 states takes the votes of its electors, while 270 votes are needed to win.

Almost all the Electors of the Electoral College vow to vote for a certain candidate, which makes it possible to predict the outcome of the Electoral College vote. The electors are generally expected to vote according to their pledge, however they are able to vote otherwise. The Electoral College is due to vote on December 19. 

Sen. Marcos thanks President Duterte, SC on burial ruling

By Sarwell Q. Meniano and Roel T. Amazona

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 8 (PNA) -– Former Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court and President Rodrigo R. Duterte for allowing the burial of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The young Marcos, who was in this city when the High Court ruled on the issue, said the decision is the first step towards the healing process that politically divided the country for decades.

“We are thankful to those who acknowledged the right of my father. We thank President Duterte for strongly supporting the rule of law,” said Marcos, who joined survivors during the third year commemmoration of super typhoon "Yolanda" here on Tuesday.

For him, the ruling is an early Christmas gift not only to their family, but also to the country as an act of “healing and unification.”

Efleda Bautista of Bayan Muna Eastern Visayas, however, expressed disappointment over SC’s decision to allow the burial of the former dictator at the heroes’ cemetery. “I hope they have considered the suffering of martial law victims in that ruling,” she said.

Voting 9-5, the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, allowed the burial of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, dismissing the petition filed by human rights groups and victims of martial law.

Palace commends Pacquiao for his win

MANILA, Nov. 6 -- The Palace praised Manny Pacquiao for his new WBO welterweight crown after his victory via unanimous decision against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas, today.

Here is the full statement from the Office of the Communications Secretary: "

Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa hindi matatawarang suportang ipinagkaloob ng ating mga kababayan sa oras ng tagumpay at maging sa panahon ng pagkabigo ng ating mga boksingero.

Once again, Manny’s triumph united and brought joy to our people and our nation.

The discipline, the determination, and the hard work of our People’s Champ are truly what make him a National Treasure in Global Sports. 

 Nonito Donaire’s quest to be the ‘king in the ring’ unfortunately did not materialize. This, however, would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag. He remains "The Filipino Flash" with his quick hand speed and formidable punching power.

The courage and grit displayed by our Filipino boxers in Las Vegas are the same qualities we must demonstrate as a nation to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption. 

 Government has been successfully waging a war on these fronts and we as a people – emulating our boxers’ toughness against all odds -- must continue the strong gains as we battle towards victory.   Mabuhay ang Pilipino!  Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!"