PIA - Caraga Regional Office

DTI calls on public to utilize 'e-Presyo' app

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA)– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga called on the consuming public to utilize and access their “e-Presyo” application, wherein consumers, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers can check for the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) and prevailing prices of all basic and prime goods being monitored by the DTI including those stores selling at the lowest prices.

“The e-Presyo app can be accessed through the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph or can be downloaded from Play Store using any Andriod device,” disclosed DTI regional director Brielgo Pagaran during the last media briefing with the civil society organizations (CSOs) recently conducted at the DTI regional office here.

Pagaran further emphasized that through the e-Presyo, netizens would become updated from time to time on the prices of the all the basic and prime commodities without any hassle.

The DTI is the executive department of the Philippine Government tasked to expand Philippine trade, industries and investments as the means to generate jobs and raise incomes for Filipinos. It acts as catalyst for intensified private sector activity in order to accelerate and sustain economic growth through comprehensive industrial growth strategy, progressive and socially responsible trade liberalization and deregulation programs and policymaking designed for the expansion and diversification of Philippine trade - both domestic and foreign. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

'Handog pamasko' benefits 400 drug surrenderers in AgNor town

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) – Some 400 drug surrenderers of the municipality of Santiago in the province of Agusan del Norte benefitted the services from the different government agencies on Tuesday at the municipal gym.

The activity dubbed as “Handog Pamasko Para Sa’yo” was facilitated by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial offices and other partner government offices.

According to PPOC secretariat and DILG OIC provincial director Ellen Vee Chua, the event is a take-off activity of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), which aims to instill to the minds of the surrenderers that they are being taken cared of by the government.

“It is one of the flagship programs of governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba,” said Chua. It emphasizes to the drug surrenderers that the government is looking at their welfare and that the government wants to reintegrate them to the society.

Also, during the whole-day event, national line agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) gave a lecture on the salient provisions of Republic Act 9165; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) talked on the Vocational and Skills Training; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also discussed their livelihood opportunities while the Department of Education (DepEd) shared the Alternative Learning System and Senior High School; and the Department of Health (DOH) presented the ill-effects of prohibited drugs and healthy lifestyle.

The Philippine Army (PA) also gave a lecture on the recruitment process of the AFP to those who are willing to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

During the event, PNP Agusan del Norte provincial director Ernesto V Tendero, Jr. said that the gift giving event is only the start of a bigger activity to start by 2017.

Tendero said that a community-based rehabilitation program would start by February 2017.

Vitamins, t-shirts, cash prizes during games and raffles were given to the surrenderers.

Simultaneous to the event is also the conduct of the Medical and Dental mission and drug test by the DOH.

“The attendance and cooperation of the surrenderers is a manifestation of their willingness to help the government to end the drug menace,” Chua said.

Santiago town was chosen as the pilot local government unit for the ‘Pamaskong Handog’ because of its high surrender target rate, Chua added. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

ASTMMC on 'white alert' for holidays

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec 22 (PIA) – The Adela Serra Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) based here is on "code white alert" to prepare for possible holiday-related incidents.

ASTMMC chief Dr. Janice Pagaran Alcordo said the code white alert status started on December 20, 2016 and will run until January 2, 2017, as per directive from the Department of Health (DOH). Code white alert means all hospital personnel should be on standby in case of emergency and influx of patients.

ASTMMC management assured the public that they are ready to accommodate victims of firecrackers.

Based on the report, no firecracker injuries recorded during its first day of implementation. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PopCom Caraga mobilizes volunteers to meet Duterte’s order

By Angie B. Antonio

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (PopCom) in Caraga fielded all the population volunteers to assist couples in achieving their desired family size through modern family planning.

PopCom intensified its campaign on generating demand for family planning in time for the Population and Development Week event on November 23 – 29.

Anchored on the celebration’s theme “Achieve: Wastong Bilang ng Pamilya,” various capacity-building activities for the Barangay Population Volunteers were conducted by PopCom with funding assistance from the Department of Health (DOH).

PopCom tapped the Barangay Population Volunteers to conduct house to house visit to married couples of reproductive ages, to validate and check if they are using modern family planning methods and if not, motivate to come up with informed choices and refer said couples to the health service facility for counseling and service provision.

Population volunteers are also mobilized in the house to house profiling and monitoring of the status of unmet need for family planning in the entire region to achieve zero unmet need.

The zero unmet need for modern family planning is one of the thrusts of the DOH under the Duterte’s Administration as one of the strategies in achieving all for health towards health for all.

About 80 Barangay Population Volunteers from each province of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur attended the two-day training on interpersonal communication and counselling techniques on modern family planning. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

'Hot' logs seized in Agusan del Sur

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) - Environment authorities seized 75 pieces of “lawaan” logs amounting to P464,280.00 during the anti-illegal logging operation Wednesday in Brgy. Langag, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur.

Chief Supt Rolando Felix, Caraga Police Director, said the joint operation of Esperanza Municipal Police Station, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) recovered the forest products with estimated volume of 15,467 board feet around 1:15PM.

The operation stemmed from a tip of a concerned citizen.

Investigation is underway to identify the owner of confiscated logs that are placed under the custody of MENRO-Esperanza.

“This success is attributed to the combined efforts of the PNP, DENR, and other partner agencies in protecting and conserving the forests in Caraga region,” Felix added.

He also urged the communities to continuously support the intensified anti-illegal logging campaign by providing reliable information to the authorities. (PNP-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog News: Mga kabataan sa rehiyon Caraga suportado ang peace process ng administrasyon

Ni Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 23 (PIA) - Sa layuning mapagtibay ang potensyal ng mga miyembro ng Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development Inc., isang indigenous people (IP) youth organization na kinabibilangan ng mga IP youth leaders at communicators, student leaders at muslim young professionals sa pagsulong ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa bansa, isinagawa ang dalawang araw na ‘Young Cultural Minority Professionals Forum’ na pinangunahan ng 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, Philippine Army sa Camp Bancasi dito sa lungsod kamakailan.

Ayon kay 4th CMO Battalion commanding officer LTC Rey Pasco, ibig nilang itaguyod ang pagkakaisa at kooperasyon ng tri-culture kabilang ang christians, muslims at IP youth.

Anya, malaking tulong na maturuan ang sektor ng kabataan kung paano tanggihan at maimulat sa kanila ang iligal na pagrerecruit, at mga propaganda laban sa gobyerno ng bandidong grupo.

Bilang presidente ng Supreme Student Government (SSG) ng Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), nagpahayag din si Ralph Dennis Mancao hinggil sa kanyang plano na mapalago ang partisipasyun ng mga kabataan sa socio-cultural, peace and development na aktibidades.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Jamel Abduljalal, isang muslim youth at estudyante na mahalaga ang kaganapang ito upang magkaroon sila ng panibagong pananaw at makahikayat sa iba pang kabataan na maging kaakibat sa pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan sa bawat komunidad.

Ikinagalak naman ni Datu Jun Jusay ng tribung manobo at IP youth lider ang oportunidad na madagdagan ang kanilang kaalaman nang sa gayon ay mas lalo pa silang ma-eempower.

Naimbitahan din ang iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno na nagbigay ng kani-kanilang lectures gaya ng Philippine Information Agency Caraga, NCIP, DSWD at DOH.

Nagtapos ang forum sa pag-critique ng ginawang action plan na naglalaman ng planned activities at services ng nasabing youth organization sa susunod na taon. (VLG, PIA-Caraga)

DepEd Surigao Sur celebrates 56th anniv

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 27 (PIA)– The Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division celebrated recently its 56th Anniversary with the theme, "Soaring High with Leaders of Vision and Excellence in 56th Years and Beyond."

The celebration was highlighted with the State of the Division Address wherein several accomplishments and achievements were enumerated.

Supt. Marilou Dedumo said several projects were implemented like the improvement of school building facilities intended for the Junior and Senior High Schools, hiring of new teachers and promotion of around 400 personnel.

Dedumo also thanked the provincial government officials led by Governor Vicente Pimentel, as well as Congressmen Johnny Pimentel and Prospero Pichay for alloting a total of P19M worth of financial support.

Part of the celebration is the awarding and recogniton of the outstanding teachers and schools and partner stakeholders. Other activities were the search for Miss Educator 2016 and raffle draw to all DepEd personnel. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Former rebels in AgSur receive cash assistance anew

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Dec. 27 (PIA) – Some 13 Former Rebels (FRs) enrolled in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government received their Livelihood Assistance and Immediate Cash Assistance amounting to P50,000 and P15,000, respectively held recently at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Capitol, Patin-ay, this municipality.

Vice Governor Samuel Tortor who was assisted by DILG Provincial Director Arlene Anne Sanchez, PSWDO Razel Montemor, and 26IB Commanding Officer LTC Rommel Pagayon personally handed over the cash assistance with a total amount of P65,000 for each beneficiary. Two of them who surrendered an extra M16 and a Garand rifle, aside from their own rifles, also received additional 90,000 cash as additional firearms remuneration.

The surrender of the former NPAs was made possible by the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), 3rd Special Forces Battalion and 401st Brigade with the Agusan Sur PNP Provincial Office.

At present, there are more than 300 FRs in the province who have benefited from the CLIP and have started a new life with their love ones. They are calling their former NPAs comrades to go down with their firearms so that they will have something to start with and prove to themselves that they were treated well by the soldiers who were in fact too accommodating and helpful to them.

“This is an opportunity for them to go back to their families and start a new life. The province has a program to complement what is due them from the CLIP and the Army will also help,” said 401st Brigade Commander Col. Cristobal Zaragoza. (401st Brigade, Phil. Army/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

401st Brigade celebrates AFP day with gift-giving

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Dec. 27 (PIA) – To highlight the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP's) 81st Anniversary, some 50 Indigenous Peoples (IP) households and 150 children from selected IP communities in the barangays of San Jose, Puting Buhangin and Awa of this municipality were recently treated by the Army’s 401st Brigade to a simple Gift-giving Christmas activity.

A bundle of gift of assorted goods and rice was distributed to each of the households while they were being entertained with Christmas carols rendered by the 401st Brigade Band led by Capt. Jasper Gacayan. The soldiers were joyfully welcomed and cheered by the populace as they sung together with the band.

“The mission of your Brigade is to bring peace and joy to everyone,” said 401st Brigade Commader Col. Cristobal Zaragoza.

The goods were part of the proceeds of the caroling done by the combo during this yuletide season. (401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DAR Surigao Norte conducts consultative meeting

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 27 (PIA) - The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) conducted a one-day consultative meeting with coconut farmers through its assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) on December 8, 2016 at the Claver Women’s Center in Claver town.

The meeting focused solely on the economic benefits and interests that coconut farmers can avail from the Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (Project CONVERGE), a joint endeavor of the DAR and International Fund for Agricultural Development.

IFAD consultant Ton Mercader facilitated the said consultation meeting and at the same time presented to the group the feasibility study on coco coir product processing.

The said meeting was participated by the DAR-assisted ARBOs that included Claver Coconut Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (CLACOFARMCO) of Daywan, Claver; San Isidro Multi-purpose Cooperative of San Isidro, Gigaquit; Cabugao First Farmers Agra Consumers Cooperative of Cabugao, Bacuag; and Mabini United Farmers’ Cooperative of Mabini, Placer.

Present also were the coco farmer-members of Pautao Coconut Farmers Association of Brgy. Pautao, Bacuag and San Antonio Women’s Association of Brgy. San Antonio, Gigaquit.

The said ARBOs represented the municipalities that comprise the CLAGIBAPLA (Claver-Gigaquit-Bacuag-Placer) clustered Agrarian Reform Communities.

According to Elmo Espinosa, manager of CLACOFARMCO, “being the lead ARBO, we are very happy and elated with the coming of Project CONVERGE in our area. It is a very big project and opportunity for the farmers in CLAGIBAPLA.”

“It will be a very big help to the farmers because of the direct additional income that it can generate that will at least help uplift the economic status of our coco farmers,” he added. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Aggie department promotes brown rice servings

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) - In support to the campaign of consuming brown rice to help increase income of farmers and attain rice sufficiency, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is recommending to all regional line agencies, bureaus and attached corporations to serve brown rice during trainings, meetings, feeding programs and other gatherings.

The Regional Development Council (RDC)- Economic Development Committee (EDC) expressed support for the advocacy of brown rice in the region through crafting a resolution.

Engr. Leonel F. Santos, representative of RDC-EDC, said that based on the study conducted by George Mateljan Foundation, converting brown rice into white rice through complete milling and polishing destroys 67 percent of Vitamin B3, 80 percent of Vitamin B1, 90 percent of Vitamin B6, 50 percent of manganese, 50 percent of phosphorus, 60 percent of iron and all the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids.

The use of 'brown rice' in Caraga region offers both economic and health benefits, such that it may generate greater demand for brown rice that will eventually attract farmers to produce more. Supported with effective marketing and good pricing mechanism, the ensuing rise for brown rice production will also help improve the farmers' income. In general, intensifying brown rice production improves rice production sufficiency in the region, bared Caraga Regional Development Council secretariat.

The health benefits that can be derived from consuming brown rice will help lessen the household's expenditures for medicines and health services and reduce a person's exposure to specific diseases; hence, increasing a person's life expectancy.

Based on the report released by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), it is estimated that around 13.7M Filipinos are undernourished in 2016. Apparently, the country’s undernourished population reduced only by 17.9 percent since 1990.

“Also, the Philippines is included in the top 15 countries in the world in terms of prevalence of diabetes as indicated in the International Diabetes Federal website,” added Engr. Santos.

Accordingly, the use of brown rice in government undertakings, namely meetings and seminars, may generate greater demand for brown rice that will eventually attract farmers to produce more. Supported with effective marketing and good pricing mechanisms, the ensuing rise in brown rice production will also help improve the farmers’ income. In general, intensifying brown rice production improves rice production sufficiency in the region. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

CHED offers development packages for displaced personnel

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) – Following the implementation of K to 12 Basic Education Program in the country, wherein it affects several higher education institution (HEI) personnel, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is receptive in addressing the concerns and welfare of the personnel from colleges and universities who are greatly affected in the event of transition.

They are encouraged to avail of the various government support programs. These are accessible by the HEI personnel, teaching or non-teaching, with employments terminated, or contracts not renewed because of the K to12 implementation.

CHED offers various professional development programs for displaced personnel such as scholarships for graduate studies, professional advancement grants, postdoctoral study grants, sectoral engagement grants and research grants, said CHED Caraga regional director Maricar Casquejo as she gave updates during the 89th Regional Development Council Meeting held recently in this city.

These grants are available to personnel who are retained in their respective colleges and universities but receive reduced workloads. Accordingly, CHED is also laying out the program to extend these scholarships and grants to displaced HEI personnel.

Apart from these, the other government line agencies are also helping out in providing employment, livelihood and entrepreneurship programs. The Department of Education (DepEd) through its Green Lane Program prioritizes the displaced HEI personnel in the hiring of Senior High School (SHS) teachers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE-AMP) provides monthly financial support and employment facilitation to displaced HEI personnel to protect them against continued loss of income by covering three to six months of financial support. Also, through the DOLE Kabuhayan Program, displaced personnel are given opportunities to upgrade their skills through TESDA programs, entrepreneurship training, and livelihood opportunities, as mentioned at CHED’s wordpress site.

It was also learned that “TESDA offers regular training programs to displaced HEI personnel for their immediate employment. DOLE endorses the said personnel to their nearest TESDA Provincial Office for the issuance of training vouchers. Also, displaced personnel who aim to teach in the Tech-Voc track in SHS may also avail of the Competency Assessment and Certification provided in TESDA-administered institutions.” (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

'Welcome 2017 in a healthy, harmonious manner' - DOH

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA)– “Welcome the year 2017 in a harmonious, peaceful and healthy manner,” a DOH Caraga official says.

Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. DOH Caraga regional director has released an advisory encouraging everyone to use other merry-making instruments and/or activities to produce sounds and noise like car horns, ‘torotot’, ‘videoke’, parlor games, drums and other musical instruments in welcoming the new year.

For a healthy celebration, the DOH official advises everyone to consume well-balanced meals with vegetables and fruits on the table and to eat in moderation nutritious foods to sustain daily activities with avoidance of salty and fatty foods.

Also, Llacuna says that in order to protect the liver from damage, too much alcohol must be avoided. “Ensure the cleanliness and freshness of the food prepared, meat products must be well-cooked to avoid poisoning,” he says.

Llacuna warns that when handling or lighting firecrackers, light at outdoors one at a time and don’t hold item while lighting. Never pick up failed firecrackers as this may create delayed explosion, he says.

However, Llacuna says that in case of injury, wounds must be immediately washed with clean, running water until visible dirt and gunpowder residue is removed; put pressure when there is tearing of body part or skin and proceed to the nearest health facility for proper medication.

Meanwhile, DOH Caraga, in its December 26 advisory, bared that three firecracker-related cases were reported to the department's Surveillance Unit. The three cases came from the urban areas with piccolo as the type of firecracker used. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor PDRRMC holds 4th rescue exercise

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) – The Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) successfully conducted its 4th Provincewide Rescue Exercise held at the provincial capitol covered court, recently.

PDRRMO civil defense officer Jorge Vincent G. Pagaran said the three-day rescue exercise was participated by some 300 young ADNERTs or Agusan del Norte Emergency Response Team from the lone city of Cabadbaran, and eight municipalities of the province.

During the exercise, four badges were being competed by the participants. These were the Fire Rescue Badge that includes the bucket relay, use of fire extinguisher, turn off the LPG, and fire hose; Rope Rescue Badge using the single rope technique – descend, basic knots, and basic anchoring; First Aid Badge with lifting and moving, CPR, patient assessment, and bandaging and splinting; and Radio Handling Badge that includes the daily operations.

The RTR Young ADNERT composed of students from Agay National High School (NHS) and Balangbalang NHS was declared as the overall champion during the competition; Cabadbaran City National High School got the 2nd place; Nasipit got the 3rd place; Cabadbaran’s La Union, Puting Bato, Northern Cabadbaran Central Elementary School Evening Opportunity High School got the 4th place; and Buenavista got the 5th place.

According to PDRRMO officer Erma Suyo, the rescue exercise was conducted with the aim to enhance and evaluate the capacity schools in the province of Agusan del Norte; promote camaraderie and linkages with other young ADNERT school and participating agencies; promote interoperability/synergy among agencies in times of disaster/calamities; and to benchmark basic skills to foster unity and consistency in skills facilitation.

The rescue exercise was also participated by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), PNP-Regional Public Safety Battalion, PNP-K9 EOD Unit, PNP PPO, Philippine Army (PA) 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 23IB, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, DLF Tubay fire volunteers, Agata Mining.

Facilitators and evaluators during the event were coming from PDRRMO, ADNERT, Team Agusan, Department of Health, BFP, PNP, and Respond, Inc. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DILG releases P41.9 M to SGLG Caraga awardees

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga releases P41.8 Million worth of checks to the 13 local government units in Caraga that are awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) on December 20, 2016 here.

The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) is a program of the DILG which is conferred to deserving LGUs portraying integrity in providing better performance and service based on criteria gauging local government performance. As SGLG awardees. LGUs will receive an incentive fund called Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to be used for the implementation of local development projects.

DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion expressed her congratulations to the 13 LGUs that has exemplified good performance in providing better public service that is coupled with integrity, transparency and accountability. She hopes that there will be more LGUs in the region acclaimed as SGLG passers in the next round of assessment.

Through DILG Memorandum dated December 19, 2016 entitled: "Release of Funding Check for Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) 2016," the following checks were released to the following LGUs:

LGU RECIPIENT AMOUNT

1. Carmen, Agusan del Norte - 3,000,000.00

2. Trento, Agusan del Sur - 3,000,000.00

3. Loreto, Dinagat Islands - 3,000,000.00

4. Claver, Surigao del Norte - 3,000,000.00

5. Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte - 3,000,000.00

6. Mainit, Surigao del Norte - 3,000,000.00

7. Malimono, Surigao del Norte - 3,000,000.00

8. Tandag City, Surigao del Sur - 3,400,000.00

9. Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur - 3,000,000.00

10. Lanuza, Surigao del Sur - 3,000,000.00

11. Bislig City,Surigao del Sur - 3,400,000.00

12. Province of Dinagat Islands - 4,000,000.00

13. Province of Surigao del Norte - 4,000,000.00

The SGLG awardees for the Province category are: 1) Province of Dinagat Islands and 2) Province of Surigao del Norte; City category: 3) Bislig City and 4) Tandag City; Municipal category: 5) Hinatuan, 6) Lanuza, 7) Loreto (Dinagat Islands), 8) Trento, 9) Carmen (Agusan del Norte), 10) Claver, 11) Del Carmen, 12) Mainit and 13) Malimono.

In the country, there are only 306 LGUs that received the Seal. For an LGU to be an SGLG awardee, it should pass all 'three core assessment areas': Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH), Social Protection and Disaster Preparedness, and 'at least one of the essential areas': Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order and Environmental Management. (DILG 13/PIA-Caraga)

PNP assures peace and order on holiday season in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 29 (PIA) - The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office assured the public's safety and security as they implement their plan to maintain peace and order situation in the province this holiday season.

Police chief inspector Noel Naranjo, Police Community Relations (PCR) officer said that they have already informed all the chiefs of police from the two cities and 17 municipalities regarding its stern implementation at their respective areas of responsibilities (AOR) during a command conference conducted earlier.

Naranjo also said that Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office Director Romaldo Bayting has already prompted the 19 police chiefs to perform well their duties and ensure that no incidents of indiscriminate firing will ever happen in welcoming the New Year.

According to Naranjo, any civilian who is identified of violating the law by committing indiscriminate firing, a probable cause of filing a case against the offender can be made.

Meanwhile, Naranjo added that the intensified campaign against illegal drugs will continue as holiday seasons comes, he cited as he discussed the implementation of Project Double Barrel of the Philippine National Police (PNP). (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

1st Agusan del Norte centenarian receives incentive, award

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) – Lola Conchita Hurod of Barangay Tagbongabong in the municipality of RTR, Agusan del Norte has received P100,000 as a centenarian.

Lola Conchita celebrated her 102nd birthday on December 20 of this year and she was the first centenarian grandmother who received an incentive from the provincial government of Agusan del Norte.

According to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office chief Daisybiel Demavivas, based on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Listahanan Database for Senior Citizens, there are already 17 centenarians in the entire province.

Demavivas said that of the 17 centenarians, only Lola Conchita complied the requirements and managed to claim her incentive and award. The other 16 centenarians did not process any claims yet, for some reasons that they no longer reside in the area or they don’t have the complete documents yet to support their claims, Demavivas added.

Lola Conchita received a total of P100,000. The P50,000 came from the provincial government while the other P50,000 was given by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba. A wheelchair was also accorded to Lola Conchita during the awarding ceremony, which was personally attended by governor Matba and witnessed by the provincial government employees during a Monday convocation held recently at the provincial capitol lobby.

Lola Conchita has four children, namely, Norma, Armando, Filomeno and Carmelita.

As per Provincial Ordinance No. 362-2014, a cash gift of P50,000 shall be given to the Centenarian upon reaching the age of 100 years old in honor of his or her longevity and to encourage other residents to stay fit and healthy. A Certificate of Recognition and felicitation shall also be given to the Centenarian and shall be awarded during the celebration of the Araw ng Agusan del Norte. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DTI facilitates back to back skills training in Siargao Island

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 4 (PIA)– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently facilitated a simultaneous Cocosugar Production Skills Training and Training on Seashells Craft Making cum Packaging and Labeling in Barangay Don Paulino in Dapa town, Siargao Island.

According to DTI Trade and Industry Development Specialist Ninebeth A. Romo-Balighot, the activity, which was participated by identified women group/association in the locality, aimed to develop and enhance the skills of the women in making cocosugar and shell craft products.

Balighot said the Sta. Fe Women Association and Don Paulino Craft-Makers Association are both recipients of the Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) Program funded by the DTI.

She said beneficiaries were provided with the starter kits and expected to continually process and produce their respective products then initially sell them in the locality for the locals and tourists.

Balighot further said that BuB program aims to increase beneficiaries’ household income and reduce poverty in the locality through sustainable economic activities.

“There are still upcoming BuB projects to be conducted and implemented in Siargao Island for the year 2017, such as skills and entrepreneurial trainings, capability building and provision of starter kits,” Balighot added. (DTI-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

News Feature: PDRRMC Agusan del Norte achieves 2016 target

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) - Agusan del Norte is not among the top ten provinces prone to devastating disasters. Typhoons seldom occur in the province but when it strikes Northern Mindanao especially in the neighboring provinces, it causes the Agusan River bank and other nine rivers within the province to overflow which results to flash floods.

The lessons learned from the past disasters became the province's drive to exert efforts in ensuring that our communities will be well prepared and disaster-resilient. As mandated by Republic Act 10121 also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction, the province headed by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba continued to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is proactive in lessening the socio-economic and environment impacts of disaster and promotes the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders at all levels to specifically respond to the different aspects involved in disaster risk management.

For the year 2016, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte has successfully achieved its targeted goals and earned commendable accomplishments in the implementation its plans and programs geared towards a disaster resilient communities.

PDRRMO officer Erma Suyo said, the achievements and awards could not be possible without the support from the municipal DRRMCs, partner government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and other support groups such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army.

Among the notable 2016 accomplishments that the PDRRMC has achieved are as follows:

ON DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

A risk financing mechanism was implemented together with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) with a total of 375 farmers now insured, having 374.75 hectares of rice land and 54 herds livestock amounting to P630,974.57. The initiative was realized due to the council’s recognition that disasters can cause not only loss of lives and damage to properties but also impairing economic activity of the affected community.

Environmental Management. Due to the council’s acknowledgment on the importance and protection of the environment and natural resources and to avoid degradation and combat the effects of climate change, the council through its PDRRMO facilitated a tree growing activity at Libas Relocation Site during the Araw ng Agusan del Norte that was participated by the provincial employees.

Infrastructure Resilience. To have a resilient infrastructure, a construction of Slope Protection Project was also completed at Brgy. Lapucon in the municipality of Kitcharao.

ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Development and Establishment of DRR Database. A risk profile was made through the facilitation of the staff from Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP), which is part of the formulation of the Provincial DRRM Plan CY 2017-2021. Five municipalities participated in the risk profiling namely: Cabadbaran City, Jabonga, Carmen, Magallanes and Las Nieves.

The PDRRMO through the Training Section has started to establish the database on trained responders, with around 50 percent completion.

For 2017, PDRRMO also proposed to develop a Provincial DRRM Database by employing enumerators to do data field collection to 11 component LGUs of the province. This initiative will result to having a web-based DRRM information system in the future.

Provincial DRRM Plan. The formulation of the Provincial DRRM Plan CY 2017-2021 also started with a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) and Scoping Report Validation Activity last December of 2015.

As a result of the TNA, series of leveling off activities were conducted by the CDP on March 2016, which leads to DRRM Planning Workshop on May and Writeshop on June 2016. These results to 90 percent completion of the DRRM plan with some data needed to be collected from the remaining LGUs who have not participated in the process.

Contingency Plan. A Contingency Plan formulation workshop was also conducted on October 18-21, 2016 and was facilitated by the OCD. The result of the workshop is a draft Contingency Plan for Typhoon, which leads to the conduct of series of cluster meetings to finalize the cluster, plans which are the main component of the Contingency Plan. As of the moment, a 50 percent completion on the said plan is waiting for the finalization of the cluster plans by the different cluster lead agencies and offices of the province.

In support to other LGUs, the council through PDRRMO sent staffs to facilitate Brgy. Contingency Planning Workshop for the 19 Barangays of the municipality of Nasipit.

Also, the PDRRMC provided support to the various DRR-CCA programs to include the institutionalization of the YOUNG-ADNERT (Youth Operative in Urgency Nurturing Goodwill – Agusan del Norte Emergency Response Team). On April 14-16, 2016 at CSU Cabadbaran campus, the YOUNG ADNERT has established province-wide set of officers having Ms. Franchettee Marie Adlao as the federation president.

During the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month last July, a Youth Forum held at Provincial Training Center was conducted and was attended by the YOUNG ADNERT members coming from the different schools in the province.

Aside from that, a Province-wide Quiz Bee and DRR Short 'Film Making Contest were also conducted which was participated by 35 participating schools for the Quiz Bee and 12 participating schools for the Short Film Making. This endeavor is in partnership with Department of Education - Division of Agusan del Norte and Cabadbaran City Division.

Trainings. A CBDRRM Training of Trainers (TOT) was also conducted for NSTP students of Agusan del Norte as well as the School DRRM Coordinators. All the trained students and teachers will be part of the pool of trainers as additional workforce of Agusan del Norte PDRRMC in conducting CBDRRM to the secondary schools as well as to different communities within the province.

Another CBDRRM TOT was conducted in partnership with PhilDHRRA last September to October at Amontay Beach Resort in Nasipit and was participated by five barangays coming from the municipalities of Las Nieves and RTR. These barangay officials and community volunteers will now be hands on in capacitating their respective barangays while having opportunities to be of help to other neighboring barangays in ensuring that no community will be left behind in DRRM capacity enhancement.

Also, the Provincial CBDRRM Training Team together with the trained NSTP students went hand in hand in conducting CBDRRMP to the high-risk barangays such as: Brgy. San Roque, Kitcharao; Host barangays of Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI); Paz Y Desarrollo beneficiary barangay; and Social Action for Justice and Peace beneficiary barangay.

A Bansay-13 Project also initiated the first activity, which is the conduct of CBDRRM, which were participated by the community representatives from Brgy. Mat-i, Brgy. Poblacion and Brgy. San Roque. The conduct of this CBDRRM is in partnership with PhilDHRRA who handled the documentation of the said activity. Those community volunteers from Las Nieves who underwent CBDRRM TOT were now being tapped as one of the facilitators and were given modules for discussion, which were then being monitored by the Provincial and Municipal CBDRRM trainers. The Bansay-13 Project is a convergence of 13-riverside barangays of the municipality of Las Nieves.

Institutionalization of Incident Command System. The province initiated the conduct of clustered ICS training in order to organize the Local DRRMCs in handling disaster response with coordinated actions with different groups. Applying ICS at all levels will help the province in avoiding the same mistakes did in the past incidents.

In 2016, the council institutionalized the Incident Command System to the barangay level through the conduct of ICS Executive Course for all brgy. Captains and kagawad, which was held, last March 18 at Provincial Training Center with attendance of 71 participants from different LGUs of the province.

The council also realized the importance of having another set of Provincial Incident Management Team (IMT) in order to support the first batch of IMT. Therefore, the Basic ICS Training was conducted for ADNERT and PDRRMC members and was followed by 29th Infantry Battalion’s training on Map Reading and Land Navigation all for IMT members. Basic ICS training was conducted also for PNP Special Action Force at Santiago in order for them to have basic orientation on how they as a group would blend into an ICS organization whenever they will be deployed to an incident.

For the first batch of Provincial IMT, they conducted their Team Building and Table Top Exercise in order to review their functional responsibilities on various positions as well as enhance teamwork within an IMT organization.

One of the most important things that the Council is trying to do is to incorporate awareness messages across all programs to ensure that communities, public and private institutions are aware of their risks and understand that there are ways to protect themselves.

The PDRRMC is an active partner in conducting fire and earthquake drills and simulations to municipal LGUs, line agencies, business establishments and schools within the province. In the relevant year, the province supported the conduct of Quarterly National Simultaneous Earthquake Drills into different ceremonial sites such as Santiago Municipal Hall, Buenavista Municipal Hall, DPWH Agusan del Norte and Provincial Health Office respectively.

Another drill called flood drill was also conducted at Brgy. La Paz, Santiago that was participated by the barangay council and community members of La Paz. Bomb Threat Awareness and Drill was also being performed in the Provincial Capitol through the PNP Bomb Squad of the province.

Just recently, the 4th Province-wide Rescue Exercise was conducted and attended by 10 participating teams of YOUNG ADNERT and four teams from partner line agencies. These annually conducted activity aimed to hone the skills and enhance the rescue capabilities of all trained response teams, YOUNG ADNERT members and partner agencies by comparing and competing with others and established rapport and camaraderie.

Search for Disaster Resilient LGUs (Localized Gawad Kalasag). Another initiative of the PDRRMC is the facilitation of the Search for Disaster Resilient LGUs dubbed as Localized Gawad Kalasag. For year 2016, the participating entries were as follows: (Municipal Category) – Las Nieves (who got Silver), Cabadbaran City (who got Silver), Carmen (who got Bronze) and Magallanes and Kitcharao (for Citation); (Barangay Category) the Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao is the only participating barangay which will also be awarded a Certificate of Citation; and for the (School Category) the Santiago CES got the first place by default. A Table Top and Field Validation was conducted on April to May 2016 while the Awarding of Deserving Winners being part of the ANGELL awarding was moved to January of 2017.

In line with its vision for a disaster-prepared and responsive province with sustained climate change resilient communities, the province conducted several capacity trainings and DRR-CCA activities, as follows: The emergency responders of the municipal LGUs were supported with capacity building programs such as Basic Life Support, Standard First Aid and Mass Casualty Incident Management to equip them with proper knowledge in responding emergency situations. This was conducted to AMVI coastal barangays as well as to Cabadbaran District Hospital Nurses; training for the Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE) was conducted on March to April by the instructors of Program for Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER) and was attended by a total of 30 responders coming from the ADNERT and LGU emergency response teams.

The province of Agusan del Norte is the first in the Caraga Region who had an MHPSS pool of trainers.

In order to support the component LGUs in their DRR activities, the provincial training team facilitated the Rapid Damage and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training for the Municipal RDANA team of the municipality of Nasipit.

ON DISASTER RESPONSE

The PDRRMC Operation Center was activated and manned on a 24/7 basis when Tropical Depression “Marce” crossed the province.

A Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment was also made and ICS was activated by PDRRMC chair governor Matba issuing public advisories in accordance with the standardized protocols and ensuring public’s safety and immediate public response. A standardized protocol in the submission of situational report has been followed starting from the municipalities to the province then submitted to OCD every eight hours as required was also maintained.

“The province of Agusan del Norte continuously does the effort to be on the forefront of advocacy to maximize its capacity towards disaster preparedness. It is just hope that these communities be able to withstand the strongest winds by working hand-in-hand in facing every trial and took the strength from each other during the most challenging times,” Suyo said. (NCLM with reports from PRDDMO Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

SurSur reports zero firecracker-related cases

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 4 (PIA)– No significant incidents caused by firecrackers or stray bullets were recorded in the Adela Serra-Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) here during the holiday season.

According to ASTMMC Information Officer Nelle Karl Roz, since Dec. 20, 2016 up to Jan. 2, 2017 no incidents of people killed or hurt due to firecrackers were recorded, while they were on Code White Alert status.

Meanwhile, Police Community Relations (PCR) Officer PCI Noel Naranjo of Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office also bared that no record of firecracker-related injuries has been reported in the whole province during the holiday season.

PCI Naranjo further said that the whole province of Surigao del Sur celebrated the Christmas and New Year’s Eve peacefully with no untoward incident happen.

It can be recalled that last 2014, as per DOH data, the province of Surigao del Sur ranked as the most number of cases in firecracker-related injuries. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AgSur IPs learn financial literacy

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) – Some 26 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of the Manpahanao Clan of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur were recently trained on how to manage their financial resources. This was thru the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the province.

DTI-Agusan del Sur provincial director Brenda Corvera stressed that the seminar on Financial Literacy was introduced to IPs so they will know better how to handle and manage their resources, as well as in their initiated project so they will be able to make sure that it will have enough funds to provide for their family’s daily needs.

“The seminar, which is one of the components of the 2016 Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) project dubbed 'Yamang Pinoy on Handicraft Making' was facilitated by the local government unit of Esperanza and our office. We will provide more trainings to the IP sector in the province that will give them better opportunities,” Corvera highlighted.

Meanwhile, Julieto Engag, chairman of the Manpahanao Clan in Esperanza also expressed his gratitude to the organizers of said seminar. “We are thankful as the knowledge shared by DTI helps us a lot in developing our capacity to handle our financial resources and do family budgeting. It has also awakened us on how important it is to build savings and emergency fund,” he shared. (JPG with a report from DTI-AgSur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

BCWD celebrates water district week

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) – In recognition to the contribution of the water districts to the growth and development of the nation, a water district week celebration is scheduled on the last week of January to be spearheaded by the Butuan City Water District (BCWD) here.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Water Districts: Adapting to Change."

“The goal of the event is to teach about water conservation, water quality and watershed protection,” BCWD general manager Engr. Anselmo L. Sang Tian said.

The BCWD hopes to provide an educational experience for residents and students on the importance of conserving water consumption and protecting our water source – the Taguibo Watershed, Sang Tian added.

During the celebration, a Community Water Conservation Festival will be held on January 27 to include booth exhibit, film showing and variety show.

The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 309 issued on December 20, 2002 by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declaring the last full week of January of every year as Water District Week. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DTI promotes 5 Negosyo Centers in AgSur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Sur urged the public to avail the services of the five Negosyo Centers (NCs) currently operating in the province.

According to DTI-Agusan del Sur provincial director Brenda Corvera, the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can register their business name, get help for other business requirements, receive business counseling and information on their marketing, financing, production/technology, product development and business management needs, include their product in the center pasalubong/trade display corner, and enroll and join in the center’s trainings for free.

“Joining the two pioneer centers – Negosyo Center in San Frncisco and Talacogon, established in 2015 are the three more NCs in the city of Bayugan and the municipalities of Prosperidad and Sibagat,” underlined Corvera.

Corvera also revealed that the NC in Prosperidad also serves as the NC provincial hub and is currently catering to the needs of MSMEs from municipalities with no NC yet mostly from the province’s second district. Another current sub-province is NC Talacogon, which is also serving the interior towns of San Luis, La Paz, and Trento.

“Targeted for set-up and launch this year is the Negosyo Centers in Trento, Bunawan and Sta. Josefa,” Corvera added.

The good provincial director further emphasized that all NCs in the province are working closely with the host local government units, local chambers (Agusan del Sur and Bayugan City), the local offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Provincial MSME Development Council. (JPG with a report from DTI-AgSur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AgSur ARBs participate in training for competitiveness

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur together with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently trained some 21 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to improve their ways in producing quality goods.

DTI-Agusan del Sur provincial director Brenda Corvera bared that these ARBs are members of the Kaagap Development Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KAAGAPMUCO) of Hubang in the municipality of San Francisco and RAM Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RARBEMPCO) in Rosario.

“The trainings include Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), as well as entrepreneurial seminars,” disclosed Corvera.

Corvera added that the HACCP is a tool to strengthen food handlers, introduced the beneficiaries to a more systematic approach that will ensure food safety through preventive measures which will reduce hazards. (JPG with a report from DTI-AgSur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PNP reports fewer firecracker injuries in Caraga region

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Regional Office 13 reported fewer firecracker related injuries during the holiday season.

PNP-PRO 13 regional director PCSupt. Rolando Felix said there was a significant decrease on firecracker related injuries from the different provinces during the holiday season.

Felix said that as of January 1, a total of 15 firecracker related injuries were recorded in the entire region, all are out-patient cases. “This is a 57 percent decrease compared with the last year’s 35 incidents,” Felix added.

Also, the PNP noted the decrease on confiscated illegal firecrackers.

During its presentation and inspection on the confiscated illegal firecrackers, Felix said that a total of 563,188 pieces of firecrackers to include the piccolo, giant kwitis, 5-Star OG, imported baby rocket, pop pop, super lolo, pla-pla, whistle bomb, watusi and big mega were confiscated/recorded.

Felix said the decrease is the result of the community’s response and cooperation to the call of the authorities for safe celebrations and also due to the relentless pro-active measures conducted by the Department of Health and the Local Government Units including the help of the media in information dissemination on the campaign against the use of illegal firecrackers in greeting the New Year. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Hinatuan announces temporary closure of enchanted river due to maintenance

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 5 (PIA) – The enchanted river in Hinatuan town, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Surigao del Sur, will be temporarily closed to public for a maintenance.

Hinatuan Tourism Officer and Community Development Information Officer (CDIO) Gemma Millan revealed that the temporary closure is scheduled from Jan. 9 until Feb. 3, 2017.

Millan added that the normal service operation of the river would resume on Feb. 4.

This is one of the strategies thought out by the local government unit of Hinatuan to allow and let the river refresh and revitalize, letting it having a breather from tourism, it was learned.

For further queries, they may text or call the Enchanted River Management Office at 0909-955-3077. The enchanted river is about 144 kilometers away from the city.

The river is famous of its clear waters in different shades of blue. At noontime, the caretaker of the river will ring a bell requesting everyone to get out of water as it is “feeding time.” The caretaker will then play the “hymn of Hinatuan,” then a massive school of fish will come out of nowhere and will gather at the mouth of the river. The caretaker will then feed the fishes. No one is allowed to swim and disturb the “feeding time.” When feeding time is over, the school of fish disappear and goes back to the underwater cave. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DOE pushes simulations to safeguard consumers during Malampaya scheduled maintenance

BUTUAN CITY, Jan 5 (PIA) - Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi pushes to firm up measures by each concerned agencies and power stakeholders during the course of the Malampaya maintenance repair from January 28 to February 16, 2017 to ensure readiness of all stakeholders and by way of ensuring consumers protection from any market abuses.

The DOE will closely coordinate with all Malampaya stakeholders including the Malampaya Consortium, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp., Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) and power generation companies and other distribution utilities to ensure sufficiency of power supply during the shutdown period.

Initially, Sec. Cusi instructed that “materials, equipment and other assets necessary for the maintenance of Malampaya should all be delivered by January 15 and these should be ready for deployment to make sure that the repair activities should remain on schedule.”

The DOE noted that during the maintenance activities, some power plants are on scheduled maintenance as well. Based on initial study, the lowest projected power supply capacity during the period stood at 8,747 MW on February 18, while highest demand is projected to reach 8,610 MW on February 9.

To ensure sufficient power supply, the DOE requires the affected natgas power plants to run on alternative or replacement fuel but it is more expensive than natural gas. Natural gas as fuel only costs around P4/kilowatt-hour and replacement fuel, such as diesel which costs around P6-P8/kWh.

Sec. Cusi then emphasized that “the Department is exploring all possible options and remedies to maximize protection for consumers.”

Moreover, to augment power supply, the DOE readies the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in which around 900MW are enrolled.

Further, the DOE also encourages consumers to practice effective “demand-side management.”

The Secretary of Energy also enjoined that “the public should also be proactive in computing the effect of price adjustments to be provided in the simulations given by the agencies concerned to for consumers to practice efficiency measures to avoid price shocks.” (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Power restored to more than 1M households in typhoon Nina-affected areas

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) - With its 24/7 power restoration efforts, the Department of Energy (DOE), together with its private institution partners, has resumed electricity supply to 1,003,519 households or about 57 percent re-energization of typhoon Nina-affected areas as of January 4, this year.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “After restoring power in town centers and nearby communities, our ground personnel are working round the clock, even double time to bring back the power supply to all affected households in Southern Luzon and Bicol regions.”

Specifically, Cusi relayed, “We, through the National Electrification Administration (NEA), already deployed 982 personnel from 52 participating energy companies and distribution utilities through Task Force Kapatid to help restore power supply in the affected 99 municipalities and seven cities.”

On transmission facilities, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that it deployed close to 600 personnel working 24/7 to attain 100 percent restoration of transmission lines by today. NGCP is focusing on the last three transmission service connected to NGCP customers that are still undergoing rehabilitation as of yesterday (3 January), which include Tabaco 20 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) Load-End Substation (LES) serving Albay Power and Energy Corp. (APEC); Malinao 5 MVA LES serving APEC; and Albay Agro-Industrial Development Corp. (ALINDECO) LES serving AboitizPower Renewable Incorporated’s Tiwi Geothermal Plant.

The following is the status of restoration in the affected provinces as of January 4, 2017:

A) On-Grid Areas:

For Sorsogon, the NEA reported that 46,366 households have been restored under the franchise area of Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative (SORECO II), while SORECO I is currently undergoing clearing and restoration of their distribution facilities.

Albay province, through the report of Albay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC), has restored 31 percent of all affected areas or a total of 68,668 households.

In Camarines Norte, all power facilities are up and running supplying electricity to its locals, while in Camarines Sur, there are still 296,219 households to be energized spread over the franchise areas of four electric cooperatives in the province.

As reported by NEA, Quezon Province has reached 50 percent restoration status for all typhoon-affected areas, especially under the Quezon I Electric Cooperative.

For Batangas, NEA reported that Batangas II Electric Cooperative (BATELEC II) has attained 100 percent restoration, while BATELEC I stood at 90 percent or around 16,000 remaining households to be energized.

B) Off-Grid Areas:

In the hard-hit province of Catanduanes, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) has counted 48,000 affected households undergoing restoration. Moreover, the National Power Corporation (NPC) reported that all affected government-owned power plants in the province are already in operation with a dependable capacity of 7.8 megawatts (MW), while among the privately-owned generation facilities totaling to 8.5 MW, only the 2.8 MW Sun West Corporation Hydroelectric Power is still non-operational due to flood water.

For Mindoro Island, NEA reported that 99 percent of households in Occidental Mindoro have been restored, while Oriental Mindoro stood at 68 percent re-energization or 120,682 households have experienced resumption of power supply.

While Marinduque’s generation and transmission facilities have been restored by NPC, there are still 43,200 affected households that are yet to be restored by Marinduque Electric Cooperative (MARELCO) as NEA reported.

All other off-grid areas (Masbate, Batangas, Camarines Sur and Marinduque Mini-Grids) under the supervision of NPC are back in operation awaiting restoration of distribution facilities.

“We’ve already added personnel and augmented assets through private institutions and we are continuously monitoring the progress of power restoration,” said Cusi.

Cusi concluded "We are exhausting all possible remedies to bring back the power in the affected areas the soonest possible. We cannot leave our kababayans until we have lighted each and every household affected by Typhoon Nina.” (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

156 Shared Service Facilities serve MSMEs in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) – “The Department of Trade and Industry has extended 156 Shared Service Facilities for the use of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Caraga.”

This was the statement of Director Brielgo Pagaran of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga during a briefing held recently at the regional office here.

Pagaran bared that from 2014 to 2016, the department has approved and release P85-Million worth of Shared Service Facilities (SSF) to enhance business operations of the region’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“These SSF support the following sectors: processed food, arts and crafts, creative industry, bakery and other agri-processing. The equipment provided also includes product packaging and labeling. This project is implemented through people’s organizations’ participation with the non-government organizations, industry associations, schools, and local government units,” relayed Pagaran.

The good director also revealed that to date, there are more than 7,000 enterprises that have benefitted from the various shared service facilities establishd in the region. These facilities, which are operated and managed by the partner-cooperators, are available for use by the enterprises with a minimal fee to cover operating and maintenance cost. (JPG/DTI-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Firecracker-related cases decrease in Caraga region

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) – The number of firecracker-related injuries in Caraga Region decreased last 2016, figures of Department of Health (DOH) showed.

In a report released by the agency, there was a 74 percent-drop in fireworks-related incidents during the period of December 21, 2016 up to January 5, 2017.

According to DOH Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., a total of 21 cases were reported during the monitoring period. This is 74 percent lower compared to the 81 cases tallied in year 2015, Llacuna said.

The province of Agusan del Sur had the highest number with seven cases; six of these came from the municipality of Prosperidad. Surigao del Norte also has a total of six cases coming from Gigaquit, Socorro and Placer, Llacuna added.

He further said that majority of the cases (18.86 percent) were active users involving illegal fireworks. Seventeen (81 percent) injuries were caused by piccolo where most cases involved the hand, he said.

The provinces and cities with zero case during the monitoring period include Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Cabadbaran City, Tandag City and Bislig City.

“We are grateful to everyone, to our partner agencies, to the authorities, to the local government units because this was a joint effort. We could not have done it alone,” said Llacuna.

"We were able to celebrate a merry, happily and safe Christmas and New Year with an immense decrease of firecracker related injuries," added Llacuna. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

DTI recognizes San Francisco town in AgSur as most competitive municipality in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently recognized anew the municipality of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur as the most competitive municipality in Caraga region for the past four runs of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index Ranking since 2013.

DTI-Agusan del Sur provincial director Brenda Corvera bared that on top of this, the local government unit of San Francisco has also ranked 5th among the 490 first and second class municipalities nationwide in the area of Government Efficiency.

Corvera also said that in terms of over-all ranking among the same income class of LGUs all over the country it is at number 29 or at top six percent.

“Data show that the LGU-San Francisco is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the region. Its number of business establishments grew by 32 percent from year 2011-2016. It experienced the highest growth in the number of establishments in 2016 at 15 percent. It has also the highest amount of new investments of about P47,540,812 in the province in 2015 and the third in total gross sales of P2,833,661,930.52 for the same year,” relayed Corvera.

It was also learned that LGU-San Francisco is the first LGU to host a Negosyo Center in Agusan del Sur and the second in the entire region. (JPG with a report from DTI-AgSur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

NFA Surigao Norte opens for renewal of NFA license

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 6 (PIA) – The provincial office of the National Food Authority (NFA) - Surigao del Norte is now open for the renewal of grains NFA retailers license at the NFA Provincial Office located at Km. 10, Barangay Quezon, this city.

NFA provincial manager Gleen P. Echin encourages all rice and grains businessmen in the municipalities of Alegria, Mainit, Sison, Taganaan, and Tubod to renew their license this whole month of January to avoid surcharge and other penalties.

Echin said they have also implemented staggered licensing schedule from January until June for the following municipalities: Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit and Placer (February); Surigao City (March); all municipalities of Siargao Island (April); all municipalities of Dinagat Islands (May); Malimono and San Francisco (June).

She also encouraged those who are interested to apply for NFA license to just visit the NFA provincial office or at the Tan Warehouse located at Bilang-Bilang, Borromeo Street, this city or contact the NFA Hotline at telephone: 0932-8681554/0917-8258302. (NFA-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DTI releases funds for meat processors in AgSur town

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 6 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of this province has recently granted the full release of P800,000 under the 2016 Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BuB) to the local government unit here.

With the fund released to said LGU, a Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Product Packaging and Labeling will be established in the area.

According to DTI-Agusan del Sur Brenda Corvera, it will complement and support another SSF, which was earlier granted to the LGU on Meat Fabrication. “The project will be managed by the Municipal Economic Enterprise Office (MEEO) and will fund capability building activities, marketing promotion and processing nhancement,” she said.

Corvera further emphasized that the partnership of DTI and LGU-Prosperidad aims to increase the income and enhance the productivity of meat processors, meat shop operators and meat vendors in the locality. (JPG/DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Cebuano News: Mga benepisyaryo sa 4Ps gisuportaan sa probinsya

Ni Aimie B. Sienes-Sajor

BUTUAN CITY, Enero 6 (PIA) - Hugot ang suporta sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte, sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, alang sa kaayohan ug kalamboan sa mga benepisyaryo sa 4Ps o Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Usa sa mga nakita sa mga opisyal mao ang kakulangon sa pinansyal nga suporta alang sa mga benepisyaryo ug kini kulang pa sa inadlaw-adlaw nga panginahanglanon sa matag pamilya. Aron mas matabangan pa sila, nakita sa Provincial Advisory Committee sa Agusan del Norte ang pwede pa matabang sa probinsya ug mihangyo kini sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga mopasaka og resolusyon nga dili na makabayad pa ang mga benepisyaryo sa 4Ps alang sa mga bayrunon kalabot sa pagkuha og birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, marriage application ug certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR).

Sa tubag sa maong hangyo, gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 064-2016, nga gipanginahanan ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, nga nagkanayon, “Resolution requesting the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Central Office, Manila, to exempt the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from paying fees in obtaining birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, marriage applications and certificates of no marriage (CENOMAR) from the said agency.”

Nagtuo ang mga opisyal sa probinsya nga ang pag-exempt sa mga benepisyaryo sa 4Ps sa mga bayronon usa sa mga pagpaningkamot nila aron matubag ang panginahanglanon sa mga kabos. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DOH Caraga warns public to take extra care during flood, heavy rains

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga warns public to take extra precaution during flood and heavy rains.

In an advisory released by the department, DOH Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. suggested to take safety tips by making sure that the drinking water is from a safe water source, in the case of doubt, boil the water for two minutes or longer to make it safe.

Llacuna also said that the food to be eaten is well cooked; leftovers should be covered and kept away from household pests. Proper disposal of food waste should also be maintained.

During the flood and heavy rains period, personal hygiene by always washing hand before and after eating should be observed. Wearing comfortable clothing, bringing umbrellas, rain coats, and boots to protect from water-borne and vector-borne diseases like leptospirosis, hepatitis A and dengue should be practiced during those periods.

Also, director Llacuna warns parents not to allow their children to wade in floodwaters to avoid diseases; clean up possible mosquito breeding sites, such as vases and old tires. Stay away from hanging wires and unstable structures all the time.

For situation updates, Llacuna further said that everyone should listen to radios and/or televisions; and to stay inside a house or building during the heavy rains. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur LGUs declare suspension of classes due to TD Auring

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Several local government units (LGUs) thru their respective local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) have declared ‘no classes’ Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 due to floods caused by Tropical Depression Auring; despite the fact that PAGASA had already lifted its signal warnings to them.

According to Provincial DRRM Officer Abel de Guzman, of the 19 LGUs, eight have already submitted their partial report updates on the effects of TD Auring in their area of responsibilities including the declaration of suspension of classes.

Based on PDRRMC Situational Report # 3, classes were suspended in all levels in the following: Bislig City, Cagwait, Bayabas, Lianga, and Barobo, while pre-school to elementary levels in Tago and Cantilan towns.

The interior municipality of San Miguel also declared on Saturday the suspension of classes today, according to Community Development Information Officer Nancy Elizalde. She said that 12 barangays out of 18 were partially affected by floods.

Meanwhile, Tandag City DRRM officer Marivic Bandoy confirmed that the city government has also declared today the suspension of classes in all levels. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DSWD-Caraga assists stranded passengers at Nasipit port due to TD Auring

By Eunice G. Montaos

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) - In response to the request of the municipal local government unit (LGU) of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga provided on Jan. 8, 2017 augmentation support to assist the 363 passengers, bound for Manila and Bohol, who were stranded due to the inclement weather brought about by Tropical Depression Auring.

The assistance that were provided are two boxes sardines, two boxes corned beef, two boxes 3-in-1 coffee, and 308 pieces bath soap. The monetary value of the assistance will total P21,536.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the said municipality spearheaded the distribution of goods to the passengers.

DSWD Caraga OIC regional director Mita Chuchi-Gupana Lim released an official statement assuring the public on the readiness of the DSWD-Caraga to provide augmentation support to the LGUs.

“We have strengthened our preparedness measures to provide quick and responsive support to the needs of the LGUs, communities, and families in the region who will be affected by calamities such as TD Auring,” Lim said.

“As we feel the discomfort experienced by the stranded passengers in Nasipit, the agency, in partnership with the MLGU and within our mandate and resources, would ensure that their basic needs are provided while they are waiting for their re-scheduled trips,” she added.

As of reporting time, the regional warehouse of the Field Office has a stockpile of 14,416 family food packs and re-packing activity is on-going for additional stockpile.

Also, the Quick Response Team (QRT) of DSWD-Caraga continues to monitor the situation in the region after TD Auring made landfall on Sunday at Siargao Island. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

OCD Caraga has new regional director

By April Rose Anne Y. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) - The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) held a turnover ceremony of the outgoing and incoming OCD regional directors and RDRRMC chairpersons as Dir. Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena has been transferred to OCD Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula.

The ceremony was held on Friday, January 6 here with Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James E. Purisima, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Administration, as its presiding officer.

Asec. Purisima emphasized in his message that OCD should maintain strong partnerships and linkages with stakeholders since it is vital in discharging the agency’s mandates.

“We need to intensify our partnerships and linkages with our valuable allies --- our stakeholders, in further advancing the civil defense and DRRM programs so as to deliver what is best for our country and for our people. We need to remember that OCD is the prime mover of national efforts in civil defense and DRRM," said Asec. Purisima.

"Therefore, as public servants, we are expected to be at the height of preparedness and provide proactive and strategic actions. It should be underscored that well-implemented civil defense and DRRM programs immensely contribute to sustainable socio economic growth nationwide," he added.

Likewise, he acknowledged the noteworthy milestones of Dir. Ochotorena in Caraga Region for one year and 6 months. He then enjoined Dir. Rosauro Arnel Q. Gonzales, the newly assigned OCD Caraga regional director and RDRRMC chairperson to actively continue the endeavors undertaken by the previous regional directors of the agency.

Lorene S. Catedral, head of Caraga RDRRMC secretariat presented the significant milestones and accomplishments of Dir. Ochotorena from July 2015 to December 2016 through an audio visual presentation.

In his remarks, Dir. Ochotorena said that during his term, the DRRM of Caraga stepped up and proper knowledge leading to appropriate preparedness has been inculcated to Caraganons. He added that as the father of DRRM in the region, he always emphasized that given the appropriate knowledge and behavior towards certain calamities, communities are expected to respond to circumstances with certainty to lessen the impacts of disasters.

“I will never get all the credits for together we have accomplished things. We have trained 1,916 Caraganons from July 2015 to December 2016. We have trained them on different DRRM-related capacity building initiatives," Ochotorena bared.

"We have sit together as one council in six regular quarterly full council meetings and have substantively discussed concerns and have issued seven RDRRMC Resolutions for the welfare of Caraganons. Let us continue institutionalizing the four standing committees of the RDRRMC,” he added.

Likewise, Gonzales, the new OCD regional director and RDRRMC chairperson accepted the responsibility given to him.

“Today, I am elated that I am taking over an office that is in top shape with personnel who knew their job and most importantly in a high degree of morale. I wish to thank the previous Regional Directors for laying out the good foundations of OCD Caraga and I salute Dir. Ochotorena for a job well done for taking care of the office. I am confident that I will be hitting the ground so to speak,” Gonzales expressed.

A turnover of symbol took place where the official OCD flag was given by Dir. Ochotorena to Asec Purisima and was passed over to Dir. Gonzales. The OCD flag signifies responsibility, accountability, dedication and commitment to the agency and to its mandates. Moreover, it symbolizes leadership and passion in pursuit of excellence in DRRM. (OCD Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DA Caraga responds to TD Auring

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) - As Tropical Depression (TD) Auring hit the region over the weekend, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga mobilized its personnel to monitor the situation and effects of the typhoon on agriculture.

TD Auring made a landfall in Siargao island in the province of Surigao del Norte in the afternoon of Sunday, January 8. The region experienced continuous rains for the past days.

Based on reports gathered from the local government unit counterparts as of 3:00 P.M. Sunday, January 8, a total of 6,681 hectares of rice lands regionwide were reportedly affected with an estimated cost of damages amounting P37 Million. Affected crops are in various stage of planting. As of December 2016, there were a total of 15,289 hectares planted to rice in the region.

Meanwhile, DA-Caraga has readied as buffer stocks 2,900 bags rice certified seeds, 1,200 bags open-pollinated variety (OPV) white corn seeds, and 5,000 grams of assorted vegetable seeds for replanting of those whose crops were affected.

“We have already positioned our buffer stocks of seeds, it is readily available for the affected farmers,” DA Caraga field operations division chief Rebecca R. Atega said.

Today, DA Caraga regional executive director Renato P. Manantan has deployed DA-Caraga’s Quick Response Team to the provinces to further assess the extent of damage to agriculture, coordinate and validate reports from LGUs. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Bagyong Auring nanalasa sa rehiyon ng Caraga, libo-libong Caraganons inilikas

Ni Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Enero 9 (PIA) - Sa pagpasok ng unang bagyo sa taong ito, naging handa at alerto ang mga Caraganons dahil sa walang humpay na pagbabantay at aktibong pakikilahok ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa pagpapaigting ng paghahanda laban sa kalamidad at sakuna na magiging epekto sa tropical depression ‘Auring.’

Marami ang nailigtas at nabigyan ng serbisyo sa kabuoang rehiyon ng Caraga sa tulong na rin ng local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at iba pang response units sa ginawang preemptive evacuation kung saan umabot ng 5,243 na indibidwal o 1,234 pamilya ang naitalang nailikas sa iba't-ibang evacuation centers.

Minabuti ng Office of Civil Defense Caraga sa pamamagitan ng Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council ang interbensyun nito sa puspusang pag momonitor at regular na pagpapalabas ng advisories, weather updates at alert notice.

Ayon kay OCD regional director Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, Jr., wala umanong pakundangan sa pagbabantay ang ahensya nito lalung-lalo na sa pagbibigay paalala sa komunidad na maging proactive at cooperative.

Hindi naman inaantala ng mga kawal ng 4th Civil Military Operations, Philippine Army sa pamumuno ni Lt. Col. Rey Pasco ang pagsasagawa ng masinsinang pag-iikot sa mga flood at landslide prone areas upang magsagawa ng humanitarian assistance.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Ruel Hipulan, isang active volunteer ng Save Mindanao - People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center, na sa kabila ng di pangkaraniwang bilis na pagtaas ng water level sa Agusan River, sinigurado ng grupo nito na maisagawa ang pag papatrol sa riverbanks at pagbigay saklolo sa mga nangangailangan.

Katuwang din sa pagpapatupad ng seguridad at pagsasagawa ng clearing operation sa drainage canals ang Butuan City Police Public Safety Company na pinangunahan ni assistant company commander CInsp Christian Rafols.

Inaasahan na mapanatili ang maayos na koordinasyon, kooperasyon at pakikipagtulungan ng bawat isa upang maiwasan ang kapahamakan at mga pinsala na dulot ng bagyo. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Abalayan group receives economic benefits from NGPI

By Rechel D. Besonia

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 10 (PIA) - A total of 130 farmers from Abalayan group finally received their economic benefits from the NDC-Guthrie Plantations Incorporated (NGPI) Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC) - formerly National Development Corp. (NDC) amounting to more than P1M during the monthly meeting and assessment of validated Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of NDC Properties held recently at Escleto Microtel, San Francisco, this province.

DAR Caraga regional director Julita A. Ragandang, PARPO II Leoncio C. Bautista Jr., Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Allan N. Mundala, NDC team headed by Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers (MARPO) Divina R. Castilla, Evita R. Puerin and Mario Anaviso, farmers from Abalayan group headed by Metodio Abalayan and the NGPI MPC headed by chairman Nestor D. Alcular graced said event.

“We are very grateful for this day knowing that our sacrifices and personal commitment in helping you has paid off. Everyone is entitled for an equal distribution of benefits because you are all agrarian reform beneficiaries,” underlined director Ragandang.

“It is important that you should continue with your good relationship to the department because they are the frontliners and direct persons who will help you address the problems,” Ragandang added.

“I am happy that after many years of struggles, mediation conferences, negotiations and dialogues, we finally come this far. This only proves that we are heading towards a peaceful relation among each members, though slowly but surely,” expressed Bautista.

Also, during his message, Abalayan extended his thanks to the cooperative for finally granting what they have been yearning for a long time. “We are only here to fight what is rightfully ours and we are not asking more than what we owe,” he said.

For Dolores T. Loque, a member of the Abalayan group, the effort made by the department is very commendable. “Thank you so much to DAR for helping us in settling our individual differences. If it were not because of the effort they made, this moment might not be realized,” she highlighted.

The group was one of the breakaway groups from the original NGPI Multi Purpose Cooperative created in 1988 and was formed when the disgruntling members of the cooperative resigned due to various problems encountered in running the cooperative. But since their resignation in 2013 they were not given the benefits due to them.

The economic benefits distributed consist of their MSO, savings deposit, capital build-up (CBU), dividend and patronage refund.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that other breakaway groups had already received their economic benefits during the Farmer’s dialogue held last October 3, 2016 with Undersecretary Marcos D. Risonar Jr.(JPG/DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

'No to lowering age of criminal responsibility' - DSWD-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 10 - As the lead in social protection, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga supports the call against lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR).

This was the advocacy popularized by the members of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC) chaired by the DSWD during the recently concluded week-long observance of the 5th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Week.

Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli bared that this year’s theme which states “Rehab, Hindi Rehas: Itaguyod ang R.A.10630” is a call of the JJWC to oppose several bills filed in Congress that intends to amend the law and lower the MACR from 15 years old to nine.

“We are now facing another challenging battle in pursuing our mandate and mission,” said Brigoli.

“Several bills were filed at the House of Representatives proposing to lower the MACR. We, at the DSWD and the RJJWC advocate for the full implementation of the law instead of amending the law again,” she added.

“Our children in conflict with the law (CICLs) need proper care and they should not be put in jails where they are exposed to abuses and influence of hardened criminals,” Brigoli quipped. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD secretary meets 'Pantawid Pamilya' partner-beneficiaries in Agusan Sur

By Ryan Malbas Tapayan

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Jan. 10 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, together with DSWD-Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli, recently facilitated the Focus Group Discussion (FDG) to selected Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program partner-beneficiaries in the municipality of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur as part of the general program of activities of the 5th Annual Celebration of the Sustainable Livelihood Program Congress.

The said FGD aimed to evaluate the gains of the program after its eight-year implementation in the region, to collect success stories from the field and to gather relevant information on how to enhance the timely and effective delivery of services to partner-beneficiaries.

Conducted at the Barangay Training Center, the selected partner-beneficiaries showed some of the positive traits and their learning on their participation in the monthly conducted Family Development Session (FDS).

Some of the activities they did during the FGD were the creative illustration of the kind of community they like, a community that they do not like, and the sharing of personal experience as Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries.

Secretary Taguiwalo lauded the program implementation in the region as she observed that some of the partner-beneficiaries of the program are empowered, and they are articulate on how their lives have changed with the intervention of the convergence of programs of the government. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PNP Caraga records notable accomplishments in 2016

By PCInsp Charity S Galvez

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) - The combined efforts of police force in Caraga region and other stakeholders had resulted in several notable accomplishments against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, illegal logging, loose firearms, and illegal firecrackers in 2016.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 reginal director CSupt Rolando Felix disclosed that Caraga PNP had already accomplished 99.73 percent in Project Double Barrel. PRO 13 and accounted a total of 9,080 drug personalities out from the target of 9,104 regionwide.

He added that amid the continuing efforts against illegal drugs, 1,142 operations, were conducted which resulted in the arrest of 1,158 drug suspects and confiscation of P120,081,833 worth of shabu and marijuana. Then, 53 drug personalities were killed in the process of anti-drug operations.

In the war against illegal gambling, PRO 13 recorded a total of 126 operations throughout the year. A total of 117 had been arrested; 141 illegal gambling machines were confiscated, and 42 illegal number games were tallied. Confiscated cash reached to P178,157.

Meanwhile, Felix also divulged that the PNP and its partner agencies had made significant strides against illegal logging. P7,644,078 worth of confiscated logs and lumber measuring a total volume of 466,248 board feet were confiscated during the 186 operations in the entire region.

In terms of accomplishments against loose firearms, PRO 13 had documented a total of 1,054 surrendered and confiscated firearms during the successful conduct of 308 police operations. Based on the data, 300 arrested suspects were charged with the violation of Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

On the other hand, during the strict implementation of the selling of illegal firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, the police force in Caraga confiscated a total of 671,006 pieces with estimated value of P287,644.40. Only 19 firecracker-related incident were recorded in the entire region. This has reflected a 98.25 percent decreased compared with last year’s 80 incidents. No record of indiscriminate firing and injuries due to stray bullet all throughout the yuletide season.

Year 2016 had been a challenging year but with successful activities and accomplishments of PRO 13, the region’s top cop is hopeful to sustain these figures and breakthrough results in the coming years with continues support of partner agencies and other stakeholders, said Felix. (PNP PRO 13/PIA-Caraga)

2016 crime rate in Caraga down by 30%

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) - Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 disclosed that the crime rate in Caraga dipped 30 percent from January 1 to December 31, 2016 compared with the same period in 2015.

PRO 13 regional director CSupt Rolando Felix said that a total of 10,029 crimes were reported in 2016, lower than the 14,331 crime volume listed in 2015.

Citing the record from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD), 63 percent of crimes were solved in 2016 compared with only 44 percent solved cases in 2015.

Data also showed that crimes related to murder, homicide, rape, robbery and theft posted a significant slide to 50 percent with only 2,594 totaled crimes in 2016 compared with 5,194 crimes in 2015.

Crime against person like physical injury with the highest number of cases in 2015 reaching 1,029 declined to 27 percent with 749 in 2016.

However, the case on Murder slightly increased from 395 in 2015 to 405 in 2016. The dramatic surged can be attributed to the number of killings implicated to the campaign against illegal drugs.

Felix noted that the downtrend of crimes was the result of combined efforts of the PNP, other law enforcement agencies, local government units and the community.

“I am calling on the people in Caraga to continue working with the PNP and our partner agencies to sustain these substantial gains in bringing down crime incidents in the region,” Felix added. (PNP PRO 13/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Fire, fight and faith: A soldier’s verve

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) – Behind the audacity, vigor and skillful tactics of a soldier is a habit of mind and heart to exude faith as evinced in his kindness and love for his fellowmen and the Supreme Being.

For Lieutenant Colonel Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, “being a uniformed personnel serving the government doesn’t imply a privilege you can claim, but a duty you must perform. There’s no other option than to uphold the ethical and legal standards in the execution of tasks and fulfillment of missions.”

It means standing your ground and acting on it to support the interests of the republic and its citizens and ensuring local and national security, enunciated Pasco. “We often hovered between life and death situations and that entails extraordinary bravery and moral courage to surpass the challenges. When we pledged for genuine public service, we mean carrying out our job wholeheartedly even by risking our lives for others,” he added.

The reward of valor

Keeping the confidence in his ability to perform well under the difficult and demanding conditions of battle, LTC Pasco and his comrades in the armed service exemplified an indomitable spirit worthy of emulation.

With his vast experience in the field of combat operations, LTC Pasco courageously spearheaded his troops in maneuvering and assaulting enemy position amidst heavy hostile fires. This led him to receive a gold cross medal for his conspicuous courage and gallantry in action during an encounter against more or less fifteen dissident terrorists at Sitio Bagang, Brgy. Kamuayan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental in October 1998.

Another gold cross medal was accorded to him on July 2000 for his combat skills, bravery, teamwork and timely execution of operation plan during an encounter against more or less 230 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels at Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. He and his cohorts defended the area through face-to-face combat fighting with the strong first line of defense of the enemy.

“As I left the tour of duty for taking actions to defeat insurgency, I sit in relief for I managed to hurdle and undertake what I am called on to do. Nothing feels exhausting when you are passionate about the profession you pursue,” underscored Pasco.

A man of military bearing with a tenacity of legendary warriors, a bronze cross medal was awarded to him in March 2002 for possessing the highest degree of professionalism and exceptional courage in the face of danger. He bravely and actively participated and supervised in the conduct of special intelligence operations resulting to the successful neutralization and apprehension of Muhammad Kiram, the local contact of arrested Indonesian national Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi also known as Abu Saad, a member of an international organization called Jammal Islameah, an Islamic Terrorist Group who has link with the Al-Queda terrorist group.

Imbued with the high sense of professionalism and dedication to duty, he and his comrades effectively carried out their assigned tasks by exerting maximum efforts to ensure the accomplishment of the mission. The extraordinary traits, tailored with proper intelligence training and background displayed, the coordinated efforts and utmost enthusiasm coupled with perseverance, significantly contributed to the success of the operation. This laudable achievement has brought credit not only for himself and the group but for the entire Philippine Army.

The fight for peace progresses and this doesn’t stop him from moving ahead. In March 2006, Pasco was further awarded with a bronze cross medal award for acts of heroism involving risk of life while serving as the intelligence officer/intelligence operative of the 401st brigade, 4th Infantry Division. It eventually yielded positive results during the conduct of combat operations at Nasipit and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

For those individuals whose heroism, noble and substantive acts that were never known to many, they deserve to earn homage for being in the line of unsung heroes who unconditionally take charge on matters with commitment and conviction.

The sacred devotion

The stern discipline reflects a stiff soldier always ready to conquer an opponent amidst danger and toil.

In almost half a golden year of blitz and aggressive fire and fight maneuvers to defeat the enemy and those who are in armed resistance against the government, LTC Pasco never omit his spiritual and moral obligation which he ought to perform not only as a uniformed official in service but as a person of holistic human portrayal.

“It is vital to recognize the authority of Christ. I wrestled all my life under unpredictable instances despite proficiency in my bailiwicks. And in seeking for divine protection and guidance, I opted to be ruled by His command and power over men,” modestly admitted Pasco.

He pointed out further the unseen heroic deeds and astounding sacrifices of soldiers, the enormous costs to personal safety of their own lives and their families, the coping measures from anguish of leaving their loved ones behind, and the mixed emotions of confronting the probability of getting injured or even death. “With my fellow armies, we were able to hurdle all these according to our faith, individual convictions, and sacred devotion to duty and the Almighty,” he said.

Rededicating army’s spiritual home

Following the zest and motivation to lead and function as a dedicated serviceman comes the transcendence that creates more meaningful impact.

The genuine camaraderie displayed by Rev. Fr. Joshue Cadorna of the Order of Discalced Augustinians (OAD) as the spiritual mentor of LTC Pasco has truly inspired him to take a forward stride in pursuing warfare in a sphere different from that of the battlefield. This is when the circle of Christian armies at the 4th Civil Military Operations Battalion proceeded in combined action for the rehabilitation of the brigade chapel at the 4ID Advance Command Post, Camp Bancasi.

It was three decades ago, September 7, 1986 to be exact, when the construction of the brigade chapel started and was inaugurated under the then command of Col. Renato Palma.

With the generous help of the civilian friends, devotees and close allies in public service such as the Philippine Information Agency Caraga team led by regional director Abner Caga, the Beata Virgine del Santo Rosario (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) Chapel was successfully renovated on September 1, 2016 and a rededication was held on October 30, 2016.

It was graced by 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commander Major General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. and other officials. “Such accomplishment is a manifestation that wonderful things can be achieved through teamwork and bayanihan,” underscored Madrigal.

The bayanihan, as a thrust of Philippine Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), encaptulates the idea of cooperation in order to achieve real change and development. “Truly, the spirit of bayanihan is alive in Caraga,” stated Madrigal.

Meanwhile, Fr. Cadorna, delegated chaplain and prior of the OAD led the blessing of the brigade chapel. “I am really grateful for the dedicated heart of Lt. Col. Pasco and his troops in the realization of this project. Everything was made possible through the generous support from the private individuals and military friends of the brigade,” stressed Fr. Cadorna.

He also said that “more than the ideal execution of the game plan among the cream of chivalrous soldiers, the spiritual nurturance should also be given utmost priority in order to spell a proper disposition and a perfect conditioning of mind, body and soul.”

The drive for volunteerism

Built inside a 48-hectare vicinity utilized by the Philippine Army in Brgy. Bancasi, this city, the Beata Virgine del Santo Rosario Chapel erects beautifully and sturdily, showing how the infatigable hands of the people who voluntarily spent their time and efforts for the completion of the project.

Apart from the benevolence of persons who provided the materials needed for he renovation, the chapel now captures the minimalistic element of its design that suits the serene environment through the artistic contribution of local artists, namely, Ronald Rudinas and Chito Alegre.

Inspired also by the kindness of heart and humility, Antolin Lara Adlawan, together with other volunteers, offered in all sincerity their services by physically doing the construction works.

The involvement of Adlawan tells an inspiring story of a wealthy and wise man who enjoys the perks of life until he unpleasantly experienced a turnaround of his fortunes.

“Life for me was so easy then as I gamble but I have to be candid with this. Money is a very good servant but a very bad master. When money speaks, everybody listens. Until such time, I lost my faith and discredit my Creator,” bluntly admitted Adlawan.

Confronted with a dilemma of almost losing a child for battling a cancer illness, Adlawan gradually regain his divine belief and was back on his feet, creating a sense of worthiness and self-esteem. He became known for his sacrificial commitment by being literally nailed on the cross and went walking under the scorching heat of the sun for seven months following the route from Agusan del Norte in Mindanao to Manila metropolis.

That’s when his total transformation began. He engages himself in evangelizing as a Catholic faith defender (CFD). Out from the natural brilliance of his mind and learned experiences, he’s able to live a renewed life.

“In the eyes of a flying eagle, there is no difference between an islet and a continent. Now, I prefer a simple but productive life serving the community and the church. To be successful in life, you must have the four Ds – desire (to serve), devotion, determination and discipline to achieve fulfillment in life,” expressed Adlawan.

There are many fecets of life where an individual can reveal his full potentials. Not only does it propel volunteerism or motivate others, but also permeate positivity and provide wisdom and enlightenment. Hence, a fully geared up soldier knows dominion over his opponent and keeps a dosage of faith and prayer. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

BuB women recipients embrace entrepreneurial mindset

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 11 (PIA) – The Sta. Fe Women Association in Barangay Sta. Fe, General Luna of Siargao Island embraced an entrepreneurial mindset through Cocosugar Production under the Start Your Own Micro Enterprise Project which was funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Sta. Fe Women Association is composed of 30 active women members and is a recipient of 2014 Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BuB) Program implemented by the local government unit of General Luna and funded by DTI in the amount of P500,000.

According to Trade and Industry Development Specialist Ninebeth A. Romo-Balighot BuB is a poverty reduction program of the government that aims to improve and uplift the quality of life of every beneficiary by stimulating economic activities that would generate additional household income.

She said that through the said program, the association was given an opportunity to start a business venture that would discover their potential of being entrepreneurs.

“They already participated at the DTI Negosyo Konsyumer ATBP Event on November 7-10, 2016 held at the Almont Inland Resort and Robinsons Place in Butuan City and attended trainings and seminars which provide them additional knowledge beneficial to their business,” Balighot said.

Balighot said the members of the association also undergo a packaging and labeling training for the packaging design of their product in preparation for their full operation on the first quarter of 2017.

Balighot further said that cocosugar business is identified as viable project by the association considering the raw material for the production is abundant in their area and the availability of the ready markets in the locality especially the existence of resorts owned and operated by locals and foreigners is also a big factor considered for the establishment of the said project.

“The whole island of Siargao is the initial target market of their cocosugar product, particularly the muninicipality of General Luna. As an island being internationally famous and known to be the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, increasing arrivals of both local and foreign tourists is expected. So, it's an advantage since the increasing number of buyers would mean greater opportunity to promote their products,” Balighot added. (DTI-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

125 DAR-assisted ARBOs undergo assessment

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 11 (PIA) - A total of 125 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in both the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands subjected themselves to an Information Technology-enabled Maturity Assessment (ITeMA) conducted by the provincial lead enumerators (PLEs) of the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) on November 7 to December 8, 2016.

Four ITeMA PLEs of DAR-SDN were trained and tasked to spearhead the said assessment to the DAR-assisted ARBOs of which 56 were from Surigao del Norte and 69 from the Dinagat Islands.

The said assessment covered the organizations' operations and activities from January to December 2015.

The ARBOs were assessed under five major indicators namely, 1) organizational management, 2) business enterprises and social services, 3) resource and financial management, 4) alliance building, and 5) social and environment responsibility.

According to Ms. Vergenia N. Canada, manager of Mary Sampaguita Auto-Savings Agra Multi-purpose Cooperative of San Jose, Dinagat Islands, “the ITEMA is very useful for us because it identified our strengths but most importantly spotted our weaknesses that would definitely help us in improving our organizational operations and activities”.

On the other hand, Sabina C. Honor, chairperson of Pagao Farmers Association of Sitio Pagao, Brgy. Campo in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte was happy that their association was able to undergo the assessment. “The ITEMA made us open our eyes that there are lots of work to be done in order for our organization to stand on its own feet basing on the assessed criteria. Especially that we have plans of making this association into a cooperative the soonest. The ITEMA has given us tips on how to become a good performing organization in the next years to come," said Honor.

The ITeMA for ARBOs seeks to come up with comprehensive and realistic results of assessing the levels of maturity of the DAR-assisted ARBOs, to bring to fore the development gaps or the interventions yet to be provided, and to create a database of DAR-assisted ARBOs from which updated and comprehensive ARBO profiles can be readily generated. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOH-Caraga opens search for 100% tobacco-free environment

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) – To recognize the efforts of the different institutions and agencies in Caraga region, the Department of Health (DOH) is now accepting nominations for this year’s Red Orchid Award, an annual Search for 100 percent Tobacco-free Environment.

According to regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., the search which is now on its 7th year will highlight the achievements in tobacco control in the different categories, to include the local government units (province, chartered cities, and municipalities), government hospitals, government offices, and DOH Center for Health Development and DOH hospitals.

Entries will be judged based on the strength of comprehensive efforts to implement a 100 percent tobacco-free environment using the World Health Organization MPOWER initiative, Llacuna said.

MPOWER is an acronym that denotes the six proven tobacco control policies, namely: Monitor tobacco control policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn against the dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on tobacco advertising; and Raise taxes on tobacco.

The deadline for the submission of self-assessment and nomination forms will be on February 15, 2017 and the screening and validation together with partners is scheduled starting February 20 to March 24, Llacuna said. The finalization of entries for submission to central office Awards Committee will be on April 7, he added.

The Red Orchid Awards is the Search for 100 percent Tobacco-free provinces, municipalities, cities, government offices, government hospitals and DOH regional offices nationwide. It was used by the World Health Organization in its 2001 World No Tobacco Day advocacy as a symbol of a tobacco-free world and to remind people that campaign to end the tobacco epidemic is far from over.

From 2012-2015, 45 cities and municipalities were already declared as Hall of Fame Awardees for winning the Red Orchid Awards for three consecutive years.

For more information and confirmation, you may contact Ms. Sunshine A. Alipayo or Ms. Romelyn Torralba at telephone numbers (085) 342-5208 local 104 or 0918 916861/0930 9396035. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

TD Auring inflicts P60M irrigation projects damage in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 12 (PIA) – The Surigao del Sur Irrigation Management Office bared that around P60M worth of damage on irrigation projects was noted due to floods brought about by the tropical depression Auring over the weekend, here.

Based on the assessment report received from the National Irrigation Administration-Surigao del Sur Irrigation Management Office headed by Engr. Ferdinand Amon, some of their facilities and infrastructures were reportedly damaged and some were washed out due to flooding.

A total of 5,177 farmers were affected from the cities of Bislig and Tandag and municipalities of Madrid, Cantilan, Tago, San Miguel, San Agustin, Lanuza, Marihatag, Cagwait, Lianga, Barobo, Hinatuan and Lingig.

Accordingly, the assessment revealed that the infrastructures that were reportedly damaged include Sta Felomina Dam in Tandag City, Hubo Dam in San Agustin, irrigation projects in San Miguel town and other communal irrigation system (CIS) and national irrigation system (NIS).

It can be recalled that during that time the province of Surigao del Sur was on a storm signal number 1 it and was forecasted that TD Auring will make landfall to Surigao del Sur but had later shifted to the other area. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Solon seeks to institutionalize ban on tobacco advertisement

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) - Agusan del Norte First District Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun filed House Bill 4713, seeking to institutionalize a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships (TAPS) in the country.

The said bill seeks to prohibit the placing, posting, or displaying tobacco advertisements and promotion items including tobacco products in any place including point of sale sites except for the placement of a simple sign informing consumers of the availability of the tobacco products therein.

In his explanatory note, Fortun emphasized the enormous toll of death, disease and disability caused by tobacco addiction as a global epidemic. Citing reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), the solon emphasized that battling this epidemic “should be an urgent concern especially in the developing countries, where 80 percent of the world’s smokers come from. In the Philippines, an estimated 87,600 Filipinos die every year due to tobacco-related illness, or 240 Filipinos daily.”

In 2003, the Philippines signed and ratified the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s first public health treaty which aims to address the global tobacco epidemic and provide protection to the world’s population against the health hazards of tobacco use. Article 13.1 of the FCTC contains an explicit recognition that “a comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship would reduce the consumption of tobacco products.”

By imposing a comprehensive ban on TAPS, the legislative measure targets to reduce the tobacco addiction in the country. “TAPS activities project an image of success fun and glamour to tobacco products that lure new users, especially the youth, into a lifetime of addiction. These deceive consumers into believing that tobacco is an ordinary consumer product, and not one that kills half of its regular uses when used exactly as the manufacturer intended,” Fortun explained.

While certain measures exist, the solon admits that tobacco addiction has remained prevalent mainly because of poor implementation of tobacco control policies and inconsistent enforcement. “Driven by its commercial interest, the tobacco industry has actively promoted both, and has since been correctly identified as the primary vector of this epidemic”, said Fortun citing an international study. He also added that there is the issue of enforcement, particularly on certain restrictions on TAPS that are conditioned on age, or distance from school public playground or other facility frequented by minors.” (Media Affairs, First District of Agusan del Norte - Butuan City and Las Nieves)

Butuanons to celebrate 118th anniversary of PH flag hoisting

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) – The Butuanons will be celebrating the 118th anniversary of the formal and official hoisting of Philippine Flag in Mindanao on January 17, 2017 at the Guingona Park, this city.

Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada and Agusan del Norte 1st District Butuan City and Las Nieves representative Lawrence Law Fortun will be delivering their messages during the short program.

Butuan City Heritage Society President Greg Hontiveros will also give the rationale of said celebration.

Also, a re-enactment play of the historical value of official and formal hoiting of the Philippine Flag in Mindanao will be performed by Agusan National High School – Special Program for the Arts (ANHS-SPA). Community singing and releasing of balloons will then follow.

It can be recalled that the original flag that was first hoisted on May 28, 1898 and unfurled during declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, was currently being preserved at the Gen Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DTI funds P236M to 267 BuB projects

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA)– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga has funded a total of P236 million for the 267 projects in the region under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB).

According to DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran, in partnership with the local government units, a total of 267 projects were implemented since year 2014.

“The projects funded are those under the department’s menu such as the One Town One Product (OTOP) Store, Yaman Pinoy, Shared Service Facility, Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion, Industry Cluster and other business development activities,” disclosed Pagaran.

Pagaran further said that in Caraga, projects funded are on processed food, arts and crafts, manufacturing, trading and services.

“As of December 2016, DTI-BuB in the region has generated 2,650 jobs and developed/assisted 2,300 enterprises,” added Pagaran.

The BuB is a national governments initiative that aims to contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive growth by making governance responsive to local needs and public resource allocation more efficient through the participation of grassroots in the budgeting process.

DTI is one of the implementing agencies for projects on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Energy secretary assures full power restoration in typhoon-stricken areas

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) - The Department of Energy (DOE) and its partners in the power sector are prioritizing the resumption of electricity in areas of Southern Luzon and Eastern Mindanao rendered without power by a series of typhoons.

“Our priority is to ensure that the restoration of power in typhoon-affected areas is on schedule. We have asked rehabilitation personnel to work double-time, especially in areas where power facilities were badly damaged,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Based on the report of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) dated January 11, 2017, all transmission lines affected by Tropical Depression (TD) Auring in Caraga are now completely restored.

NGCP reported earlier that all transmission facilities affected by Typhoon Nina have been restored as well.

Distribution utilities in Dinagat Islands, Siargao, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur affected by TD Auring are now in the process of bringing back electricity services after NGCP worked to normalize transmission services in the said areas.

For its part, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has reported that 80.69 percent or 1,368,040 of the total households affected by Typhoon Nina had already been re-energized as of 8:00 a.m. yesterday.

Earlier this week, electricity supply was restored in the provinces of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon, NEA said.

A total of 322,818 households are undergoing rehabilitation in the following areas with the following level of restoration: Quezon (92.89 percent), Oriental Mindoro (98.44 percent), Marinduque (28.79 percent), Camarines Sur (47.68 percent), Albay (64.20 percent) and Catanduanes (31.65 percent).

“We understand and are one with our kababayans in the remaining areas still without power. We will make sure that electricity services in all areas are restored,” secretary Cusi said. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga’s abaca industry on the rise

By Fretcher D. Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) - Abaca fiber in the region, particularly in the province of Agusan del Norte, will soon be saturating the local and foreign market as the Department of Agriculture-Caraga recently leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a P15M abaca fiber warehouse with drying area at Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

The San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) gained funding support from the DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) for its abaca fiber production and trading enhancement project with a total approved project cost of P31M, P16M of which is for the enterprise development component.

“Our membership has increased in the cluster areas since we started working for the realization of this project. Surely, many abaca farmers can benefit with this project,” said Leonora Mila, general manager of SIUFMULCO.

SIUFMULCO has five clusters in selected municipalities all over Agusan del Norte with a total membership of at least 600 abaca farmers. These clusters are operating in the municipalities of Santiago, Nasipit, RTR, Kitcharao and Cabadbaran City.

Farmers in the areas often encounter challenges with drying and stripping since the weather is unpredictable and the machine they have is old and at times the unavailability of an authorized person to do the stripping. All these concerns will be met because of the interventions provided by the project.

Planting materials, organic fertilizer, nursery and stripping machines will be equally distributed to the cluster areas as part of the provision of the project package. “With this project, farmers will be more inspired and idler lands will be planted with abaca,” Mila added.

Post-harvest facilities such as baling machine, forklift, wood pallets and push carts to enhance production of quality fiber were also included in the package. Two hauling trucks, moisture meter, and weighing scales would also support the efficient marketing and trading activities.

“This is the kind of project we need in the province. Our goal is not just to help, but also to encourage and influence other farmers to do more,” said Agusan del Norte provincial board member Victor Carmona.

The said facility will then serve as the standard grading and baling center accredited by the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA). With this, SIUFMULCO is expecting more abaca traders coming from other provinces in Caraga including neighboring regions from Davao and Northern Mindanao because of the expansion of the abaca project.

Abaca is a great demand in the world market today since its material is being used for making security papers, paper money, ropes, insulators and other handicraft items.

The Department of Agriculture under the leadership of Secretary Manny Piñol, has been keen on reviving the Abaca Industry considering its potential in the local and global market.

“With the cooperation of local government units (LGUs) and farmer groups, we will continue to propose for more projects for the strengthening and development of viable agri-fishery enterprises through efficient value chains of key agriculture and fishery products,” said I-REAP component Head Lynn Pareñas. (RPCO-13/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Feature: 5th SLP Congress highlights success stories

By Mary Carmelle C. Jumawan

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA)– The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga recently held its 5th Annual SLP Congress in this city with the theme “Kwentong Makulay, Kwentong Tagumpay” (Colorful Stories, Stories of Success).

Wide array of activities were set to rejoice the huge efforts of the program participants toward self-sufficiency and appreciation to the program’s ultimate goal in alleviating poverty.

“The employees of DSWD are dynamic and beautiful,” DSWD Sec. Judy M. Judy Taguiwalo praised the crowd.

“The implementation of SLP and the way it helps the people to have their source of livelihood taught them to stand on their own feet and confidently rely on one self than on others,” said Taguiwalo.

After delivering her message, Sec. Taguiwalo did a booth hopping, along with DSWD Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli, and amiably interacted with the program participants and DSWD staff from each booth.

Photo Exhibit and Livelihood Bazaar

A two-day photo exhibit in Guingona Park has showcased the genuine stories of success. The stories have shown how change became preeminent when the program started to be part of their lives.

Sec. Taguiwalo commended on how the photo exhibit has showcased the five-year journey of SLP in helping the Caraganons attain sustainable livelihood.

“I’ve learned a lot from the photo exhibit. I’m amazed with the kind of projects that SLP can impart,” Sec. Taguiwalo expressed.

To provide a platform for income generation and to showcase the SLP products to a wider market, a two-day livelihood bazaar was conducted. Sec. Taguiwalo, along with director Brigoli, visited the booths wherein various products from the five provinces of Caraga region were displayed during the bazaar from food products, handicrafts, furniture and local delicacies.

Aside from the products displayed, nail care and massage services were offered by the program participants from Surigao City. The participants had also undergone a skills training and were provided with starter kits.

Takbong Makulay Para Sa Kwentong Tagumpay

A 5-kilometer Color Me Run served as the kick-off activity of the said week-long congress. The 200 participants gathered at Guingona Park which was the starting and finishing point of the said activity. They elatedly ran through the 5-kilometer course while getting hit with powdered paint that left them coated in neon colors.

After the colorful run, the participants attended a thanksgiving mass followed by a two-hour Zumba.

Tagisan ng Kasanayan

After the successful morning activity, a cooking contest was held. The aim is to showcase the cooking skills of the program participants. It is a venue for them to nurture their creativity and enhance professionalism in the workplace. They prepared a main course dish using the ingredients inside the mystery box.

Program participants from Surigao del Sur were hailed winner during the cooking competition and followed by the teams from Surigao del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands, respectively.

Advocacy Festival and Bloodletting Activity

An advocacy festival has also colored the second day of the 5th Annual SLP Congress conducted in Guingona Park.

During the festival, the advocacy materials of the nine different programs or services of the agency were introduced to acquaint the general public.

A band presentation has concluded the festival. The winner of the recently concluded Kalahi-CIDSS song-writing contest Empty Space performed their song entitled ‘One’. Sabay Tayong Mangarap, the official jingle of DSWD-SLP Caraga composed and performed by Haystack band, arranged by Joseph Care Cabaltera and Simel Adam Amplayo was also played during the activity.

Social Entrepreneurship Symposium

To further enhance the entrepreneurial skills of the program participants, a technical session with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Social Entrepreneurial Technique and Strategies was conducted before the grand gala. It was attended by 100 program participants venturing on different livelihood projects from the five provinces of the region.

The Grand Gala

A grand gala culminated the 5th Annual SLP Congress attended by partner national government agencies (NGAs), private partners and DSWD staff which aimed to recognize stakeholders who have contributed a lot in the program implementation.

The colorful gala was officially opened by director Brigoli. “The stakeholders deserve this celebration, It is necessary to give recognition to their efforts as we continue to strengthen our partnership. Thus, an SLP Congress will be celebrated annually,” Brigoli said.

As the event’s keynote speaker, Sec. Taguiwalo expressed her happiness for visiting Caraga and for witnessing the photo exhibit that highligts the incredible turnaround success stories of SLP program participants.

The official jingle of DSWD-SLP Caraga was also launched during the grand gala. The music video has showcased some of the remarkable livelihood projects of the program participants of SLP.

While the video was playing, loud cheer and grateful smiles filled the room and it gained a standing ovation from the audience, together with Sec. Taguiwalo and director Brigoli.

Part of the program was the “product walk” where the Field Project Development officers have modeled SLP Caraga products. The colorful and innovated plastic rattan handicrafts from the Province of Dinagat Islands were showcased during the product walk.

Brigoli did the finale walk and was joined by Sec. Taguiwalo who also received one of the handicrafts as a token of appreciation.

Further, commendation to stakeholder, NGAs and private partners was carried out. Awards were given to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Mindanao R&D Consultants, Inc. (MRDC) and Winrock.

Started in 2011, the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Sustainable Livelihood Program held an annual SLP congress to celebrate the successes of SLP program participants and in achieving the goal of the department which is uplifting the socio-economic status of program participants through engaging in micro-enterprises or employment. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

AgSur contingent wins in Kahimunan Festival’s street dancing competition

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) – The Lamingan National High School of San Luis, Agusan del Sur grabbed the championship during the Street Dancing Competition of the 2017 Kahimunan Festival held at Libertad Sports Complex here. They received the cash prize amounting to P200,000.00.

The combined contingents from Barangay Sta. Irene, Prosperidad and San Francisco, all in Agusan del Sur grabbed the second place during said competition and received the cash prize amounting to P175,000.00.

The third place was also awarded to the Father Saturnino Urios College of Bayugan Incorporated of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and received the cash prize amounting to P140,000.00.

Also, the Festival Queen award was given to Libertad Central Elementary School, which also received the consolation prize amounting to P60,000.00.

Meanwhile, the following contingents received special awards: Best in Street Dancing - Sta. Irene, Prosperidad and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Best in Costume - Lamingan National High School of San Luis, Agusan del Sur; Best in Musicality - Sta. Irene, Prosperidad and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Agusan del Sur 1st District Representative Ma. Valentina Plaza graced the event and extended full support to all the contingents from the province.

The Kahimunan Festival is an annual festivity at Barangay Libertad, this city. Held every third Sunday of January, Kahimuan is the city’s version of the Sinulog of Cebu. It is the gathering of locals and tourist in celebration of the Sto. Nino (holy child). The Kahimunan Festival got its name from a local dialect of the Manobo tribe which means ‘gathering.’ Thus, it is a gathering to give thanks in honor of the child Jesus. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Barangays practicing good governance, recognized

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 16 (PIA) – The city government here spearheaded a ceremony aimed to honor the barangays that are espousing the principles of good governance in the city.

The ceremony dubbed as “Gawad Galing sa Katangi-tangi at Tapat (GGKaT) na Pamamalakad” provided incentives to the winning barangays with barangay development projects.

They also received a marker that symbolizes excellence in barangay governance.

To become an awardee, a barangay must receive a rating for its 2015 performance results of more than 80 percent based on the standards set by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the city government.

The barangays who got a performance rating results of 90 percent to 100 percent (Gold Passer Awardees) were: Katugasan with 100 percent; Mabini - 100 percent; Poblacion 3 - 99 percent; Calamba - 96 percent; Poblacion 4 - 95.5 percent; Poblacion 5 - 94 percent; Poblacion 8 - 94 percent; Kauswagan - 93 percent; Tolosa - 93 percent; Poblacion 7 - 92 percent; Comagascas - 92 percent; Puting Bato - 91 percent; Poblacion 2 - 90.25 percent; and Del Pilar with 90 percent rating.

For those barangays with below 90 percent but not below 80 percent performance rating results, they belong to the Silver Passers, were: Antonio Luna - 87.75 percent; Soriano - 87 percent; Poblacion 11 - 83 percent; Cabinet - 82 percent; Poblacion 1 - 80.75 percent; and Poblacion 12 with 80 percent.

During the ceremony, special awards were also given to some barangays. An Excellence in Participatory Governance was given to the barangays of Poblacion 5; Cabinet; Katugasan; Mabini; and Soriano.

And award for the Excellence in Accountable Governance was also given to the barangays of Poblacion 3; Poblacion 4; Poblacion 7; Calamba; Comagascas; Kauswagan; Katugasan; Mabini; Puting Bato; and Tolosa.

Barangays Poblacion 3; Poblacion 5; Poblacion 8; Poblacion 11; Antonio Luna; Cabinet; Del Pilar; Katugasan; Mabini; and Soriano also received the Excellence in Responsive Governance awards.

For the Excellence in Transparent Governance Awards, the following barangays were awarded: Poblacion 3; Del Pilar; Katugasan; Mabini; and Mahaba.

The awards were handed over by city mayor Katrina Marie O. Mortola, 2nd district representative Erlpe John "Ping" M. Amante, and city councilors Alvin Balinos, Andy Ceniza, Jerich Cuasito, Leo Jongko, and Phillip Ramirez. (NCLM with a report from LGU Cabadbaran City/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga RPOC chair underscores synergy of stakeholders to pursue peace, development

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) – In her term as the new Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairperson, Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Rosedell Amante-Matba made emphasis on encouraging each council member and stakeholder to perform their tasks appropriately in order to attain the goal of improving the lives and economy through a violence and insurgency-free region during the recently concluded 1st Quarter Meeting for CY 2017 held in this city.

“It is vital to keep active involvement, to be present during the meetings and to do what is mandated to us. We should aim for excellence in doing our work because the level of commitment will spell a difference on the efforts in solving the many problems encountered within our community,” said Matba.

For 2017, the implementation of Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga or ‘MASA MASID,’ a program which aims to encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality, 911 Program and Task Force Agila will be given focus as part of the peace and order and public safety programs of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga.

On resource-based conflicts, the RPOC Caraga will be working on the decrease of environmental degradation, sustainable utilization and management of natural resources. While on insurgency, it will be on the increase participation of government approach, access to basic services such as the ‘Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan’ or the PAMANA, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Salin Tubig programs.

“We can be a great precursor in the implementation of these programs. This body should employ combined efforts and concentration on areas that require necessary actions,” added Matba.

Also, the council is putting attention on the decrease of drug affectation in association to the endeavor of eliminating criminality. Issues affecting the indigenous people are still counted as a concern that has to be dealt with.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director and RPOC vice chair CSupt. Rolando Felix assured that continuity of their operations is being done. He added that the PNP officers are doing their best in order to achieve and sustain the anti-illegal drugs campaign and operations.

“A whole-of-nation approach in addressing the concern for surrenderers such as the rehabilitation and alternative livelihood program, and internal cleansing in private and government sectors are still a challenge that we have to work out,” stated Felix.

As an update, the Department of Health Caraga through Dr. Ernesto Pareja disclosed that they are set to hold a conference with the anti-drug abuse stakeholders to address different issues and concerns pertaining to the establishment of Community-Based Treatment (CBTx) in the communities. The department also readies for giving support to local government units in the conduct of basic training of physicians on diagnosis and management of drug dependence.

Status of undertakings and accomplishments of RPOC for the previous calendar year were likewise tackled in the said meeting. “In joint action, perseverance and dedication, peace and development in Caraga region is viable,” said Matba. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

MGB-13, CREDO Caraga hold cross-sectoral forum

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 17 (PIA)– The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 13 in coordination with the Community Relations Education and Development Officer, Inc. (CREDO) Caraga conducted recently a Cross-Sectoral Forum on Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) held at Gateway Hotel, this city.

MGB-13 regional director Engr. Roger A. de Dios said the forum was aimed to streamline the SDMP to its highest level to effect change in the whole mining community in the region and to advocate re-alignment and refocus of SDMP funds for sustainable livelihood project and support infrastructure program.

De Dios also encouraged all stakeholders to cooperate and work hand in hand with the government for the betterment of the people of Caraga.

Discussed during the said forum were the SDMP's economic contribution, national wealth share form mining, utilization of barangay development fund and national wealth share, and the result of the social impact assessment (SIA) in the municipality of Claver, among others.

The activity carried the theme, “SDMP for Integrated Sustainable Development.” (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DTI, DAR provide labels, packaging materials to Surigao Norte coops

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 17 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provided recently labels and packaging materials as starter kits to two cooperatives in Sta. Monica and Del Carmen in Siargao Island.

According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the provision of starter kits to Garcia Fisherfolks and Farmers Credit Cooperative (GAFFARCRECO) in Barangay Garcia, Sta. Monica and Esperanza Farmers Credit and Consumers Organization (ESFARCRECO) in Barangay Esperanza, Del Carmen was in line with the conduct of productivity training on product packaging and labeling on Oct. 27, 2017 held in Dapa, Siargao Island.

He said the activity was initiated by the DAR in partnership with DTI to capacitate the members of the two Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) on the importance of proper packaging and labels as they play important roles in protecting the product from damage, attracting customer, portraying information about the product, facilitating purchase decision and the like.

“GAFFARCRECO in Sta. Monica produces 'Siargao Bliss Turmeric Herbal Powder' and ESFARCRECO in Del Carmen produces delicious molido candy,” Negapatan said.

Negapatan, further said that the two ARBOs are both beneficiaries of the Up-Valuing ARB Products Project of the DAR, which aims to enhance existing products of the ARBs and its support includes design, packaging, and labeling innovations of ARB products.

For orders of the said product, they may contact Tessie Virtudazo, GAFFARCRECO chairperson at cel. number 0946-5710953 and Elgelin Gonzales, ESFARCRECO treasurer at cel. number 0919-2163190. (DTI-SDN, DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DepEd all set for NSDM activity in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 13 (PIA)– The Department of Education (DepEd) - Surigao del Sur Division is all set for this year’s National Schools Deworming Month (NSDM) in the province, which is scheduled before the month ends.

According to DepEd Surigao del Sur Division Nurse Madelyn Lozada, a coordination meeting has already been conducted together with other concerned agencies and the Department of Health's (DOH's) Provincial Health Team for the implementation of deworming activities provincewide.

Lozada said the division office has targeted to deworm pupils/student ages 5-18 in all public schools from Kinder to Senior High School. However, Lozada clarified that it will not be implemented without the consent filled up by the child's parent or guardian.

The DOH has issued memorandum number 2016-0212 as its guidelines for the harmonized schedule and combined mass drug administration for the prevention and control of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, Lumphatic Filiariasis and Schistosomiasis for the month of January and July of every year.

The National Schools Deworming Month is now on its third year of implementation spearheaded by the DOH together with the DepEd and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Agusan del Norte governor appointed as new RPOC 13 chair

By Archie Rose G. Vasquez

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) - Agusan del Norte Governor Angel M. Amante-Matba has been named as the Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairperson.

Governor Matba and PNP 13 regional director PCSupt. Rolando B Felix, as the vice chair, took their oath before DILG 13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion at Big Daddy’s Hotel and Convention Center here.

Governor Amante articulated during her acceptance speech that she considers her appointment as a great challenge considering the multitude of problems the region is facing right now, particularly on the current administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, and encouraged everyone to play an active role in facing these problems. She emphasized that working together is the key towards achieving just and lasting peace in the region.

PCSupt. Felix, on the other hand, expressed that his appointment as RPOC 13 vice chair is very heartwarming as it signifies the trust of the President himself. He is hopeful that through the said council, Caraga will develop with the cooperation of everybody.

The appointment was made by no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte, National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) chairperson, pursuant to the provisions of Executive No. 773, series of 2009. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Mindanao's top official briefs Japan's PM team on regional investments

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) – A top government official from the southern island of Mindanao briefed the delegation of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on the region’s investment potentials at a business forum held recently at the Waterfront Insular Hotel here in the city.

The forum, attended by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Abe is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center.

“Mindanao has been experiencing unprecedented improvements and significant developments in our economy in recent years,” said Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

He added the island-region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product growth posted a 7.5 percent increase in 2014 which surpassed the national average of 6.2 percent.

More than 200 key Japanese government officials, private sector representatives and businesspersons from Mindanao participated in the Philippines-Japan Business Forum, which showcased Mindanao as the next investment destination in the Philippines.

Prime Minister Abe earlier pledged $8.7 billion worth of business opportunities and private investments for the country, upon his arrival on Thursday.

“Today’s forum is timely, since we will be able to update the Japanese delegation on the ongoing development initiatives in Mindanao and its prevailing business climate,” Secretary Alonto said.

Mindanao’s annual investment from 2001 to 2010 only averaged US$125 million, but it leaped to US$1.2 billion average annual investment between 2011 to 2015.

Secretary Alonto said the ten-fold increase in the last four years was buoyed by a capital investments in the energy sector with US$3.5 billion from 2011 to 2014.

“Mindanao has bountiful natural wealth as it is touted as the “Food Basket of the Philippines,” he said while adding, “it is blessed with favorable agro-climatic conditions, with fertile soils, and rich biodiversity which makes it suitable for food production and agribusiness development.

As of 2014, Mindanao’s agricultural land area represents 36 percent of the Philippines’ total farm area but yields 43 percent of the country’s total farm produce.

The island-region accounts for 89 percent of the country’s pineapple production, 82 percent of the bananas, and 74 percent of coffee. The country’s 99 percent production of rubber also comes from Mindanao.

As for the country’s livestock industry, Mindanao contributes 39 percent of the country’s production of goats and 44 percent of its cattle.

Just days ahead of Abe’s arrival, a group of Japanese investors from Ernst & Young LLC already met with MinDA officials to explore possible partnerships on infrastructure, industrial park and renewable energy projects in Mindanao.

“Clearly, there are numerous opportunities and business prospects in Mindanao that we can seize and take advantage of under the current administration,” said Alonto while adding “the future of Mindanao looks exciting that makes the region as the country’s next investment destination.” (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Ika-118 na pormal at opisyal na pagtaas ng bandila ng Pilipinas sa Mindanao ginunita sa lungsod ng Butuan

Ni Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 17 (PIA) - Ginunita ngayong araw ang ika-118 na anibersaryo ng pormal at opisyal na pagtaas ng bandila ng Pilipinas sa Mindanao na isinagawa sa Guingona Park, dito sa lungsod kung saan mismo naganap ang nasabing makasaysayang pagwawagayway ng watawat.

Ang nasabing okasyon ay dinaluhan ng mga opisyal at kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan ng lungsod, kapulisan and kasundaluhan, mga studyante at iba pang personahe galing sa pribadong sektor.

Pinangunahan ni Butuan City mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada ang pag-alay ng bulaklak na sinundan naman ng pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang.

Sinabi ni mayor Lagnada na hindi nararapat sa mga Pilipino ang mamuhay na hirap dulot ng imperyalismo at dayuhang pananakop. Dagdag pa niya, nararapat lamang na namnamin ang kasalukuyang kalayaan na tinatamasa ng lahat at kumilos bilang isang matatag na bansa upang makamit ang iba pang hangaring pangkaunlaran.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, kumander ng 4th Civil Military Operations na ito ay kumakatawan ng mamamayang nagkakaisa at may panindigang ipaglaban ang kasarinlan tungo sa isang mapayapa at masaganang pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino.

Bahagi rin ng selebrasyon ang re-enactment play ng makabuluhang pagtaas ng bandila dito sa lungsod na pinagunahan ni Gob. Wenceslao Gonzales noong Enero 17, 1899 matapos na ideneklara ni Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo ang kalayaan ng Pilipinas sa mga kastila. Ginawa rin ang pagpapalipad ng mga puting kalapati bilang sagisag ng kalayaan.

Hinimok naman ni Butuan City Heritage Society president Greg Hontiveros ang bawat isa na pahalagahan ang kagitinganng mga bayaning Pilipino na siyang nagbuhos ng pawis at sikap para sa mahal na inang bayan. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DOTr Caraga chief assures release of pending drivers’ license plastic cards

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) – “We assure the general public that starting next week, our office will be starting the lamination and release of the pending drivers’ license plastic cards in the region."

This was the statement of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga regional director Datu Alexander Mama-o during a press conference held recently at their regional office here.

Along with his senior personnel, Dir. Mama-o also bared significant accomplishments of their agency, as well as their new directives and plan of action for this year on law enforcement and other franchising-related matters.

It was learned that the pending plastic card drivers' license from August 2015 to January 13, 2017 has reached to a total of 81,901 for the Caraga region. Breakdown are as follows: Butuan City (36,642); Surigao City (26,087); Bislig City (6,200); Cabadbaran City (1,040); Tandag City (11,932).

On the issue of backlogs on the release of plastic drivers license, Dir. Mama-o stressed that they are working on the provision of the number of IDs as they were also assured by their central office on the supply of the plastic IDs.

“We were assured by our central office that they will help us in the supply of plastic cards and other needed logistics to complete the release of the pending drivers’ license. Hopefully, we can finish the release of said pending licenses within this year,” Dir. Mama-o underlined.

It was also learned that some 3,000 plates (private for hire, motor vehicles, utility vehicles) are also pending for release, while there is yet a supply of stickers for this year 2017.

“For the pending vehicle plates, we can assure the public that we will release it within the first quarter of this year,” reiterated Mama-o. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOTr Caraga intensifies campaign against ‘fixers’

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) – With its newly installed regional director, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga has intensified its campaign against ‘fixers’ inside their agency.

Maria Kristina Cassion, division manager of Planning and Technical Services Division of DOTr Caraga bared that their office is serious in implementing its campaign against fixers, who do illegal transactions with the clientele that also bring bad name to the agency.

“We are putting substance in our mandate and we will not tolerate personnel committing violations and doing illegal transactions,” highlighted Cassion.

Cassion also stressed that their office will be putting up additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within the vicinity of their regional office to monitor closely the transactions of their personnel while at work. Cassion said this is also one way of implementing their anti-fixing mitigation measures.

The DOTr is the primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the executive branch of the government on the promotion, development and regulation of a dependable and coordinated network of transportation system, as well as in the fast, safe, efficient and reliable transportation service. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Cabadbaran City to hold jobs fair

By Nora C. Lanuza

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 18 (PIA) – As part of this year’s Dagkot Festival celebration, the city government here in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is now ready for the conduct of the Jobs Fair.

The activity, which is scheduled on January 29 from 8:00 A.M. up to 5:00 P.M., will be held at the Social Hall, People’s Government Center, this city.

According to city mayor Katrina Marie O. Mortola, one of the focuses of her administration is to provide employment to Cabadbaranons because she feels how hard and difficult it is for a member of a family without any earnings or job.

Mayor Mortola further said that the Jobs Fair is not only open for Cabadbaranons but also to other Agusanons, and even interested individuals from the different provinces of Caraga region. Available jobs during the fair include those from local employers and abroad.

“This is a rare activity (Jobs Fair) that is intended to all of you,” Mortola said.

For interested individuals, bring with you your Resumé, ID Picture (2x2, 1x1), and credentials (TOR, etc.).

For additional information, visit the City Planning and Development Office, City Hall building, Cabadbaran City or call 0998 5796805.

The Dagkot Festival is scheduled from January 27 to February 2. It is a religious festival in honor of Nuestra Señora Candelaria (Patron of Cabadbaran). The festival is held in the city every 2nd of February. Dagkot is derived from the local word that means "lighting a candle."(NCLM with a report from LGU-Cabadbaran City/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Olympic silver medalist to light CRAM's friendship urn in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 18 (PIA) – Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz will light the friendship urn during the opening ceremony of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) on February 12 to be held here.

This was confirmed by Gemma Espadero, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) of Tandag City Division, during the second coordination meeting on Monday at the Provincial Capitol Conference Room, this city.

The urn signifies that values of friendship and true sportsmanship shall rule the games. Said activity will run until Feb. 17, 2017, it was learned.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas, bared that the provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. gave an additional P2 million financial support from an initial of P5 million assistance.

Both Provincial Administrator Rivas and Provincial Treasurer Officer Crispa Geli who were present during the conference confirmed that the budget allocation has already been certified. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

MGB-13 steps up IEC campaign on geohazard maps

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 18 (PIA) - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 continued its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign of the 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps and the presentation of the highlights of the Results of the 1:10K Geohazard Mapping and Assessment in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

The main purpose of the IEC was to provide the Barangay local government units (LGUs) with 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps and present the highlights of the results of the 1:10K Geohazard Mapping and Assessment. Considering the increasing occurrence of natural disasters, the said IEC fostered and intensified collaborative efforts among the national and local governments and communities to ensure that utmost consciousness, preparedness and response to disasters are achieved.

A total of 215 barangays, six municipalities and two cities were covered by the IEC Campaign.

Municipal and city mayors, provincial and city disaster risk reduction management officers, key officers, members of the municipal and city disaster risk reduction management councils and barangay captains or representatives of the above-mentioned areas were among the participants during the IEC.

During the campaign Romeo M. Dalodado, Geosciences Division chief of MGB-13 informed the participants that MGB will not only distribute the 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps to LGUs but the office will also conduct lectures and map reading exercises.

He explained the importance of geohazard maps especially on the part of Bottom Up Budgeting for LGUs considering that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) required LGUs to secure a Geohazard Certification for any proposed government projects from MGB prior to the release of its funds/budget.

He added that a geohazard map could be used as a tool for selecting areas to be developed as relocation/evacuation site and could be used in integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation initiatives in development/land use plan of barangays, municipalities and cities.

The highlights of the results of the 1:10,000 scale Landslide and Flood Assessment of the municipalities/cities during the IEC Campaign were presented by the following geologists: Liza T. Pacete – Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte; Ralph Angelo E. Plaza – Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and Dapa and General Luna, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte; Melvin A. Mantilla and Kate A. Boquilon – Socorro, Surigao del Norte; Elaine L. Galido – Bayugan City, Agusan del Norte and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and Rubenar L. Cagubcob – Bayugan City, Agusan del Norte and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Recommendations suitable for areas assessed were discussed and provided by MGB-13 in the Landslide and Flood Threat Advisories of each barangays.

On the same note, the MGB-13 personnel distributed the IEC materials regarding landslide, flood, storm surge and other geologic hazards. Apart from intensifying public awareness of natural hazards, the said materials will also aid in the effective and efficient management of disasters and reduction of casualties and damages to lives and properties. (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Army 402nd Brigade chief, subordinates pay New Year’s call on SurSur guv

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 18 (PIA) – Col. Franco Nemesio “Jojo” Gacal, 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander of the Philippine Army (PA), with head camp in Surigao del Sur has led the New Year’s call on Governor Vicente “BB” Pimentel, Jr. at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) here at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The brigade commander was the first to enter the Office of the Governor, had a brief exchange of pleasantries for over a minute or two and then, with the permission from Gov. Pimentel, himself, Gacal called in his party of sub-commanders from deputies, battalions and companies down the line.

Standing by the main door, after having an initial chat with Gacal, Gov. Pimentel welcomed one-by-one the army officers who came in for the occasion. Then, after taking their respective seats, the cordial ceremony began.

Col. Gacal, apart from having along with him his deputy commanders and some subordinate officers, had also in tow his two battalion commanders and 14 other company commanders.

During the course of the “meet and greet,” Gov. Pimentel told the officers of the brigade headed by Col. Gacal about the six-hectare lot that would house the brigade headquarters. It was learned that the area was located somewhere in Barangay San Jose, this city. In return, the brigade chief expressed his thanks.

Since April 2015, the brigade headquarters of the army here has been occupying the same area with the Police Provincial Office (PPO).

Aside from serious and casual talks over insurgency and other matters, Gov. Pimentel also assured the army of his administration’s support.

Meanwhile, towards the end of the New Year’s Call, the presence of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Camp in Barangay San Jose, here, was likewise mentioned. Apparently, it did not sit well with the Governor due to absence of permission. In response, he advised that signage of its presence had to be taken down. In addition, the governor was told about the alleged conduct of MNLF’s continued recruitment.

The 402nd Infantry Brigade has the two Surigao provinces as well as the Province of Dinagat Islands as area of responsibility (AOR). (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tagalog News: Mga naantalang mahigit 80,000 drivers’ license plastic cards sa Caraga region ilalabas na sa susunod na linggo ayon sa DOTr Caraga

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 18 (PIA) - Siniguro sa publiko ni Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga regional director Datu Alexander Mama-o na sisimulan na sa susunod na linggo ang issuance o lamination ng mga naantalang drivers license plastic cards mula pa noong August 2015 hanggang January 13, 2017.

Ayon kay director Mama-o naipaabot na niya ito sa kanilang central office at buo umano ang suporta nito at sinigurado ring aabot ang supply ng plastic cards sa bilang ng naantalang drivers license sa Caraga region na umabot sa 81,901.

Nabanggit rin ni director Mama-o na may 3,000 plaka ng mga pribadong sasakyan at utility vehicles ang kinakailangan rin masimulan na sa pag-release sa loob ng first quarter nitong taong kasalukuyan. Samantala, wala pa umanong supply ng stickers sa mga sasakyan na nakalaan para sa taong ito.

Dagdag pa ni director Mama-o na mayroong mahigit sa 3,000 unclaimed drivers license na hanggang sa ngayon ay nasa posesyon pa ng kanilang ahensya at ang mga ito umano ay nakompiska dahil sa mga violations ng mga drivers.

Paalala naman ni director Mama-o sa publiko na magreport sa kanilang opisina kung sila’y may alam na empleyado na gumagawa ng ilegal na transaksyon o mga fixers at ito’y aaksyunan nila kaagad.

Magdadagdag rin umano sila ng mga CCTV cameras sa loob at labas ng kanilang opisina upang mas mamonitor ang mga trabaho o transaksyon ng mga cleyente at manggagawa. Isa umano ito sa mga paraan ng kanilang pagtupad sa anti-fixing mitigation measures. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuanons honor significant hoisting of PH flag in Mindanao

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) – With pride and admiration to the noble contributions of the Filipino revolutionaries who raised the Philippine flag for the first time in Mindanao, the Butuanons paid tribute by celebrating the 118th Anniversary of the Formal and Official Hoisting of Philippine Flag in Mindanao held early morning on Tuesday at the Guingona Park in this city.

The Butuan City government through mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada spearheaded the event and was gladly joined by government employees, Philippine National Police and Philippine Army personnel, students, local media practitioners, private individuals and Butuanons in honor of the sacrifices of the heroes for the hard-earned freedom and in showing allegiance to the Philippine flag that symbolizes patriotism and love of country of the Filipino people.

In his welcome remarks, Butuan City vice mayor Jose Aquino II underlined the Filipinos' gains of living in freedom. “We should be proud of our forefathers for their valor of emancipating Filipinos from foreign rule, by guarding our institutional rights from perils, and that we should feel proud of being a Butuanon and a Filipino."

He encouraged all Butuanons to be more responsible in all their endeavors, and continue to be patriotic everyday of their lives.

As enunciated also by historian and Butuan City Heritage Society president Greg Hontiveros, it exemplified the beginning of accession of the first Philippine Republic. "It is appropriate to commend ourselves to that virtue of Filipinos of fighting for freedom with sweat and remarkable effort," he added.

Hontiveros recalled how Filipinos in the past struggled in quest for independence and in claiming what the people in the country deserve. He also stressed that people of today should be able to embrace the good qualities of the Filipinos and be a good example to others.

Relentlessly marching in cadence and aligned in their platoon formation, the uniformed men positioned and gave a snappy salute upon hoisting of the giant flag as the nation’s emblem for freedom and victory against the Spaniards.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lagnada expressed that it is unsound for Filipinos to stand suffering. “This is the time for us to act as one nation to realize the collective aspirations for our motherland. That all may continue to give value to the Philippine Flag as a symbol solidarity and sovereignty,” he said.

Lagnada further emphasized by urging everyone to show the same sentiments with those who stood up for asserting our rights and who spilled blood in the name of freedom. “Let’s not wait for decades to achieve what we are supposed to enjoy as an independent nation. Work with a heart and focus on the primary needs of our ‘kababayans’. Hinangon ta duon (Let’s do it today)," he underlined.

Despite the rain during that day, the Special Program of the Arts of Agusan National High School performed the reenactment play of the historic account of the first hoisting of the Philippine flag in Mindanao.

Deserved to be treated with solemnity and dignity, the releasing of doves and community singing led by government officials culminated the program. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Nonstop rain triggers floods in Agusan del Sur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) – Due to continuous heavy rainfall experienced in the province of Agusan del Sur, several barangays in the different municipalities of the province were heavily flooded and most roads were rendered impassable.

At 8:30 a.m., the Esperanza bridge in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur was impassable since it was flooded at 300 meter length, 1 meter depth. The public was then advised not to take Butuan-Tungao-Esperanza route. Also impassable is the Zilovia Section, San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) officer Marcos Gonzales of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, reported at around 8:00 a.m. that 10 barangays were already flooded due to continuous moderate to heavy rains. He also said that their disaster operation center was activated and rescue operation in the affected barangays was conducted by the authorities.

According to MDRRM Officer Cydric Cumba of La Paz, Agusan del Sur, 11 barangays in the said municipality are already flooded and floodwaters continue to rise due to moderate-heavy rainfall, these are the barangays of Sagunto, Panagangan Villa Paz, Sabang Adgawan, Osmena, Halapitan, San Patricio and Langasian. He also added that the Talacogon-La Paz national highway was impassable.

The PNP personnel of Sibagat Municipal Police Station also conducted patrolling and monitoring at the riverside in Brgy. San Vicente, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and roads of Sibagat area. Yellow level flood alert status was also raised with 4.9 meter as of 9:30 a.m. At the same time, the PNP personnel of La Paz Municipal Police Station also conducted a rescue operation in the different flooded barangays in La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

As per information from SB member Ricky Angwas of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, the municipality is already under a state of calamity due to continuous moderate to heavy rainfall that caused floodings in the different barangays.

As of 1:00 p.m., flooded sections in Agusan del Sur are the following: 1) Lucena section along Babah-Talacogon Road (within an on-going project of the DEO), still passable to light vehicles but floodwaters still rising; 2) Zillovia section along San Luis-Talacogon Road, impassable to all types of vehicles; 3) Esperanza bridge, impassable to all types of vehicles. Maintenance personnel are on-site to assist the commuters.

Also, based on the situation report No. 2 released by Caraga RDRRMC, several barangays in the municipalities of La Paz, Bunawan, Talacogon, Loreto, San Luis, and Veruela in Agusan del Sur were already flooded. Of the 39 total of barangays affected, 23 were heavily flooded.

Meanwhile, around 4:00 p.m. today, acting governor Samuel Tortor in Agusan del Sur has declared the suspension of classes in all levels effective Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 due to continuous moderate to heavy rainfall that caused floodings in different municipalities in the province.

The local residents are encouraged to report any information of floodings/landslides in their area at the PDRRMO Hotline numbers: 09217103463 (smart); 09175789585 / 09778242705. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Hundreds of Agusanons displaced by floods

By Nora C. Lanuza

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) – Hundreds of families from the different municipalities of Agusan del Norte were evacuated Thursday morning due to the sudden rise of water level caused by incessant rainfall since Tuesday brought about by the Tail-end of a Cold Front.

As per record from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), a total of 112 families from Cabadbaran City were already evacuated at the city gymnasium.

The City DRRMO of Cabadbaran also conducted an evacuation to the affected areas in barangays 2, 3, 6, 9, Kauswagan and Comagascas due to the rise of the Cabadbaran River. As of 7:23 A.M Thursday, the water level of the river has already reached a warning limit of 4.106 meters high.

Due to severe flooding in the low lying barangays of the Cabadbaran City, mayor Katrina Marie Mortola has ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in the city.

Residents living along the rivers in Brgy. Concepcion, Cabadbaran City were advised to evacuate to the barangay hall or Concepcion Elementary School. They were also advised to refrain from crossing the river due to the strong current. For mobility, residents may use the Dona Telesfora route.

A pre-emptive evacuation was also conducted by the Municipal DRRM at Purok Punta Garcia and Poblacion 1 in the municipality of Tubay due to the sudden rise of water level in the area. The water level of the Kalinawan River in the municipality has already reached to 4.5 meters. Continuous monitoring of the water level is ongoing by the MDRRMO personnel.

In the municipality of RTR, 35 families or 109 individuals were also evacuated at the municipal gym due to the rise of water level in the area.

Early this morning, PDRRMC chairperson Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba has advised all local DRRMCs to conduct pre-emptive evacuation in high risk communities.

Meanwhile, Butuan City mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada has also released an order for the suspension of classes from pre-school, elementary and high school in the city on Thursday until further noticed. As of 12:00 P.M., the Agusan River water level was observed at 2.51 meters.(NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

CSC urges government agencies to support full implementation of graphic health warning in cigarette packs

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) released recently a memorandum circular (MC) urging its regional offices and field offices and national line agencies to support the full implementation of the Graphic Health Warnings (GHW) Law.

Under the law, all cigarette packs in the country must bear graphical warnings about the dangers of tabacco smoke, as prescribed.

The CSC's MC No. 27, s. 2016 urges the entire civil service to be one in celebrating the event by posting the GHW tarpaulin (“Full Blast Na! Bawal na ang text lang. Dapat Graphic Health Warnings!”) in their respective office premises, including regional and field offices.

The template for this 3.5ft x 5ft tarpaulin can be found in the following Internet links: http://csc.gov.ph(Official website of the CSC), http://doh.gov.ph (Official website of DOH), https://www.facebook.com/smokefree.civilservice (facebook page of the CSC-Project Management Unit).

“In coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) enjoins all government agencies in supporting the full implementation of Republic Act No. 10643 or The Graphic Warning Law," said CSC Caraga regional director Resurreccion P. Pueyo.

The implementation of the law started on March 6, 2016, and all tabacco smoke products shall carry graphic health warnings by November 4, 2016. Non-compliant packages found in the market for sale or distribution shall be subject to removal and/or confiscation. (PIA-Caraga)

Agusan del Norte barangays receive rescue vehicles

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council turned over six rescue vehicles to six barangays of the province during the convocation on Jan. 16 at the Capitol grounds.

Provincial Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, together with Provincial Board Members Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, Dick Victor B. Carmona and Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr. turned over the rescue vehicles to Barangay Captain Lucita G. Estrada of Barangay E. Morgado, Barangay Captain Carlito M. Balinos, Jr. of Barangay Tagbuyacan, Barangay Captain Benjamin D. Lim of Barangay La Paz, all of the municipality of Santiago, Barangay Captain Alberto R. Japitana of Barangay Poblacion and barangay officials of Barangay Lawan-Lawan, municipality of Las Nieves, and barangay officials of Barangay La Fraternidad, municipality of Tubay.

Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba was authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 013-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe, to sign for and in behalf of the province the Memoranda of Agreements by and among the province and the said barangay governments for the acquisition, receipt and utilization of the rescue vehicles.

The provincial government is committed to assist its component local government units in the delivery of basic services to its constituents. It ensured that incidents within the locality are properly addressed especially during times of calamities and emergencies. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Army rescues flood-affected residents in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) – As the tail end of a cold front brought floodings in several municipalities in Caraga region and caused displacement of local residents, the Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) of Philippine Army along with its infantry battalions in the provinces has taken the action and rescued the communities from risks and harm.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commanding general of the 4ID, Philippine Army, has assured the general public that the army will protect the lives of the people and ensure their safety at all times, especially during calamity/emergency.

“The Philippine Army is committed to serve and protect the people of the land. In times of calamity/disaster, we will never hesitate to extend help and assistance to the communities. We take pro-active measures to safeguard the lives of the people and keep them safe,” stressed Madrigal.

MGen. Madrigal also underlined that despite heavy rains and floods, the different battalions in the provinces have actively responded to the flood-affected communities and saved lives of hundreds of individuals.

It can be recalled that on Thursday, the personnel of Charlie company 23rd Infantry Battalion led by commanding officer 2Lt Roel Maglalang, together with Esperanza, Agusan del Sur vice mayor Eric Rey Siohan, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Eugene Seraspe, Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS) personnel Jefrey Austriro and municipal administrator Michelle Templado conducted disaster visitation at Barangay Hawilian and assisted the flood-affected families and ensured their safety.

On the same date, the group also led the conduct of evacuation of the flood-affected populace of barangay Batohon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur as the floodwaters continue to rise and may risk the lives of the residents.

On Jan. 19, 2017, the same team also helped motorists in their transportation thru pump boats as the Agusan River overflowed at Batohon-Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur road going to Las Nieves of Agusan del Norte, which was not then passable by light vehicles.

Also, in response to the alarming rise of water level in La Paz and Loreto, Agusan del Sur due to continuous rains, the 401st Brigade under the command of Col. Cristobal Zaragoza has deployed a team with response vehicle at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC); emplaced an officer from 26IB to municipal DRRMCs; deployed a platoon in Loreto area for ready response operations; deployed another officer that leads section of 26 Infantry Brigade with vehicle in La Paz area for disaster response operation.

Meanwhile, the Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battallion deployed one team with officer and vehicle at RDRRMC for coordination and monitoring.

The 30IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Rico Amaro also attended the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting with other members of the PDRRMC/CDRRMC of Surigao City; conducted visitation and monitoring of the weather condition at PDRRMC Office in Surigao del Norte. One squad led by 1Lt Ken Enciso has assisted the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), as well as the MDRRMO of Surigao del Norte in the repacking of relief goods.

With all these, the good commander also recognized the active collaboration of the different government agencies and concerned citizens to address the calamity that affects the communities in Caraga region. He also reiterated that the Philippine Army would continue to give its best as they do their duties and responsibilities for the Filipino people. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Heavy rain prompts Surigao Norte, Dinagat Islands to suspend classes

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 20 (PIA) – Heavy rain on Wednesday prompted the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands to suspend classes in all levels until Thursday, Jan. 19.

The suspension of classes was declared by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Surigao City after an alert level 2 was raised by PAGASA Surigao for continuous rainfall and some low lying areas downtown are already flooded. Several domestic flights were also cancelled, it was learned.

As per information from Gilbert Gonzales of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Surigao del Norte, there are no casualties and major damages have been reported so far in the province.

In Dinagat Islands, heavy rainfall also forced the suspension of classes on Thursday, Jan. 19 in the municipalities of Loreto, Basilisa, San Jose, Dinagat and Cagdianao.

According to Dinagat Islands PDRRMO officer Rosario "Inday" Roxas-Alon, the province only experienced intermittent heavy rainfall. "The suspension of classes is just a preemptive measure considering the terrain of the province which is prone to landslide," said Alon.

Alon said the suspension of classes is already lifted today.

Meanwhile, the Surigao del Norte PDRRMO, Dinagat Islands PDRRMO and Surigao City DRRMO are now conducting post-assessment/evaluation to the affected areas. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Corporate rice farming to address needed rice supply

By Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture's (DA's) commitment to ensuring available and affordable food for all, and help the farmers attain a decent income is intensified through various interventions and programs implemented on the ground.

The creation of the Corporate Rice Farming Program (CRFP) aims to provide a mechanism to support the implementation of special programs such as the rice subsidy scheme of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps.)

In Caraga Region, DA has forged a partnership with the Farm Service Providers (FSP) in the region such as the Sto. Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SNMPC) from Butuan City and Agusanon Para sa Bag-ong Pilipino Inc. (AGUS PINOY) Cooperative from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur to address the needed requirement of the program.

"In the region, SNMPC and AGUS PINOY committed to providing rice supply to selected 4Ps program areas in the second semester of 2017 for Butuan City and the Province of Agusan del Sur as pilot areas for CRFP," said Rebecca R. Atega, Chief of the DA Caraga - Field Operations Division.

SNMPC will serve 2,095 4Ps household beneficiaries in Butuan City while AGUS PINOY committed to served 15,219 beneficiaries for the Province of Agusan del Sur. Each household will receive 18 kgs of rice good for six months. With that, a total of 17,314 beneficiaries will be catered by CRFP.

"We did not hesitate to help the government's initiative to provide available and affordable food for all because this is also our time to pay back from the assistance we have also received from the government. It is our honor to be a partner for this good endeavor," explained Marilyn Aranas, Chairperson of SNMPC.

With this partnership, DA will provide each FSP the appropriate farm inputs, technologies, and services to increase their farm productivity and ensure an adequate supply of rice for the targeted number of beneficiaries. The Land Bank of the Philippines will also establish a lending window for the FSP as they participate in the program.

"CRFP could provide additional income to local farm service providers and farmers. This promotes local food autonomy. In the light of the lifting of quantitative restrictions on rice by June 30, 2017, this program is a timely intervention to provide marketing assistance to the rice farmers," said Director Leo P. Cañeda, a member of the Secretary's Technical Advisory Group (STAG).

With President Duterte's directive to the DSWD to provide rice subsidy to the 4Ps beneficiaries, the DA aims to contribute to its successful implementation by ensuring continuous rice supply through CRFP. (DA-Caraga Information Section/PIA-Caraga)

DTI commits to support DAR's farmer biz school project

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 20 (PIA) –The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) committed to support the Department of Agrarian Reform in its implementation of the project dubbed “Capacity Building of Small Farmers in Entrepreneurial Development of Market Access” through the establishments of Farmer Business School (FBS) by providing technical assistance through trainings and coaching on value addition of their products for global competitiveness as well as entrepreneurial development schemes.

FBS aims to help the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) build knowledge and skills to make their farms more profitable and help farmers learn how to make their farming enterprises and overall farm operations profitable and able to respond to market demands.

A signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the said commitment was done during the Farmer Business School On-site Launching recently at Barangay Union, Dapa in Siargao Island.

Implementing partners who signed the said MOA include Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) - Caraga, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the Municipal Local Government of Dapa town.

Twenty five sessions of FBS will be implemented within four months at the PUSO NG DAPA Agrarian Reform Community particularly at Union Agri-Aqua Cooperative (UNAACO), one of the assisted ARBOs of DAR-SDN. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tagalog News: Ilang bayan at lungsod sa rehiyon ng Caraga lubog sa tubig-baha

Ni Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 20 (PIA) - Dahil sa malakas at patuloy na buhos ng ulan na dulot ng Tail-end of Cold Front dito sa rehiyon ng Caraga, umabot na sa 1,829 na pamilya o 8,211 indibidwal ang apektado at ito ay inaasahang tataas pa kung hindi huhupa ang pag ulan. Nasa 1,815 na pamilya o 7,909 na indibidwal naman ang lumikas sa mga evacuation centers upang pansamantalang manatili, ayun sa tala ng Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC).

Sinuspindi na rin ang mga klase sa lahat ng antas ng paaralan sa Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte at Butuan City.

Tatlumpu’t lima namang pamilya o isang daan at siyam na indibidwal ang nagsilikas sa bayan ng RTR, Agusan del Norte gawa ng pagtaas ng water level.

Sa isang subdibisyon sa lungsod ng Surigao at ilang pangunahing daan sa siyudad ng Butuan naman ay lubog na sa tubig-baha at hirap nang madaanan.

Aabot naman sa humigit kumulang 50 na mga barangay ang nakararanas ng mga pagbaha dulot ng pag-apaw ng Agusan river at tributaries nito. Naka red alert na rin ang lokal na pamahalaan dito.

Sa Agusan del Sur, matindi namang tinamaan ng baha ang mga bayan ng La Paz, Bunawan, Talacogon, Loreto, San Luis at Veruela kung saan half-submerged o halos hanggang bubong na ang tubig-baha sa ilang kabahayan.

Samantala, naitala rin ang isang nawawalang 22 years old na lalaki sa Agusan del Sur na naitangay umano sa malakas na agos ng tubig-baha.

Isang clearing operation naman sa nagyaring landslide ang isinagawa sa Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

Ayon kay Lolita Vinalay, chief meteorological officer ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Butuan, inaasahang bubuti na ang panahon ngayong weekend. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

P15M abaca fiber warehouse underway

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) - A P15 million abaca fiber warehouse with drying area will soon rise in the municipality of Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)–Caraga Regional Office is building this project with the aim of boosting the abaca fiber production in the province and meet the increasing market demand in the region.

A ground-breaking ceremony was recently conducted with the presence of Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona, Provincial Engineer Renato Corvera, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Rofel T. Cabaltera and Provincial Technical Working Group, and other officials of the DA Regional Office. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Agusan del Norte receives P10M medical health assistance from DOH

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte recently inked an agreement with the Department of Health (DOH), Regional Office XIII for the availment of the medical health assistance in the amount of P10,000,000.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, through Sanggunian Resolution No.011-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and between the province and the DOH for the said medical health assistance that will cater to the indigent and poor patients seeking medical and health care services in the provincial, district and municipal hospitals managed by the provincial government.

This program is advantageous to the health and welfare of the underprivileged patients of the province.

The said MOA is an essential document for an effective and efficient system of implementation inclusive of a systematic reimbursement process for LGU managed-hospitals. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DepEd Surigao Norte triumphs in global tilt

By Gersim L. Luminatac

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 24 (PIA) - Seven science investigatory projects (SIP) from DepEd Division of Surigao del Norte were merited Gold Award as proclaimed during the 2016 ICAN (International Invention, Innovation Competition in Canada) held recently at North York Memorial Community Hall, Toronto, Canada.

The lemoneric ointment from Claver National High School in Claver town adjudged as Best Invention and was awarded with a trophy and a diploma of excellence from Romanian Inventors Association.

The said event was organized by the Toronto International Society of Innovation and Advanced Skills (TISIAS) and supported by the International Federation of Inventors’ Association (IFIA) and World Invention Intellectual Property Associations (WIIPA).

The project proponents received gold medallions and award certificates.

The journey of Surigaonon Inventors in ICAN 2016 was indeed a great success in showing their winning inventions, innovative products as well as scientific research projects in the global arena. (DepEd-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOE strengthens sector-wide disaster response system

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) - To manifest that the various components of the country's energy sector are all up to speed, the Department of Energy (DOE) continued its series of Disaster Response Protocol Workshops held yesterday at the Fiesta Hall of the National Power Corporation (NPC) headquarters in Quezon City.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi asserted that “all industry participants must be attuned to the existing nationwide disaster response system of the energy sector.”

During the series of workshops and international dialogues about energy resiliency, Sec. Cusi emphasizedthat “the energy sector has long been implementing protocols to address and respond to calamities and disasters that take their toll on vital energy infrastructures.”

"The DOE continues to update its system of protocols, advance notifications and quick-response strategies to fit the country’s current requirements," Sec. Cusi asserted.

At the Protocol Workshop, DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella highlighted that “the primary objective is for the energy sector to periodically review the implemented and established system of rules to effect the correct and appropriate conduct and procedures to be followed by the industry stakeholders.”

During the workshop, the DOE, NPC, National Electrification Administration (NEA), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Aboitiz Power Corporation, and Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) presented their respective standard operational procedures (SOPs) for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

The presentations of the agencies specifically outlined the strategies and methods they are observing during and after calamities including the recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of all distribution utilities.

Among those who also attended and participated in the workshop were DOE Usec. Raul B. Aguilos, Usec. Petronilo L. Ilagan, Engr. Arwin L. Ardon aside from energy family officials and representatives from the DOE, NPC, NEA, NGCP, Aboitiz Power and MERALCO.

Sec. Cusi has consistently emphasized that the DOE will and is proactively advocating energy resiliency in the face of the frequent and disastrous occurrences of natural and human-induced calamities in the country.

The Secretary has been reiterating the need for the sector to be vigilant in upgrading its best practices in DRRM, so as to make them more responsive and adaptable to the highly evolving realities on the ground.

“The DOE has been regularly convening the industry partners to mainstream climate change adaptation in connection with DRRM strategies in the sector. This is to reduce the vulnerability of vital energy systems to the destructive effects of calamities.”

The Secretary revealed his plan to include climate change resilience in the agenda of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue, which will be sponsored by the Philippines in August of this year.

"The DOE will make sure that the Philippines is prepared to showcase its own workable and effective energy model before the Asian community," Sec. Cusi concluded. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Search for Pantawid Pamilya 'Modelong Ama' officially opens

By Ryan Malbas Tapayan

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga through the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program officially started the provincial field validation of the nominees for the Regional Search for Modelong Ama 2017.

Official contenders for the regional search are from the following cities and municipalities: Mangagoy, Surigao del Sur; Placer, Surigao del Norte; Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte; Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur; and Libjo, Dinagat Islands.

The said search aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment pursuant to Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, as it adheres to promoting women’s rights and eliminating gender discrimination in its systems, structures, policies, programs, and processes. It also observes to the DSWD Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming framework as embodied in Administrative Order No. 5 series of 2012, which supports the enhancement of internal processes, systems and strategies for GAD mainstreaming, and of mechanism for gender responsive programs and services.

While the program is considered as having a “woman’s face”, with 89 percent of its cash grantees constituting women, it also recognizes that there is a growing need to partner with men to achieve transformed gender relations among Pantawid Pamilya households.

DSWD Caraga OIC Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim said that Pantawid Pamilya should serve as an avenue to achieving gender equality.

“The program believes that men should be made partners in pushing for and achieving women’s empowerment and gender equality by concretely contributing to advocacies against gender-based discrimination and gender-based violence within families and communities,” Lim said.

The search for Modelong Ama of Pantawid Pamilya is one way to rally support from amongst men to champion GAD and women empowerment. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Baha sa Caraga region nagsimula ng humupa, mga nasalanta nasa evacuation centers pa

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 24 (PIA) - Tumigil na ang ulan sa ibat-ibang probinsya ng Caraga region at nagsimula na ring humupa ang baha, subalit mga apektadong pamilya at indibidwal ay nasa mga evacuation centers pa sa kasalukuyan.

Matatandaan na noong Huwebes ay nasa red alert status ang Caraga region nang umabot na sa 3.14 meters ang lebel ng tubig sa Agusan River at agad na nagdeklara ng forced evacuation ang Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) sa mga lugar na apektado ng baha upang masigurong ligtas ang mga residente sa ibat-ibang barangay.

Ayon kay RDRRMC chairperson at Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Rosauro Arnel Gonzales Jr., nagsimula na rin ang relief operations na pinangungunahan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) kasama ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), at ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para sa mga pamilya at indibidwal sa mga barangay.

Sa Agusan del Sur, umabot sa mahigit 13,000 ang apektadong indibidwal kung saan pinakamarami ang munisipyo ng Loreto, sinundan ng Veruela, Esperanza, La Paz, San Luis, Bunawan, Trento, San Francisco, Talacogon at Sibagat. Ang mga nasabing bayan ay nagsimula na ring makatanggap ng relief operations ng gobyerno.

Inalis na ang suspensyon ng mga klase sa Cabadbaran City at Las Nieves ng Agusan del Norte, pati na rin sa Surigao City at buong probinsya ng Surigao del Norte, Loreto at Cagdianao ng Dinagat Islands, at iba pang lugar sa rehiyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tandag Negosyo Center registers 890 business names in 2016

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Surigao del Sur Provincial Office headed by Romel Oribe bared that the Negosyo Center in Tandag City has registered a total of 890 business names (BN) in 2016.

Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Sarah Estrada said that there are 890 business persons have availed of the business name registration services offered at the Negosyo Center.

According to Estrada, the Negosyo Center in Tandag City, which is located at the DTI-Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur, operates under the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) system designed to streamline the business registration requirements of the national government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF).

Estrada further said that for 2016, 78 percent or 563 of the approved new business names registered at the Negosyo Center were processed via the PBR system.

The speedy but judicious registration process at the Negosyo Center in Tandag is one reason it continues to delight customers, thus putting muscle to its “Go-Negosyo” sound bite, Estrada added. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Siargao gears for nationwide rabies-free declaration this year

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 25 (PIA) –The provincial government here spearheaded recently a rabies advocacy in preparation for Rabbies-Free Declaration of Siargao Island this year to 2018 held at Denaville Resort, Barangay Alegria, Sta. Monica town in Siargao Island.

In his message, Sta. Monica Mayor Fernando Dolar expressed his eagerness to expedite the processing of relevant documents needed for the success of the declaration.

On her part, Governor Sol Matugas extended her all-out support to make the endeavor a success.

During the advocacy preparation, Provincial Veterinary Office officer-in-charge Dr. Life Shiela Laugo gave the rationale of the activity.

Topics discussed during the said advocacy preparation were canine rabies disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination; implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 9482 or the Anti-rabies Act of the Philippines; animal rabies status report in Siargao; and guidelines for the declaration of rabies-free zones. (Provincial Agriculture Office-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Agusan del Norte partners with BDH for diagnostic services

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte recently inked an agreement with the Butuan Doctors’ Hospital (BDH) relative to the provision of diagnostic services by the said private hospital.

In a resolution authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the province and the BDH with the aim of further improving its health services to the public with the use of the hospital’s facility.

Under the said MOA, in the event of unavailability of its diagnostic services, the Provincial Hospital can refer all laboratory examinations and computerized tomography scan to the BDH.

It also included granting of discounts to indigent patients of the province. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Tagalog News: Mahigit P2-milyong halaga ng illegal na druga nasabat sa pinakamalaking drug buy bust operations sa Butuan City sa simula ng taong 2017

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 25 (PIA) – Sa pinaigting na kampanya ng Philippine National Police (PNP) dito sa lungsod, nasabat ang pinakamalaking halaga ng illegal na druga sa taong kasalukuyan na umabot sa mahigit P2-milyon matapos ang ginawang drug buy bust operations ng Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) kamakailan lang.

Matatandaan na noong January 21, 2017 bandang alas 9:30 ng umaga ay nagsagawa ng buy-bust operation ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng City Anti-illegal Drug Unit, personahe ng Butuan City Public Safety Company ng BCPO, kasama ang Police Regional Office 13, at Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), nahuli ang drug suspects na nakilalang sina Ariel Agredito Repeso at live-in partner na nakilalang si Nieky Borja Ogayan na taga Tandag City.

Nakuha sa nasabing suspects ang ibat-ibang illegal drug paraphernalia at 130 grams na shabu na nagkakahalaga ng mahigit sa P1.5 milyon.

Sa ibang buy bust operation naman na ginawa sa araw ding iyon sa barangay Masao, Butuan City ay nahuli rin ang suspect na nakilalang si Allan Redondo Yamba, 52 years old na taga barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City. Ibat-ibang illegal drug paraphernalia rin ang nakuha galing sa posesyon ng suspect at 95 grams ng shabu na nagkakahalaga sa mahigit sa P1-milyong piso

Sa sumunod na araw sa ginawang buy-bust operation ng Butuan City Police Station 1 ay nahuli naman ang illegal drug suspect na nakilalang si Mark Victor Malbas, 27 years old at taga Barangay Obrero ng nasabing lungsod. Nahulihan ang suspect ng ibat-ibang drug paraphernalia, shabu at iba pang kagamitan sa ilegal na transaksyon.

Ayon kay Police Superintendent Excelso Lazaga Jr., ang deputy police director ng BCPO na mas pinaigting pa nila ang kanilang kampanya laban sa ilegal na druga o ang Oplan Double Barrel Alpha sa ibat-ibang barangay at patuloy umano nilang rorondahan ang mga target barangays. Ito rin umano ang mahigpit na utos ng kanilang hepeng si Police Senior Superintendent Percival Augustus Placer.

Dagdag pa ni Police Superintendent Lazaga na simula pa lang ng taong ito ay malalaking halaga na ng illegal drugs ang kanilang nakompiska. Inaasahan din nila na sa pinaigting nilang kampanya ay mas marami pa silang mahuhuling illegal drug personalities.

Napag-alaman rin na mula noong July hanggang December 2016 ay umabot sa mahigit P5-milyong piso ang halaga ng illegal drugs na nasabat ng kanilang opisina.

Samantala, binalaan din ni Police Superintendent Lazaga ang mga na-iinvolve na pulis sa illegal drug trade na sila’y mananagot sa batas at posibleng matanggal sa serbisyo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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