Tuesday, February 21, 2017

February 21, 2017, 4:26 pm

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DICT to hold data privacy roadshow

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Department of Information and Communications Technology – Mindanao Cluster 2 (DICT-MC 2) is set to hold the Data Privacy Roadshow on March 3, 2017 at Dotties Place Hotel, this city.

“With the rise of hacking incidents, data breaches and the recent Comeleak issues, no endeavor would be as timey as educating our communities about data privacy,” stressed DICT acting director Eva May Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa added that the activities under the roadshow will focus on the importance of data privacy and improving data management across all its target sectors. The National Privacy Commission, an attached agency of DICT will provide an opportunity for technical interaction from the participants and presentations on Data Privacy Republic Act 10173.

It was learned that participants of said activity will have to pay P1,200 as registration fee to defray the cost on meals, snacks and kit.

For more information, the DICT office can be reached at telephone number (085) 225-9264. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City champs in 2017 Caraga Reg'l Athletic Meet

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Butuan City Division Athletic Delegation was proclaimed as champion in the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) 2017 held here last Feb. 12-17, 2017.

Based on the results released by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Butuan City Division garnered 103 Gold, 61 Silver and 43 Bronze medals in different events.

Agusan del Norte Division athletic delegation ranked 2nd with 40 Gold, 37 Silver, and 63 Bronze medals.

Despite the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City the night before the CRAM starts, the Surigao City Division Athletic Delegation still performed their best putting them on the 3rd rank, garnering 39 Gold, 29 Silver, and 24 Bronze medals.

The Surigao del Sur Athletic Delegation, the host province of this year’s event, ranked as 4th with 36 Gold, 47 Silver, and 58 Bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the Tandag City Division, which has 20 Gold, 41 Silver, and 26 Bronze medals and Bislig City Division with 20 Gold, 21 Silver and 38 Bronze medals ranked as 5th and 6th, respectively.

Agusan del Sur delegation ranked as 7th, Cabadbaran City ranked 8th, Province of Dinagat Islands 9th; Surigao del Norte ranked 10th; Bayugan City ranked 11; and Siargao Islands ranked 12th.

A total of 12 schools divisions coming from the five provinces of Caraga Region competed in the annual event. The winners will represent the Caraga Region Athletic Delegation for the Palarong Pambansa. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Surigao quake damage reaches P688 million

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Surigao del Norte has released its damage assessment following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that occurred on Feb. 10 here.

PDRRMO officer-in-charge Engr. Marlyn Pono said the total damage caused by the quake and its aftershocks reached P668 million. Pono said the damage to school facilities is estimated at P176.5 million while damage to infrastructure is pegged at P194.8 million.

The damage to various provincial government buildings reached P104.3 million. Basic utilities like the electric power reached P7.3 million and water supply was reported at P2.3 million. The Caraga regional hospital was also affected by the strong quake with cost of the damage is P488,000 while the damage on national roads and bridges was P201.8 million.

During the recent press briefing, Governor Sol Matugas has ordered to fast track the distribution of relief goods to badly affected families especially in isolated communities where supplies remain scarce.

She recommended that there should be a regular evaluation of public and private infrastructures such as buildings, bridges and other structures to ensure that they can withstand strong earthquakes and enjoined Phivolcs and barangay officials to determine open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and craft evacuation plans that would help the people find out the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas.

Gov. Matugas encouraged residents of the city and affected municipalities to remain calm and alert with the safety of their families as their primary concern because aftershocks are still expected.

When asked why there is an aftershock and how long does it last, Phivolcs Science Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez said that aftershocks are normal after a strong earthquake and this could last for days or weeks.

Perez also said that a total of 185 aftershocks were recorded in Surigao Norte, as of 4pm, Feb. 15, of which 88 were plotted and 18 were reportedly felt.

Meanwhile, Provincial Social Services Office (PSSO) officer-in-charge Arlene Tongco appealed to those who want to donate that the priority needs for the earthquake victims are food packs, medicines, flashlights, tents for temporary shelter for evacuees in camps, financial assistance, portable generators, kitchen utensils, beddings, potable water and housing materials.

Tongco said volunteers for psychosocial needs and stress debriefing are also badly needed by the affected families. (PDRRMO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOE, PEZA to facilitate development of regional ecozones

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) - In a bid to attract more investments into the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the accelerated development of regional economic zones or ecozones with the assurance of a reliable and reasonably-priced supply of electricity.

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, “the MOU is an initiative consistent with the long-term economic vision of President Rodrigo Duterte known as ‘Ambisyon 2040’ and complements his 10-point socio-economic agenda.”

“Energy policies will be developed to facilitate the reduction of the cost of doing business in the country, including the ecozones," he added.

“Energy efficiency programs, like the adoption of the Energy Management Systems (ISO 50001), will be given importance to help the locator companies to be more efficient in their use of energy resources. This will result in lower power costs to sustain the companies’ competitiveness, while also encouraging the establishment of more energy efficient ecozones in the country,” Cusi said.

Cusi also underscored the importance of policies that would streamline the permitting processes for energy projects, to ensure stable and reliable supply of energy to drive the economic activities in the ecozones.

The MOU was signed by DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque representing Secretary Cusi and PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza on February 2, 2017 in Davao City.

“With the MOU in place, the country can expect the flow of critical investment which in the long-run creates more job opportunities and spur rural development,” Cusi said. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

DOE consultations show wide support for WESM Mindanao establishment

BUTUAN CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) - Given the excess in power generation capacity in Mindanao, preparatory activities for the launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao are being undertaken by the Department of Energy (DOE). This is in coordination with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The DOE has already completed two public consultations this month in Cagayan de Oro and in Zamboanga City. It focused on a draft circular that will govern the operation of WESM Mindanao in fulfillment of the DOE's mandate to ensure the security, reliability and availability of transparent and reasonably-priced electricity in the country.

The above-mentioned mandate of the DOE, under the stewardship of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, is underlined in Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

The two public consultations on the draft circular “Declaring the Launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Mindanao and Providing for Transition Arrangements" gathered together energy experts and power industry participants, as well as investors, consumers, members of the academe and other stakeholders.

The consultation participants were united in expressing confidence that with a stable and competitively-priced energy source, Mindanao can experience and sustain an economic boom under the Duterte Administration's 10-point socio-economic program.

The establishment of WESM in Mindanao is a high priority agenda of Cusi targeting its commercial operation by June 26, 2017. The DOE is set to conduct three more public consultations in Davao City on February 21, Butuan City on the 28th, and General Santos City on March 7.

For decades, Mindanao has lagged behind Luzon and the Visayas in economic development under the past Administrations with their Manila centrist policies which the Duterte Administration has seen as one of the root causes of poverty and strife in Mindanao.

The objective of the public consultations is to solicit the views of all stakeholders on how to improve the circular which will lay down the policies for the establishment of WESM Mindanao.

To be able to reach more participants, the DOE forged a partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority which, together with the PEMC and NGCP, will undertake an intensive and massive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) drive.

The information drive will help more Mindanaoans better understand WESM and to appreciate the benefits it will bring about in sustaining investments in Mindanao, which needs a robust power sector to support a booming economy.

In 2016, Mindanao had an additional generating capacity of 782 megawatts (MW) and is expecting the commercial operations of additional 1,208 MW this year.

Despite the additional supply, there remains power interruptions in Mindanao especially in the franchise areas of distribution utilities which do not have sufficient power supply agreements to cover their increasing demand for electricity.

In the absence of such contracts, power generation companies are hesitant to operate their plants without an approved supply contract or any compensation mechanism duly approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Thus, the establishment of the WESM will serve as the mechanism to efficiently tap the excess capacities in the area to avoid rotating brownouts and ensure 24-hours continuous electricity service.

From the two consultations, the DOE recognized that most of the concerns were operational in nature rendering the need to move forward with the IEC drive.

Through the IEC, the DOE hopes to address also occasional opposing views which can be attributed to the lack of deeper understanding of the WESM.

The draft circular was posted at the DOE and PEMC website last January 24. Comments and suggestions will be processed until March 14, 2017. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands LGU deploys response team, donates cash assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao Norte

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Feb. 21 (PIA) - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) deployed a response team tagged as “Dinagat Islands Volunteers” for a humanitarian mission to help the earthquake victims in Surigao City and affected municipalities of the province during the 6.7 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 10, 2017.

The response team being deployed composed of three groups with 70 members for a humanitarian mission for the survivors of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake.

Three groups were assigned on different areas: Group 1- composed of 20 providers for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services; Group 2 – composed of five PICE accredited Structural Engineers to assess the structural integrity of commercial and residential buildings and Group 3 with 25 composite members from Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Dinagat Islands Search and Rescue in-charge for water rationing.

The Psychosocial Group debriefed a total of 317 personnel of Caraga Regional Hospital as well as the quake trauma patients.

On the other hand, more or less 2,000 purified drinking waters were distributed to different barangays in the city and province, while 30 buildings and houses were assessed by Structural Integrity Assessment Group.

The week-long humanitarian mission that started on Feb. 13, 2017 ended with an expressive arts psychosocial activity in Brgy. Poblacion, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte considered to be the severely affected barangay by the said quake.

Assorted goodies and toiletries were also given to children and adults who joined the said expressive art social activity.

The Province of Dinagat Islands also handed a financial assistance worth P200,000 each to the Municipality of San Francisco and Surigao City. (PDRRMO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Energy department moves to ensure viability of e-vehicle charging stations

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) - Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi underscored on Tuesday the need to ensure the viability and safety of e-vehicle charging stations in gasoline stations.

Cusi cited the importance of the ground-laying work being done by an Ad-Hoc Technical Working Group (TWG) on the installation of the e-vehicle charging stations.

"We want the TWG to study the technical viability of the infrastructure, evaluate its safe operations by assessing the necessary protocols and standards, and to determine required policies and its supporting legal basis," said Cusi.

The Department of Energy (DOE) stands at the forefront of the government's promotion of alternative fuels and energy technologies, he added.

"The Technical Team must make recommendations on the advancement of e-vehicle charging stations and related infrastructures, such as other viable options for locations like malls and other establishments."

Cusi said safety and accessibility are also major considerations on where to put up e-vehicle charging stations.

Cusi created the TWG to determine the suitability of gasoline stations as charging areas for electric or e-vehicles with the emergence of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.

The TWG is co-chaired by the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau.

The DOE is in the process of drafting a circular for the policy guidelines in the overall development and increased utilization of alternative fuels and energy technologies, which includes the e-vehicle industry.

"I have to stress that this venture should be in compliance with existing environmental, safety and other relevant rules and regulations,” he added.

“Apart from increasing public awareness, the DOE in coordination with relevant government agencies will create an environment for the equitable and non-discriminatory access for alternative fuels and energy technologies with preference for indigenous ones. In the end, we seek the support of our kababayans to look into this endeavor and look into ways to enable our country to ably compete and create wealth for every Filipino,” Cusi concluded. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

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Thursday, February 23, 2017

February 23, 2017, 5:33 pm

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4Ps’ cash card pawning rife in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office here hinted that “cash card pawning” was quite rampant among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Surigao del Sur.

According to Jimbo Jamoner, DSWD Provincial Grievance Officer, the scheme has been discovered and started to be officially documented since 2014.

Initially it was found out that some 100 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Barobo town, 105 kilometers south this city, were not in possession of their respective cash card. Upon checking out further, to Jamoner’s dismay, their cash cards had already been in the hands of “loan sharks” for some time. Involved moneylenders owned up to the money-making deal, he bared.

With breakdown of cases at “300 plus in 2015” and “500 plus in 2016,” documents showed that cash card pawning had been noted at about 1,000 household beneficiaries, the grievance officer disclosed.

Jamoner admitted to have noticed that the “numbers” had been continuing to heap up even up to this time.

Lest the purpose of the program would be defeated, the DSWD here had taken up the cudgel of bringing the matter to the attention of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to craft a legislative solution to put a stop to the malpractice.

Yesterday, the second of the four-day series of public hearing in select areas province-wide was held at the Capitol Social Hall for the proposed ordinance entitled “Prohibiting Government Officials/Employees and Private Individuals/Groups and Local Businesses or Corporation in Accepting Pantawid Pamilya Cash Card as Loan Collateral.” The event was filled to the rafters, most of them were 4Ps grantees, it was learned.

A day earlier, February 21, 2017, the first public hearing was held at Lanuza Gymnasium in Lanuza town, 43 kilometers north, this city. The last two schedules had been set for Barobo town and Bislig City, respectively, on February 23 and 24, 2017.

Jamoner revealed that resorting to “resealing” the cash card by concerned DSWD authorities right after withdrawal from ATM failed to foil card holders from doing so. Resealing was likened to laminating the card in a thin plastic material not only for protective purposes but primarily to dissuade pawnbrokers to accept any offer.

Behind the conduct of the series of public hearing have been officials of the DSWD, in close ties with the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC), the Committee on Social Services and Community Development, the Committee on Laws and Justice and Human Rights as well as other stakeholders.

Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr., SP Members Mary Grace Lim and Teresita Palma-Donasco respectively chair the above-mentioned committees.

Meanwhile, the provincial grievance officer hoped that people engaging in such deals would be meted out punitive actions sooner or later.

As of November 2016, there are 44,565 households which stand to benefit under the 4Ps in the entire province, according to Jamoner.

However, Meiraflor Cabigon, DSWD Social Welfare Officer IV and Provincial Link of the Pantawid Pamilya bared during the recent affair that there had been over 46,000 households in their rolls of 4Ps as of the latest. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DSWD-Caraga, NGAs lead 2017 adoption consciousness celebration

By Ryan Malbas Tapayan

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 23 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with other national government agencies (NGAs), leads this year’s week-long Adoption Consciousness Celebration from February 11-19, 2017.

With the theme “Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin (Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption),” the celebration targets to advocate legal adoption as a means of providing compassion and unconditional love to abandoned, neglected and surrendered children.

The Adoption Forum served as one of the highlights since there were invited partner-agencies, selected Local Government Units (LGUs), adoptive parents who attended the said activity at LJ Mega Convention, this city on Feb. 16.

The primary objectives of the activity are: 1) to disseminate basic information about legal adoption including the adoption process, documentary requirements, procedures and the benefits and effects of adoption to the public; 2) to educate the public on the legal process of adoption that may lead to applicants for domestic adoptions or inquiries on adoption and other forms of alternative family care; 3) to respond to inquiries of the public on adoption and other forms of alternative family care thru Adoption Help Desks; and 4) to provide program orientation on adoption and foster care laws and guidelines to the officials and staff of DILG.

Jessie Catherine Aranas, Regional Focal on Adoption, reported during the seminar the total picture of adoption natiowide.

“According to DSWD – Protective Services Bureau, out of 5,695 children declared as legally available for adoption (CY 2009- as of January 17, 2017), only 1,409 children were placed-out for domestic adoption. The data reveals that there is a high number of neglected/abandoned children in centers/institutions waiting to be adopted,” said Aranas.

“Other than this growing data, issues such as public’s perception on adoption, lack of interest of families to adopt and the discrimination experienced by adopted children should likewise be addressed,” she added.

OIC Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim encourages all government agencies to promote and advocate legal adoption as it remains a strange concept in the society.

“Let us altogether advocate legal adoption all the time and not just during occasions that we commemorate this celebration. The underlying objective is towards our goal of providing a child a kind of family he/she deserves,” Lim exclaimed.

Presidential Proclamation No. 72 signed on February 3, 1999 by the former President Ejercito Estrada stipulated the observance of Adoption Consciousness Day to call for public attention and ensure nationwide awareness on legal adoption of surrendered, orphaned, abandoned, and neglected Filipino children in need of permanent home. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Phivolcs finds unusual ground movements in no-fault areas near Surigao City

By Jun Ian Facundo

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Feb. 23 (PIA) - Team of experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) visited San Jose, Dinagat Islands on Friday, February 17 to install an earthquake monitoring device after major aftershocks were recorded in the Province of Dinagat Islands even when no existing faults cut across the island province.

On February 10, the Surigao earthquake was also felt by the residents in Dinagat Islands. But unlike Surigao, the Province of Dinagat Islands managed to shun the devastation, reported zero injuries and casualties and recorded only a few damaged infrastructures.

However, the Philvolcs team expressed that the number of aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.2 up to 3.0 recorded in the province is in the same range with the aftershocks happening in Surigao City.

The aftershocks felt by the Dinagatnons puzzled the Phivolcs Team who are also monitoring aftershocks in Surigao City and nearby towns in mainland Surigao del Norte. According to Engr. Melchor P. Lasala of Phivolcs, the sudden shift of the majority of earthquake aftershocks towards Dinagat Islands is unusual as since there is no major fault located in the island province.

“What is interesting about this phenomena is the aftershocks are not identical to each other. They have different intensity and the epicenters weren’t concentrated in the same location,” explains Engr. Lasala.

Fourty-one aftershocks were already recorded with epicenters located near Municipality of Basilisa, San Jose and Dinagat. The recently recorded in this series is a 2.9 intensity aftershock in the Municipality of Loreto.

The Phivolcs team installed the earthquake monitoring device to further observe this unusual phenomena. The team secured the device in the town of San Jose and tasked the DOST Provincial Office of Dinagat Islands to watch over the device. The primary function of the device is to record sudden soil movement in the area in a period of time. The device is equipped with a Geographic Positioning System (GPS and other applications that are vital to the monitoring of any movement.

The Phivolcs team will visit the island bimonthly to inspect and monitor the device. Phivolcs urged Dinagatnons to report any sightings of unusual cracks in the soil and be resilient with the aftershocks that will continue to occur. (DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Behind CRAM 2017: An expression of gratitude

By Liza M. Guinguing

The success of Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) 2017 in Tandag City can be attributed to the confidence and motivation from the prime movers of the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office led by the Dr. May B. Eclar; likewise the highly capable and spirited CRAM Technical Working Group, to the support and willpower of the front-runners of the 12 participating divisions, provinces and cities. More so, for the exemplary coordination in bringing together the people of the host province, city and divisions.

Together, all have opened a new chapter of the sporting history of Caraga Region as well as showcased to the country the appeal as sports capital. The participation of all has promoted the spirit of solidarity. The games have become not just an important event in the regional sports calendar but also a platform for friendship and cultural exchanges across the region.

At this moment when the flame is about to extinguished, it is but fitting to give due credit and recognition to the inter-agency tasking deeply rooted from the strong leadership of Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. and his working associates, Tandag City Mayor Alexander T. Pimentel, Representative of First District Prospero A. Pichay and Representative of the Second District Johnny T. Pimentel.

From its opening salvo, to the daily sporting activities, all the people behind are in full gear to see to it that everything is in place. Their hard work is remunerated by the capability of the Steering Committee composed of the Schools Division Superintendents of Surigao del Sur, Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, CESO V and Tandag City, Dr. Gregoria T. Su, PESS and Education Supervisors and other Division Personnel.

From this strong partnership, yields the excellence-motivated services of the people who worked in the field. One of SurSur’s brand of hospitality is making sure that all are properly billeted, welcomed and supplied with enough essentials. In addition, Police Officers, Personnel from Philippine Army, Fire Marshals, Waste Management In-charge, CAT Officers, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, Medical Team, private Contributors are visible all over Tandag specially in the different sporting areas.

The officiating officials who ensured the fair and smooth conduct of the games; the working Committee on Finance, Souvenir Program, Ground Preparation, Publicity/Media/Communication, Billeting Facilities, Playing Venues, ID’s of Athletic Delegation, Athletic Equipment/Procurement of Sports Materials, Technical Assistance, General Services, Security, Peace and order, Medical, Dental, Sanitation, and Emergency Preparedness, Transportation, Prizes, Trophies, and Awards, Upkeep of Grandstand and other Playing Venues, Usherettes, Grand and Oval Parade, Inspectorate, Mass and Church Services, Corsage/Leis and Tokens, Lightning Facilities, Sound System, Water Facilities, Guests Accommodation, Flagpoles, Strings, Torch, and Banners, Welcome Signage, Signs and Tarpaulins, Stage Decoration, Program Hosting, Food and Refreshment, Mass Field Demonstration and Chorale/Ceremonial Cutting of Ribbon have remarkably shown their best shot to make sure that all of the planned activities and preparations will be realized.

The whole CRAM endeavor reveals not just the sports aptitude of the young Caraganon athletes but as well as the nobility of these seemingly modern day heroes whose noble acts may not have been printed on books but are the best imprinted on the head, hand and heart of these promising athletes.

Truly, the people who worked collectively behind CRAM 2017 are the wind beneath the wings of these determined athletes as they soar higher in their quest of fulfilling their sports potentials. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Agusan del Norte reigns special games

By Lyoid Hunahuna

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) - The special games of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic (CRAM) winded up with triumphant smiles from the special children, coaches and delegation officials from the division of Agusan del Norte as they were hailed as over all champion of the CRAM special events garnering a total of 15 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals.

Receiving their medals and trophies, the CRAM partakers with special needs together with their coaches of Agusan del Norte expressed their happiness as they stood on the victory stand signifying their triumph in the different athletic events over the other 11 delegations despite their disabilities.

On the other hand, the special athletes from Siargao Islands ranked as over-all 1st runner up copping 15 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals while Cabadbaran City racked up eight gold, seven silver and three bronze medals, and landed as 2nd runner up. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

43 students sign scholarship with DOST Caraga

By Gabrielle Espinosa

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA) - A total of 43 scholars from the different state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private institutions in Caraga recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the granting of their Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) effective this school year 2016-2017.

The JLSS orientation and MoA signing was conducted consecutively in three separate venues: Caraga State University, Philippine Normal University and Surigao State College of Technology.

Policies of the scholarship agreement were discussed with the students along with their parents during the MoA signing and orientation.

Ricardo Varela, chief of the technical operations of DOST Caraga, emphasized the responsibility that the students bring with them not only as DOST scholars but also as future S&T contributors in the country.

“The number of scholars who have passionately and seriously pursued their field have been decreasing in this country. As DOST scholars, you have to look more than just being a scholar and the responsibilities this entails even after you graduate. We believe that you are one of those chosen few who will greatly contribute to nation building. We hope that you will not fail your countrymen,” Varela said.

Meriam Bouquia, the regional scholarship coordinator, also explained the different privileges that the scholars can get after their graduation. According to Bouquia, the scholars can still acquire scholarships from other institutions providing that it does not conflict with the general policies stipulated under the JLSS Memorandum of Agreement.

The Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) is one of the S&T scholarships of DOST Science Education Institution catered to the on-going regular 3rd year students with Bachelor of Science degrees in the field of natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. This year’s pioneering batch of JLSS scholars will be given 2-3 years of scholarship contract, depending on the course they are taking in. (DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Surigao Norte, SEC remind public on investment scam

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 23 (PIA) –The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte has posted its latest advisory from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the companies SUREADZ/SUREADZ, J.I. JOE Marketing, 7Seals Trading and Fazcoin Marketing Services.

The said companies are engaged in illegal solicitation of investments by enticing the public to invest in its Revenue Profit Shares/Revenue Shares Investment and Hybrid Marketing Compensation Plan for a minimum amount of P1,000 or up to P1,000.000 for a promise of 100 percent return/profit upon maturity date or expiration of term (either 60-day term or 30-day term) as preferred by the investor plus 10 percent commissions at the end of the term.

Per verification by the Commission, said companies are not authorized to solicit investments from the public as these entities did not secure prior registration and/or license or permit to solicit investments from SEC as required under Section 8.1 of the Securities Regulation Code.

The SEC also added that those who invite or recruit other people to join or invest in the said venture or other investment contracts or securities to the public maybe held criminally liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized, in accordance with the Supreme Court decision in the case of SEC vs. Oudine Santos (G.R No. 19554, March 19, 2014).

The public is hereby advised to stop investing and recruiting other people to invest money into such scheme and to take the necessary precautions in dealing with the above-named entities and their representatives.

The SEC is requesting the public to call their office at SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension Office at Telephone Numbers (088) 857-4235 or 857-7225 for more information regarding the operation of the said entities. (SEC/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Friday, February 24, 2017

February 26, 2017, 4:47 pm

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SSS to offer calamity relief assistance to Surigao quake victims

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 24 (PIA) - About 24,000 members and pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS) here may soon avail themselves of three different types of calamity relief assistance after a 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit the city last Feb 10.

SSS will offer three types of calamity relief assistance such as a Calamity Loan, House Repair and Improvement Loan and advance three-month pension to members and pensioners

“The Social Security Commission approved yesterday the grant of the calamity relief assistance package for our members and pensioners in Surigao. We sincerely hope that the special programs would give them better opportunities to rebuild their damaged homes and to acquire their basic necessities,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said.

Dooc added that SSS will announce acceptance of applications to the calamity relief assistance package as soon as the IT system requirements and other administrative arrangements are done.

The calamity loan assistance is a new and separate loan window from the regular salary loan where members are allowed to borrow up to P16,000 if they are paying contributions based on the maximum monthly salary credit (MSC).

“Similar to salary loans, calamity loans are payable in two years in equal monthly installments with an annual interest rate of 10 percent and one percent monthly penalty for late payments. To provide more assistance, we waived the one percent service fee for calamity loan applicants,” Dooc explained.

To qualify for SSS calamity loans, members should have a home address or property in the covered areas and a minimum of 36 monthly contributions, six of which should be paid within the 12-month period preceding the date of application. However, members who availed the SSS Loan Restructuring Program and those with final benefit claims, such as for total permanent disability and retirement, are excluded from the program.

Meanwhile, members with damaged homes can also avail cash assistance through Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan Program, with reduced interest rate of six percent per annum and waived processing fee.

“Member-applicant must not more than 60 years old and with at least 24 monthly contributions, in which three contributions are within the last 12-month period prior to the month of filing. They can borrow for a maximum of P1 million pesos with an interest rate of six percent per annum fixed for 15 years. However, the interest rate is subject for repricing if the repayment term has exceeded 15 years,” Dooc explained.

As of Feb. 20, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recorded over 6,000 damaged houses in the provinces in Surigao del Norte— 380 of which were totally damaged while 5,703 were partially damaged.

For applicants under the advance three-month pension whose present address is different from the address in the SSS database will have to submit a barangay certification to prove that they reside in a declared calamity area.

For more information, members and pensioners can visit the nearest SSS branch, contact the SSS Call Center hotline at 920-6446 to 55, or send an email to member_relations@sss.gov.ph. The application forms are downloadable from the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph.

Aside from the Calamity Relief Package, the SSS extended additional assistance through distribution of relief goods last Feb. 23 at the Barangay Washington Gym located in Kaskag Village, here. (SSS-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Monday, February 27, 2017

February 28, 2017, 8:48 pm

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Sec. Lopez targets green economy jobs for closed mine districts in Caraga

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb 27 (PIA) – In over two years of utilizing a 200-hectare land by the displaced mine workers in the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, both in Caraga region, around 10,000 households generating a net income of P40M is targeted to benefit from the livelihood systems, envisioned Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez.

Lopez said the she is optimistic that mining-affected communities will be able to cope even when several mining companies will be closed. She assured that the department is working on with projects that will benefit them and will give them sustainable livelihood.

Included in the future programs and projects set for implementation that were revealed are improved ecotourism that gives jobs with dignity, agricultural opportunities that flow into health and wellness products from biodiversity, and mine site revegetation.

“Healthy forests, fuel and power from biomass, healthy rivers that can provide power are also among the priorities. Caraga is a beautiful region that’s why we are crafting plans that would help preserve its green resources and provide alternative means of livelihood for the Dinagatnons and Surigaonons. Green economy jobs that create community empowerment and sustains ecosystem integrity are better be realized,” said Lopez.

As enumerated by DENR chief Lopez during a press conference here on Saturday, the green economy jobs envisioned for closed mining districts are mine site rehabilitation; ecotourism; fuel for cooking from charcoal briquettes from agri-wastes; bamboo, rattan, nipa product lines; timber and other forest products for homes and industry; and health and wellness products from biodiversity.

Lopez assured that the department will turn Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte into forested areas. In her comprehensive engagements and consultations with communities in mined-out areas and with the pro-mining entities, Lopez saw the pressing concerns of the affected individuals, hence, DENR has prepared immediate, short-term, and long term livelihood projects and programs.

“The region will truly benefit and will have sustainable development even without the mining industry,” stressed Lopez.

On illegal mining, Lopez said that their agency has formed a group to monitor illegal logging activities in the region. “The Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Justice and other agencies concerned are on tight monitoring of the illegal logging activities in the different identified regions, apart from its monitoring on mining. Illegal logging should be stopped, thus, the government has taken measures to address this concern,” underscored Lopez.

Meanwhile, Lopez encouraged the media partners to help the department in reporting those DENR personnel who are involved in illegal activities in Caraga region. (VLG/JPG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Cabadbaran corn growers receive seeds

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 27 (PIA) – The Corn Growers Association of this city receives 20 sacks of corn seeds during their recently held monthly meeting.

Mayor Katrina Marie Mortola says the seeds would serve as a support to the city’s program to have a common farming for the corn growers.

Mortola also encourages the corn growers to report directly to her or to the City Agriculture Office whatever problems the association will encounter. “I am with you in you in your cause of having a beneficial corn production in the city,” she says.

Also discussed during the meeting and turnover ceremony, attended by the group members from the barangays of Mabini, Comagascas, Katugasan, Bay-ang and Putting Bato and personnel of the City Agriculture Office, the qualifications and ways on corn farming. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DENR chief asserts for area dev’t approach in Caraga provinces

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) – In confronting the perceived challenges that mine workers in Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will be dealing with, where majority of the mining operations that were ordered for closure are located, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Gina Lopez specified during the press conference held on Saturday here that the department plans to adapt an area development approach where the income goes around the local economy.

“Ninety-five percent from what has been invested and earned in Dinagat and Surigao areas goes out of the local economy, that is why this integrated approach to create local economic zones can help generate employment, livelihood and income-generating activities in communities where they operate,” underscored Sec. Lopez.

Earlier on that same day, an aerial survey and site inspection to the municipalities of the said provinces was conducted where the lady Secretary had personally witnessed the extent of destruction in the once forested areas and how it greatly affects the communities nearby.

A video taken from Sec. Lopez' cellphone showing the actual footage of their aerial ocular inspection was presented during the press conference so media representatives can see how mining areas in Caraga look like. The secretary also emphasized that mining has really brought damages to the environment.

Lopez cited the positive impacts for socioeconomic development if proper management and implementation of targeted plans will be given priority and ultimately influence the people in getting involved in economic activities that they themselves would reap the benefits from it.

Under the DENR’s area development approach, “we will be helping the entire community that’s affected after the mining has stopped. The DENR will be assisting you in the best way we can through the plotted viable programs to make things right without the expense of our natural environment,” said Lopez.

Included in the future programs/projects set to be implemented in Dinagat Islands and Surigao that Sec. Lopez revealed are improved ecotourism that gives jobs with dignity, agricultural opportunities that flows into health and wellness products from biodiversity, mine site revegetation. Immediate, short-term, and long-term livelihood programs are likewise devised.

Meanwhile, in time also with the visit of Sec. Lopez was the conduct of Community Consultation and Engagement for Affected Mining Areas and Communities in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte wherein different line agencies of Caraga region presented their programs and plans to support the communities affected by the mining closure in the region.(VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PNP officers' ladies club gives relief assistance to earthquake victims

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - The Officers' Ladies Club (OLC) of Police Regional Office 13 in partnership with the Convoy of Hope distributed food packs, medicines, and hygiene kits to around 300 earthquake victims in Surigao City on Sunday.

Police Regional Office 13 regional director Chief Supt. Rolando Felix and his wife Maria Jojilyn Felix together with Clarissa Manuel, Convoy of Hope’s Assistant to the President led the distribution at Margarita Memorial Elementary School in Brgy. Luna.

Aside from the relief goods, feeding activities and free blood pressure check were also conducted.

Also, on Saturday, the OLC turned over boxes of relief goods to the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADS PPO) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

ADS PPO will distribute these boxes to the flood victims in the towns of Talacogon, San Luis, and Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur.

OLC is comprised of the wives of Police Commissioned Officers in Caraga while Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that is conducting feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD-Caraga clarifies Pantawid Pamilya additional cash assistance, rice subsidy to the recipients

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) clarified the details of the additional cash grants for rice subsidy.

With the numerous questions received by the regional management on the abovementioned issue, the field office confirmed the following: All active and compliant partner-beneficiary shall receive a rice subsidy, additional to their monthly cash grants; Rice subsidy is in a form of cash amounting to P600.00 per month; and Guidelines on the rice subsidy are already drafted and are subject for approval (Central Office Level).

DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim called on all Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries to wait for official notice from the City/Municipal Link Officer as information is channelled through them officially.

“I encouarged all Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries to wait for official notice from the City/Municipal Links on rice subsidy to avoid misinformation,” said Lim.

Meanwhile, the Regional Program Management Office of Pantawid Pamilya has already released a memorandum addressed to all field staff to clarify this concern at the local level. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Social Pension serves 93,448 indigent SCs in Caraga

By Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - A total of 93,448 indigent senior citizens benefitted the Social Pension program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga in its 2016 implementation covering the 73 local government units (LGUs) in the region. This number includes replacement beneficiaries from 1st to 4th quarter.

With this, the Department disbursed a total amount of P496,590,000 for the said program.

Sarah Rose Salingay, focal person of Social Pension, said that DSWD exceeded its target of 82,765 beneficiaries to be served at the end of the year. “This proves that the department is effectively and efficiently implementing the program that aims to help the poor senior citizens through cash assistance every quarter,” said Salingay.

“However, it’s still our challenge this year for the remaining LGUs to adopt the Transfer of Funds. That’s why, we will continue lobbying to the LGUs and conduct orientation about the advantage of the said scheme,” she added.

The transfer of funds scheme strategize that the Department downloads the money directly to the LGUs account to fast track the disbursement of money during the schedule payout. The disbursement process will be the responsibility of the respective LGUs, but the payroll preparation will be done in the region to ensure no alterations of the list and the eligible beneficiaries will receive the pension.

As of this time, there are 60 LGUs out of 73 had engaged to transfer of funds scheme, thus only 13 LGUs are implementing the direct payment/cash advance mode of payment.

This year, the department targets a total of 100,000 beneficiaries in the region. It means that more indigent senior citizens aged 60 years old and above will benefit the said program as on the commitment of the new administration.

DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim said that the DSWD will coordinate with LGUs to submit their waitlist and delist report duly signed by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, and Local Chief Executive.

Another accomplishment last year is the development of the Social Pension Information System (SPInS) by the RSPU. This system was created to establish a database of the program where information are stored and readily available to the stakeholders.

Social Pension is a program of DSWD intended for the indigent senior citizens aged from 60 and above who are frail/sickly and with no pension either from SSS, GSIS, PVAO and other insurance companies. The beneficiaries receive P500 every month, which are distributed every quarter.(Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD Caraga celebrates 66th anniv, awards supportive partners

By Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - To celebrate the 66 fruitful founding years of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Caraga Field Office here paid tribute to its partner-stakeholders who generously dedicated their resources and expertise in helping the Department carry out its mandate of providing quality life for the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors.

The regional celebration held recently at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort highlighted the theme, “DSWD@66:May Malasakit.” It emphasized the compassionate service of DSWD throughout the years.

In her opening remarks, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Nerisa Murih, expressed hopes to increase number of partner-stakeholders and implement pro-poor programs and services.

“In our 66th year, DSWD Caraga calls for a strong partnership and hopes to establish more partnership to various private and public institutions region-wide to pro-actively deliver the social welfare services to the communities, a wonderful service that is compassionate and timely,” said Murih.

The awardees were given plaques of recognition which was personally handed by DSWD Office of the Secretary Field Program Manager Marita Pimentel and ARDA Murih.

The following are the awards given during the celebration; PANATA Ko sa Bayan, PRESTIGE, and Child-Friendly Local Government Units.

PANATA or Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan Awards gives recognition to any local development partners as well as individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time, talent and resources to help the Department in providing better opportunity for the poor, disadvantaged, and vulnerable sectors in the society.

It has four categories namely, Salamat Po Awards, Gawad sa Makabagong Teknolohiyang Panlipunan, Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS), and Gawad Ulat.

The following are the list of winners of the said award:

Salamat Po

Local Development Partner - Northern Mindanao Technological Training Institute

Local Volunteer in Support to Regional Rehabilitation for Youth (RRCY) - Pastor Chito Ruina

Local Development Partner in Support to Home for Girls - Equi-Parco Construction Company

Local Development Partner in Support to Sectoral Programs - Robinson Place, Butuan City

Local Development Partner in Support to Disaster Operations - Naval Intelligence and Security Group Eastern Mindanao (NISG-EM) and Naval Task Group 72

Local Volunteer – Jean Cordita, Kalahi-CIDSS BSPMC Chair in Pilar, Surigao del Norte

Gawad sa Makabagong Teknolohiya Panlipunan

Bacuag, Surigao del Norte

Gapas Award

Model LGU Supporting the Implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program – Tandag City, Gigaquit, San Francisco AdS, RTR, and Province of Dinagat Islands

Model LGU implementing Outstanding SLP Microenterprise Development Model – Sibagat

Model LGU implementing Outstanding SLP Employment Facilitation Model – Sibagat

Model LGU Implementing Day Care Service – Surigao City

Model LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services – PSWDO of Province of Dinagat Islands, CSWDO of Bislig City, MSWDO of San Francisco AdS,

LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services (TAWAG) – MSWDO of Alegria

LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services (PDAO) – PDAO of Bislig City

LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services (Supplementary Feeding Program) – Jabonga

LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services (Social Pension Program) – Socorro

People’s Organization – FSCAP of General Luna, PYAP of Bayugan City

Model LGU Implementing Kalahi-CIDSS – Las Nieves

Gawad Ulat

Most DSWD Supportive Print Media Outlet – Mike Crismundo of Manila Bulletin, and Mindanao Daily News

DSWD-Supportive TV Station – ABS-CBN TV Patrol Caraga, and NMBS Bee TV

Most DSWD-Supportive Radio Station – Radyo Trumpeta

Most DSWD-Supportive Online Media – Philippine Information Agency (PIA-Caraga)

Most DSWD-Supportive Beat Reporter – Aisa Supas of Radyo Trumpeta

DSWD Social Media Advocates – Sheryl Lorenzo, Jannel Murillo, and Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Link Officer Michel Montenegro.

The next award is PRESTIGE or Promoting Resurgence and Excellence of Social Welfare Officers as Transformation Agents for Inclusive Growth and People Empowerment. This award is given to the most functional Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs).

Fully Functional LSWDOs – Nasipit, Carmen, Sibagat, Esperanza, Prosperidad, Rosario, Bayugan City and Butuan City

Another award given is the Child-Friendly Local Government Units (LGUs) to recognize the collective efforts of people in the LGU who provide quality and effective programs and services for the children.

Child Friendly LGUs – Cabadbaran City, Butuan City, Bayabas, and Cagdianao

Aside from the above-mentioned awards, outstanding employees of the Department were also awarded for their service and commitment through the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE). Also, Loyalty Awards were given for the internal staffs who have served the Department for ten (10) years or more.

Loyalty Awards (10 years)

Tyreen M. Adlaon, Cheril Q. Jorta, Reolita D. Jue, Thesa Joy B. Musa, and Glezza T. Ty

Loyalty Awards (15 years)

Ryan V. Piamonte, Raffy R. Pocon, and Rosalie I. Vasquez

Loyalty Awards (20 years)

Benedicta B. Laña, Ma. Gennette B. Marban

Also, Ramil M. Taculod received the Gawad Huwaran (MaHUsay, WAsto, at Responsableng Lingkod BayANi ng DSWD) and Juvy P. Echavaria for the Gawad Kalihim (a special award for the Memorandum workers serving 15 years or more).

Marita Pimentel, the guest speaker, delivered a keynote message, which emphasized on the thrust of the new administration in terms of compassionate service delivery.

“As the agency celebrates its 66 anniversary, let us continue to deliver our programs and services to the community with a compassionate heart,” said Pimentel.

“It’s amazing how the region answers the immediate needs of the families affected by the series of catastrophe. With this, let us continue doing this deed as the department carries its mandate as lead agency for development and welfare,” she added. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)

DOE respects supreme court’s TRO on the DOE, ERC issuances

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as respondents, respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and will abide by its temporary restraining order (TRO) on the DOE Circular No. DC2015-06-0010 (Providing Policies to Facilitate the Full Implementation of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) in the Philippine Electric Power Industry), Series of 2015 and ERC Resolution Nos. 5, 10, 11 and 28, Series of 2016, without prejudice, however, to exhaustion of available legal remedies in order to put forward the factual and legal bases on which the promulgation of the assailed rules have been based.

Due to the legal complexities surrounding the TRO, the DOE, ERC and the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), are still in the process of drafting a general advisory for the guidance of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) Stakeholders, without prejudice to future issuances. The main issues being considered are whether:

1. Those who have already executed Retail Supply Contracts (RSCs) and were already registered and switched shall continue to honor their respective RSCs;

2. Ongoing applications for registration filed before the Central Registration Body (CRB) may proceed voluntarily;

3. Applicants who wish to withdraw or defer their registration before the CRB may do so consistent with the Retail Market Rules provided that the CRB shall not be liable for any legal repercussions that may arise out of the contestable customers’ contractual obligations; and

4. Remaining contestable customers who have not yet secured their RSCs may continue to negotiate and exercise their power to choose.

The DOE, in coordination with the ERC and PEMC, as the CRB, will continue to conduct information drive and to educate the contestable customers on the benefits of RCOA in order to respond to queries affecting the industry players.

The DOE assures the public that extensive consultations and coordination efforts will continue towards full implementation of the provisions of the law favoring the consumers' power of choice. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

DOE commits to uphold consumers' power of choice

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said on Thursday that its mandate to implement the law and consumers should have the freedom of choice as to which power provider they prefer to deal with.

The secretary reiterated this after the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order against the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), a key provision of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA.

Energy Secretary Cusi said that the DOE is duty-bound to implement the law which seeks to uphold the freedom of choice of the consumers and to promote market competition.

“The provisions in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) mandates the DOE to ensure the security, reliability and availability of transparent and reasonably-priced electricity in the country,” Cusi expressed.

“One of the provisions of the law is the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), which allows consumers to directly contract power supply from licensed Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES),” Cusi clarified.

“The spirit of the RCOA is giving the consumers the freedom of choice which would result in higher productivity for them. And the power of choice can only be maximized when there is a level playing field for all suppliers,” Cusi assured.

"It is hoped that whatever the Decision by the Supreme Court, it will redound to the ultimate benefit of the consumers which is really the intent and the spirit of RCOA." Cusi concluded. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

February 28, 2017, 8:54 pm

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Caraganons ready for this year’s Women’s Month activities

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) – The Caraganons are ready and eager to participate in the set of activities for this year’s Women’s Month celebration.

The Caraga Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) has prepared different lined-up activities for the month-long celebration.

On March 1, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, together with the member agencies of RGADC will be holding a press conference at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga regional conference room, this city. Representatives from Commission on Human Rights (CHR), NEDA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, and Department of Social Welfare and Development are the members of the panel during the presscon.

Also, the RGADC through chairperson and CHR Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang will be presenting the RGADC work and financial plan for approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC) on March 2, 2017 during the 90th RDC Meeting here.

The official kick-off of said celebration is on March 8 with the conduct of the following: Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, followed by a motorcade, and program proper at Agusan del Norte provincial covered court. In the afternoon, the Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan XIII will be held at the same venue.

Meanwhile, RGADC will also be visiting the women inmates at Butuan City Jail on March 15, 2017. The following services will be provided: free medic/dental; medicines; legal counseling; feeding; and toiletries.

With the theme "We Make Change Work for Women," it captures two key foundations: Partnership for change and full implementation of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

NYC invites Caraganon-youths to join 2017 RYAC National Convention

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) – The National Youth Commission (NYC) is inviting Caraganon-youths to join in this year’s Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) National Convention on March 22-24 at Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

According to NYC chairperson Undersecretary Cariza Seguerra, the National Convention aims to synchronize youth programs and come up with a strategic plan of action for calendar year 2017 in relation to NYC’s major thrust: YORP, Youth Hub and Youth Fair, as well as the SK Elections.

Seguerra added that NYC instituted the RYAC as a coordinating body to localize policies, and monitor program implementation at the local level. “With the goal of strengthening partnership and convergence among youth-servng agencies and the localization of policies and programs for the youth, NYC will be conducting the RYAC National Convention by convening all member-agencies nationwide,” she underscored.

It was also learned that NYC will be covering the meal expenses and hotel accommodation, while transportation expenses and travelling allowances shall be shouldered by the participants.

The NYC is the sole policy-making body on youth affairs and is responsible for coordinating and implementing program s that would holistically help in the development of the Filipino youth.

For more information on the said event, the NYC can be reached at telephone number (088) 857-5895 or e-mail at nyccdo@nyc.gov.ph. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

SSS reaches out to quake victims in Surigao City

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 28 (PIA) – The Social Security System (SSS) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility conducted relief operations dubbed “SSS Cares” on Feb. 23 at Barangay Washington, this city.

A total of 900 families of members and pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS) affected by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on February 10 were assisted during the said relief operations.

In his message, Senior Vice President for Mindanao Operations Group Eddie A. Jara thanked the beneficiaries of the relief operations for trusting SSS in handling their savings for retirement.

Also, Assistant Vice President for Media Affairs Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian announced that soon SSS will offer three types of calamity relief assistance such as a Calamity Loan, House Repair and Improvement Loan and advance three-month pension to members and pensioners affected by the earthquake.

Present during the said relief operations were SVP for Administration Group May Catherine C. Ciriaco, SSS Surigao Branch Head Jose Roel J. Herbieto, SSS Tandag Branch Head Benigno J. Dagani, Jr., VP for Management Services and Planning Division Eleonora Y. Cinco, VP for Northern Mindanao Division Edwin M. Alo, SVP for Information Technology Management Group, AVP for Branch Systems and Procedures Gloria Y. Cuisia, AVP for Engineering Maintenance Department Edwin B. Maliwat, SSS Butuan Branch Head Antonio G. Fabia, OIC for Corporate Communications Department Sonia M. Guinto and AVP for Media Affairs Department Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian.

SSS senior officials were in Surigao from Feb. 23-24 for the regional visit in the area to address the needs of its branch, employees and stakeholders. (SSS/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SurSur LGUs extend financial aid to Surigao quake victims

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 28 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur and 11 municipalities and Bislig City are giving P800,000 in financial assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao del Norte.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officer Abel de Guzman said, the financial support was turned-over last Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 to the identified local government units and received by their respective local DRRM officers.

Based on the report, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte received a total of P350,000 from the provincial government of Surigao del Sur (P300,000) and municipalities of Cantilan (P30,000) and San Agustin (P20,000).

The city government of Surigao, on the other hand, received a financial support worth P100,000 from the city government of Bislig.

The municipality of San Francisco, Surigao del Norte also received a financial assistance worth P350,000.00 from the municipalities of Hinatuan (P30,000), Bayabas (P20,000), Lianga (P20,000), Cagwait (P20,000), Lanuza (P50,000), Lingig (P50,000), Marihatag (P30,000), San Miguel (P100,000), and Tago (P30,000).

Meanwhile, Carrascal DRRM officer Kresta Mae Pa-as said the municipality of Carrascal thru mayor Vicente Pimentel III has extended relief goods to 800 families of barangay Lipata in Surigao City amounting to P378,000. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Agusan Norte awards 2016 ANGELL winners

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) – In a ceremony held recently, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Agusan del Norte held the ANGELL Awarding Ceremony at the Provincial Training Center, Capitol Compound, this city.

The ANGELL or the Accelerating New Dimensions on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership is an award-giving body of the province of Agusan del Norte recognizing exemplary achievements, performances and good practices of the locak government units (LGUs), its local leaders and employees and honoring their participation and contribution to good governance.

Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba underscored, in her message, that being in the government service is special because "we can greatly help the public." She also emphasized that quality public service is the key to a successful government service and it makes the people their partner in the development of the province.

Matba also challenged all the winners to continue in what they do and for those who did not win to continue the best public service they could give.

Also, Matba encouraged and motivated the government officials and employees to be sincere in their work and continue to be an example to others.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017, 4:43 pm

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Caraga women more courageous, empowered - NEDA 13 chief

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) – “Women of today are becoming courageous and empowered, as majority of the women in the region already know how to fight for their rights, and the number of women leaders are increasing, and are involved in elective posts.”

This was the statement of regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Carino of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga in the press conference on 2017 Women’s Month celebration held recently at their regional office here, along with other member agencies of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) under the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Carino also emphasized that women in the country are better educated. She added that in Caraga, women organizations in the different barangays are also striving hard to learn more and be able to enhance their knowledge and skills, as more of them are getting involved in entrepreneurship and even in politics.

The good director also expressed her optimism that more women will be able to stand independently with dignity in their respective field of work, career, business endeavors.

Carino further encouraged everyone to support the women and make change work for women. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

COMELEC chair to visit Caraga region

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Juan Andres D. Bautista will be visiting Caraga region on March 2-3, 2017 as part of his monitoring and consultative interaction with stakeholders in preparation for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections come October 23, this year.

On Thursday, March 2, Bautista will hold a consultative conference with the COMELEC personnel of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur at Almont Inland Hotel, this city. He will also conduct an actual observation in the satellite registration in barangay Pangabugan at 9:30 a.m.

Also, a forum with election stakeholders will be held at 10:00 a.m at the Audio Visual Room of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) main building, here.

A consultative conference will also be held on March 3 with the COMELEC personnel of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands provinces for the preparation of barangay SK elections. (VLG/RCO/PIA-Caraga)

PCA grants P110K to IP farmers in Carrascal town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 1 (PIA) – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Surigao del Sur Provincial office has turned over P110,000 under the Indigenous People Outreach Program (IPOP) to the IP farmers in Carrascal town.

The said activity is part of the program implementation where PCA will compensate the IP coco farmers with coco seedlings.

PCA Surigao del Sur Provincial Manager George Rasonabe said that part of the project is to encourage the IP coco farmers to plant and establish a nursery in their identified areas.

During the turnover ceremony, Carrascal Mayor Vicente H. Pimentel III and Municipal Agriculturist Japhet Sugian formally received the check with the presence of the IPOP members, which are mainly from Brgy. Pantukan in Carrascal. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Negosyo Center in AgSur town does business strategizing

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 1 (PIA) – The Negosyo Center (NC) in San Francisco, this province has been doing business strategizing to further enhance the business skills of women leaders from the different barangay women associations here.

Guidance in planning, how to increase income, maximize utilization of shared service facility (SSF) and give more salaries to workers are just some of the needs expressed by the Women’s Association of San Francisco Agusan del Sur, Inc. (WASFADSI), a beneficiary of an SSF on catering funded under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BuB) program coursed through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Facilitated by Cora de le Pena, NC - San Francisco Center Manager, the association was able to formulate a detailed business model canvas and revenue plan for 2017. The resource person also shared her inputs on financial literacy to address participants’ questions regarding savings and debts. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Bayugan Negosyo Center conducts entrepreneurial awareness among sari-sari store owners

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 1 (PIA) – The Negosyo Center (NC) in Bayugan City has opened its doors to some of the city’s sari-sari store (small convenience stores) owner to discuss entrepreneurship. They were also briefed on the benefits and requirements on the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise Registration (BMBE).

BMBE qualified registrants – i.e, those with less than P3 million assets and issued a certificate of authority by the Department of Trade and Industry may avail of incentives such as income tax holiday and exemption from the minimum wage law requirements. These can be availed upon application with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Labor and Employment, respectively.

The seminar had the group discussing on the basic skills of an entrepreneur and on how to enhance their competencies and attitude in handling their businesses.

The sari-sari store owners shared their experiences and thanked the facilitator for their new learnings. They said that they now realize and understand that an entrepreneur must have competencies to become successful, must have a plan, be conscious on savings and spending and must continue to acquire skills in retaining and reaching more customers. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DOE sees LPG price rollback, shares safety tips

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 1 (PIA) - With the downtrend in the international contract price for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) has announced a possible rollback in the price of an 11-kilogram LPG cylinder by about P4.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that based on the DOE-OIMB's international price monitoring, the contract price for March amounts to $564 per metric ton (MT) which is $9 lower than the contract price in February of $573/MT.

He added that the rollback of $9/MT could translate to a P0.36/kg; hence a possible P4 reduction per 11kg LPG cylinder.

Cusi urged the buying public to always check every LPG cylinder to ensure that it is of the right quantity and quality.

“Aside from determining the right price, I encourage the public to also look closely at the quantity of the LPG cylinder by assuring that it is the correct and accurate weight. The quality of the tank should also be taken into consideration especially if it poses certain safety risks,” Cusi recommended.

To know if your LPG-filled cylinder is of the right quality and safe to use, the DOE has issued the following guidelines:

1. Buy LPG cylinders with proper markings (brand name, tare weight, etc.) from authorized outlets only;

2. Check the LPG cylinder for excessive rustiness and dents;

3. Ensure that the collar and footring are smooth and properly-welded and

4. Ensure that the LPG seal is intact and firmly affixed to the valve.

Cusi also asked the public to take extra precautions especially since March is Fire Prevention Month.

“Paalala po sa ating mga Nanay at mga kusinero para sa maingat na paggamit ng LPG. Sa pagpasok ng summer season, tumataas ang insidente ng sunog. Kaya po, we encourage the public to regularly check if there is a leak in their LPG cylinders, to store it in areas with sufficient ventilation, to keep it away from electrical switches and outlets and to ensure that it is always in an upright position,” Cusi advised.

“We do not want to see our people suffer from fire caused by the misguided use of LPG,” Cusi concluded. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Isang sundalo sugatan sa engkwentro sa Surigao del Norte

Ni Regal C. Oribia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 1 (PIA) – Isang sundalo at sibilyan ang sugatan matapos makaengkwentro ang rebeldeng New Peoples' Army (NPA) kamakailan lang sa Tinago, Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

May dala umanong improvised explosive device (IED) ang mga NPA na kung saan ay siyang dahilan ng pagkasugat ni 2Lt Daniel F. De Guzman ng 30IB, Philippine Army. Ayon pa sa report, nakaharap umano ng mga sundalo ang mga rebelde matapos humingi ng tulong ang isang sibilyan sa nasabing lugar dahil sa ginawang panggugulo at pangingikil ng mga rebelde sa mga tao sa lugar.

Ayon kay Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, commanding officer ng 30IB, isa na naman itong paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) ang ginawa ng mga rebelde. Ipinagbabawal sa CARHRIHL ang pagamit ng mga sumasabog na bagay sa paligid o sa loob ng komunidad na nagdudulot ng kapahamakan sa mga tao.

Dagdag pa Amaro, ipagpapatuloy umano nila ang operasyon sa paghuli sa mga terorista at sa mga illegal na gawain na maaring ikapapahamak ng komunidad. Nangako rin si Amaro na hindi lang sa lugar ng Malimono sila magmamatyag at magbabantay pati na rin sa buong probinsya ng Surigao del Norte. (RCO/PIA-Caraga)

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

March 2, 2017, 4:31 pm

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DOH Caraga provides services to Surigao quake victims

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 2 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region has extended health services to Surigaonons affected by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City on the evening of February 10, 2017.

According to DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr., two weeks following the quake, services like mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS), surveillance on possible diseases and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are continuously provided to the victims of the tremor.

As of February 27, a total of P1,822,895.96 worth of logistics were given by DOH Caraga in addition to the P3.2 million worth of medicines and other logistics provided by DOH central office to Surigaonons.

Llacuna bared that different DOH regional offices, organizations, and offices responded and also provided and assistance to the victims. These include: DOH Regions 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12, ARMM; Health Emergency Management Bureau; National Center for Mental Health; Mariveles Mental Hospital; Provincial DOH offices of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur; Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center; Provincial Health Office of Dinagat Islands; March for Christ; Philippine Red Cross; and other private organizations. They provided mental health services to address the traumatic experience of the victims.

“We are thankful to everyone who came, assisted and cared for our brothers and sisters affected in this havoc,” Llacuna said.

"We will see to it that all health needs are addressed especially the mental and psychosocial aspect of health," he added.

Llacuna reiterated the significance of fire and earthquake drills that it should not be taken lightly to prepare the public during disaster such as earthquakes.

Also, as per DOH Caraga record, as of February 27, a total of 4,588 individuals were catered for mental health and psychosocial services. About 60 nurses under the deployment program will continuously conduct MPHSS to other communities not yet serve, Llacuna said.

More DOH and local government units’ personnel are currently and continually trained for the sustainability of such service, he said.

Meanwhile, after the earthquake, Caraga Regional Hospital, a DOH retained hospital also incurred damages but was found to be secured and safe after professional inspection although an estimated P10 million is needed for its repair.

The only Drug and Rehabilitation Center of the region was also affected. The DOH Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Caraga needed more than P2 million worth for its repair.

Llacuna bared that DOH central office will give more than P10 million in the reconstruction and repair of the two DOH facilities. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

60 HRM studs, faculty join food safety awareness seminar

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 2 (PIA) – With the aim to increase awareness on food safety and improve food quality in Caraga region, the Caraga Food Safety Team (CFST) with the support of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently conducted a food safety awareness seminar here.

According to Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez of Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) Winrock, the seminar was attended by some 60 hotel and restaurant management students and faculty from the four higher education institutions of the city.

The seminar focused on food safety fundamentals, including the five keys in food safety, proper food storage, food poisoning and common food safety-related ailments was tacked by Perla Alviso, Food and Drug regulation officer and regional supervisor of the Food and Drug Administration Caraga regional field office, Rodriguez said.

During the event, Jim Oprecio, deputy chief of party of PCCP cited the importance of the seminar to the students and members of the academe because they have the capability to re-echo the information to others, can be in school or within the households.

Orprecio also said that PCCP’s aim is to ensure that food that are bought and consumed in households and commercial food establishments are safe, and of good quality. This is in keeping with USDA’s mission to set standard practices for food, nutrition and agriculture best on sound public policy, best available science and efficient management.

The seminar is part of an ongoing Food Safe Caraga campaign that involves a training program for meat vendors and meat shop operators, and massive information, education and communications campaign on food safety in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and Philippine Information Agency, Rodriguez said.

The seminar was conducted by PCCP and the CFST in partnership with the Department of Tourism. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

2 fishermen recover marijuana packs floating off Tandag coast

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, March 2 (PIA) – Two fishermen recovered 19 sealed packs of high grade marijuana inside a blue plastic container floating near the seawaters off Tandag City on Wednesday, March 1.

An initial report received from the Police Provincial Office (PPO) bared that fishermen Edmar Ocat and Yong yong Macarayo, while they were on their way home from fishing, first spotted the blue plastic container containing the illegal substance.

Authorities said the 19 kilograms dried marijuana leaves are estimated to be worth P1,045,000.

The said illegal substance was already turned over by the Tandag City Police personnel to the Police Provincial Office crime laboratory for further examination and proper disposition.

Tandag City mayor Alexander Pimentel who was present during the turn-over gave a cash reward to the fishermen worth P5,000 each. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DILG Dinagat intensifies MASAMASID program

By Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 2 (PIA) – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands has intensified its campaign against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs through the conduct of provincial orientation on MASAMASID (Mamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga) Program held recently in this town.

The said orientation was aimed to enhance the community involvement by mobilizing the support of local stakeholders, volunteers, civic organizations including the the private sectors in the campaign against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs, and as well as to strengthen the relationship between the community and church.

DILG-Dinagat Islands provincial director Domingo Bulabog said the officials of the provincial government down to the municipal and barangay level have committed to intensely support the program to maintain the peace and order of the province.

The orientation was attended by Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo, DILG-Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, municipal mayors, PNP personnel, and MADAC chairperson from seven municipalities of the province. (PIA-Dinagat Islands)

RIACAT-VAWC intensifies monitoring on human trafficking in Caraga

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, March 2 (PIA) – The Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) guaranteed to intensify the monitoring on human trafficking in the region.

During the press conference held on Wednesday here, Jessie Catherine Aranas of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga said that human trafficking is one of the most trending cases in the region but due to the intensified awareness campaign of the RIACAT, there was a significant decrease of human trafficking cases in Caraga from 82 cases in 2015 to 42 cases in 2016.

Accordingly, the students are the most vulnerable in human trafficking, so they came up with a plan of conducting series of seminars and awareness campaign on child sexual abuse prevention. The committee encourages the Caraganons to report to the rightful authority of any incidents involving human trafficking.

Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director and Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) chair Atty. Jerefe Bacang said that human trafficking is considered a serious case under Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act if the victims are women and children. (RCO/VLG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

DA-PRDP okays P20-M rubber enterprise expansion in Agusan Sur

By Jay Rosas

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 2 (PIA) – A P20-million crumb rubber enterprise expansion project aimed at increasing income of rubber farmers in this town has been given a go signal under Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

The project, funded under PRDP’s enterprise development component, was given a No Objection Letter (NOL) 1, which signals the project approval and procurement process.

“With the start of this project, we expect to incrementally increase the income of rubber farmers, both direct beneficiaries and in the neighboring towns,” PRDP Mindanao Cluster Director Ricardo Onate said.

He said that PRDP’s interventions would focus on the production, processing and marketing aspects of the enterprise specifically the production of quality rubber. Rubber is one of the priority commodities identified for Caraga Region and for the Mindanao cluster.

The enterprise project will be managed by the Bayugan Rubber Producers Cooperative (BARUPCO), the project’s lead proponent group, which also operates in the towns of La Paz, Esperanza, Talacogon and Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur.

According to its business plan, rubber farmers can avail of a reasonable price for their cup lumps, “40-50 percent higher than the prevailing market price.”

The business plan also states that the project intends to establish model farms that will showcase “recommended technologies and practices” to ensure production of quality cup lumps and crumb rubber as well as the provision of extension services and capacity building activities to improve farming practices.

BARUPCO will also act as consolidator of rubber cup lumps buying from member-farmers to be processed into crumb rubber in the existing crumb rubber processing plants which are operated by the Farmers Alternative for Self-Reliance Multipurpose Cooperative (FASRMCO) based in Prosperidad.

The FASRMCO crumb rubber facility was funded under the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), World Bank’s poverty-alleviation program that preceded PRDP.

BARUPCO has also identified its primary target market, which has a demand of 21 metric tons of crumb rubber per month. They are also looking into secondary buyers.

Agusan del Sur is the fourth largest rubber-producing province in the country with a total area 10,139 hectares planted to rubber. The annual production is at 15,151 metric tons of raw rubber, which is approximately 94 percent of total production of the Caraga region, with around 4,000 farmers into the commodity.

More than 70 percent of the area planted to rubber and producing cup lump come from the towns of Bayugan, Prosperidad, Rosario, Talacogon and Esperanza.

“The enterprises funded under PRDP have undergone a thorough review process which includes the conduct of Value Chain Analysis (VCA) and scientific-based approaches to ensure that these are potentially viable in uplifting farmers’ livelihood,” Onate added.

Beyond subsistence production to alleviate poverty, the I-REAP (Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agricultural Productivity) component aims to strengthen and develop viable agri-fishery products in targeted project areas. (PRDP Mindanao/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Bayugan Negosyo Center holds another round of entrep awareness among AgSur studes, local SMEs

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 2 (PIA) - After handling an entrepreneurial awareness session with the city’s sari-sari store owners, the Negosyo Center (NC) here has recently conducted another seminar on entrepreneurship, this time to Bachelor of Science major in Business Administration (BSBA) students of Agusan del Sur College (ADSCO) and some local business owners.

Using the Business Expense Saving Training (BEST) Game module, participants were made aware on the values, principles, right attitude and competencies that an entrepreneur should have.

The seminar made the participants realize that “negotiation” and “quality control” are some of the most challenging aspects in doing business, noting that in business deals agreements should be documented while quality control should be ensured.

Both the students and the local Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) said they now understood that goal setting is very important. The whole range of activities such as planning, implementation, research, application and monitoring should be taken seriously as these will serve as guide and important factors in achieving business goals.

The awareness session aims to develop new entrepreneurs, equip existing businesses with knowledge to improve their business systems and practices. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog News: Public consultation ukol sa pagtatag ng WESM sa Mindanao, isinagawa sa Butuan City

Ni Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 2 (PIA) - Sa pangunguna ng Department of Energy, at sa pakikipagtulungan ng Mindanao Development Authority, ginanap kamakailan lang dito sa lungsod ang isang public consultation na naglalayong maglunsad ng Wholesale Electricity Spot Market o WESM sa Mindanao.

Nakatutok ang usapin sa naturang draft circular na siyang pumapatnubay sa operasyon ng WESM sa Mindanao na sinabing magbibigay daan din sa katuparan ng mandato ng DOE na matiyak ang seguridad, "reliability", pagkakaroon ng transparent at makatwirang presyo ng elektrisidad sa buong bansa.

Ayon kay DOE assistant secretary Redentor Delola, ibig ng ahensiya na matulungang mapaintindi ng maayos sa mga stakeholders at Caraganons ang benepisyong dulot sa pagsisimula ng commercial operation ng WESM sa Mindanao.

Ayon pa kay Delola, napapanahon umano ang launching ng WESM sa Mindanao sa darating na June 26, 2017 dahil kakaranas lamang nito ng surplus sa power supply nitong nakaraang taon.

Ang WESM ay magsisilbing open electricity market ng power stakeholders at kung saan magsasang-ayunan sa presyo ng enerhiya. Samantala, ang Philippine Electricity Market Corporation o PEMC ay siya namang magfafacilitate ng kalakalan sa WESM.

Naipaliwanag naman ng maayos ni Asec Delola sa mga representante ng electric cooperatives, generation corporations, local government units at consumer groups na dumalo sa nasabing malawakang public consultation kung paano ito makakatulong sa pag sustain ng investment at infrastructure development sa Mindanao. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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Friday, March 3, 2017

March 5, 2017, 7:06 pm

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Caraga gender, development council strategizes for full utilization of GAD fund

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 3 (PIA) – For a more enhanced and effective implementation of programs through appropriate utilization of gender and development fund, the Caraga Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) sub-committees have identified specific objectives, activities and budgetary requirements that would address the issues on gender and poverty, violence against women and children (VAWC), gender and health and environment.

During the 90th Caraga Regional Development Full Council Meeting held on Thursday, here, RGADC chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang disclosed before the body its 2017 work and financial plans, underlining the institutionalization of GAD and gender and governance.

“In terms of uses of GAD fund, it appears that much can still be done and achieved if we entirely put to use it. By identifying several issues, we found out that only 64 percent of provinces and 40 percent of cities have GAD code; only few women have an access to women-economic opportunities; there’s a low level of awareness of VAWC; and even crisis of masculinity and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) require for more attention and action,” reckoned Bacang.

These concerns propelled the council to figure out specific undertakings such as conduct of orientation/reorientation seminar-workshop on gender and sensitivity, information caravan on gender and development, formulation of GAD code during Sanggunian sessions, creation of technical working group (TWG) that will provide technical assistance to local government units in drafting their GAD code, conduct of women’s summit, creation of compendium of income generating opportunities of all member agencies, enhanced information dissemination, partnership with non-government organization (NGO), livelihood assistance to female inmates/VAWC victims, monitoring of functionality of barangay VAWC desks, tap Commission on Population to conduct seminar on “Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA)”, motivating voluntary counseling and testing, parent education seminar through general parents and teachers association (GPTA).

“Certainly, we would also continue our regular GAD activities and meetings. In fact, we stay active in participating for the yearly observance of the Women's Month Celebration wherein several lined-up activities will be joined not only by women but with men as well,” enunciated Bacang. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Agusan Norte issues investment scam advisory

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 3 (PIA)– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office has released an advisory on the investment scam that circulates and victimizing people.

According to DTI provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has received verified reports that there are companies who were not authorized to solicit investments operating in the different areas of the country.

These companies include SUREADZ/SUREADZ. J.I. Joe Marketing, 7 Seals Trading and FAZCOIN Marketing Services. Reportedly, they are engaged in illegal solicitation of investment by enticing the public to invest in its Revenue Profit Shares/Revenue Shares Investment and Hybrid Marketing Compensation Plan for a minimum amount of P1,000 or up to P1 million.

Per SEC verification, the said companies are not authorized to solicit investments from the public, as these entities did not secure prior registration and/or license or permit to solicit investments from the Commission as required under Section 8.1 of the Securities and Regulation Code.

The said companies promises a 100 percent return/profit upon maturity date or expiration of term of either 60-day term, 45-day term or 30-day term as preferred by the investor plus 10 percent commissions at the end of the term.

Tidalgo advises the public to stop investing and recruiting other people to invest money into such scheme and to take necessary precautions in dealing with the above-named entities and their representatives.

Tidalgo further said that those who invite or recruit other people to join or invest in this venture or other investment contracts or securities to the public might be held criminally liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized.

For more information, you may call SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension Office at telephone numbers (088) 857 4235 or 857 7225 or DTI Agusan del Norte Provincial Office at (085) 341 5521. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

92 PWDs benefit auxiliary devices in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

CARRASCAL, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 3 (PIA) – Some 92 members of Carrascal Association of Persons-with-Disabilities (CARPWD) coming from the 14 barangays of Carrascal town benefited the auxiliary devices during the recent turn-over ceremony here.

The said project costs around P650,000 under the Bottom-Up Budgeting of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with counterpart fund from the local government unit.

The provision of the Auxiliary Social Services for PWDs project aims to provide assistive devices appropriate to the physical needs of the PWDs and to make easier for them to undertake daily activities.

The auxiliary devices are composed of the following items: 51 telescopic mini canes, five crutches for adults, 26 wheelchairs for general use/standard for adults, six wheelchairs for children and four prosthetic legs. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

KaagapMuCo, producer of Coco-Geonets: DTI Agusan Sur’s Coffee Table Book Entry

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 3 - From a small group of 16 doing whole nut and copra buying to 158 workers involved in various coconut value-adding activities at present – this is how Maximino N. Robles, Jr., General Manager summed up the journey of Kaagap Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KaagapMuCo).

It now produces 11 products, namely - coco flour, vinegar, coco honey, Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), charcoal brickets, organic fertilizer (granules), organic fertilizer (liquid), coco peat, coco hanks, coco logs and coco geonets.

“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s shared service facility (SSF) for coco coir processing doubled or even tripled our production capacity in barangay Hubang, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. As of today, we have an average production of 1,000 geonets per month to be supplied to 22 markets in the region,” Robles shared.

KaagapMuCo’s coco coir business earned for the group major awards and citations at the provincial, regional and national level for the years 2014 to 2016. Its remarkable performance was also hailed not only for the financial returns to its members but also for contribution to the creation of jobs and poverty alleviation among members in the communities where the group is operating. The cooperative has also become a destination for study missions and technology benchmarking for coco-coir processing with visitors coming from the other provinces within and outside the region.

The information Robles provided will be inputted to the upcoming publication which shall be circulated soon to target offices and market promotion channels. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Negosyo Center in AgSur goes mobile, trains SLP

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 3 - In partnership with the local government unit of Prosperidad, this province, the Negosyo Center (NC) Provincial Hub here has handled an off-site business training for beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of Barangay San Joaquin in Prosperidad early this month.

The training on Store Management and Warehousing was conducted to prepare beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who will soon be establishing a retailing business in the area under the guidance of LGU-Prosperidad’s Municipal Welfare Office headed by Monina Tanjay. NC-Agusan del Sur used the module on Business Expense and Savings Training (BEST) to help participants understand the basics of entrepreneurship, marketing, budgeting and understanding the value of savings.

“The training is significant for the beneficiaries to know techniques from business experts. I’m looking forward for the positive results of this activity, through high sales performance and possible business expansion in the future,” said Kagawad Delfin D. Columbrillo of Barangay San Joaquin representing Chairman Michael Nuñeza.

“We’ve learned a lot from this training and we want to learn more,” expressed Emelyn Oret, president of the SLP Association of San Joaquin during the feedback/open forum session. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog news: COMELEC chair Juan Andres Bautista bumisita sa lungsod ng Butuan; kinonsulta ang mga stakeholders kung papaano mas mapabuti pa ang serbisyo ng komisyon

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 3 (PIA) - Upang masigurong maayos at mapayapa ang barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections ngayong taon, dumating kamakailan si Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chair Juan Andres Bautista sa lungsod para sa isang forum kasama ang mga election officers, studyante, guro, media at representante ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa rehiyon.

Ayon ay chairman Bautista, pangunahing pakay sa kanyang pagbisita sa lunsod ay ang marinig ang boses ng ibat-ibang sektor at sila’y mabigyang linaw sa mga mga issues and concerns na kinakaharap ng komisyon sa ngayon, laung-lalo na’t papalapit na ang eleksyon sa darating na oktubre ngayon taon.

Dagdag naman ni COMELEC Caraga regional election director Atty. Francisco Pobe, ang pagbisita ni COMELEC chair Bautista sa rehiyon ng Caraga ay parte ng kanilang ginagawang consultative conference sa iba-ibang sektor at isa umano itong paraan ng pagpapaigting ng kanilang kampanya na magkaroon ng isang transparent at credible elections.

Patuloy rin umano ang kanilang ginagawang satellite registration sa ibat-ibang barangay upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga residente na makaparehistro nang hindi sila naabala sa gastos ng pamasahe sa pagpunta sa city COMELEC office.

Samantala, ipinahayag naman ni Justine Calderon, isang first year student sa kursong Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology ng Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) sa Butuan City na mas naunawaan na niya ang mga usapin sa eleksyon at lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat kay COMELEC chair Bautista sa pagbigay linaw sa mga katanungan ng mga studyante. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Monday, March 6, 2017

March 6, 2017, 4:04 pm

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Gov’t sector continues to support displaced persons in SurSur

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 6 (PIA) – In response to the struggles of those displaced communities who are affected by the armed conflict in Surigao del Sur areas, the different concerned government agencies are keeping the interventions of promoting the protection and provision of assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

As explained by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang during the 90th Regional Development Full Council Meeting held recently in this city, per constitutional mandate, the CHR continues to monitor the IDP situation in the region until durable solutions will be achieved. “Apart from the security of IDPs in bringing them back to their respective areas, it is also important to address their residual needs and displacement-specific issues,” she said.

Bacang also underscored that individuals who were displaced due to armed conflict are facing human rights, developmental, humanitarian, including peace building challenges.

Meanwhile, in reaffirming its commitment of contributing help to the IDPs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has provided Food for Work amounting to P964,252 for 470 families and Cash for Work for 567 families amounting to P2.38M. It has also provided emergency shelter assistance of P5.67M, non-food items worth P6.57M, funds for the supplementary feeding program (SFP) downloaded to municipal social welfare development (MSWD) amounting P1.08M, and P15.8M have been allocated for sustainable livelihood program to the five affected municipalities, namely; Lianga, San Agustin, San Miguel, Marihatag, and Tago.

Also, the Department of Education (DepEd) has been allocating nine schools for the areas of the IDPs in Surigao del Sur. DepEd Caraga regional office, together with the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Surigao del Sur, has to identify viable sites for the project. Come March 8, 2017, SDO of Surigao del Sur is set to conduct a consultative/coordination meeting with the concerned indigenous people (IP) leaders, local government unit (LGU) officials and DSWD-Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) personnel on the said school building project.

Under the Sagana at Ligtas na tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) pogram of DILG-Caraga, P3M has been allocated for the construction of water system in Brgy. San Isidro (sitios Lagdik and Kiwagan) while P1M is allocated for Brgy. Diatagon (sitios Manluy-a and Neptune) to augment water to the indigenous people schools. Said projects are under procurement.

“The government agencies work jointly in ensuring the proper monitoring of the situation of IDPs, advocating in finding solutions to various IDP concerns, ensuring to provide response activities, and protecting their human rights,” said Bacang. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Women’s journey, inspiring stories highlight women’s forum in Agusan del Norte

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 6 (PIA) – In line with the month-long celebration of the Women’s Month, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of the province of Agusan del Norte will conduct a Provincial Women’s Forum on March 22 at the provincial training center here.

According to PSWDO chief Daisy Dimavivas, the said forum will be participated by the women employees of the provincial government, accredited women organizations, and league of local lady legislators (4L) of the province.

Dimavivas added that the forum aims to celebrate women's journey and share inspiring stories of change in their chosen profession; encourage women to be empowered change agents; and be a venue to inspire and appreciate each other with the hope of organizing a support group for women to express themselves.

Also, during the forum, honorable Elizabeth Marie Calo, SP member and chairperson on social services and gender and development will give her welcome message and the governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba will also deliver her message of inspiration to the women of the province.

Women’s stories of inspiration will also be shared to the participants by Cabadbaran City SB member Joan Monding and Atty. Allen Gasulas of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Gasulas will also hold the legal forum in the afternoon.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Making Change Work for Women,” it captures two key foundations: Partnership for change and full implementation of the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act 9710, said Dimavivas.

Meanwhile, in the morning of March 8, a mass will be offered at the Saint Joseph Cathedral to be followed by a motorcade from Guingona Park to the provincial capitol covert court and conduct of a program highlighting the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Philippine Commission on Women and the Regional Gender and Development Committee. In the afternoon, women participants will also hold a ‘Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan’ at the provincial capitol covered court in the city. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

5.9 magnitude quake hits Surigao City, neighboring towns

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 6 (PIA)—A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Surigao City, some municipalities of Surigao del Norte and neighboring provinces on Sunday morning, March 5, 2017 with one reported casualty.

Phivolcs said the quake's epicenter was located 6 kilometers southwest of San Francisco (Anao-aon), Surigao Norte. The quake, which was tectonic in origin, struck at a depth of 13 kilometers.

According to Phivolcs, Intensity VI was felt in Surigao City; Intensity IV in Limasawa and San Ricardo, Southern Leyte; Intensity III in San Juan and San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Intensity II in Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte. Instrumental intensities: Intensity III - Surigao City and Intensity I in Borongan, Eastern Samar and Palo, Leyte.

The recent quake is an aftershock of the 2017 magnitude 6.7 earthquake, said Phivolcs.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum confirmed that at 12:06 p.m. on the same day, a 4.1 magnitude quake also hit Surigao del Norte and Intensity IV was felt in Surigao City. The epicenter of the quake was located 10 kilometers southwest of Libjo, province of Dinagat Islands.

The Surigao City Emergency Rescue Team recorded a total of 42 people injured with one casualty identified as Socorro Celis, 65 years old who died due to cardiac arrest right after the quake.

The quake was followed by trivial but scary aftershocks.

As preventive measure, Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas has declared the suspension of classes in all levels both private and public Monday, March 6, 2017 in Surigao City and municipalities of San Francisco, Sison, Tagana-an, Malimono and Mainit to allow the school administrators to assess the condition of school buildings. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Army troopers recover firearms, war materials in Surigao Norte town

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 6 (PIA) - Army troopers conducting pursuit operations against fleeing New People's Army (NPA) rebels recovered one M16 rifle and other war materials Friday morning, March 3, 2017 while scouring a previous encounter site in Brgy. Tinago, Malimono town.

It can be recalled that last February 27, an encounter between government troops and rebels wounded an army junior officer when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by NPA terrorist group blasted.

The encounter site was later found out by the pursuing troops to be an NPA encampment and recovered the following war materials: one M16 rifle with magazines and ammunitions, one AK47 magazine with live rounds, four Improvised lamdmines, four rifle grenades, 13 backpacks, hundreds of meters of electrical wires, one M14 bipod, dry cell batteries, one NPA flag, 15 hammocks with 15 poncho tents installed, two UHF radios, seven pairs of rain boots, two kerosene stoves, two cooking pots, 15 kilos of rice, assorted medicines and medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents and personal belongings left by the fleeing communist terrorists.

"Based from the recovered documents, it is clear that the NPAs wanted to recover Malimono by force. They will again terrorize the communities to force the poor farmers who are afraid for their safety to give in to their extorsion activities," 2nd Lt Jonel Castillo, 30IB spokesperson based in Surigao del Norte said.

"The reported presence of NPA in Brgy Tinago is a clear manifestation that the community have had too much of their abuses, that is the reason why we immediately responded that resulted to an encounter and wounding of our comrade. It is incorrect, however that we have soldiers killed for we do not hide information about soldiers killed in line of duty because this is honor that will be passed on to their families that transcends thru generations," Castillo added.

"Last year we entered Malimono with strong resistance from NPAs and their mass base, only to find out that their real intention are the golds from small scale miners, and the logistical support extorted from poor farmers. They deceived the communities of their propaganda while preventing government services to reach the masses and the poor. During our immersion, we have uncovered the real issues faced by the locals through Peace and Development Outreach Program and these are now being addressed with the help of other government agencies and Local Government Units," Lt Col Rico Amaro, 30IB Commander said.

"The communities are pleading us not to leave and defend them from the threats of NPAs. The communities are feeding us real time information whenever the NPA presence are monitored by the locals. We are thankful of their cooperation. Despite the wounding of our officer, we will continue to protect this town with our lives from these terrorists who are already facing criminal cases. We will be doing this as part of our duty and for the children and the future children of this peace loving town," Amaro added. (30IB-Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

AgSur town receives P1.5-M BuB fund for OTOP Store Express

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 6– The Talacogon town of this province will soon establish a One-Town-One-Project (OTOP) Store Express, a facility that will introduce their local products to a wider market.

The project is under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BuB) fund with a total amount of P1.5-Million.

DTI Agusan del Sur OIC-provincial director Brenda Corvera released the funds to Vice Mayor Rodolfo Bosque, who received the check in behalf of Municipal Mayor Jesryl Masendo of the local government unit (LGU) of Talacogon. This was a side event during the recently concluded Negosyo Center-Talacogon Stakeholders Meeting.

The project, which will be managed by the LGU is expected to facilitate marketing of local products and encourage local producers to increase production, enhance quality and get more buyers to be able to hit bigger sales. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Butuan City COMELEC to hold special satellite registration for women

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 (PIA) – In time with the kick-off ceremony of this year’s Women’s Month celebration, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here is all set for the conduct of the one-day special satellite registration for women and girls on Wednesday, March 8 at Robinsons Place, this city.

According to city election officer Atty. Samuel Rollo, the said special registration will start at 10:00 a.m. and will end at 4:00 p.m.

“This activity is pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 10175 and Resolution No. 17-0069 – One-Day Special Registration for Women and Girls Joint Project of Elections and Barangay Affairs Department and the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System,” he underscored.

Rollo further revealed that the special satellite registration also formed part of the month-long celebration for women. “The commission strongly supports the rights and welfare of the women, and we want to spend a day with them through the conduct of this activity,” he added.

The National Women's Month Celebration every March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women's Day (IWD). Republic Act (RA) 6949 series 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as National Women's Day. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

COMELEC chair Bautista meets with various sectors in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 (PIA) – In his recent visit here, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chairperson Juan Andres Bautista met with the representatives from various sectors and discussed election-related issues and concerns during a forum with election officers and stakeholders held recently at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) AVR-2, this city.

COMELEC Butuan City election officer Atty. Samuel Rollo said that is an opportune time for all Butuanons to be able to share their sentiments, issues and concerns related to elections and on how the commission could be able to further enhance their services to the public.

Bautista emphasized that the commission has been implementing its two objectives: to maintain credible elections - that is clean, honest, peaceful and free; and achieve a more voter-centered COMELEC. The commission ensures voting experience to be more convenient for the people.

“Reaching out to the voters in the field will help continue the reforms of the agency to have a credible elections,” stressed Bautista.

Election-related cases significantly decreased from 97 cases on 2010 to 67 in 2013 and 47 cases in 2016 elections, added chair Baustista.

It was also learned that there were some 289 voting centers/accessible polling places in the country during the 2016 elections.

The good chairman further underscored that having a satellite registration to the different far-flung barangays in the country produces a high turn out of voters during elections.

Meantime, Brgy. Captain Abundio Leones of Brgy. Pangabugan thanked the City Comelec Office for the conduct of satellite registration held in time with the Chairman Bautista's visit in the city. He underlined that local residents enjoyed the convenience of availing the services of the COMELEC held at the covered court of said barangay. (JPG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

DOLE allots 2.3M TUPAD program to 8 SurSur LGUs

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Caraga Regional Office allotted P2.3 Million for the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

DOLE Surigao del Sur Provincial Director May Velonta said that the amount is intended for the province of Surigao del Sur particularly those areas affected by floods during the rainy season last January 2017.

Labor and Employment Officer Romelyn Bactol said total of 44 barangays from eight local government units of this province has benefited the said program.

These are the municipalities of San Miguel, Cagwait, Hinatuan, Tago, Lanuza, Lianga, Carmen and city of Tandag. The said local government units were both affected by floods and have reports with families who were displaced based on their validation, Bactol said.

Bactol said the TUPAD program is part of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.

Bactol added that it is a community-based (municipality/barangay) package of assistance, which provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and unemployed poor.

Bactol further said that each beneficiary would be paid P280.00 per day and provided with TUPAD t-shirt as their personal protective equipment (PPE). The workers are also enrolled in a social protection program with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) insurance for the duration of their employment.

The said program is designed to be implemented with a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed the maximum of 30 days. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DOH turns over dental van to Butuan LGU

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga has formally turned-over recently the new dental van to the city government of Butuan as one of the many recipients of the said program in the region.

A blessing for the newly acquired equipment followed. The said dental van has two dental chairs and equipped with complete instruments. It has also a built-in lavatory and sterilizer for dental instruments and an attached one year service warranty.

According to the City Health Office (CHO), starting this March, dentists will roll out their oral health program to target group. This target group comprises of four clusters: 1-6 years old, 18-24 years old, pregnant women, and 60 years old and above. It will also be used during the holding of barangay visitations.

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada expressed his gratitude to DOH for granting the dental van. “It will be a big help to our constituents especially to those who are living in far-flung areas and with incomplete instruments for dental services," he said.

The LGU and CHO believed that this program will go a long way of addressing the dental needs of the community. (RCO/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan village chief bares initiatives for garbage use

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, March 7 (PIA)– During the recent gathering of all local leaders from different barangays, here, Romanito Amante, barangay chairman of Pagatpatan presented the several ways and means on how to properly segregate the biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and turned them into fertilizers and food for other living organisms.

Amante introduced the waste management initiative of his barangay through the project called “Turismo sa Basura ug Paaralan Galing sa Basura” in which 50 percent of the biodegradable wastes were turned into specialized fertilizer and were utilized as food for composting piranha. The other 50 percent will be made as feeds for fish, chicken and other organic matters.

For non-biodegradable wastes, it will be pounded to make recycled bricks and hollow blocks to be used in building houses, school building and other structures..

It was also attended by the personnel of Philippine National Police Caraga and Land Transportation Traffic and Management Office-Butuan wherein they share ideas that will give solution concerning the problem on wastes disposal and illegal dumping of garbages in this city. (RCO/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga police confiscate lumbers in Bayugan City

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 (PIA) – The continued effort of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga Region in curbing illegal logging operations has resulted to the confiscation of sawn lauan lumber in Purok 2, Barangay Salvacion, this city.

Police operatives declared that it totals a volume of 1,000 board feet with a market value of P20,000. Accordingly, this has led to the arrest of Bernardo Abrigo Achai of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur who drove the Isuzu Jitney loaded with the said lumbers and could not present any legal documents. Case against Achai is being prepared for filing in court.

Meanwhile, in Sitio Maraging, Barangay Gen. Aguinaldo, Libjo, Dinagat Islands, abandoned lumber with a total volume of 72 board feet and market value of P1,500 were also recovered by mobile patrollers.

Chief Supt Rolando Felix, Caraga police director, said that PNP Caraga and DENR personnel are working together in intensifying the operation against Illegal logging in the region. (PNP-PRO13/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur town bags top MMK Award for Outstanding Coastal Community

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 7 (PIA) – Cortes town, 30 kilometers north this city, “was chosen as the over-all Champion” for the “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) National Search for Outstanding Coastal Community,” according to Dr. Juan Albaladejo, regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga.

At 2:30 p.m., today, March 7, 2017, an awarding ceremony is set to take place at Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace, it was learned.

Dennis Dueñas, Cortes Coastal Resource Management Officer (CRMO), confirmed that 16 of them coming from Cortes, headed by no less than Mayor William Angos, would be attending the special event to receive the prestigious award.

He likewise bared that due to the recognition, the local government unit (LGU) was going to be rewarded the amount of P20M on top of the P2M for besting other coastal communities in the region besides another P2M as credit earned for “boat registration.” All in all, Cortes would be getting P24M in cash, the CRMO pointed out.

Gov. Vicente Pimentel, Jr. was also glad to learn about the feat, even saying that he was invited to attend the occasion. Torn between two equally important undertakings, he said that he had to give up the awarding ceremony at Malacañang, but made sure that somebody was going to take his place to represent the provincial government.

The town’s CRMO noted that making such feat was no easy task since effort to reach this point had been started way back two previous administrations—during the time of former Mayors Dennis Yu and Pete Trinidad. He stressed that it was indeed a “tug-of war” between conventional ways like using “drag net” and scientific approach of fishing by enforcing the fishery laws until they became accustomed.

Dueñas disclosed that upon learning about the national award, Mayor Angos cried “tears of joy.” (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PRO-13 nabs 5 wanted persons in Caraga region

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 (PIA) - The Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) has arrested at least five wanted persons for various offenses in three provinces of Caraga on Sunday.

PCSupt Rolando Felix, PRO-13 regional director said the suspects were all apprehended by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by the local courts.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of Stephen Itaas, Ian Basera, Ricky Abinion, Jim Michael Encendencia and ‘Diday’.

In Agusan del Sur, Itaas was arrested for direct assault upon an agent of person in authority, while Basera was nabbed for carnapping. Both were from Bayugan town and now detained at Bayugan City Police Station.

Meanwhile, Abinion and Encendencia were arrested in Surigao del Sur for committing a serious crime of qualified theft. Also, police operatives of Butuan City Police Office seized ‘Diday’ for Violation of BP Bilang 22 also known as “The Bouncing Checks Law”.

"These operations show the effectiveness of the public cooperation in fighting criminality. Their active participation hastened the putting of criminals behind bars and giving justice to the victims of crimes,” Felix said. (PNP-PRO13/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: When pipe dreams become reality

By April Mae N. Waban and Marko Davey D. Reyes

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”- Stephen King

Imagine what daily life would be without easy access to clean drinking water. When you have to wake up before sunrise every morning and spend almost an hour treading a muddy, perilous trail just to get to the nearest water source. And then, carry the gallons of murky water that you fetched from an opKalahi-CIDSSen dug well all the way back to your homes to serve to your loved ones for daily consumption. You probably would not even count the times they have suffered of stomach pain and diarrhea from drinking contaminated water. But you have no choice; you have to live with what you got. This may be a dreadful scenario to think of but for many remote communities in the country, this is the problem that they face every single day.

For 58 year-old Anthony Encabo and other residents of Sitio Bagong Silang, Santa Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur, this is their sad reality. Access to clean, cheap, readily available water is something of a distant dream for the community.

Their long-time dream

Sitio Bagong Silang is one of the far-flung puroks of Barangay Santa Maria located at the boundaries of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. Reaching the area from the poblacion would take you more than an hour of bumpy habal-habal ride through some rough roads. In fact, a back and forth trip to the community costs around P1,500 because only few vehicles venture there since the road is rugged and the terrain is difficult. People in the area would often tend to buy for their consumption in bulks, enough to last a month. This is one of the reasons which hampers the growth and development of Bagong Silang. They are deprived of even the basic necessities such as electricity and most importantly potable water.

“Ang among makuhaan ug tubig dinhi balon lang. Kung magtaas ang init, kami mangandoy jud ug ulan. Kay ang mga tao dinhi dili na ka agwanta mag inom ug tubig na gikan sa balon. Kung walay ulan, wala miy mabuhat kundi mag antos ug inom sa tubig nga gikan sa balon unya manglain among tiyan (Our only source of water here is a deep well. During prolonged dry season, we pray for rain. That is because the people here could no longer endure drinking water from the well. If it does not rain, we have no choice but to settle for the water from the well which causes stomach discomforts)," Anthony shares.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, the people in the village continued to live in the area because for them it was where they found “home”. For Anthony, who has relocated in the place in 2008, it was where he found refuge after being shattered by grief from losing his twin children. He, along with other residents, have always hoped and dreamed that one day, things will become better in their community.

Anthony’s “never give up” spirit

Determined to get what they have been yearning for years, the community sought the help of their barangay officials. However, with the limited budget of their barangay local government unit, there would not be enough resources to finance a water system project that would address their needs.

Upon learning that their water system project was not plausible at that moment, most people in the community became discouraged. Their hopes were like that of a candle they lit through their nights with its flame slowly dying and burning out, succumbing to the dark. Most people in Sitio Bagong Silang thought that their dreams will never be a reality but not Anthony.

He refused to give up and still held on his hopes and dreams for his community. He never let their circumstances dampen his spirit. He encouraged and led his community in finding ways and means where they can voice out their needs. An opportunity came when Kalahi-CIDSS came to their municipality in 2015.

Kalahi-CIDSS or the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Services is one of the programs of the national government implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It utilizes the Community-Driven Development (CDD) strategy, a globally recognized approach geared towards achieving a more inclusive development wherein communities are empowered and given the opportunity to identify projects that will address their most urgent needs and implement these development projects themselves.

Anthony saw Kalahi-CIDSS as an avenue where the community will finally be able to realize their water system project that is why he became a volunteer for the program. He was able to persuade a number of people in his village to join him in becoming a volunteer. With the kind of leadership and persistence Anthony has demonstrated, the community chose him to become their Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson.

Persistence despite resistance

However, many others were still not convinced of the program because they have seen several organizations and politicians in general who came with promises to raise their hopes up only to smash it with disappointments because these organizations and politicians fail to deliver their commitments. This was evident during their preparations for the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF). The MIBF is an event wherein Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteers and local officials gather to collectively analyze local poverty conditions. The representatives of each barangay will present their proposed solutions before a selection board on prioritization of projects determined through the criteria agreed upon by the barangays. Raquel Dagatan, Project Implementation Team (PIT) chairperson and Rebecca Sortones, Barangay Representation Team (BRT) chairperson remembered how they were ridiculed by people who thought that their efforts will just be futile in the end.

“Kadtong magpatawag ug meeting sa una, magsige ug ingon ang uban na sayang-sayang lang daw sa ilang oras. Mao tong dili na sila muapil kay nagtuo sila na dili jud mi mahatagan ug project (When we call for a meeting before, others would say that it was just a waste of their time. That is why they do not attend because they believed that we will never be given a project)," Raquel recalls.

“Ang uban mangatawa gane kay siguro ilang huna-huna dili matuman ang amung pangandoy na proyekto. Pero akong huna-huna, wala man sad mawala kung muapil ko ani. Para sa ako, mas maayo na naa kay mabuhat para maipaabot imung panginahanglanon (Others would even laugh at us perhaps because they thought we will never attain the project that we have dreamed of. But I thought, I would lose nothing if I join this. For me, it is better that you did something to speak out your needs)," Rebecca adds.

Despite all the criticisms they got from cynics of the program, Anthony and other volunteers continued to work hard and complied with all the requirements needed-from problem identification to proposals.

From dreams to reality

Indeed, all hard work never goes in vain as during the MIBF, Sitio Bagong Silang was among the barangays chosen for prioritization of which their projects will be funded through Kalahi-CIDSS. The community especially the volunteers rejoiced because the project that will address one of their needs will finally be realized. It was a surreal moment for Anthony, who was one of the people who have worked the hardest to push through the project. In fact, he was so overwhelmed with joy that during the lay-outing of their sub-project, he was moved to tears.

“Dili nako mapugngan ang akong gibati karon na adlaw. Nakita na nga klaro na natubag ang amung pinaka damgo na magkatubig. Salamat sa Kalahi sa paghatag sa proyekto na haom sa paningahanglanon sa barangay (I could not control my emotions today. Now, we can clearly perceive the fulfilment of our greatest dream to have potable water. I thank Kalahi-CIDSS for providing projects that is appropriate for the needs of the barangay)," Anthony says.

The water system sub-project is just one of the answers to the needs of the community of Sitio Bagong Silang. They still need electricity and improve their road condition to jumsptart development. But unlike before, the community is more hopeful than ever that these needs will soon one by one be addressed. For Anthony, he believes that determination and faith in God are the keys for the realization of one’s dreams.

“Kung naa kay gusto, mulihok ka ug ipaabot jud nimo kung unsa imung panginahanglanon. Dapat dili dapat mawad-an ug paglaom nga naay mudungog sa imung problema. Kailangan mag agwanta lang jud ug salig sa Ginoo nga dunggon niya inyong pag ampo (If you want something, you should work for it and voice out your needs. You should never lose hope that someone will hear your problems. You should endure and trust in God that He will answer your prayers)," Anthony shares. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Filipino movie to feature Siargao Island

By Jann Glenn Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 7 (PIA) - Movie Director Paul Soriano bared recently that he will soon direct a mainstream reel in the island of Siargao, this April after the Lenten Season.

Soriano revealed the good news to Governor Sol Matugas during his recent trip to Siargao Island. According to Soriano, matinee idol and pop singer Jericho Rosales who is also a proud surfer will star in the said film.

Governor Sol and Surigao del Norte 1st district Congressman Francisco “Bingo” Matugas met with Soriano on Feb. 24, this year to flesh out some major details of the said project. Soriano also said that he will also include other tourist attractions and destinations in the island which fascinates the whole world.

He said the story will also revolve around the customs and culture which Filipinos must embrace.

“The film will carry a plot which is classified as Love Story/Drama, covering a month long shooting. It will also be slated for the Manila Film Festival this coming December 2017,” said Soriano.

Soriano forecasted that after the film, many big-time tourists and potential investors will troop to Siargao.

On her part, Governor Matugas said the making of a film is a dream come true, primarily because it will feature Siargao as a top favorite location in the entertainment world.

She said she is very happy that the dream movie will showcase the island's pristine beauty.

Gov. Matugas also thanked Soriano for promoting and advertising Siargao Island among his friends in the business. It is expected that many will patronize the dreamland known as Island of Breath-taking Adventures. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DA starts communal irrigation system rehab in AgNor town

By Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 - To increase farmers’ productivity and to irrigate more agricultural lands, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) officially launched the start of the rehabilitation of the P39.9 million Communal Irrigation System (CIS) at Barangay Culit Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

The new CIS would cover an influence area of at least 100 hectares mostly planted with rice benefiting more than a hudred farmers in the community. “We not only desire for rice sufficiency, but also a rich supply of agricultural products for our people and neighboring municipalities,” said Mayor Enrico Corvera.

Corvera said that the farmers in the community have been waiting for the rehabilitation of the irrigation system since their goal is to achieve at least three croppings in a year. “As an agricultural engineer, I believe that irrigation is the solution for better production,” Corvera said.

Culit Irrigators Association (CIA) has been wanting for an irrigation system that would stand through the many distructions caused by natural calamities since the existing CIS has already been damaged due to heavy rains and floods.

“Because of the many calamities we’ve experienced, the passage of water through the river can no longer be controlled and only less than 30 hectares of planted areas can be irrigated,” said CIA President Pausto Empanado, Jr. “We need a rebuilding that would prevail against disasters and we’re glad that PRDP is helping us for this rehabilitation,” he added.

PRDP I-BUILD known as Intensified Build Up of Infrastructre and Logistics for Developement aims to put in place climate resilient farm-to-market roads (FMR), bridges, communal irrigation and potable water systems.

CIS rehabilitation project in the municipality would extend the length of the dam’s ogee (arch) and increase the height of the protection dike which after the construction would irrigate more than a triple times of hectares compared to the existing one.

The project has partnered with LGUs and the private sector in providing key infrastructures, facilities, technology and information that will raise income, productivity and competitiveness among the players in agriculture.

The ground breaking activity was spearheaded by the DA-PRDP representatives together with the officials of Barangay Culit and LGU Nasipit. (RPCO-13/PIA-Caraga)

United States forges partnership with PH for wildlife, biodiversity conservation

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 7 - The United States (U.S) government, through the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ United States Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered yesterday with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to launch a new biodiversity conservation project that will help protect and manage the Philippines’ diverse habitats and species.

On the heels of World Wildlife Day on March 3, U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim joined DENR Secretary Gina Lopez to inaugurate the five-year, P1.2-billion project called Protect Wildlife. The project is designed to address biodiversity loss and illegal wildlife trade in some of the most vibrant and vulnerable ecosystems in the Philippines.

“Natural resources and biodiversity play an important part in the Philippine economy. This is why the U.S. government, through USAID, has been working with national and local governments, the private sector, civil society, and individual communities to strengthen natural and environmental resource management,” ambassador Kim said.

The project will use a comprehensive strategy that combines technical assistance for government and civil society partners, partnerships for conservation financing, behavior change campaigns and social marketing, science and technology, and environmental law enforcement. This holistic approach promotes partnership among environmental stakeholders and empowers those best positioned to address biodiversity loss and the illegal wildlife trade.

“The project will demonstrate that protecting and managing diverse habitats and species leads to improved quality of life as well as community-level, sustainable development,” ambassador Kim added. The project also supports the DENR’s commitment to deliver people-centric programs that support sustainable and inclusive growth.

USAID’s Protect Wildlife will commence in Palawan, Zamboanga City, and Tawi-Tawi, which host some of the most biodiverse habitats and unique species in the Philippines. These provinces are also exposed to various human-induced threats such as poaching and trafficking of wildlife, destructive fishing practices, and loss of habitats from widespread conversion of forests, wetlands, and mangroves to settlements and agricultural lands.

The project complements other U.S. government-funded projects with the DENR. Collectively, the suite of projects furthers USAID’s mission to promote biodiversity conservation in an inclusive and sustainable way. Protect Wildlife is the first USAID initiative in the Philippines to align with the U.S. government’s newly signed Eliminate, Neutralize and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2016, which addresses the global illegal wildlife trade. (U.S. Embassy/PIA-Caraga)

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

March 8, 2017, 9:38 pm

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Pilmico provides assistance to Surigao 6.7 quake survivors

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 8 (PIA) – The Pilmico Foods Corporation has provided essential relief goods, technical and veterinary assistance to the survivors of the 6.7 magnitude quake that hit Surigao City on the evening of Februay10.

According to Anna Gail Carreon, Pilmico corporate communications and media relations’ supervisor, after the earthquake, the Caraga Feeds Sales team has mobilized four groups to provide relief goods, technical and veterinary assistance.

The teams, according to Carreon were deployed to various earthquake-affected areas together with local government units’ representatives. They distributed food packs, distilled water, medicines, animal health kits as well as construction materials.

They have also provided assistance to 82 families or more than hundreds of individuals in the barangays of Ipil and Mat-I in Surigao City and Poblacion, Diaz and Banbanon in the municipality of San Francisco in Surigao del Norte.

“Because of the assistance provided by Pilmico, Surigao del Norte governor Sol Matugas has acknowledged and thanked Pilmico and the Caraga Feed Sales Team for their quick response,” said Carreon.

The strong quake that being experienced by the Surigaonons that caused huge damage to their properties and even lives prompted Pilmico to help rebuild the livelihoods of the survivors by providing assistance to the backyard raisers, whose pig pens were damaged in order to get their livelihoods back on track, Carreon added. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Norte GADCC joins National Women’s Month Celebration

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 8 (PIA) – The Surigao del Norte Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (GADCC) joined the nation in the observance of the National Women’s Month Celebration this whole month of March.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women.”

This special celebration is aimed to highlight the vital role and important contributions of women to the society.

The celebration kicked-off this morning, March 8 with a thanksgivng mass followed by a motorcade around the city and opening program proper at the Provincial Police Office Gym, this city.

Right after the opening program, a forum on Solo Parent Act was conducted led by Committee on Gender Women, Family Development chairperson Board Member Leonila P. Gorgolon. A zumba exercise wrapped up the morning activities.

Also, as part of the celebration, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) Surigao del Norte provincial office led by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Geraldine Samson and the local government units of Placer and Dapa conducted a special registration for women in hospitals.

Prior to the kicked-off activity, a flag raising and hanging of tarpaulin was conducted on March 1. On March 6, the Provincial Women’s Center (PWC) hosted the Monday Morning Sharing activity held at the Provincial Convention Center here.

PWC Officer Florian T. Trinidad said that other lined-up activites for the month-long celebration include: Buntis Day on March 10 at Barangay San Jaun, Surigao City; Free Pap-smear for Rural Health Unit personnel (year round); Consumer Education Seminar on March 13-17 at Go Negosyo Center, Simtoco Building; Community Eye Health Program on March 14 infront of Provincial Gym; GAD Team Building/Laro ng Lahi on March 18 at Kuya’s Beach Resort.

Sukailang: Farm Tourism Promotion and Day-asan: Food Handling Training on March 23-24; Barangay Danawan/Buenavista: Beach clean-up then leaisure fishing/swimming/culmination activity and GAD Focal Point System Forum on March 30; Municipal Wide-Women’s Month Culmination Program on March 31; Radio Program every Monday 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at CMN-DXSN and every Friday 2:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at RPN-DXKS; and Zumba for Senior Citizens every Friday 4:00 p.m. at the Surigao City Luneta Park. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PNP Caraga resumes anti-illegal drugs operations

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 8 (PIA) - After a month of suspension of the anti-illegal drug operations, Caraga police operatives and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 13 personnel arrested nine suspects and seized 18 grams of shabu valued at P221,899 during a series of operations region wide.

Arrested during the operation on Tuesday dawn in Brgy. Doongan, Butuan City were Jabbar Dangcogan, 23, Abulkhayr Dangcogan, 45, and Farhan Pantao, 19, all residents of Brgy. Sandoc, Marawi City.

Another operation conducted by Tandag City police operatives that resulted in the arrest of Thelma Meras, 52, Janibel Cacas, 28 and Bobby Abrigo, 29, all residents of Brgy. Dagocdoc, Tandag City.

Meanwhile, Cabadbaran cops apprehended Raul Cabillon, 42, in Brgy. 4, Cabadbaran City and Surigao City Police Station nabbed Clementino Sinday, 39 of Brgy. Canlanipa and Candy Sarsaba, 24 of Brgy. Sabang, Surigao City.

“Our operatives seized 23 sachets of suspected shabu and some illegal drug paraphernalia,” Caraga Police director Chief Supt Rolando Felix said.

Suspects are placed under the custody of the authorities while cases for violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Board have been prepared against them.

“Our new anti-illegal drug campaign dubbed as Project Double Barrel Reloaded has two parts--- a revitalized Project HVT, the campaign to go after the high-value targets or big time personalities and groups, and a reformed Oplan Tokhang in which policemen with religious leaders, Barangay officials and other stakeholders knocked on doors of houses of suspected drug users and pushers,” Felix added. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Kalahi-CIDSS turns over PAMANA, BuB projects in SurSur town

By Ranah May G. Martinez and Marko Davey D. Reyes

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 8 – The Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) has recently turned over and inaugurated seven PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) and two Kalahi-CIDSS Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) community sub-projects.

It was a big homerun celebration for Bayabas and all Bayabasnons.

Added mix to the highlight of such jubilant moment was the Municipal Orientation for Kalahi-CIDDS National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP) with which they have finalized the engagement with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement that same day at Solomon P. Lozada National High School Covered Court, Brgy. Amag, Bayabas, Surigao del Sur.

Inaugurated were one unit – two classroom building and drainage canal situated at Brgy. Amag, drainage canal in Brgy. Balete (Pob.), single barred box culvert in Brgy. Cabugo, 22 units electric powered street lights situated in Brgy. Cagbaoto, drainage canals in Brgy. La Paz and Brgy. Panaosawon and found in Brgy. Magobawok (Pob.), a gravity driven water system.

Municipal Mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro, Sanguniang Bayan Chief and members, heads of offices, Barangay Captains and their Barangay Councils, Kalahi-CIDDS Bayabas Area Coordinating team and the community volunteers ecstatically participated the big event as it progressively unfolded the entire day.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga was represented by Engr. Vinnes V. Lastimado from the Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) and Sub-regional Program Management Coordinator Juvy Echevaria. Both discussed to the eager Bayabasnons the Kalahi-CIDDS initiative, its procedural operation, the role of the community and the impact of volunteerism to the success and completion of the sub-projects.

Also serving as a heartfelt take away from the momentous event was the message of Mayor Limbaro inspiring those who were present during the event.

“Kita nga taga-Bayabas walay bahandi nga ikapanghinambog pag-abot sa materyal ug pinansyal nga aspeto. Apan mapagarbuhon ako muingon nga ang bahandi sa taga-Bayabas ang pagtinabangay para sa ato pag-uswag. Ang mahimo sa atong mga kamot ug kusog para sa kaayuhan sa tanan dili ikabaylo sa unsa pang lain bahandi, (The Bayabasnon wealth is not measured in terms of material and financial aspects. We are not wealthy at all. But with great pride I shall say that the wealth of Bayasbas is the helpful and selfless nature of our people. What our hands and force can do for the betterment of the entire community cannot be traded for anything else),” she said.

Engr. Lastimado also gave praise to the communities of Bayabas. "The enthusiasm and fervour of Bayabas was very evident that even OIC-RD Mita Chuchi Lim took notice and was captivated. From Makamasang Tugon (earlier Kalahi-CIDDS initiative) to the most recently turned over and inaugurated projects through PAMANA and BuB, the people of Bayabas never failed to deliver their share of every bargain,” he said.

Truly, nothing could ever go wrong with genuine practice of Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo, which the DSWD takes pride as its brand of service. This mantra, hopefully, would be imparted to all partner-stakeholders, improving the kind of service to the poor and marginalized, making it possible for the agency to effectively address the needs of the people through its programs and services. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PH and Japan to cooperate on Mindanao power priorities

DAVAO CITY, Mar. 8 (PIA) – The Philippine Government, through the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) together with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) agreed a set of priority development areas for Mindanao’s power sector at a recent Mindanao Power and Energy Seminar held here at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Among the identified priority projects for possible collaboration include the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes, the improvement of the disaster resiliency of power distribution networks, the promotion of renewable energy (RE) such as geothermal and wind power, and the enhancement of electricity distribution in areas with low electrification rates, such as in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) area.

Japan is prepared to offer two-step loans for projects under the identified priority areas, while feasibility studies will be offered as grants. A two-step loan is a type of loan where funds pass through a commercial bank or other financial institution before being released to the end-beneficiaries. Technical experts will also be made available through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“While it is truly worth noting that we are now entering an era of excess power supply in the island-region, it is then crucial to shift our focus from supply deficiency to the cost of generating electricity,” said MinDA Chairman, Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto during the seminar.

He added that recent investments in Mindanao’s power sector has assured the island-region of an excess of 1,000 megawatts (MW) as of December 2016, easing fears of a lack of supply to meet the projected growth in demand and the required reserves.

The rapid growth of the manufacturing, real estate, services, and agribusiness sectors however, resulted to a surging demand for electricity, projected to require at least 500 MW of new capacity by 2016, another 500MW by 2020, and 1,600MW by 2030.

The entry of more fossil-fuel based power plants, particularly coal, is projected to raise the cost of electricity in the island-region. Power generated by fossil-fuels now accounts for 69 percent in Mindanao, with coal accounting for 40 percent. Shares of hydro, geothermal, solar and biomass fell to just 31 percent of the total power generated.

“We have been pushing for investments in renewable energy by significantly fast-tracking the project application process from three to five years down to two to three years through our One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC),” said Secretary Alonto.

To promote the use of renewable energy and lower electricity rates, METI proposed the introduction of wind power plants in viable areas in North-Eastern Mindanao, particularly in the province of Surigao including the islands of Dinagat and Siargao.

MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro emphasized during his presentation on the state of Mindanao’s power sector that “the entry of more RE sources of energy will help ensure that Mindanao’s electricity rates remain as the most competitive in the country.”

The METI is also proposing for the use of small-sized geothermal power plants in the range of 2-7MW as these can be put up faster and cheaper because of their smaller scale.

“In line with the effort to increase the region’s RE capacities, MinDA is also lobbying for the rehabilitation and uprating of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes (APHC), both of which used to provide over 70 percent of Mindanao’s power requirements,” added Montenegro.

From an original manufacturer’s combined installed capacity of 982MW, the APHC can now only be depended upon to produce a maximum of around 750MW at any given time. Currently, both complexes are producing 680MW, far below their potential without the necessary power plant rehabilitation works.

The rehabilitation of existing power plants would also improve their efficiency, further reducing the cost of power generation.

Organized jointly by MinDA and METI, the event brought together key public and private stakeholders of Mindanao’s power sector with representatives of Japanese industries to explore appropriate solutions to the island-regions’ unique energy landscape. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga supports women's month celebration

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 8 - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga together with other national agencies celebrates Women's month by various activities primarily spearheaded by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Proclamation No. 227 s. of 1988 provides the observance of women’s role in the month of March. The National Women’s Month Celebration every March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD). This year’s theme is, “WE Make Change Work for Women.”

DOH as one of the council members of the Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) committed to assist in the various activities like lined up like jail visitation to women inmates of Butuan City; 90th Regional Development Council meeting; Motorcade, Thanksgiving Mass and Signing of Memorandum of Partnership with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and RGADC on March 8.

“Women are our partners for change. True compassion and real change all starts with equality between man and woman,” said DOH Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr.

This year’s theme comes with definitive elements. WE stand for Women Empowerment. This is to enjoin women to actively take part in meaningful institutions for development and changes. While, the ‘Make Change Work’ also equates for the Magna Carta for Women that simply strengthens the existing functional mechanism and further improve it to cater strategic gender needs of women and that it is implemented at all levels—down to the barangay level. (DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga joins 'Black Monday' protest for slain doctor

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 8 – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga sympathizes with the bereaved family of the late Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas by participating in the nationwide mourning on Monday, March 6 or as the health sector would refer to it as ‘Black Monday’ protest.

Dr. Perlas was a DOH scholar in his medicine years and was a part of the Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program for two years before he was absorbed in the local government unit (LGU) that he served. The municipality where he worked was known for scarcity of doctors that lasted for 12 years until Perlas‘ deployment. Social reforms and community service in depressed areas were some of his obvious fervor. Unfortunately, he was shot last March 1 from an unknown suspect.

“Doctors like Dreyfuss are rare nowadays. He was a true and an unsung hero not only in the local community but to the entire country because he had the courage to stay in an area unknown but eventually loved by him despite the risk it will cause him in the name of health service,” regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.

At the same time, Llacuna appealed to the LGUs to protect their doctors, improve their working conditions and safeguard their benefits and safety especially those assigned in far flung areas.

The Black Monday protest by the region was participated by the different personnel and staff of DOH provincial offices, provincial health offices, and LGUs. Majority of the participants wore something white with black armbands. This was the symbolic gesture of unity for a cause. This was also to call for justice for the untimely death of the Dr. Perlas and to bring attention to the needs of all frontline health workers against violence, harassment and denial of legal benefits and other privileges specifically in high risk areas.

“Let us not allow this to drain with history. Doctor Dreyfuss died for nothing. Although he could’ve served thousands of patients, let this be our strong point to continue the battle of protecting not only the security of all health workers but the much assistance and welfare they deserved,” Llacuna concluded.

Initial instructions were also made from the Health Secretary to revisit and amend the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers with emphasis to the benefits of those who are assigned in challenging posts. (DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Thursday, March 9, 2017

March 9, 2017, 5:29 pm

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DOLE, LGU Carrascal open 80 slots for summer jobs

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Caraga and the local government unit of Carrascal will offer summer jobs to some 80 poor-but-deserving students.

Dubbed as Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), the program is intended for those interested students who are willing to work for 22 days.

The initiative is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational students aged 15-30 years old, including dropout students who are willing to continue their studies.

Under the SPES, the DOLE will shoulder the 40 percent of the salaries of the beneficiaries, while their employers--government agencies, such as local government units, and private companies and other sponsor-institutions will pay the 60 percent. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur administrator bares NPAs’ widespread extortion

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 9 (PIA) – Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas here told Capitol employees on Monday that extortion activities by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels had already “gone very far.”

Citing Tandag City Mayor Alexander “Ayek” Pimentel as his source of information, the administrator said that even stall holders at the newly opened Tandag City Public Market had not been spared of the collection for revolutionary taxes.

Rivas, in passing, mentioned that not only businesses here were being milked regularly but even the poor folks in the countryside.

The provincial government here holds a flag ceremony program every Monday where every office under its arm has a turn to report any information, updates or accomplishments. Last Monday, March 6, the Provincial Accounting Office was the program host and the administrator was called to give a message.

In a separate interview, Mayor Pimentel did not mince words in confirming about what he disclosed, saying he was just airing the sentiments of his constituents.

If during the 80’s or 90’s, people here were giving out financial aid for the rebels’ cause; to impose the same right now could be against their own volition or freewill, he explained.

In the meantime, Mayor Pimentel could only make a wish that “revolutionary taxes” being imposed must stop. He likewise said that should President Rodrigo Duterte give a green light for the peacetalks to resume, scrapping this levy must be included among the main agenda.

When pressed about the extent of revolutionary taxes on businesses in his city, the mayor quickly replied “all!” Worse, Pimentel pointed out that businesses here had to pay taxes not only for government but also for the rebels, stressing on what seemed to be “double taxation.”

This scheme was not only taking place in Tandag but province-wide, he added.

For PSSupt. Romaldo Bayting, PNP provincial director here, his office would always be ready to press charges against the rebels should any victim come out with a complaint.

The provincial police chief also made a remark that this illegal act was putting the rebels on the losing end as they had already morphed themselves into criminals.

On the other hand, Col. Franco Nemesio “Jojo” Gacal, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander based in the province, hailed Mayor Pimentel on the exposé.

The army official clarified that not only did Mayor Pimentel brought out the matter during the “February 28 Peace Forum” here, he was also told about what the rebels had been doing.

Gacal bared that stall holders at the Tandag City Public Market were allegedly being taxed P50 on a daily basis. Like Mayor Pimentel, the brigade commander believed that this activity was being carried out province-wide. In fact, Col. Gacal said that toll collection had been taking place “nationwide.”

He also said that it was good that the issue was made public for it to be openly discussed.

Gacal agreed that if the leftist groups were indeed pro-people, they would surely turn away from taking advantage especially of the poor. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

POPCOM Caraga calls for women empowerment

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 9 (PIA) – The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga joins the entire bureaucracy in the continuing campaign to empower women through socioeconomic advancement in celebration of this year’s Women’s Month.

Under the theme for this year’s event “We Make Change Work for Women”, POPCOM quoted that women should be active drivers in bringing about positive changes, and that they should also reap from development efforts. This can be made possible by empowering women – enabling them to meaningfully engage with other development stakeholders, and by fully implementing the Magna Carta of Women.

The provision of basic education for all boys and girls is a goal that can be advanced through the empowerment of women, training teachers to be gender sensitive, promoting the value of making school of sage vehicle in postponing early marriages and childbearing by promoting universal access to reproductive health.

In its advocacy campaign, POPCOM clearly emphasizes that freedom from violence, especially for girls and women is a core right and essential to the ability to lead a productive life.

POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano points out that POPCOM is working closely with the Local Lady Legislators League for the possible conduct of Regional Summit on Reproductive Health to generate support from the legislators particularly on the following measures : Executive Order No. 12 –Attaining and sustaining Zero Unmet Need for Modern FP; HB 4742 – Establish a national policy in preventing teenage pregnancies & institutionalize social protection for teenage parents; HB 4689 – Establishment & operation of population offices mandatory.

“With the endorsement of the local legislators to the various measures, including that of the Regional Development Council, it will create positive change in the lives of every woman and will spell a difference,” says Makinano.

To recall, RDC-Caraga adopted the following measures in response to the growing incidence of teenage pregnancy in the region: Resolution No. 38, series of 2014 – Requesting the LGUs to pass an ordinance requiring boarding house operators to secure business permits; Resolution No. 39, series of 2014 – Requesting the LGUs to pass an ordinance regulating the access of teenagers to motels, hotels and beach cottages; and Resolution No. 6 – supporting the conduct of International Men’s Day in Caraga Region. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

IFAD project ConVERGE seen to boost farmers’ income in Agusan Norte

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 9 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte intensifies its effort to advance the implementation of Project ConVERGE (Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment) under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) framework.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega disclosed during the Monday convocation that the total estimated allocation amounted to more than P354 Million based on the revised Feasibility Study (FC) is now on finalization stage.

Since 2016, DAR-Provincial Project Management Office in this province was conducting series of planning and information gathering involving the local government units, stakeholders and the participating ARBOs for the identification and selection of project beneficiaries and specific project areas and appropriate interventions.

The project aimed to increase agricultural productivity and promote marketing for abaca fiber industry through value-chain enhancement for certain crops and products of the farmers in TUJAKITSAN cluster (Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago).

According to Planning Officer Annelyn R. Chan, “by providing the ARBOs with this project ConVERGE, an estimated of 3,350 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in TUJAKITSAN cluster are expected to improve their production and income.”

The TUJAKITSAN cluster consists of 20 participating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) lead by San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) of Santiago town.

Based on the revised FS under Project ConVERGE, P33 million has been allotted for the farm-to-market road in Santiago that includes the rehabilitation of Barangay San Isidro to Calasunahan and Sarog road; P199 million for Abaca Processing and Trading Operation; P77 million for the Increase Agricultural Production; and P45 million for Capacity Enhancement of the ARBOs. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

1 soldier killed, 1 injured in NPA attack in Surigao Norte town

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 9 (PIA) - A soldier was killed while another was wounded as government troops on the ground responded to a planned NPA attack at around 9:00 p.m. on March 8, 2017 in Brgy. Budlingin, Alegria town.

The 30-minute firefight has resulted to one casualty on the government side (name not yet released prior notice to kin) and several damages to civilian properties in the barangay.

Likewise, pursuit operations was launched by the government troops to apprehend the perpetrators who were reported by civilians to have sustained casualties.

"These NPA rebels clearly do not respect the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law wherein civilian population and properties shall not be object to attacks. Despite of the death of one of our soldiers, we will continue to protect and defend our communities and continue to facilitate the entry of development," Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) Commander said.

He said the 30IB troopers deployed in Surigao del Norte clarified that the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda - Lumad, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under a.k.a. Ricky was behind the attack.

Amaro further said that it was the same group and in the same barangay that abducted PFC Erwin Salan on January 29 as part of natiowide series of the New Peoples Army (NPA) attrocities that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to withdraw the unilateral ceasefire and label the rebel group as terrorist.

"Brgy. Budlingin is the center of IP communities in Alegria, Surigao del Norte. It was the NPA that killed their tribal leader last year who's making a stand against NPA recruitment of the IPs. It was the constituents of the Brgy that wanted our soldiers to be present in their community and conduct Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) to prevent the NPA recruitment of IP including minors and extorsion of Royalty Fees received by IPs in the area," he said.

"Our IP communities have had too much of exploitation from these criminals and we have a hero that just died last night protecting our IP. We call on for the support of everyone, let us not allow our peace loving IPs to be exploited and be trained by the NPAs to become criminals. Let us all empower and protect them," Col. Amaro added. (30th Infantry Battalion, Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

U.S. Embassy in the PH opens funding opportunity for ‘YSEALI Summit 2017’

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 9 (PIA) - The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting a proposal for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit, a five-day advanced leadership workshop in the Philippines. The YSEALI Summit is tentatively planned for early October 2017.

During the 40th anniversary year of United States (U.S.) – Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) relations, the 2017 YSEALI Summit will bring together approximately 250 YSEALI exchange program alumni from ASEAN member countries for an advanced leadership workshop that will equip participants with the knowledge, attitude, and skills to address the complex and dynamic political, social, economic, and environmental issues that the U.S. and ASEAN will confront in the next 40 years. The workshop will develop participants’ leadership competencies in systems and design thinking, dialogue and negotiations, initiating and sustaining collaborative action, and other skills needed to advance participants’ leadership capacity and ability to develop systemic, innovative, and collaborative solutions to complex and dynamic problems. Participants will also discuss the role of youth and YSEALI in addressing ASEAN’s challenges and goals and in strengthening U.S. – ASEAN relations.

YSEALI is the U.S. government’s signature initiative to engage emerging young leaders in ASEAN, specifically from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. YSEALI aims to create a network of young Southeast Asian leaders who work across national borders to solve common problems in the four pillars of YSEALI – civic engagement, economic development, education, and environment and natural resources management.

Detailed information about this notice of funding opportunity and the application requirements can be found at www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=292231. (U.S. Embassy/PIA-Caraga)

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Friday, March 10, 2017

March 12, 2017, 6:28 pm

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DOH, AECID turn over birthing facility to Dinagat Islands LGU

By Amiable Ahmz Fuentes

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 10 (PIA)– The Agencia Espaniola de Cooperacion International para el Desarollo (AECID) through the Department of Health (DOH) officially turned over a birthing facility to the provincial government of Dinagat Islands on March 7, 2017 in Cagdianao town.

The birthing facility was funded by AECID through the DOH and the fund was downloaded to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) who facilitated the construction of the said facility.

The said facility will cater the non-PhilHealth member/patient but will not accept first-time mother to delivered in the facility since they belong to the high-risk group.

In his message, Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo thanked the Spanish government for giving the funds and support to the health needs of the province.

On her part, barangay captain Flordelina Licaylicay expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the provincial government in realizing the said project.

“The facility is a dream come true for us especially for the women because they don’t need to travel to Dinagat district hospital just to give birth,” Licaycay said.

During the ceremony, Vice Gov. Ecleo led the ceremonial ribbon cutting together with Provincial Administrator Gwendolyn Ecleo-Pols, Cagdianao Mayor Adolfo E. Longos and witnessed by some members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Vicente Soco, Jr. and his staff, Provincial Engineer Fe Botanas and her staff, teachers of R.E. Ecleo Elementary School, municipal officials, and barangay officials.

Meanwhile, Community Affairs Officer Jay G. Benitez handed over a check worth P3,000 each as an aide to barangays R. E. Ecleo Sr, Del Pilar, Poblacion, Cabungaan, Maatas, Sta. Rita, and Mabini. (Provincial Information Office-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

P5.5-B worth of infra projects pipelined for Mindanao under PRDP

By Jay M. Rosas

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 10 - Around P5.5-billion worth of infrastructure subprojects are pipelined for Mindanao under DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) aimed at improving agricultural productivity in the countryside.

According to PRDP’s February 2017 report, farm-to-market roads (FMR) make up the bulk of the pipelined subprojects with a total of 46 subprojects amounting to P4.49 billion.

These subprojects are awaiting endorsement of the issuance of no objection letter (NOL), which signals approval, while others are awaiting approval of the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB), or subprojects undergoing validation.

Undergoing implementation are 62 FMR subprojects while 37 are under various stages of procurement.

“Under PRDP, we aim to build concreted road networks that will connect production areas and farms to markets which will hopefully translate to bigger incomes of farmers,” PRDP Mindanao cluster director Ricardo Oñate said.

He said that local government units have seen the importance of FMR projects in enhancing the productivity of their commodities and improving the connectivity of their areas, which is why he said LGUs have strongly lobbied for more road concreting projects.

“This is in line with the Project’s thrust in ensuring that reliable infrastructures are put up where it is needed,” Oñate added.

Aside from FMR projects, small infrastructure subprojects were also pipelined amounting to P151.09 million. These subprojects include construction of warehouses and solar dryers, as well as infrastructure support to PRDP’s enterprise development subprojects.

Meanwhile, there are also pipelined five FMR projects with bridge component, four irrigation subprojects and 2 potable water supply (PWS) systems subprojects.

Currently, 26 subprojects classified under small infrastructure are undergoing procurement process.

Under PRDP’s infrastructure or I-BUILD component, proposals for infrastructure subprojects must be identified as critical intervention in the priority commodity investment plans (PCIP) of the provincial LGU.

During the last I-BUILD coordination meeting, it was disclosed that pipelined subprojects total to P25 billion. Mindanao owns the largest percentage in cost for the whole portfolio with 30 percent.

“These pipelined subprojects will still be validated to ensure that it meets the requirements and standards set by the Project before they are elevated to the next level of approval,” Oñate said.

He added that the Project will also ensure that an Operation and Maintenance Audit System is installed to strengthen monitoring of the various subprojects’ implementation. (PSO Mindanao/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Agusan river nagsisimula muli and pagtaas dahil sa patuloy na pag-ulan

Ni Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 10 (PIA) - Dahil sa malakas na pag-ulan na nararanasan simula pa ng nakaraang mga araw dulot ng isang Low Pressure Area at Tail-End of a Cold Front, tumaas na ang tubig sa Agusan river na umabot na sa 3.05 meters ngayong alas tres ng hapon ayon sa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council o CDRRMC ng Butuan.

Sa kasalukuyan ay umabot na sa hangang beywang ang tubig sa may barangay Banza, Buhangin, Baan Riverside, Maug, Golden Ribbon, Mahogany, Obrero at iba pang mababang barangay ng lungsod. Bagamat ang pagtaas ng tubig ay karaniwan na sa mga nakatira dito, patuloy namang nakaalerto ang pamahalaang lokal sa anumang maaring maging pinsala ng ulan sa nasabing mga barangays.

Sa tala ng CDRRMC, may 303 ka pamilya o 1,126 na individual ang lumikas na sa kani-kanilang tirahan at kasalukuyan nang nasa designated evacuation centers.

Sa lungsod ng Surigao, ilang low-lying barangays din ang binaha dahil na rin sa pagtaas ng tubig sa Surigao river. Nasa alert level one pa rin ang lungsod at kanselado pa rin ang klase sa pre-school level.

Ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Surigao, umabot na sa 12.6 millimeters ang naitalang accumulated rainfall level ng lungsod kaninang umaga. Nakaalerto na rin ang mga tauhan ng CDRRMC sa Surigao kung saka-sakaling kailanganin na magpatupad ng karampatang aksyon.

Samantala, sa Agusan del Sur ay bahagya nang humupa ang tubig-baha sa ilang apektadong barangay. Ngunit patuloy pa ring binabantayan ng provincial DRRMC ng Agusan del Sur ang pinangangambahang pagtaas na naman ng tubig sa Agusan river dahil sa malakas na ulan sa Compostela Valley province. (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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Monday, March 13, 2017

March 13, 2017, 5:41 pm

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Caraga’s first meat-cutting plant inaugurated in Butuan City

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 13 (PIA) - With the goal of improving the management practices of backyard farmers in Caraga region, the Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, Winrock International Institute for Agrcicultural Development – Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP), United States Department of Agriculture, and Happy Enterprises and Resources Incorporated established a meat-cutting plant here, which is the first in the region.

Jefferson Abian, assistant vice president of Pilmico Visayas and Mindanao Feeds Sales said the meat-cutting plant in Butuan City will help cater Butuanons and nearby provinces and will give local community access to fresh quality meat and opportunity for local employment.

“With our partnership with Winrock International, USDA, and other stakeholders in Caraga region, backyard farmers focusing on swine production can now have a wider opportunities to market their products. The meat processing plant will provide the local backyard farmers with a market for their livestock and simultaneously give the local community access to locally grown, fresh quality meat,” underscored Abian.

Dr. Ivan Rey Porras of Pilmico Butuan also revealed that with the advent of digitization, the products are designed to be traceable even it is already at the hands of the consumer - from Farm to Fork. At MPC, the meat are cut, packed and distributed in a controlled environment to satisfy the strict standards set by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), a good manufacturing practice compliance.

“To support further the farmers, we would like also to solicit support from our partners from the hotel and restaurant industries here in Caraga to patronize our products because every time you buy meat from this plant, you have extended a hand to the families of the hog raisers in the region, to send their children to school or maybe to put something on their table or continue to have a daily sustenance and livelihood,” Porras stressed.

Also, Tristan Roberto Aboitiz, vice president and child of the owner of Pilmico Feeds claimed that with the common goal of improving the management practices of the backyard farmers in Caraga, Pilmico, Winrock, Happy Enterprises transformed their current swine repopulation project into a more holistic and sustainable approach to addressing swine production challenges through the construction of the meat-cutting plant. He also expressed his optimism that the establishment of said plant will turn folds of good results.

Meanwhile, Claro Dennis Morante, NMIS Caraga regional director said the meat-cutting plant facility in Butuan City will change the whole region in terms of the accessibility of fresh meat and producing employment to local communities. (JPG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Academe, health providers sign partnership for Caraga health research

By Gabrielle Espinosa

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 13 - Various stakeholders from the academe, the Health Centers and the media from all over Caraga signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) on February 24, to strengthen the partnership of the Caraga Health Research and Development Consortium (CHRDC) in the region.

The partnership, which was first developed on May 13, 2008, aimed at addressing health problems in Caraga through boosting the Health Research and Development. According to Dr. Jose R. Llacuña, regional director of the Department of Health Caraga and the newly appointed CHRDC Chair, there is a need to promote and improve health and quality of life of Caraganons.

“We have to gain new knowledge, develop new technologies to help us solve key health issues in Caraga like Schistosomiasis and Dengue. Also, we have to remember that we have a high incidence rate of Teenage Pregnancy Rate and HIV/AIDS cases in the region,” says Llacuña. The partnership was also forged to collaborate and share resources, expertise and facilities to speed up the generation of knowledge and technologies from the consortium.

Sectoral representatives were also reelected and appointed alongside the MOA Signing. Dr. Llacuna, was elected as the new CHRDC Chair while DOST Caraga Regional Director Dominga D. Mallonga is Vice-chair.

The members of the Caraga Health Research and Development Consortium include: Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology – Caraga, Department of Health – Caraga, Commission on Higher Education – Caraga, National Economic and Development Authority – Caraga, Department of Education – Caraga, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Bombo Radyo Philippines.

From the Health Centers and Hospitals (Butuan City Health Office; Provincial Health Office – Agusan del Norte; Butuan Medical Center; Manuel J. Santos Hospital; From the Academe; Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology; Butuan Doctor’s College; Caraga State University; Father Saturnino Urios State University; Saint Joseph Institute of Technology; Saint Paul University Surigao; Surigao Education Center; Surigao del Sur State University; Surigao State College of Technology.

Aside from the election and appointment, the members of the consortium discussed on the upcoming activities like the Information, Education and Communication Campaign Planning Workshop and the Regional Consultations and Drafting of the Regional Unified Health Research Agenda for 2017-2022. (DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan West Central pupils win legal adoption dance-drama contest

By Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 13 - A total of seven teams composed of elementary pupils actively participated in the dance drama competition of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga spearheaded by the Adoption Resource and Referral Section (ARRS).

The said competition, which was held recently is part of the Culmination of the Adoption Consciousness Celebration held at LJ Mega Convention, this city, which bears the theme, “Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin (Spread Unconditional Love Through Legal Adoption).”

Division Chief Ramel Jamen, during his welcome remarks, emphasized the importance of legal adoption and encourages partner-stakeholders.

“It is important to inform the public about the process of legal adoption. In this way, we can protect the best interest of the child and we can also help couples who wanted to have their own child,” said Jamen.

“I also encourage our partner-agencies to spread adoption and advocate it to the community so more parents and families will engage on the legal process for adoption,” he added.

The following are the schools which participated in the competition; Butuan Central Elementary School (BCES), Butuan West Central, J.T. Domingo, Obrebro Elementary School, Ampayon Central Elementary School, Libertad Central Elementary School, and Couple’s for Christ School of the Morning Star (CFC-SMS).

Each participating team consisted of five to eight pupils. The contenders used English or Tagalog as medium of communication, and were given five minutes to present their original piece, which reflected the theme about legal adoption.

In the competition, the pupils from Butuan West Central School got the first place, while CFC-SMS got the 2nd place and the 3rd place for BCES.

Also, the celebration awarded the internal staff from the Capability Building Unit (CBU) which won the Deca3x film contest that highlights legal adoption. While the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prizes were awarded to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Personnel Unit respectively.

Prior the culmination celebration, the Department set-up an Adoption Help Desk and Photo Exhibit in Robinsons Place for two days on February 11-12, 2017. The said help desk answered queries from the public regarding the legal process of adoption.

The Adoption Consciousness Month is celebrated annually by DSWD together with the partner-agencies every February. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Pinakaunang meat-cutting plant sa rehiyon ng Caraga pinasinayaan sa lungsod ng Butuan

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 13 (PIA) - Matapos ang ilang buwang paghihintay, naipatayo at pinasinayaan na kamakailan ang pinakaunang meat-cutting plant dito sa lungsod.

Pinangunahan ang nasabing inagurasyon ng Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, kasama ang Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development – Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), at Happy Enterprises and Resources Incorporated sa barangay Obrero kung saan makikita ang malaki, malinis at kompleto sa pasilidad na meat-cutting plant.

Ayon kay Jefferson Abian, assistant vice president ng Pilmico Feeds Sales sa Visayas at Mindanao, malaking tulong para sa mga backyard raisers o producers ang meat-cutting plant dahil magkakaroon na sila ng mas malaking oportunidad na mabilis nilang maipalago ang kanilang negosyo sa pamamagitan ng pagamit ng teknolohiya.

Ayon sa kanya, tiyak na ang kita ng mga backyard raisers dahil maaaari na nilang idaan sa Happy Enterprises ang kanilang meat products nang hindi sila nalulugi sa kita, hindi na rin kailangan bumili sa labas ng rehiyon upang makapagtinda ng malinis at dekalidad na meat products para sa local market.

Ipinaliwanang naman ni Dr. Ivan Rey Porras ng Pilmico Butuan kung bakit kinakailangan ng Caraganons ang meat-cutting plant. Ang probinsya umano ng Agusan del Norte ay isa sa mga probinsyang may mababang presyo ng tinitindang karne base na rin sa datus ng Pork Producer’s Federation of the Philippines. Hindi raw ito nakakapagbigay ng maayos na kita sa mga hog raisers o producers lalung-lalo na na ang Caraga ang net importer ng live hogs galing regions 10, 11 at 12. Malaki na umano ang gastos sa pag-import, maliit pa nag kitang nakukuha nila.

Ito umano ang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit naipatayo na ang meat-cutting plant sa lungsod ngayon. Inaanyayahan din ni Porras ang mga lokal na hog raisers na suportahan ang nasabing proyekto.

Samantala, ayon naman kay Dr. Claro Dennis Morante, ang head ng National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) Caraga na kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan, sisiguraduhin nilang regular ang pagmomonitor sa nasabing meat-cutting plant nang mapanatili ang malinis at de kalidad na pagproduce ng karne sa rehiyon. Positibo rin umano ang kanyang pananaw sa magiging resulta ng nasabing project. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

March 14, 2017, 6:32 pm

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DTI Surigao Norte to conduct consumer education seminar

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office is set to conduct a Consumer Education Seminar on March 15, 2017 to be held at the 3rd Floor of Simtoco Business Center, Burgos Street, this city.

According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the activity is in line with the annual celebration of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), which will provide information to the consumers regarding digital/online shopping, how to stay safe as consumers online and what are the consumer rights in relation to digital products.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Buildiing a Digital World Consumer can Trust.” (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

100 shooters join 1st Gov. BB Pimentel cup

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao de Sur, Mar. 14 (PIA) – One hundred shooters from Ilocos, Davao City, Cotabato City, Gingoog City, Cagayan de Oro City, Surigao City, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur including Bislig and Tandag Cities joined the 1st Governor “BB” Pimentel Cup 2017 held on March 10-12 at Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. Firing Range, Telaje this city.

The 3-day tournament is sanctioned by the International Practical Shooting Confederation-Philippine Practical Shooters Association (IPSC-PPSA).

It was learned that the 36 Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB) under the command of Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas facilitated the said activity in coordination with the provincial government, as part of the 70th birthday celebration of Provincial Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr.

The event was also joined by Commanding General MGen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army as the guest of honor and speaker during the awarding ceremony.

In his message, MGen. Madrigal expressed his gratitude to the local officials of the province under the Pimentel administration for placing their trust and confidence to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Governor also thanked the AFP for facilitating the event. He also vowed to continue supporting the tournament next year.

Meanwhile, Governor Pimentel received a trophy for the Governor’s Category during the awarding ceremony while Mayor Raul Cubil of Marihatag town received the Surigao del Sur local government unit (LGU) category award. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DAR Surigao Norte celebrates women’s month

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 14 (PIA) - The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) joined the nation in celebrating the Women’s Month through a motorcade around the city streets last March 8, 2017, which also marked the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

Also during the activity, DAR-SDN conducted a symposium to its personnel on Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 25 series of 2010, which details on the availment of special leave benefits for women under Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women. The symposium also dealt with empowerment of women.

According to Jocelyn Debajo, one of the employees of DAR-SDN, the topics made her realize the real essence of being a woman.

“The topics being discussed anchored from the woman’s growth, boosting morale and self-mage. Personally, I was encouraged to live positively in order to be an active driver in bringing positive changes in my life, in my family, in my workplace as well as in the community I live in,” said Debajo.

The resource speakers were Lou Vanessa Bauson and Engr. Milagrosa B. Bulawan of DAR-SDN. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Energy chief pushes strict energy safety standards

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 14 (PIA) – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi emphasized over the weekend the need to ensure the safety and security of all energy-related undertakings whether in the transport of fuel products or in operating and maintaining energy facilities.

Cusi expressed this sentiment as he administered the Oath of Office of the new Board Members of the Safety and Health Association of the Philippine Energy Sector, Inc. (SHAPES) at the DOE office in Taguig City.

SHAPES is an organization composed of safety, health and environmental professionals.

“We at the DOE put a premium on ensuring the safety of communities and the environment, especially the energy sector workers. Our manpower in the energy sector is our most important asset as we work with the private sector towards an adequate, stable and sustainable energy supply for our country,” said Cusi.

Cusi invited SHAPES to be one of the private sector partners of the DOE in minimizing the dangers or hazards that are inherent in the power sector.

The DOE chief cited as an example the ever-present hazard in transporting and storing petroleum products like gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas.

For this reason, Cusi said the DOE is always working with all the stakeholders to elevate the safety standards and protocols.

Cusi also asked SHAPES to look into the country’s adoption of modular power plants, some of which are being run in other countries by competent Filipino engineers and technicians.

“If it can be done in other countries with Filipinos working on modular nuclear power plants, why not here in the Philippines?” asked Cusi.

In conclusion, the Cusi also stressed the need to reintroduce a nuclear energy curriculum in the Philippine academic sector. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017, 5:53 pm

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SurSur employees commemorate Women’s Month celebration

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 15 (PIA) - The provincial employees of Surigao del Sur with the national line agencies joined the nation in celebrating the Women’s Month this year with series of activities lined up for the month of March.

The celebration kicked-off with the fun run and “Hataw” (Zumba) on March 1 facilitated by the Surigao del Sur Women Employees Association (SSWEA) in partnership with the Provincial Government Office.

On March 8, as part of the International Women’s Day celebration, a symposium was conducted participated by the women employees from the different national line agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and provincial government.

Ma. Carla Lopez Pichay, journalist, entrepreneur and first lady of 1st District Congressman Prospero Pichay Jr, was the event's keynote speaker.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' first woman chess grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna also graced the occasion. “Since it’s women’s month, I want to inform you all that the Filipino women chess players are as brilliant as the men grandmasters," Frayna said.

Also on March 8, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) facilitated the diet counseling, while the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) facilitated the pap smear and laboratory examination for all the women.

The month-long celebration will culminate on March 27, which will be highlighted with the Health Summit and the Gabay sa Negosyo Video Presentation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DILG 13 breaks ground on new regional office building

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Region conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC)—DILG XIII Office Building on March 9 at the project site in Purok 1, Doongan, this city.

In a span of 22 years since the establishment of the DILG Regional Office in August 1995, corollary to the creation of the Caraga Administrative Region through Republic Act 7901 on February 23, 1995, said office has already rented a total of five office buildings, settling for its current building in kilometer 4, Libertad, which became home to the office for 16 years.

A brief background was recounted by DILG Caraga Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay during the program.

Special guests from the DILG Central Office headed by Assistant Secretary for Finance and Comptrollership Ester A. Aldana joined the DILG regional office and field personnel during the ceremony. Asec Aldana noted the persistence of the regional management headed by DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion. This persistence accorded them the 30 Million pesos to fund the project, and secured the lot for the building through the generosity of the Butuan City government in 2013.

Also there to share in the office’s milestone was current Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada who shared the future developments for the City and committed continuing support to the Department.

Recognized during the event were: (1) the National Economic Development Authority – Caraga Region (NEDA 13) for sharing the building plans which served as reference to the LGRRC-DILG XIII Office Building; and (2) the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur for providing the soil testing services as part of the preparatory phase of the project.

“This is the legacy that I bequeath my DILG Caraga Family, that after all this time, we finally have a building of our own,” shared RD Famacion who was emotional as she spoke. With this new facility, the DILG will be able to better serve its clients in the exercise of its mandate to strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of basic services to the citizenry.

The building is set for completion on September this year. This is a most welcome development after having just commemorated 25 years since the enactment of the Local Government Code last October. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DOE lauds EU assistance towards full electrification

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 - Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi extended his gratitude to the European Union (EU) delegates and assured them that the Philippine government is working doubly hard to provide full access to electricity to Filipinos.

Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella delivered the Secretary's message at the Philippine-EU Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP) conference held on Thursday at Bonifacio Global City.

The ASEP is a joint undertaking of the DOE and the EU collectively espousing total electrification, energy security, efficiency and sustainability in the Philippines.

“The Philippine government is accelerating its identified households for electrification in order to meet the 100 percent target by 2022,” said Fuentebella.

DOE Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas highlighted the DOE's overall objective in line with the programs of ASEP in expanding sustainable energy projects and assisting its short and medium-term targets pursuant to the Philippine Energy Roadmaps.

According to the EU, the Philippines has been granted P60M euros (more than P3 billion) worth of assistance to help the country meet its rural electrification targets through various energy and efficiency programs‎.

Interim team leader Dr. Ernesto N. Terrado provided details of the ASEP's various Technical Assistance (TA) projects.

In October of last year, ASEP also held a technical planning workshop where the DOE and other stakeholders identified the immediate technical assistance needs of the local energy sector and came up with a framework in achieving the targets set by the energy family. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

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Thursday, March 16, 2017

March 16, 2017, 5:35 pm

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GIZ-COSERAM to hold 3rd Partners’ Forum in Butuan City

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA) – The Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM) Program, supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) is set to hold the 3rd Partners’ Forum on April 5-6, 2017 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

Sais activity is also in partnership with other government agencies, which include the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).

GIZ principal advisor Peter Hauschnik bared that some 200 participants are expected to attend said forum which are composed of representatives from national, regional and local government agencies, academe and civil society organizations.

“The forum aims to provide a venue for stock-taking and looking ahead: Two years into Phase 2 of COSERAM. With this event, we would like to offer the opportunity to build bridges of experiences between the involved stakeholders. It shall serve also as a venue of information exchange between the three COSERAM regions (Caraga, Region 10 and 11) as well as national level on lessons learned throughout the course of implementation of COSERAM,” underlined Hauschnik.

For more information on the said event, the GIZ can be reached at telephone number (02) 814-0719; 651-5167. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Law enforcers, prosecutors enhance knowledge, skills on TIP

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA)– Law enforcers and prosecutors in Caraga region will be participating in the two-day training workshop dubbed “Affidavit Drafting Workshop on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) for Region XIII Investigators and Prosecutors” on March 29-30, 2017 in one of the local convention centers here.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), in partnership with the United States Department of Justice – Criminal Division, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Assistant and Training (OPDAT) and Criminologist and Criminal Justice Professionals (PSCCJP), spearheads said activity.

Atty. Clementino Rabor, assistant regional prosecutor and regional task force head of the Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force in Caraga bared that the two-day training workshop is designed to enhance the competencies of the law enforcers and prosecutors in combating human trafficking, specifically in the Caraga region.

“It aims to better equip the participants with knowledge and skills in investigating and building-up solid human trafficking cases to ensure a conviction as well as to establish better coordination and cooperation among relevant stakeholders,” underlined Rabor.

It was also learned that employees from the different government agencies who have related functions and responsibilities handling trafficking cases or issues and concerns could also participate as observers during said activity. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur guv delighted over resumption of peace talks

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 16 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. was delighted over the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine Government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in April this year.

In a radio interview, the provincial governor said that there is a need for the resumption of peace talks between the national government and the CPP-NPA-NDF in order to achieve long lasting peace.

Pimentel believed that the four-decade conflict has already affected the source of income and livelihood of the people in the affected areas.

Despite series of anti-insurgency operations conducted late last year, Governor Pimentel as well as the military and police authorities confirmed that no “bloody encounter” between the government and the NPA rebels had happened in Surigao del Sur. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur employees commemorate Women’s Month celebration

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 16 (PIA) - The provincial employees of Surigao del Sur with the national line agencies joined the nation in celebrating the Women’s Month this year with series of activities lined up for the month of March.

Ma. Carla Lopez Pichay, journalist, entrepreneur and first lady of 1st District Congressman Prospero Pichay Jr, was the event's keynote speaker.

Earlier this month, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) facilitated the diet counseling, while the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) facilitated the pap smear and laboratory examination for all the women.

Dinagat Islands LGU celebrates Women’s Month

By Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 16 (PIA) - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands conducted a convergence activity dubbed “Handog Serbisyo nan Probinsya Para sa mga Kababayen-an sa Dinagat Islands” on March 15, 2017 held at the Dinagat Municipal Gym, this province.

The one-day activity is in line with the celebration of Women’s Month, this whole month of March with the theme, “We Make Change Work for Women.”

During the said event, the Provincial Health Office served different services for free such as provision of multivitamins with iron to all pregnant women, laboratory examination (blood sugar testing to 200 women), hepatitis B screening and dental examination.

The Provincial Agriculturist Office also distributed commercial vegetable seeds such as ampalaya seeds (140 pouches), pole sitaw (130 pouches), eggplant (130 pouches), sweet pepper (140 pouches), okra (10 kilograms), tomato seeds (130 pouches), upland kangkong (10 kilograms), and organic fertilizer (117 liters).

Meanwhile, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office distributed financial assistance worth P200 to indigenous mothers of the municipality under the survival and subsistence level.

Further, the municipality of Dinagat received recently an award for being the first placer in Accessibility Compliant Municipality with cash incentives worth P15,000 pesos from board member Nilo P. Demerey, Jr.

Hundreds of empowered women from the 12 barangays of the said municipality participated the activity. (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

COMELEC to conduct satellite registration for PWDs, senior citizens in Butuan City

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA) - In line with the existing Commission on Elections (COMELEC) resolution for registration of persons with disability (PWD), senior citizens, heavily pregnant women and other vulnerable sectors of our society, COMELEC-Butuan will be conducting a Special Satellite Registration at Robinsons Place Main Atrium on Sunday, March 19, 2017, this city.

The event will start at 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. “This is for the convenience of the registrants on that special day, in preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections slated on October 23, 2017," said election officer Atty. Samuel Rollo.

“We will also be having a last six days of registration starting April 24 until the 29th in the same venue to ensure the convenience and safety of the registrants as well as the personnel,” added Rollo. (RCO/PIA-Caraga)

NPA rebels attack AgNor town; 89 families displaced

By 2Lt. Ashley Mae del Rosario

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Mar. 16 (PIA) – The New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked the community of Brgy. Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte forcing 89 families to evacuate at the municipal gymnasium of Brgy. Crossing, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on March 15, 2017.

Accordingly, the NPA guerrillas attacked the soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army who are conducting development support and security operations in Barangay Hinambangan in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

According to the residents, the NPA rebels forced the school faculty to cancel their classes while other NPA guerillas indiscriminately fired upon the houses in the community.

“Once again, the NPAs have violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which is the only document that was duly signed by the GRP and NDF when they indiscriminately attacked the said community that caused the eventual and force evacuation of the people," said 29IB Battalion Commander LTC Glenn Joy Aynera.

"Our troops were there to help the LGU in identifying the needs of the community in order to alleviate their living condition. However, this terroristic attack of the NPAs sowed fear among the people in that community. Rest assured that together with the PNP we will defend the community and will bring back the peace and order in the area," Aynera added.

Meanwhile, the 29IB troopers coordinated with the local government unit of Kitcharao to address the basic needs of the displaced families in the area.

Likewise, they also distributed relief goods and food packs together with the Municipal Social Welfare Development.

"Despite the incident, we are still thankful that the people in that community still vowed to fully support the development programs of the government especially that it will benefit their families. With this, the 29th Infantry Battalion will continue its efforts in solving the insurgency situation that hinders the peace and development in the area," Aynera concluded. (PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DA-ACPC extends SURE loan package to calamity stricken farmers

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA) - A sure and faster way of helping affected small farmers to recover from recent severe flooding in Caraga Region has been given utmost priority of the government.

After Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol’s ground assessment of affected areas in Caraga, the DA immediately provided a recovery loan package called SURE program.

SURE, which stands for Survival and Recovery, gives access to farmers to avail of an interest-free loan package amounting P25,000 payable in three years.

The loan package is now implemented through DA’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) in partnership with conduit banks, cooperatives and other financial institutions whichever is accessible to the farmers in affected areas.

ACPC Administrative Officer Noel Clarence Ducusin said that the SURE program is a response of the government to help the farmers recover faster from damages brought by intermittent weather conditions and calamities.

“After Secretary Piñol saw in person the extent of damage on farms during his personal visit here in Caraga Region, ACPC immediately formulated the guidelines for this kind of loan package,” Ducusin revealed.

As per guideline, SURE recovery loan package is extended to small farmers whose farms incurred considerable damages brought by calamities and is situated in an area declared under the state of calamity. SURE gives priority to small farmers, meaning, a farmer whose land area is not more than five hectares.

The said loan package is designed to finance the requirements of rehabilitating the farms, and or livelihood activities of fisherfolks to include the purchase of production inputs, repair of farm or fishery assets, acquisition of livestock or working animals.

Typhoon Auring and the Tail-End of the Cold Front last January has placed 12 municipalities in Agusan del Sur, three municipalities in Agusan del Norte and the city of Butuan under the state of calamity.

Currently, ACPC is awaiting the final lists of affected farmers who may qualify the loan portfolio from the respective local government units to ascertain the needed amount and to give the go signal to the financial conduits to start releasing the loan package. The loan package is also open to fisherfolks. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Friday, March 17, 2017

March 19, 2017, 5:39 pm

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PGO-AgSur invites Agusanons to join Naliyagan Festival Jingle Making Contest

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 (PIA)– The provincial government of Agusan del Sur is inviting Agusanons to join in this year’s Naliyagan Festival Jingle Making Contest.

According to Provincial Tourism Officer Christy Basan, the lyrics of the Jingle must be in Cebuano-Bisaya and must be relevant to the theme “Agusan del Sur through the years: Changing Lives, Preserving Culture.”

“It is open to all Agusanon residents who have a skill in music composition. Interested individuals, partners, team or group regardless of age, work, position, religious affiliation and educational attainment can submit entry for the said contest. Each municipality and city should encourage their music enthusiast either individual or group to submit entries to have more chances to win,” underlined Basan.

Basan also said that the duration of the Jingle should only last a maximum of three minutes and minimum of two minutes. It must also be original in nature (lyrics, tone, accompaniment, etc). The use of copied melodic pattern and accompaniment is strictly prohibited. The provincial government of Agusan del Sur shall not be held liable to any copyright issues if in case there are some committed by any participants, Basan added.

“Jingle entries shall be submitted in an mp3 format with the title of the jingle as the file name; must be sent in a flash drive or DVD/Optical Disc with the following requirements: accomplished entry form; printed Jingle lyric (5 copies); profile of the composer/s and arranger/s with Certificate of Residency issued by the BLGU. All entries shall be submitted on or before April 5, 2017, while late entries shall not be accommodated,” Basan clarified.

As to criteria of the Jingle making contest, lyrics/relevance to the theme is 25 percent; originality – 20 percent; musicality (melody, arrangement, accompaniment, tone) – 25 percent; voice projection – 20 percent; and recording quality – 10 percent, a total of 100 percent.

The 1st prize winner will receive P30,000; 2nd prize – P22,000; 3rd prize – 15,000 while seven consolation prizes amounting to P2,000 will also be given to non-winning participants.

It was also learned that the first prize winning Jingle will be officially owned by the provincial government and shall be used as the Jingle track of the Naliyagan Festival celebration in June 2017. Meanwhile, the top three winning entries will also perform on the day of the celebration of the 25th Naliyagan Festival at Datu Lipus Cultural Center-Main Stage (formely known as Naliyagan Cultural Center Stage).

This Naliyagan Festival Jingle Making Contest forms part of the activities set for this year’s 50th (Gold) Founding Anniversary of Agusan del Sur and 25th (Silver) Naliyagan Festival. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Phil. Red Cross readies conduct of ‘Bingo Social for a Cause’ in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 (PIA) – As one of the highlights of this year’s fund raising activity, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter is set to hold the Bingo Social for a Cause on September 23, 2017 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

Some 1,200 tickets (mother cards) will be printed and released for the Bingo. Cost per ticket is P250.00.

Jackpot prize is P20,000.00; 1st game prize – P1,500.00; 2nd game prize – P2,000.00; 3rd game prize – P2,500.00; 4th game prize – P3,000.00.

The local chapter is calling on all Butuanons and Agusanons to take part in this fun-raising activity that will help the chapter in their community services. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Phil. Red Cross AgNor-Butuan chapter supports Million Volunteer Run 4

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 (PIA) – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter expressed its support for this year’s Million Volunteer Run to be held in key cities simultaneously nationwide on May 13. But the local chapter here has opted to re-schedule it on July 22, 2017 in time with their 69th founding anniversary.

Caraganons are encouraged to disseminate the information and let others join the run in other regions, as well as the upcoming run happening in July this year.

The event consists of two categories – 3 kilometer and 5 kilometer run.

Participants of the said run have options to choose as they pay the registration fee. For Option A with registration fee of P500.00, participants will enjoy freebies such as Bronze membership, singlet, registration form and waiver, runner card, and race bib. Option B for P350.00 will receive freebies except for Bronze membership. And Option C for P200.00, participants will receive the registration form and waiver, runner card, and race bib. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DILG 13 sets provincial preparedness dialogue

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 - To ensure that resiliency is achieved, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (Caraga) is on full swing in the conduct of disaster preparedness region-wide through a series of provincial preparedness and partnership dialogue (PPPD).

The PPPD conducted per province has engaged the participation of local chief executives of Local Government Units (LGUs), chiefs of police of Philippine National Police, fire marshalls of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), DILG Provincial Directors, DILG Provincial Focal Person on Disaster, DILG Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs), Provincial/City/Municipal Planning and Development Officers (P/C/MPDOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Local Resource Institutes (LRIs) to ensure the inter-operability of various actors in disaster preparedness.

The dialogue stressed the avoidance or reduction of the loss of lives and assets when various hazards strike. Thus, it reminded LGUs to check whether it has already complied with the Disaster Preparedness Minimum Standards set by DILG to LGUs under the Operation L!STO Program, which were also part of the assessment indicators of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

Workshops were done to craft a localized planning mechanism on the crafting and implementation of a Provincial Disaster Preparedness Plan per province by looking at the seven components, which are (1) Information, Education and Communication; (2) Partnerships; (3) Capacity Building; (4) DRRM Localization; (5) Risk Assessment and Plans; (6) Continuity of Essential Services; and (7) Preparedness for Emergency And Disaster Response.

The schedule of the conduct of dialogues were the following: (1) Province of Agusan del Sur – February 21, 2017; (2) Province of Agusan del Norte – February 22, 2017; (3) Province of Surigao del Sur – February 24, 2017; (4) Province of Surigao del Norte – February 28 and (5) Province of Dinagat Islands – March 3, 2017.

As vice chair for Disaster Preparedness, the DILG continues to capacitate LGUs for disaster resiliency on the premise that disaster preparedness saves lives and assets of each one in the community. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Quake survivors in Surigao struggle to recover from tragedy

The province of Surigao del Norte has been an idyllic paradise for both locals and tourists due to its myriad of attractions that include powdery white-sand beaches, captivating waterfalls, enchanting rivers, fascinating caves, and its world-famous “Cloud 9” waves in the surfing capital of Siargao.

But a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred last February 10 has seemingly turned some parts of the province, especially Surigao City, into a war zone with bridges broken in two, damaged buildings and torn-down houses. The largest earthquake to have hit the province since 1879 (source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) and the series of strong aftershocks also left scores of Surigaonons in bad shape: shaken, lost, and afraid.

The Philippine Business for Social Progress has partnered with volunteer doctors from the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), in conducting psychosocial support to quake survivors to help them recover from their traumatic experience.

More than 300 survivors that included adults and children from the towns of Surigao City and Surigao del Norte underwent psychosocial support that consists of group activities, individual sharing, psycho-education and referral for treatments.

Last week, volunteers from the University of San Carlos in Cebu also conducted psychosocial support sessions in Surigao, in partnership with PAP.

A horrible ordeal

Jeffrey, the seven-year-old son of Jemalyn Lopez was among those who developed post traumatic stress due to the strong quake that struck their city at 10 ‘o’clock in the evening and damaged their wooden house.

“My seven-year-old son doesn’t want to return to our house. He is not crying but he is afraid until now as he continues to experience flashbacks of that ordeal,” shared Lopez who is three months pregnant with her third child.

Their family was asleep when the earthquake struck at 10:00 p.m. on that fateful Friday. They suddenly woke up to see their house moving sideways. She was shaking from nervousness while her seven-year-old son bumped his head on the wall.

“We were trapped inside our house. My five-year-old son was crying because he got stuck between the door and plywood wall which was bent like paper. We could not open the door because it was already damaged. When we were able to escape, we had difficulty crossing the foot bridge. My plan was to jump in the pond but my husband stopped us because he was afraid we would sink. When we reached beyond the shoreline, my children and I were shaking. Then we went as far away as we could from the shore,” she said.

The family of Lopez has temporarily repaired their house but it is still tilting sideways, and there is still the danger of collapsing. They are in dire need of construction materials to rebuild it into a much stronger structure.

Dominador Tabara, Sr., a 58-year-old barangay officer left his eight children momentarily after the earthquake struck to check on his neighbors, as part of his duty. In the long run though, he was the one who got affected by the quake and is suffering from post traumatic stress reaction (PTSR).

“I was not nervous at that time but up to now I can still feel my head shaking everytime I stand up. My family was lucky because our cement wall did not fall on us. For the meantime, I replaced our wall with tarpaulin so that we would not get wet by the rain. When time comes, I will replace it with a wooden wall,” Tabara said.

Immediate intervention

Volunteer psychologist Olivia Therezah Pajente-Pelagio said many of the quake survivors need to undergo Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS).

“We do this during recovery stage. We talk about the disaster and their reaction to particular situations. Then, we do debriefing but we don’t force them to share (right away). We wait until they are ready. Psycho-social support involves recalling the experience that is why we must have stay-in psychologists in case somebody needs immediate intervention. One participant shared that they were in a wake during the quake. The casket fell on the ground. They crawled going back to their house. Now, they feel paranoid everytime a large vehicle passes. It is a normal reaction for such situation. It is called Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction (PTSR). If the condition reaches six months, it will lead into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Survivors have different coping mechanisms. Some may leave. Some may not know that they are already hurting others or becoming violent. We are avoiding that to happen that is why we are providing psychosocial support,” said Pajente-Pelagio.

Psychologists also saw the need to conduct psychological education in some survivors who thought it was already the end of the world.

“Other survivors already lost hope. The first thing we should do is teach them how to cope with the situation. I think it is important to enhance their information about earthquake. What is it? Where did it come from? Others thought it is already the end of the world. We need to educate them about tectonic plates and realignment of the ground. They need to understand that there will be aftershocks. Not all earthquakes can destroy houses. These are natural things. Having the correct information would enable people to potentially react better in an otherwise traumatic situation. After sharing, we have to give them psychological education,” she added.

PBSP continues to mobilize resources for the transportation and other logistical needs of volunteer psychologists and other groups tapped to provide psychosocial support to the quake survivors. It also helps the Department of Health in searching for communities that need psychosocial support. (Philippine Business for Social Progress/PIA-Caraga)

DILG 13 field officers undergo continuing legal education

By Archie Rose G. Vasquez

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga conducted a Continuing Legal Education Seminar Workshop for its field officers and selected officers from the Regional Office on March 13-14, 2017 at Samping Avenue, this city.

The two-day workshop facilitated by Atty. Pioquinta E. Quindara, former Personnel Division Chief of DILG Central Office, aimed to demonstrate familiarity with the local legislative process and Barangay Justice System to the field officers who are the front liners in providing primary technical services to the LGUs.

“Field Officers are deputized to answer legal matters relating to the mandate given to our office. This activity will guide and refresh you once again on the local legislative processes that will help in performing your functions effectively,” articulated DILG Caraga Regional Director, Lilibeth A. Famacion, during her opening remarks.

DILG 13 Legal Officer, Atty. Allen M. Gasulas, also discussed the importance of safe cyber practices and responsible sharing of information on social media.

The activity strengthened the capability of the field officers in carrying out the Department’s mandate in providing quality and excellent technical assistance to the LGUs. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: An empowered woman empowers her countrymen

By April Mae N. Waban & Marko Davey D. Reyes

“The empowerment of women is the most effective tool for development.” Kofi Annan

It is often said that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation. This is a recognition not just of women’s significant impact to community development but also to acknowledge women as crucial agents of positive change for every nation. That is why a woman’s power of influence should not only be limited to her traditional role in the family but should also extend in her partake in local development projects. For a country to attain sustainable development, it must be inclusive and responsive to gender needs.

This is one of the primary objectives of the Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Services program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It employs the Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy to facilitate community empowerment by capacitating and ensuring that all sectors in the community can contribute to create opportunities, fully participate in local governance, and decision making.

Jean E. Cordita, a long-time Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteer and Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson of Barangay Punta, Pilar, Surigao del Norte, is a prime example of how an empowered woman can help empower her countrymen. She is also part of the barangay women’s organization and a full time Day Care Worker. But even with these responsibilities, she has always taken the initiative in guiding and leading her community to participate in every activity conducted by Kalahi-CIDSS. Having attended several capacity-building trainings of the program, she was able to enhance her facilitation and leadership skills which she maximized during their barangay assemblies and sub-project implementation.

Sharing the learnings she gained from the seminars, she was able to help train other community volunteers which has immensely contributed in the completion of their sub-project.

Her advocacy to improve their community (especially access for schools and roads for the children in the community) has garnered her the respect of the rest of the community. With these, her barangay has been a top performing barangay in the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, not only in Pilar, but in the whole of Caraga. Hence, she was awarded as the “Best Volunteer” of the program during the region’s DSWD 66th anniversary celebration held recently at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City.

Jean believes that true change can be attained through the partnership of the government and the different key players in the community. It is in this belief that she aims to be a productive citizen, one that brings meaningful change in the community, and aids in the improvement of local governance. She underlined this in her inspirational speech during the program’s awarding ceremony.

“Dako kini nga hagit sa ako ang magdumaya sa usa ka sub-project ug manguyo sa pagkumbinse sa katawhan nga sila makiglambigit sa mga kalihukan nga makahatag ug gahum nga kami mga katawhan makahimo ug desisyon para sa kalambuan sa komunidad. Dili kini sayun nan responsibilidad apan inibanan sa suporta nan MLGU, BLGU, MCT, ACT ilabi na ang komunidad, ang paglambo ato kini maabot (It is a great challenge for me to manage a sub-project and lead in persuading people to be involved in activities which can give them the power to make decisions for the community’s development. This is not an easy task but with the support of MLGU, BLGU, MCT , ACT, and especially the community, we can achieve progress),” she shares. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DILG initiates regional disaster preparedness planning

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (Caraga) initiated the conduct of Regional Disaster Preparedness Planning (RDPP) recently at Prince Hotel, South Montilla Blvd., this city.

DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion stressed the need to take action by crafting the RDPP based on the premise that “preparedness saves lives and avert the loss/damage to assets.”

Partners and region-wide stakeholders were gathered to discuss and craft a Regional Disaster Preparedness Plan (RDPP) that localizes the strategies laid down in the National Disaster Preparedness Plan (NDPP) magnifying the importance of the seven components, which are (1) Information, Education and Communication; (2) Partnerships; (3) Capacity Building; (4) DRRM Localization; (5) Risk Assessment and Plans; (6) Continuity of Essential Services; and (7) Preparedness for Emergency And Disaster Response.

Presentation on the inter-operability of the government agencies responsible for the four thematic areas, the DILG for Disaster Preparedness, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Disaster Response and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation, with the involvement of local government units, civil society organizations, inter-faith based groups, local resource institutes and other development partners was made during the activity.

As part of planning, the participants reviewed the existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (DRRMP) primarily focusing on preparedness. The workshops were also made as an avenue in the identification of issues and concerns, areas for improvement and gaps in the implementation of Operation L!STO.

The DILG, as the Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness, has always been initiating in the identification of sets of relevant interventions for disaster preparedness that aim to create an enabling environment for LGUs to further develop their capacities towards mitigating the adverse impacts of disasters and climate change. These initiatives are offered in the form of skills development, technical support, policies and training. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DILG 13 gives guidelines to PCF 2016 recipient LGUs

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 17 - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Region conducted the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) 2016 Operational Guidelines Orientation to the 13 local government unit (LGU) recipients of the PCF last March 9 in one of the convention centers, this city.

Oriented were the primary functionaries in charge of the implementation of the respective PCF projects in the LGU, to wit: the engineers and accountants of the two provinces, two cities, and nine municipalities that were granted access to the incentive fund. Together with them were the corresponding DILG Field personnel and their Cluster leaders and PCF Focal Persons from the DILG Provincial Offices.

Covered in the orientation were the PCF Operational Guidelines as prescribed by DILG Memorandum Circular 2016-167, as well as an overview to the PCF Portal for the Monitoring and Evaluation of the projects.

The PCF is the incentive package accorded to outstanding LGUs that have been conferred the Seal of Good Local Governance. The 13 Caraga SGLG passers in Caraga are: (Provinces) Surigao del Norte and Province of Dinangat Islands; (Cities) Bislig City and Tandag City; and (Municipalities) Carmen of Agusan del Norte, Trento of Agusan del Sur, Loreto of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte’s Claver, Del Carmen, Mainit, and Malimono, and Surigao del Sur’s Hinatuan and Lanuza. Between them, they have received a total of P41.8 Million to implement their projects that are in line with either: (1) Sustainable Development Goals; (2) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation; (3) Local Economic Development; or (4) Ecological Solid Waste Management.

To view the project profiles and status of all PCF projects, visit: pcf.dilg.gov.ph. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Monday, March 20, 2017

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Asian malacofauna expert to visit in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 20 (PIA) – A world-renowned malacologist and biogeographer, with expertise in Southeast Asian malacofauna, Dr. Thomas von Rintelen of the Natural History Museum in Berlin, Germany will arrive in this city to give a talk on the existing knowledge of the distribution of freshwater snails and shrimps in the Caraga region and Mindanao.

The lecture-seminar on “Biodiversity and Origin of Southeast Asian Freshwater Snails and Shrimps” which is set on April 3, 2017, 10:00-11:15 a.m at the Audio Visual Room (AVR) 2 of FSUU, here, will be spearheaded by Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Biodiversity Informatics and Research Center (BIRC).

“As an institution concerned with the protection of the environment and an advocate for social transformation, we also intend to hold the activity to provide a venue for discussions on significant social issues about the freshwater snails and shrimps present in the region,“ said Dr. Marites Sanguila, BIRC coordinator and professor.

No registration fee will be collected. “You may contact Elsie Perez at 085-342-1830 local 4022 for queries about the activity or send an email biodiversity@urios.edu.ph. We are expecting for your active participation,” added Sanguila. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

POPCOM promotes harmonious marriage among staff

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 20 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga staff together with their respective partners enhanced their knowledge on nurturing harmonious relationships in the family and strengthened their commitments to each other by participating actively in the Marriage Enrichment Seminar held in this city, as part of the organization’s gender and development initiative among POPCOM employees.

Director Alexander A. Makinano of POPCOM Caraga reiterated the importance of having a good relationship within the family and community. “Maintaining a smooth relationship with others, especially within the family, is very challenging to every couple. To preserve the sanctity of marriage, respect, trust and love must be nurtured,” Makinano asserted.

The POPCOM official also emphasized that there will be harmony and unity in the society if every family performs their roles in improving their lives and the community as a whole.

Said activity was conducted to intensify its advocacy on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP), thereby extending among POPCOM Caraga staff and their respective partners as advocates of the program.

The concept on gender and development is clearly emphasized in the RPFP program of POPCOM, as it is a gender responsive strategy which aims to assist parents, couples and individuals realize their desired number, timing and spacing of children.

The core strategy of this program is the conduct of RPFP sessions or classes directed at couples and parents at the barangay level. Sessions tackle the concepts of marriage and other forms of family relations; elements of good marriage; home management; responsible parenting; and the importance and benefits of Family Planning and decision-making for couples. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Local solons to converge for RH

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 20 (PIA) - The Lady Local Legislators League of the Philippines (Four-L) – Caraga will convene for the Regional Summit on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH), this March.

Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano said that the said event aims to generate support from the local legislators on the Executive Order No. 12, Attaining and Sustaining Zero Unmet Need for Modern FP; House Bill No. 4742, Establish a National Policy in Preventing Teenage Pregnancies and Institutionalize Social Protection for Teenage Parents; and the House Bill No. 4689, Establishment and Operation of Population Offices Mandatory.

POPCOM and the office of SP Member Rema E. Burdeos of Butuan City hold this first regional summit among lady local legislators to make a manifest showing support to the campaign to lift the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on family planning.

The good director articulated that the summit is also a right venue to discuss further the pressing issue on teenage pregnancy and create more interventions to prevent it.

RD Makinano also said that if these two house bills be passed and approved into laws, it will strengthen the population program from national down to the local given the full existence of population offices.

POPCOM hopes that there will be more resolutions to be passed by the legislators at their respective locality in support to the proposed house bills and the executive order to help improve the quality of life of every individual. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

March 21, 2017, 5:52 pm

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Bislig Mayor Librado, Japanese mayor sign MOU on organic farming

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 21 (PIA) – Local chief executives of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines and Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the promotion and development of organic agriculture.

Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro and Kisarazu City Mayor Yushikuni Watanabe signed the MOU on Monday during the ceremonial activity at the city hall of Kisarazu.

The cooperation and friendship relations will be done through the exchange of information, knowledge, and experience between the two cities to enhance more development.

In the MOU, it includes the cooperation and friendship of both parties on the following fields: Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry; Tourism; Education; and other fields as mutually agreed upon by both parties.

The establishment of cooperation and friendship between the two cities, anchored from the slogan: "Think internationally, Act locally," is part of the international initiative and innovation implemented by the city government of Bislig.

It can be recalled that last September 2016, Bislig City and Goesan County, South Korea has also signed an MOU relative to the partnership on organic agriculture, it was learned. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DTI Surigao Norte intensifies enforcement of Price Act

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 21 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office has intensified its campaign on Republic Act No. 7581 otherwise known as the “Price Act" especially in San Francisco town.

According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the local government unit of San Francisco just recently crated its Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) through Executive Order No. 03 as one of the response mechanisms to address increasing prices of basic commodities in the municipality after the 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit the said town.

During the first meeting of the LPCC, DTI trade and industry development specialist Josephine D. Gabutin conducted a briefing on the R.A. 7581, as well as the functions and responsibilities of the concerned member agencies and LGU departments in monitoring the price and supply situation of basic and prime commodities.

DTI Head of Institutional Development Unit Rodrigo R. Matabaran explained to the LPC members the activities that need to be undertaken after the earthquake including the conduct of price monitoring, Diskwento Caravan, as well as the process of issuance of show cause orders to business establishments found to have effected an increase in prices of basic commodities that should be done by concerned agencies having particular jurisdictions on various goods.

On her part, LPCC chairperson Mayor Guia Plaza-Sabanal explained that the increase in prices if there is any could have been caused by the additional cost in hauling labor and transport due to the damaged Anao-aon Bridge.

Negapatan disclosed that it was agreed by the council that a meeting will be called for business owners to discuss the price freeze advisory in the context of the earthquake disaster that cause disruption in the usual transport route of the municipality. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PNP Caraga’s manhunt Charlie intensified; 9 arrested

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 21 - The Caraga Police arrested nine wanted persons including two most wanted persons who voluntarily surrendered in various parts of the region Friday.

“The arrest of nine wanted persons is in line with Letter of Instructions ManHunt Charlie wherein the police apprehend persons issued with arrest warrants,” stated Caraga Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Rolando Felix.

In Surigao del Sur, three wanted persons were arrested by the operatives. The suspects were identified as Fritz Gerald Laud, 29, of Brgy. Osmeña, Tagbina town for murder; Aldrich Sarceda, 25, of Brgy. Poblacion,Barobo, and Glenmar Sinday, 36, of Brgy. Tabon, Bislig City both charged for grave oral defamation.

Nelia Asis, 48, was also arrested around 9:50 a.m. in Brgy. Langkilaan, Trento, Agusan del Sur, for malversation of public funds and estafa.

In Butuan City, Chester Ilano, 21, was arrested in Brgy. Mahay, for theft, while Kimkim Taladoc, 21, was arrested for alarm and scandal in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City.

Aurile del Rosario, 56, and identified as most wanted person in Veruela was apprehended in Brgy. Sampaguita for Theft.

Meanwhile, two most wanted persons who voluntarily surrendered to the operatives were identified as Emma Mateo, 66, of Veruela MPS for theft; and Jessie Canal, 40, of Tandag City for 15 counts of estafa.

He added that the active and indispensable support of the community contributes to the success of police operations. Felix also urged the public to assist the Caraga Police in its campaign against crime by way of providing relevant and timely information. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga police nab drug pusher, recover abandoned lumber

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 21 - The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 13 personnel arrested a suspected drug personality and seized 0.5 gram of shabu valued at P5,900 during a buy-bust operation Sunday.

PNP Caraga Regional Director CSupt. Rolando Felix identified the suspect as Madel Ganzon, 19, of Barangay Amontay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. The suspect was arrested by the City Anti-illegal Drug Enforcement Unit in P-7, Brgy. Ambago, this city. Suspect is placed under the custody of the authorities while a case for violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Board has been prepared against her.

Meanwhile, the police operatives and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel responded to the report of a concerned citizen that resulted in the recovery of an abandoned 55 pieces Lauan logs with an estimated volume of 4,237.76 board feet and market value of P60,000 in P-6, Barangay Malixi, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

Recovered forest products are in the custody of DENR-Tagbina while Tagbina cops are conducting an investigation for possible arrest of the suspect. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: 3 in every 5 Filipino adult women are apple-shaped obese

By Charina A. Javier

The recent survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST- FNRI) in 2015 showed that 57.9 percent or about 3 in every 5 Filipino adult women in the Philippines have high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an indicator that measures android or central obesity or apple-shaped body type. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a WHR cut-off point of 0.85 for women and 1.0 for men. Android or central obesity may indicate visceral fat or the accumulation of fats in the internal organs. It has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular diseases mainly heart attack and stroke, sleep apnea, and some cancers.

Among the regions, the highest prevalences of high WHR among adult females were noted in Northern Mindanao (62.5 percent), CALABARZON (62.5 percent), CARAGA (62.0 percent), Davao (61.5 percent), Central Luzon (61.3 percent) and NCR (61.1 percent).

In contrast, the prevalence of high WHR among Filipino adult males was seven in every 100 (7.1 percent). Among the regions, the highest prevalences of high WHR among adult males were noted in NCR (10.2 percent), CALABARZON (9.4 percent), Central Luzon (8.7 percent) and Davao (7.3 percent).

The same survey also revealed that about one in every five (23.9 percent) Filipino adults have elevated blood pressure and about two in every five (42.5 percent) were insufficiently physically active.

Messages from the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a Technical Working Group led by the DOST- FNRI give simple reminders on attaining and maintaining normal body weight. Message No. 9 recommends achieving normal weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity. Likewise, Message No. 10 encourages us to be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (DOST-FNRI S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

Female NPA killed in Agusan del Norte

By Capt. Jasper Gacayan

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 21 (PIA) – A female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed following an encounter with goverment troopers under 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (29IB) in Agusan del Norte on Saturday, Mar. 18.

A report from the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army revealed that the encounter took place in Brgy Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte at 3:45 p.m. Saturday.

The identity of the dead NPA is yet to be determined. An AK-47 was also recovered from her, said a report. Her body was turned over to the Kitcharao police for proper disposition.

"The NPA group was earlier reported by the residents to be scaring their barangay, which forced the community to evacuate to the town proper," said 29IB commanding officer LTC Glen Aynera.

Col. Cristobal Zaragoza of 401st Brigade directed the 29IB to conduct hot pursuit operation for the remaining members of the said terrorist group who scampered to different directions during the firefight leaving their fatality. (401st Brigade/PIA-Caraga)

Partner agencies ink commitment to strengthen PRDP project in Agusan Norte

By Fretcher D. Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 21– The Department of Agriculture’s (DA's) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in Caraga together with partner agencies recently converged through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the harmonization of support for the abaca industry in the province of Agusan del Norte.

The activity aims to mainstream the support from partner agencies in helping Agusan del Norte in the implementation of its Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) and support the industry and other major commodity value chains in the province.

Local executives seized the challenge of taking the lead in institutionalizing government agencies’ support in implementing the PCIP. “We cannot do everything alone. We need the assistance of government agencies in achieving what we have determined in the PCIP,” said Governor Maria Angelica Amante-Matba.

Amante-Matba emphasizes that the province needs a strong partnership with the concerned agencies and other stakeholders in addressing gaps and constraints for the development of not just abaca, but also other priority commodities. “Now that we have signified our commitment to the province, I am assured that all we have envisioned can be accomplished accordingly,” Amante-Matba said.

PRDP’s introduction of innovative tools such as the applied geotagging technology, the value chain analysis (VCA) and the vulnerability and suitability assessment (E-VSA) in crafting the PCIP would help other agencies in identifying specific interventions for the development of a particular commodity.

The undertaking expects the pooling of resources in the form of technical support, programs and projects to help the province and what support could be possibly mainstreamed into the regular budget and programs of partner agencies.

“In PRDP, we do not want to leave our farmers and industry players hanging anywhere in any of the segments of the value chain. We want to elevate them to higher grounds, thereby boosting their chances to improve their lot,” said Mindanao Project Support Office I-PLAN Component Head Cerenio Tila.

The signing was participated by the regional head of agencies from the DA, Philippine Fiber Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology, Caraga State University and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte. (RPCO-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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