More than 400 IPs to participate in IP Leaders Summit in Butuan
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 (PIA) - More than 400 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) will converge for the Caraga-wide IP Leaders Summit dubbed “Lumadnong Panaglambigitay Alang sa Kalinaw og Kalambuan sa Caraga” happening on March 25-26, 2018 at the Oazis Hotel, this city.
The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chaired by Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Matba-Amante is spearheading said activity, with the collaboration of the different government agencies and local government units in the region.
According to Atty. Jose Dumagan Jr., Program Committee chair and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) regional director, NCIP chairperson Atty. Leonor Oralde-Quintayo is expected to attend and deliver his inspirational message to all the attendees.
Dir. Dumagan also said that during the Day-1 of the two-day summit, the NCIP will lead the discussion and open forum on IP issues and concerns with the presence of the heads of government agencies concerned, who will also give/present their corresponding responses.
The Higaonon tribe will offer and perform a ritual right before every start of the 2-day IP Summit. “During the second day of the IP Leaders Summit, guests and participants will also witness the cultural presentation by the Manobo, Mamanwa, Higaonon, Banwaon, and Limbay tribes,” added Dir. Dumagan.
Participating IPs will sign the pledge of commitment for the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples declaration and manifestation. It will then be turned-over to the President.
“Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) is the guest speaker in lieu of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and will deliver his message in the second day of the summit,” Dumagan revealed.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director and RPOC head secretariat Lilibeth Famacion opined that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have already put in place their unified security efforts to ensure safety of the participants and guests, and to make the event peaceful and successful.
“Gov. Matba and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada will also share their messages and guaranteed that the city and the provincial governments will always find way to address the concerns of the IPs and promote their welfare,” highlighted Famacion. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
DSWD Caraga joins Women’s month kick-off event

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 - To commence the month-long celebration of Women's Month this year, 72 National Government Agencies (NGAs) and other stakeholders including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga gathered recently to participate in the advocacy walk, #1BillionRising Dance and the opening program for the said celebration.
This annual celebration of the National Women's Month aims to give due recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in the society.
The observance has been using the theme “We Make Change Work For Women” since 2017 and will be used until CY 2022. Anchored on the commitment of "Malasakit at Pagbabago" or "True Compassion and Real Change", it highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to and claimholders of development.
“Women should be active drivers in bringing about positive changes,” said Social Welfare Officer Jessie Catherine Aranas as she shares the briefer for the month-long celebration.
“Let’s support the advocacy of this celebration and use the official hashtags such as #WomenMakeChange, #RiseInSolidarity, #RiseResistUnite and #1BillionRising as we post on social media,” she added.
Further, this year's 1 Billion Rising Movement is also celebrated with the theme "Solidarity". This big mass action continues its advocacy in ending violence against women in human history.
Other activities during the month-long celebration include: March 22-23 - Outreach Program in Brgy. Babuyan, Carrascal, SDS with IPs Community; and April 6 - Culmination Activity (Sportsfest) at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Sports Complex, Butuan City. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
20 AgSur IPs acquire skills on 'tinagak' making

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 23 - Twenty (20) members of Tagpaliko Tribal Livelihood Association (TTLA) have recently acquired skill on how to produce "tinagak", a semi-processed abaca fiber which can be bought more than 100 percent higher than the all-in fiber called "laguras."
The skills training on tinagak making was recently organized in Sto. Niño, this city after the group was exposed to the abaca processing center - a DTI assisted project under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program in San Martin, Prosperidad.
Evelina Musica, proprietor of Lyn'z Abaca Handicrafts introduced the proper way of making tinagak. Right after the training, she bought the 1 kg output of the trainees at P400.00.
"I am so happy, as I acquire skills through this training, this is a big help to us to earn additional income to support our family's needs," shared Maryjane Moñosco, TTLA member.
TTLA, a group of indigenous peoples (IP) which home place is 10 kilometers or two hours away by hiking from Sto. Nino, has been used of the P50.00 per kilo buying of the laguras they produced.
"If these trainees will continue (while harnessing their skills) to produce Tinagak, their finances and way of living would probably improve," Musica shared.
The group made an agreement to produce tinagak considering that they have the resources. Lemuel Roboca of the Department of Trade and Industry facilitated the training in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Bayugan City through its Agriculture Office headed by Allan Rey Garcia. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
539 newly-promoted Caraga cops take oath
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 - Police Chief Superintendent Noli Romana, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 13 Caraga spearheaded the oath-taking ceremony and donning of ranks of 539 Philippine National Police (PNP) held at PRO13 Grandstand Camp Col Rafael Rodriguez, here Monday.
Of the 539 promoted personnel, 58 were Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 481 were Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) assigned in different police units of Caraga.
PCSupt. Romana congratulated them and emphasized that their promotion does not only implies more authority; it means for greater responsibility that needs more responsive career development to adequately meet the demands of higher positions appropriate to their new ranks.
The promotion was a result of the merit system to give recognition to the PNP uniformed personnel and uplift the morale of the police force.
“Our promotion comes from God and we are answerable to Him for the services we give to the public. I am looking forward also that you will become good role models of competence, discipline, excellence and professionalism in the police force,” RD Romana added.
During the acceptance speeches, PSupt. Rommel Villamor and SPO4 Godfrey C Reyna thanked the Promotion Board and the whole PNP organization for the promotion given to them.
Also, six out of 21 PNP Special Action Force (SAF) personnel who rendered service during the Marawi Siege received a spot promotion, and 63 National Support Unit personnel were promoted as well. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
POPCOM Caraga trains ex-drug dependents as responsible men
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 - Several Recovering Drug Dependents (RDD) in selected areas of the region successfully completed the ladderized seminar on Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon para sa Pamilya (KATROPA) of the Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga, held recently here.
The final phase of KATROPA Session which focused on Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning (RP-FP) was attended not only by the ex-drugdependents but also by their respective partners.
Ruth C. Cuizon, technical staff of the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center advised the ex-drug dependents to instill in their hearts and minds the knowledge gained during the whole day activity as it will enhance the marital relationship of couples especially in planning the timing and spacing of children.
During the said seminar, the facilitators emphasized the importance of knowing the fertility of a woman, and one of the many benefits of family planning such as, the couple can save and invest more for the children’s and the family’s other welfare needs. Modern Natural Family Planning and Artificial methods were also discussed.
According to women’s health advocates, men play a big part in deciding when their pregnant partner get prenatal and postnatal care, where she will deliver, when and how they will space births, among other decisions, thus their involvement in reproductive health and family planning, can make pregnancy and child birth a joyous moment for women as well as their male partners, instead of being in a situation where women have to risks their lives from the risk of pregnancy and child birth.
It can be recalled, said group attended the 1st session on KATROPA late last year, which focused on attaining their health and safety, and becoming a productive member of the society. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
AgSur cacao farmers get exposed to new ways in growing cacao trees
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 23 - Training for cacao growers on the new technologies and other techniques in cacao production has extended to Sibagat town, the 4th training area in the province with the biggest number of cacao trees.
Just recently in Brgy. Ilihan, Sibagat, some 35 growers were trained on how to manage cacao trees and acquire higher yields and better income.
The trainers, Abner Sumagang, Eduard Aldover and Jerry Sala of OFW para sa Magsasaka (OPM) introduced the proper way of planting cacao such as the 50x50cm standard size for holing, 3x3m planting distance, alleyway on their fields, the common pests and diseases and the proper harvesting to ensure quality fruits.
The participants were also oriented on the type of tools and equipment to be used to care cacao trees. They are encouraged to give importance of the cacao trees which may not be given proper attention to produce higher yields.
Agusan del Sur, one of the provinces in Caraga region suitable for cacao, is on-going in its campaign to plant and expand cacao production.
The provincial government of Agusan del Sur also included cacao commodity in its Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Program.
It has been noted that market opportunities of cacao are growing aside from being a material for chocolate, restaurants are now offering chocolate drinks, while some are getting conscious towards wellness of which cacao has inherent health benefits. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
SurSur guv hands over 36 units of farm tillers
By Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, March 23 - Governor Vicente “BB” Pimentel, Jr. led the turnover ceremony of equipment and other farm implements in Surigao del Sur recently.
According to Marcos Quico, provincial agriculturist, 36 units of “floating tillers” were distributed to various farmers’ organizations in the sectors of irrigators and multi-purpose cooperatives with one unit apiece.
The provincial chief agriculturist bared that more of the same would still be coming since the number of floating tillers given for free were just among the total of 80 units that Department Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol had vowed to give to the farmers here when he visited the province in December 2016.
In fact, Quico added that a check amounting to P30M was set to be released soon. With this, he said that it would be up to the provincial government to do the procurement to finally seal the deal.
Also, he stressed that “farmers had nothing to worry about paying anything back!”
During the turnover rites, DA Caraga Regional Director Abel James Monteagudo was not able to come but his field office counterpart here in the person of Anthony Ouano acted on his behalf.
In a separate interview, Regalado Torrefranca, president of Siawang, Poblacion, Cabtic (SIPOCAB) Irrigators’ Association, admitted to have been so glad being among the recipients of the floating tiller, saying in vernacular that he felt so overwhelmed and was already eager to present it to their Board of Directors (BOD).
So thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Piñol, Governor Pimentel and Provincial Agriculturist Quico, the SIPOCAB leader likewise said that he can no longer wait to devise a schedule together with all his members in order not to deprive anyone in their association of its benefit. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag City/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
SurSur records lower dengue cases
By Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, March 23 - The province of Surigao del Sur is now in a better position after recording a lower number of dengue cases.
Based on the Disease Surveillance Report as of Morbidity Week 6th for the Period February 1 – February 10, 2018, Geographic Distribution under Dengue Fever Update stated that Surigao del Sur only got 45 number of cases from January 1 to February 10, 2018 while Surigao del Norte obtained the most number at 52.
Last year, 2017, Surigao del Sur had 134 cases for the same period.
It was learned from the same report that both cities in the province—Bislig and Tandag, had only three cases, down from 11 and 28 cases, respectively.
In the entire region, there are 11 different reporting units, comprising of five provinces and six cities.
All reporting units, which are arranged from having the highest to lowest, had a significant drop in the number of dengue cases recorded.
Rodrigo Gordo, Sanitation Inspector IV of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here under Dr. Eric Montesclaros, pointed out that local government units (LGUs) at the city and municipal levels under the province had always been urged to intensify Dengue campaign in their respective areas, citing the “4S.”
The 4S strategy for dengue stands for Search and destroy, Seek early consultation, Self-protective measures and Say no to indiscriminate fogging. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag City/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
POPCOM, church alarm on rising spousal violence in Caraga
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 - Preliminary Results of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that Caraga has the highest percentage (15%) of ever-married women age 15-49 who ever experienced sexual violence committed by their husband/partner among other regions.
On the 2013 NDHS, Caraga Region was previously placed at number 3 with 7.6 percent.
In a short meeting with Fr. James Michael M. Abellanosa, Family and Life Apostolate of Butuan Arch Diocese, Commission on Population (POPCOM) Executive Director, Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III pointed out that the incidence of spousal violence continues to call for more vigorous and aggressive interventions to end all violence against women. Perez further stressed that gains in maternal health can be stalled if women continue to be vulnerable to all types of violence.
Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano of POPCOM Caraga reiterated that violence against women and children (VAWC) is one of the barriers to women empowerment and development. Makinano further stressed that there are various types of violence that are committed against women and children, most of which are perpetrated by men.
“It is critical for men to have an understanding of the nature of violence and how it affects the well-being not only of women and children but the entire family. Men play a key role in preventing and opposing violence. Men should work together with women to build a renewed society which is gender-sensitive, in which both men and women can enjoy equality in all things. Equality breeds respect and therefore significantly decrease the likelihood of violence in any relationship,” Makinano said.
On his part, Fr. Abellanosa will discuss the matter with Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Butuan, and may release a pastoral letter.
POPCOM hopes that everyone in the community shall actively support the various programs of the government. The Commission also believes that through concerted efforts of the various sectors in the society and when there is equality, Filipinos can build stronger, healthier families, strengthen communities, and create a safe environment for their children.
In line with the Women’s Month Celebration, POPCOM Caraga and the Regional Development Council-GAD Council will conduct Gender and Development (GAD) Planning and Budgeting Workshop this March following the Gender Responsive Population Strategies (GR PopS) as approved by the Philippine Commission on Women.
GAD Planning and Budgeting is one of the country’s strategic interventions mainstreamed by national and local governments and it is a mandatory mechanism to integrate and fund GAD-related programs, projects, and activities as stipulated in Republic Act 9710, Section 36.
POPCOM has initiatives that emphasize men’s responsibilities in family matters, namely: MR GAD (Men’s Responsibilities in Gender and Development), KATROPA (Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya), and MOVE (Men Oppose to Violence against Women Everywhere).
These interventions further heighten the campaign on gender equality; responsible parenthood; violence in the family and violence against women and children; healthy living; relationship with one’s wife; ensuring the health of one’s pregnant wife; HIV, AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.
In its continuing advocacy, POPCOM Caraga recently conducted KATROPA Seminar among Uniformed personnel of Butuan City Police Station 3 (BCPS 3) together with selected community police officers or barangay tanod of Lumbocan, Masao and Ambago. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Teenage pregnancy in Caraga drops, survey shows
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 - Percentage of women age 15-19 in Caraga, who have begun childbearing significantly decreased from 38 percent in 2013 to 8.2 percent in 2017 based on the preliminary results of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
However, the said survey also revealed that the Philippines still has the highest number of teenage pregnancy among other Asian countries.
The said latest survey results placed Caraga at number 8. Previously, the region ranked number 1.
“The 20 percent decrease of the region’s early pregnancy can be attributed to concerted efforts of various program partners, in both private and government sectors, at the local level – promoting responsible sexuality, reproductive rights and health education among Caraganon youth,” Commission on Population (POPCOM) - Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano said.
Increasing births among adolescents is one critical emerging population issue, POPCOM revealed.
RD Makinano further underlined the importance of an inter-agency and inter-sectoral collaboration and support, from the national down to the regional or local level in the implementation of various Adolescent Health and Development key Strategies to address said issues.
As agreed during the 1st Quarter-Regional Implementation Team meeting, RIT has to formulate a Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Strategic Plan to strengthen the advocacy and further reduce teenage pregnancy rate in the region. The plan includes implementation of age-and development-appropriate education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health throughout the region; to educate and engage parents and communities to initiate opportunities for positive youth development and involvement; intensify the ongoing awareness of teenage pregnancy prevention through various AHD activities; and continue to provide all Caraganon youth with access to reproductive healthcare and preventive services.
POPCOM emphasizes that youth should not be deprived of reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality and education (CSE) for these would help them become healthy, happy and empowered adolescents.
CSE is an instructional method where young Filipinos gain knowledge, attitudes, skills and values to make appropriate and healthy choices in their sexual behaviors. POPCOM further elaborated that CSE can help prevent the young from unintended pregnancies, contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and from domestic and sexual violence.
The agency is currently working with stakeholders in pushing for CSE implementation that can also help Filipino women better their lives, educationally and economically. CSE is also a salient feature of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.
POPCOM, meanwhile, is addressing this teenage pregnancy issue through its various Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) key strategies that aim to significantly reduce and prevent early and unintended pregnancies among adolescents through responsible sexuality and effective life skills among young people.
Among POPCOM’s AHD initiatives, are the Sexually Healthy and Personally Effective (SHAPE) Adolescents Training; U4U, where young people can access information through social media; Interactive Voice Response System; and Teen Trail Events, where the youth are provided with responsible sexuality information; and the agency’s latest initiative is the AHD Film Dissemination, where the audiences watch, reflect, engage with bigger picture, and ultimately, take action to address reproductive health issues in their own lives and communities. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
AgNor to receive vet equipment from DA Caraga

By Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 23 - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to receive new veterinary equipment for its Provincial Artificial Breeding Center from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga.
The equipment included one unit portable veterinary ultrasound and one unit binocular microscope for pregnancy diagnosis and semen evaluation of livestocks in the Provincial Artificial Breeding Center to be purchased by DA Caraga for the provincial government through the Provincial Veterinary Office, which handles the breeding center.
This is in line with the policy of the national government to conserve and preserve its meager livestock resources to pursue and achieve self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
The provincial government and the DA Caraga recognized the need for a comprehensive small and large ruminants’ Genetic Improvement Program to improve and develop productivity and efficiency of local livestocks as well as the need to hasten the production of good quality breeds of animals and improve genetic components of native livestocks.
To ensure the purchase of the veterinary equipment and proper implementation of the program, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DA Caraga.
Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr. pushed for the granting of the said authority through Sanggunian Resolution No. 061-2018 during its 74th regular session. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Cebuano news: Tulo ka teroristang NPA misurender sa 26IB
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 23 - Nitunga ug nisurender ang tulo (3) ka miyembro sa New Peoples Army (NPA) diha sa buhatan sa 26th Infantry Battalion nga gipanguluhan ni LTC Rommel S. Pagayon sa Philippine Army niadtong Marso 22, 2018 ning probinsya. Sa ilang pag surrender, ilang gidala ang lima (5) ka mga nagkalain-lain nga tag-as nga kalibre sa armas.
Ang mga nag-surinder nailhan nga sila: Jeffrey Durango Mondejar alias ‘Bars’, Vice-CO RSDG COMPAQ ug miyembro sa Squad Abe nga nagdala sa usa ka AK47 nga adunay serial number A871693 ug magazine nga adunay 30 rounds nga bala ug usa ka Garand Rifle, Jaica Gomez Precioso @ IC, Platoon Medic sa SYP Banglas, GFC 88, NCMRC nagdala ug usa ka carbine rifle ug cal. 38 revolver; Apatan Santos Agsubo alias ‘Tan’, Team leader sa Abe Team, Segunda Squad, SYP2, GFC 34, SMRC nga nagdala usab og isa ka M16 A1 Rifle nga adunay long plastic magazine.
Isa sa mga nag-surinder usa ka babae nailhan nga si alias ‘IC’ nga adunay anak nga nag edad ug onse (11) kabulan. Matod pa niini nga siya nadani tungod sa mga propaganda sa mga teroristang NPA nga kunuhay ang gobyerno nagdaog-daog sa katawhan.
Sa sulod sa usa ug tunga sa tuig nga pag uban-uban sa kalihukan iyang nasayran nga gi-ilad ra siya sa maong grupo. Matud pa niya iyahang nasuta nga matinabangon diay ang gobyerno nga layo sa gipang estorya sa iyahang mga kauban sa una.
Ang iyang pangandoy sa iyang onse (11) kabuwan nga anak mao ang kaugmaon niini sa pagkakaron. “Dili naku gusto mapalayo pa sa akuang anak kay luoy kaayo ang bata ibilin ra sa masa aron masentro ang akuang huna-huna sa armadong pakigbisog,” matud pa ni alias ‘IC’. Dugang pa, iyahang gisulte nga unta mubalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno ang iyahang mga kaubanan kay adunay naghulat nga hayag nga kaugmaon.
Ang kaagi nga kasakit nga iyahang natagamtaman sulod sa pagkuyog-kuyog sa kalihukan didto sa kabukiran kanunay bati-on sab nila kay ngit-ngit pa sa alkitran ang ilahang kaugmaon.
Matud pa ni Col. Andres C. Centino, commander sa 401st Brigade nga “Ang pwersa sa kasundaluhan nangandoy nga aduna pay daghan nga mga teroristang NPA nga mubalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno aron ilang matagamtaman ang katam-is sa demokrasya. Ang panaghiusa maoy taytayan sa kalinaw ug kalambuan sa atuang nasod.” (26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)