Quantcast
Channel: PIA - Caraga Regional Office
Viewing all 5865 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Monday, April 15, 2019

April 15, 2019, 1:15 am
$
0
0

DOH, other agencies to focus on providing services to Caraga's drug dependents

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, April 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, along with other government agencies assured the provision of services and assistance to the drug dependents in the region right after they are rehabilitated in the center.

DOH-CHD Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr. gave this assurance in time with the turn-over ceremony of the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center situated in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco town.

Dr. Llacuna said, the department is in constant coordination with the provincial government of Agusan del Sur, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in the implementation and provision of the various programs and services for the drug dependents. There will be free trainings for them to enhance their skills and be employed so they could improve their quality of life.

Government agencies would also help those who would like to go back to school and study.

Undersecretary Roger Tong-an of the Administration and Finance Management of the DOH also supports this endeavor.

“So after their rehab, they will go back to the community, and of course as the governor has said, we would really collaborate with TESDA, Commission on Higher Education for those who would want to be graduates in a vocational or maybe in college degree later on,” said Tong-an.

The official added that they are also coordinating with the state universities in the region to give chance to those drug surenderers who would want to engage in fisheries, agriculture and business. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

China turns over drug rehab center to DOH, AgSur LGU

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, April 15 (PIA) - Officials from the People’s Republic of China recently turned over the 150-bed capacity Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center worth P370-million to the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga and provincial government of Agusan del Sur.

The completed and soon to be operational facility situated in barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur opens the door of opportunity for the drug-dependent individuals for their rehabilitation and fast recovery.

According to DOH-CHD Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., the donated project was granted through a Memorandum of Understanding signed last March 13, 2017 while the groundbreaking ceremony was held in February 12, 2018.

Llacuna said, after the establishment of the first rehabilitation center in barangay Anomar, Surigao City, the government could now provide extensive assistance to the recipients of the second and bigger facility built in Agusan del Sur, which is not only for the Agusanons and Caraganons but also from other neighboring regions.

“We are given an MOOE of about P12-million for the initial operation. So, the target will be on August - September for this to become fully-operational,” bared Llacuna.

The official also said that victims of illegal drugs for rehabilitation would undergo due process. It is free of charge for those under court order cases.

Meanwhile, Jin Yuan, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of China in the Philippines, said that they give full support to the Philippine government through the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte in its serious campaign against illegal drugs in the country. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

SurSur town IOs undergo journalism training

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- To effectively disseminate timely and accurate information to the public, som
e 27 newly-designated information officers and writers from various offices of the local government unit of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur have undergone training on Newswriting, Feature Writing and Photo Journalism.

The said activity was aimed at training and enhancing their skills in writing to effectively disseminate relevant information to the public.

Yrica Jie Colongan, Social Welfare Officer I of Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO)-Cagwait, one of the designated information officer and writer of said municipality, expressed her eagerness to learn more especially that it is her first time to join in this kind of training conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

According to her, she has become more confident in doing her functions and responsibilities after gaining the necessary knowledge and techniques.

“I’m very excited because right after this training, I would become a contributor to the development of the LGU-Cagwait website. I have learned a lot from this training especially in writing news stories,” said Colongan.

Also, Mecifuro Hingpit, staff from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Cagwait emphasized the significance of learning such training on news writing as it will help them become effective on their function as information officers of their respective offices.

“This training conducted by PIA Caraga is really a big help. We had several big events here in our municipality that we were not able to make known to the public because we are not that equipped in writing news and telling our stories to other people. However, now that we are trained, we are confident to write factual and timely news to our constituents,” said Hingpit.

During the two-day training, participants actively interacted with the facilitators and submitted their own write-ups focusing on their respective offices’ achievements, programs and services, as well as upcoming activities for critiquing.

These are also for posting, not only in the official website of the LGU, but also for PIA and other print media publications.

Apart from news and feature writing, they also learned how to capture good quality photos with the right cutlines.

Meanwhile, PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga emphasized that the participants will serve as multipliers of sharing developmental information to the public.

Participants also received their certificate to show proof that they have gained the practical knowledge needed in their field of work. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PNP Caraga bares anti-crime efforts

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- With the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensified campaign and serious implementation of security measures, particularly in running after the wanted persons in Caraga region, the authorities have apprehended 43 most wanted persons and 497 wanted persons with the implementation of Manhunt Charlie, while some 540 firearms were also confiscated from January 13 to March 29, 2019.

The PNP also confiscated and recovered a total of 1,027 firearms from the separate conduct of police operations.

During the presentation of accomplishments on simultaneous focused police operations at the PRO13 headquarters held recently, Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PNP Caraga regional director, disclosed that 89 firearms were confiscated during the implementation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban while 938 firearms were turned over to the police units. 

Based on the record of the regional operations division, 75 gun ban violators were nabbed since the start of the implementation of COMELEC gun ban. 

It was learned that of the 938 firearms now under police custody, 39 of them were surrendered by political aspirants.

Cruz also stressed that the PNP is serious in implementing the laws and is religiously monitoring the peace situation in the region.

The official further encouraged the public to be vigilant and report to the nearest police station any incident in their area. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Various sectors push for long term infra projects in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 15 (PIA) -- Various sectors in this city have been pushing for sustainable urban infrastructure projects that will boost the economy and tourism here.

During the recently held Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Master Plan for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development (MPSUID) spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga with the presence of environmental planners, economists and engineers, the group assessed the current situation, as well as the issues and concerns of the city that need to be addressed.

Michael Tomeldan, environmental planner and team leader architect for MPSUID, stressed the importance of having a master plan since it will serve as a guide in the implementation of different projects for the city.

He added that Butuan City was one of the 10 cities chosen by the NEDA central office as pilot area of the respective region to craft a master plan for infra projects.

NEDA Caraga Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna revealed that this workshop is the first of the four workshops to be conducted this year to complete the master plan. He further emphasized that the NEDA would make sure that the team would come up with quality concepts.

“As my personal observation, we’re very happy that stakeholders particularly the industry cluster here and the regional line agencies exerted effort and actively participated. The local government of Butuan City is also full-force,” said Kantuna.

Meanwhile, Engr. Roderico Cane of Butuan Pro-Food also expressed his appeal for the local government. “I hope that whatever agreements we can come up after the series of workshops, the local government unit would show determination to really implement them,” he underscored. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Ibat-ibang sektor isinusulong ang proyektong pangkaunlaran sa lungsod ng Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Abril 15 (PIA)- Isinusulong ng ibat-ibang sektor sa Butuan City ang pagkakaroon ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran na magbibigay ng pangmatagalang pag-unlad sa ekonomiya at turismo sa lungsod.

Sa isinagawang Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Master Plan for Sustainable Urban Infrastructre Development (MPSUID) na pinangunahan ng National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, kasama ang mga environmental planners, economists at engineers, pinag-aralang mabuti ang kasalukuyang estado ng lungsod at kung anu-ano ang mga isyu at hamon na kinakaharap nito na dapat mabigyang-pansin.

Ibinahagi ni Michael Tomeldan, isang environmental planner at team leader architect for MPSUID, na mahalaga ang pagbuo at pagkakaroon ng isang master plan dahil magsisilbi itong gabay sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto sa lungsod.

Ayon sa kanya, isa ang lungsod ng Butuan sa sampung siyudad na napili ng NEDA central office na maging pilot area ng kani-kanilang rehiyon para pagkakaroon ng master plan sa mga proyektong pangkaunlaran.

Ayon naman kay assistant regional director Roy Kantuna ng NEDA Caraga, unang workshop palang ito, at magkakaroon pa ng tatlong susunod pa sa taong ito para matapos at mabuo ang master plan. Sinisigurado aniya ng ahensiya na de kalidad ang konseptong mabubuo para dito.

“Nagagalak tayong makitang aktibo ang partisipasyon ng mga stakeholders particularly na yung mga industry cluster natin dito at regional line agencies, at full force din ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Butuan City,” pahayag ni Kantuna.

Samantala, dahil sa inaasahang magandang dulot nito sa lungsod, may pakiusap naman si Engr. Roderico Cane ng Butuan Pro-Food sa pamahalaan. “Ang asahan ko na talagang matupad kung anong pinag-usapan, kung anong mga plano kailangan dapat determinado ang pmahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng mga ito,” sabi niya. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
↧
Search

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019, 7:35 pm
$
0
0

Agnor IPs benefit medical, social services during PPOC immersion

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, April 16 (PIA)– More than 4,000 residents to include the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), persons with disabilities, pregnant women from barangays of Tagmamarkay, Doña Telesfora, Doña Rosario and Sta. Ana availed the different services during the Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Immersion chaired by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba held at the covered court of barangay Tagmamarkay on March 28, 2019.

During the whole day event and as part of the women’s month celebration, pregnant women were provided with ‘Buntis” (pregnant) kits.

Regine Bandigan, one of the pregnant women from barangay Telesfora who received the Buntis kit, thanked the government for providing the basic social services in their area.

She is also happy that they were given attention by the government, helping them to be prepared and ensuring that they are healthy in delivering their babies. Aside from the buntis kit, Bandigan also received a mosquito net and a family pack.

According to provincial director Ellen Vee P. Chua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Agusan del Norte, barangay Tagmamarkay is the fourth municipality of the province that was visited by the PPOC.

Barangay Tagmamarkay is one of the identified barangays with insurgency issue and together with barangay Telesfora they have more than 500 IPs households, Chua said.

Tagmamarkay barangay captain Jay Mark Graven is thankful to the provincial government for bringing the services to their area where the IPs were given importance by the government by providing not only their medical needs but also other services.

Also, more than 70 kids also availed the free circumcision initiated by the Philippine Army.

Aside from the medical and dental services, the residents also benefited from the free legal consultations and assistance, received family packs, seedlings, received slippers, livelihood assistance, haircut, and many more. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)
↧
↧

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019, 6:57 am
$
0
0

Sec. Andanar suspects facebook fact checkers as allies of the opposition

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin M. Andanar shared during a phone patch interview on Sunny FM his suspicion on the recent decision of Facebook to take down some of its pages.

“Medyo questionable na siya kay ang problema man gud, ‘nang ilang gipangsara, mga Facebook account ng mga supporters ni Presidente. Ang wala nila gipangsara katong mga kontra ni Presidente nga sige’g spread aning fake news,” he told Sunny FM anchor Romeo Catalan.

(“It’s quite questionable. The problem is that Facebook shut down accounts including those owned by the supporters of the President, but failed to take down those who are opposing the president and are spreading fake news.”)

Last March, Facebook announced taking down a number of its accounts and pages who are alledgedly source of disinformation. Some of these are reported as pages who are owned by supporters of the Duterte administration.

The PCOO chief considered it as an unfair procedure against the administration. “Siguro because ang mga fact-checkers sa Facebook, mga kauban man sa oposisyon,” he said.

(“Maybe beacuse the fact checkers of Facebook are allies of the opposition.”)

One recent example of this is, he mentioned, the viral video entitled “Ang Totoong Narco List - Episode 3” claiming senatorial bet Bong Go and presidential daughter Kitty Duterte as part of an illegal drug syndicate. Facebook has not shown any action to take down the said video.

Inspite the “strong destabilization”, Sec. Andanar is still confident that these attempts of the opposition groups have not affected the performance satisfaction rating of the president. “Dili man magpatunto ang mga tao [kay] kahibalo man sila,” he continued.

(“The people will not be fooled because they are knowledgeable.”)

The 79% performance satisfaction rating reported by Social Weather Survey (SWS) earlier this month, he shared, “is a testament that the people do not take everything hook, line and sinker.” ###
↧

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019, 6:51 pm
$
0
0

DA-PRDP boosts rubber industry in Butuan

By Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, April 23 -- The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) breaks ground for the construction of the P8.4 Million Infrastructure Component of the Integrated Rubber Production and Marketing Project of Km. 7 Farmers' Producers Cooperative (Km7FPC) in Tungao, Butuan City last April 3.

The P8.4 Million is part of the P22.4 Million approved Enterprise subproject for the (Km7FPC) that comprises the construction of a warehouse, seedling production building and seedbed to support the rubber growers of the locality.

“This project will surely help us reach our target of 500-hectare increase in rubber plantation per year. We also have started helping the rubber growers of the neighboring municipalities and not just the cluster members here in Butuan,” said General Manager Nilo Calipayan.

Calipayan said that they currently have a cumulative rubber planted area of around 1400 hectares for all the members of the Cooperative and he is expecting an increase in production after the completion of the project from DA-PRDP.

The members of the cooperative have been known for being industrious and united in helping one another. “We’re confident that a project like this will be handled well by the Cooperative since they have proven their good reputation and their zeal in this kind of business is outstanding,” said Deputy Project Director Jodel Tabada.

The projects will help the Cooperative to act as the service provider for the prospective rubber growers in Butuan City and will be providing inputs, tools, budded rubber planting materials of recommended clones considering that Km7FPC is an accredited Rubber Nursery of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

The Cooperative will also become the consolidation and trading center of rubber cup lumps in Tungao and nearby barangays. According to Calipayan, they also plan to process their rubber in the future by milling it to crumb rubber which will let them earn an additional amount of P8 per kilo.

Other than the P22.4 Million project, DA-PRDP has also approved and will soon start the implementation of the 9.82 km Farm-to-Market Road amounting to P158.9 Million to support the Cooperative’s enterprise and the rubber industry in Butuan.

The groundbreaking was headed by PRDP Regional Deputy Project Director Jodel A. Tabada together with City Administrator Rey Desiata, SP Committee on Infrastructure Vicente Rizal C. Rosario, Coop General Manager Nilo Calipayan, Coop Chairman Samuel Caliwanagan, PRDP-Caraga Infra Component Head Engr. Rene Morales, Cluster Members, and Barangay officials. (DA-PRDP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

PRO13 tops crime solution efficiency for 2 straight quarters

BUTUAN CITY, April 23 -- Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 had the most number of crimes solved in the fourth quarter of 2018 and in the first quarter of 2019, topping the Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) among the 17 police regional offices nationwide.

According to Police Colonel James Goforth, Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD), in the last quarter of 2018, PRO13 had the highest CSE rating at 86.19% followed by the National Capital Region Police Office with 86.07% as second and PRO4A with 79.32% as third.

While in the first quarter of 2019, PRO13 had the highest CSE rate at 89.39%, followed by the PRO11 with 85.41% as second, and PRO1 with 83.01% as third.

The results came from the Crime Research and Analysis Center of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, Camp Crame, Quezon City.

For the period October 1 to December 31, 2018, the total crime volume in the region reached 2259 comprised of 406 index crimes and 1,853 non-index crimes. Out of 2,259 crime volume, 1,947 crime incidents were solved by the police units.

While for the period January 1 until March 31 of this year, the RIDMD has recorded a total of 2,112 total crime volume comprised of 355 index crimes and 1,757 non-index crimes. Out of 2,112 crime volume, 1,888 crime incidents were solved.

“This is a result of collaborative efforts of the PNP, other law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders with the active support of the community. Rest assured that the fight against criminality and threats do not end here. We will continue to strengthen our anti-criminality campaign as well as our crime-solving efforts to improve the peace and order and ensure the safety and security of all Caraganons,” said Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO 13 Director. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Butuan Candidates Forum set Wednesday

BUTUAN CITY, April 23 (PIA)– Butuan’s mayoralty and congressional candidates will get the chance to inform the Butuanon electorates of their agenda during the Candidates Forum 2019 set on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the Mini-Theater of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Morelos Campus, this city.

Except for lawyer Nonong Balanon, re-electionist mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, mayoralty bet Manny Esteves, and Edward Chan will be presented during the forum starting at 2:00 p.m.

Re-electionist vice mayor Jose Joboy Aquino, Audie Munda and former barangay captain Nestor Amora will be presented for the vice-mayoralty post.

For the congressional post, re-electionist representative Lawrence Fortun and former city councilor Sam Amante will be featured.

The candidates will inform the people on their stand on several issues and policies they care about and what they hope to accomplish if elected.

Said event is organized by the FSUU Policy Center, Commission on Elections - Butuan City and Philippine Information Agency  – Caraga. The Candidates Forum will be viewed live via Philippine Information Agency Caraga Facebook page. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)

Wife files human rights violation against NPA at CHR-Caraga

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 23 -- A widow of murdered Punong Barangay Rubincio Castro Salamoren of San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur has filed a complaint of human rights violation against the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) operating in the said municipality at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City on April 17, 2019.

Joy Salamoren is fighting for justice for the death of his husband who was shot to death by the members of the NPA's Guerilla Front 88 last February 27, 2019.

“They had no mercy taking the life of my husband who was a good man. I know that justice will be served. They cannot hide in the mountains forever,” she said.

She added that they have identified the suspects and the names were included in the case filed.

It was revealed by a certain “Ka Omar Ibarra,” spokesperson of the NPA, through a radio station that Salamoren was ambushed by an NPA hit squad as he was a “legitimate target” of the terrorist NPA.

It can be recalled that last February 27, 2019, Salamoren was driving his motorcycle towards San Luis Municipal Hall to attend a meeting when suddenly three persons shot him four times resulting to his death.

The suspects also took the victim’s sling bag, which according to his wife, contained the important documents and P20,000 cash.

Following his death, Barangay San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur has declared the CNTs and their allied organizations “Persona Non-Grata” last March 29, 2019.

“We strongly condemn the ruthless murder of our beloved chairman Robencio Salamoren by the NPA terrorists. There will be no acceptable reason or whatsoever to justify their criminal acts,” said Willy Manlicayan, newly installed barangay captain.

“Justice should be served for my husband’s murder. You (NPAs) are not just criminals, you are indeed terrorists. I just hope that the CHR will resolve my husband’s case in due time,” Joy added. (26IB/401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Communist NPA terrorists continue to surrender to Army unit in AgSur

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, April 23 -- More members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) continue to surrender to the 26th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army as the government troops conduct intensified focused military operation against the remaining members of the NPAs who are operating in the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon areas.

Three regular members of the communist terrorist group laid down their arms to 26IB on April 12, 2019 as a result of the continuous security operations conducted in the municipalities of San Luis and Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

This is also part of the security preparation for the upcoming local and national elections.

Alias ‘Angelo’, squad leader of Platoon 2 of Guerilla Front 88 surrendered, together with alias ‘Renan’, team leader, Squad 2, Platoon 1 and alias ‘Bamse’.

They brought along with them one AK47 rifle with three magazines and 30 live ammunitions, one M16 rifle with one magazine and 20 live ammunitions, one Caliber 45 pistol with one magazine and six ammunitions, one KG9 pistol with five ammunitions, and five grenade launcher ammunitions.

Guerilla Front 88 was almost dismantled on 2017. With their estimated manpower of 30 members, 15 had already surrendered from 2015 to date, while 13 died in encounters.

"These surrenderees were the remaining members of GF88, that is why we are eager to neutralize these terrorists by hook or by crook to dismantle them totally,” emphasized Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Jimenea, battalion commander of 26IB.

Angelo admitted that they conducted recovery efforts and massive recruitment to fill-up their depleted number, but only few were deceived to join.

LTC Jimenea relayed that it was the time when Angelo started to doubt his higher command’s leadership, and decided to think for himself and his family.

“We were only fooled by them, and as I see it, we have no more direction in what we are fighting for. It is useless to continue on this fight. That is the truth that must be realized by other NPAs, they are no more fighting for the people, but only for their few selfish leaders who live like kings in the plain, while we fight hard in the mountains,” Angelo said.

It can be recalled that from January to date, a total of 12 regular NPAs with 13 firearms have yielded to 26IB. They are being processed for enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), where they will receive various assistance from the government to help them return to their normal lives.

Brigadier General Andres Centino, 401st Brigade Commander said "we are actively supporting the localized peace talk that the national government is promoting. That is why we are pushing these communists rebels to the edge, to offer them no other options than to surrender or die. With the overwhelming support of the peace-loving people of Agusan del Sur, we are positive that we can successfully dismantle all other NPA fronts in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.” (26IB/401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Siyam ka magpapatigayon magtukod og mga negosyo sa capitol complex

By Jay Vincent V. Demain

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Abril 23– Siyam ka lain-laing Negosyo ang itukod sa Capitol business Park/Capitol Commercial Complex, luna nga gipanag-iyahan sa probinsya dinhi sa siyudad sa Butuan.

Kini ang unod sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 070-2019 sa pagpangamahan ni Bokal Daniel O. Racaza nga naghatag katungod kang gobernador Agel Amante-Matba nga mopirma sa Lease Agreement tali sa panggamhanang probinsyal ug siyam ka negosyante sulod sa usa ka tuig.

Kini nga mga Negosyo naglangkob sa upat ka insurance agencies, airline ticketing office, kan-anan, tindanahna ug ukay-ukay.

Subay sa kasabotan, walo ka gatos ka pesos (P800.00) matag metro kwadrado and erenta sa nasangput nga mga Negosyo sulod sa usa ka tuig. Ang nasangpit nag rental rates subay sa Provincial Ordinance No. 313-2015 o ang Updated Revenue Code sa probinsya nga giamendahan sa Provincial Ordinance No. 377-2015.

Matod pa, mokita ang probinsya sa maong kasabotan og duolan sa lima ka gatos ka libo ka pesos (P500,000.00 sulod sa usa ka tuig.

Ang Capitol Business Park/Capitol Commerical Complex nga nahimutang atbang lamang sa Kapitolyo ug nagsukod og 128,972 metro kwadrado, maoy usa sa mga income generating project sa probinsya nga mopalambo sa panudlanan nini aron matubag ang panginahanglanon sa mga Agusanon.

Kini abling paplitihan sa bisan kinsang buot monegosyo dinhi. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
↧

Thursday, April 25, 2019

April 25, 2019, 6:11 pm
$
0
0

'Solidarity Run for a Cause' set on May 1 in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 25 (PIA)– The Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Incorporation (SURSECO II) will be holding a “Run for Light: A Nationwide Electric Cooperatives (EC) Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) Simultaneous Solidarity Run for a Cause” set on May 1, 2019 at the city boulevard here.

The activity is in line with the 50th Celebration of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) with the theme, “One with the ECs and MCOs for Sustainable Rural Development.”

SURSECO II is now accepting those enthusiast runners who would like to join with a registration fee of P300.00 at the SURSECO II main office.

Interested participants have three category choices to aim: the One kilometer (1K), 3 kilometers (3K), and five kilometers (5K).

For more details regarding the event, they may contact Vlademir Aradillos or Niña Cuizon at 0933-1999-199. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
↧
↧

Friday, April 26, 2019

April 28, 2019, 7:01 pm
$
0
0

‘Buy Caraga by Caraga’ trade fair, exhibit to open May 15

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, April 26 (PIA) - In line with this year's Balangay Festival, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, Gifts Decors and Housewares Entrepreneurs Caraga Inc. (GDH) and One Town, One Product (OTOP) will once again launch a regional trade fair and exhibit dubbed "Buy Caraga By Caraga: Balangay Edition."

It will run from May 15 to 19, 2019 at the Atrium, Robinsons Place Butuan. This annual trade fair and exhibit will showcase the handicrafts, wearables, beverage, fresh and processed foods, and other region’s best products.

According to DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran, it provides a bigger and better platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promoting the locally produced town favorites.

As part of the event, the mall, hotel and restaurant representatives and owners will also converge in a market matching activity wherein the local suppliers will be meeting them and agreed in terms on the possible products they can offer. This gives a chance for the local producers to regularly supply the clients with their quality products.

The organizers are inviting the public to visit the trade fair and choose from a variety of food and non-food items created by local entrepreneurs coming from different areas in the region.

Pagaran is also encouraging the consumers to support the homegrown businesses to sustain the growth of the local economy.

“Join us this summer and experience a more exciting way of discovering the authentic creations of our local producers. Support the local entrepreneurs the take pride of the products manufactured in Caraga region,” added Pagaran. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Agusan Norte sets Balik Eskwela Diskwento caravan

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, April 26 (PIA)– With the aim to provide access to consumers basic and prime commodities and other selected school supplies at discounted prices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte in cooperation with the city government of Butuan will hold a Diskwento Caravan on May 30 to 31, 2019 at the city hall lobby here.

According to DTI Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Brenda Corvera, the Diskwento Caravan is a Balik Eskwela Edition where prices of the basic and prime commodities and selected school supplies are reduced at 10 to 40 percent from the regular prices.

During the two days caravan, different products offered for sale by the invited wholesalers, distributors and retailers will include among others selected groceries, canned goods, detergent soap, food products, bread, school supplies, bags, and many more, said Corvera.

Corvera invites everyone to take the opportunity by buying their grocery and school supplies needs in the two-day caravan to avail of the huge price discounts.

“Big savings await every customer when buying their commodities at the caravan,” Corvera added. (NCLM/DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
↧

Monday, April 29, 2019

April 30, 2019, 12:30 am
$
0
0

International convention center to rise in Siargao Island

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 29 (PIA)– The local government unit of Del Carmen town headed by Mayor Alfredo M. Coro and officials from Siargao International Convention Center, Inc. (SICC) recently launched the first convention center in Siargao Island located in km. 2, national highway, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

The soon to rise convention center is a 1,500 square meter development that can cater to 1,000 guests with state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities. It can host events such as expos, conventions, and meetings.

It has a 753-square meter function hall that can be divided into separate rooms with service kitchen and four meeting rooms.

It has also amenities that include a 900-square meter commercial area that provide services such as food and beverages, novelty and necessities that will cater the needs of guests, providing income and employment in its inclusive growth; a 988-square meter multi-purpose building with basketball court which can also accommodate 888 people to be used for other events such as seminars, meetings, receptions and other gatherings; and hotel reception with infinity pool that can accommodate guests, delegates and organizers who wish to stay in for longer periods with its accommodation at the hotel.

SICC officials represented by Atty. Dante R. Bravo revealed that the soon to rise convention center will be the premiere socio-cultural hub in the municipality of Surigao del Norte with a three-hectare master development plan that will host future events ranging from the local, ASEAN, and international scene that aims to recognize both local and international cultures through its facilities and accommodations.

He said it takes inspiration for its numerous ferries crossing the Surigao Strait between Surigao and the Island of Leyte carrying vehicles and passengers between Liloan in Southern Leyte and Surigao City; creating the link between different boundaries and cultures.

On his part, Mayor Coro gladly supported the SICC in its effort to put up the first-ever premiere hub that will bring in more tourists and sustainable jobs for his constituents and also surely invite more responsible investor that will drive economic benefits.

Coro said Del Carmen with the premiere convention hub, will become the next top tourist destination not only in the Philippines but also in the international scene. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
↧

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019, 12:36 am
$
0
0

AgNor town imposes 'no fee policy' for IP civil registration 

By Jessica O. Mellejor

CARMEN, Agusan del Norte, April 30- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the Sanggunian Resolution No. 085-2019, declaring valid the Municipal Ordinance No. 20 series of 2018 from the Sangguniang Bayan of Carmen, Agusan del Norte adopting the "No Fee Policy" for the registration of all Indigenous Peoples (IP)/Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) members in relation to childbirth, marriage and death registration.

It supported the Sanggunian Resolution No. 360-2018 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte, urging all city and municipal governments to adopt "no fee policy" for all Indigenous Peoples IPs / ICCs for birth, marriage and death registration of their respective Local Civil Registry Offices.

The committee on Laws, Ethics, Peace and Order, chaired by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe, believed that local civil registry fees proposed to collect are not exorbitant or very expensive and the collection of fees is within the 10% allowable adjustment rate for LGUs provided under Section 191 of RA 7160.

The committee, in its March 5, 2019 and March 7, 2019 meetings, suggested some refinements as concurred by the author Sangguniang Bayan Member Eva D. Palarca and the Municipal Civil Register: 1. Under section 2 (a), marriage fee: marriage registration of P32.60 shall be changed to P35.00; and 2. Under the same section, (b) registration of the following: Birth Registration from P22.00 it will now be P25.00; Late Registration from P82.00 it will now be P85.00, Death Registration from P52.00 to P55.00 and Late Death Registration from P82.00 to P85.00.

This was approved by Sanggunian Resolution Number 085-2019, authored by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Python troopers celebrate 46 years of service

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, April 30 (PIA) - The 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army celebrated its 46th founding anniversary on April 16, 2019 held at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer town.

The celebration was anchored on the theme, "Maghiusa sa Kalinaw, alang sa Kalambuan."

Tracing back history, the 30IB was activated on April 16, 1973 and was first stationed at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City now known as the headquarters of 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army and later deployed from Southern Mindanao to Northern Mindanao.
The celebration was highlighted with a mass and a blessing of unit vehicles followed by a formal and short program where stakeholders were recognized for their invaluable support to 30IB’s mission.

Meanwhile, retiring enlisted personnel were also recognized and were given the “Python Seal” as a sign of gratitude for their years of sacrifice and service to country and people.

“Our military will never reach this kind of success in development and become a true advocate of peace without the partnership among our stakeholders and personnel who serve as the main actors in every momentous event we made," said 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Allen Raymund Tomas.

"Our success is the success of the Surigaonons, thank you for your never-ending support to 30IB," he added.

Right after the program, a traditional boodle fight lunch was shared by the officers and troopers, stakeholders and other guests. (30IB-Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 
↧
Search

Friday, May 3, 2019

May 3, 2019, 8:38 pm
$
0
0

18 more cocaine bricks found in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

LINGIG, Surigao del Sur, May 3 (PIA)– Eighteen more bricks of suspected cocaine were found by a fisherman floating in the waters of Surigao del Sur on April 30 and May 1.

Based on the report from the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDS-PPO), a fisherman identified as Jolan Basadre Pucot, 25 years old, turned over a total of 18 bricks of suspected cocaine to the authorities in the town of Lingig.

SDS-PPO revealed that Pucot first found the 16 bricks of suspected cocaine around 4:00 P.M. on April 30 at the seashore of Barangay Handamayan of the said town, 20 kilometers away from Lingig Municipal Police Station.

On the following day (May 1), around 10:30 A.M. while Pucot was on his way off to the shore for fishing, he found again another two bricks of suspected cocaine weighing 2 kilograms at the vicinity of the said barangay.

He immediately brought the said contraband to the Barangay Hall and turned over to barangay Captain Quiobe and PCapt. Edwin Perez.

The 18 bricks of suspected cocaine were brought to Lingig Municipal Station for proper documentation and disposition subject for laboratory examination which will be conducted at the Regional Crime Laboratory Office in Libertad, Butuan City. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ininspeksyon ang mga paaralang pinupugaran ng NPA sa SurSur


By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur, Mayo 3 (PIA) - Ininspeksyon ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang Barangay Lianga, Surigao del Sur upang ma-assess ang kalagayan ng mga Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, at ang Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) na isang non-formal school na umano’y hindi rehistrado sa Department of Education (DepEd) para mag-operate.

Sinabi ni DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas, na matagal na nilang hinikayat ang nasabing paaralan na magparehistro sa DepEd subalit ayaw talaga nitong magparehistro at ayaw ng anumang interbensyon mula sa gobyerno.

Ito ay matapos makatanggap ng report ang Committee on Cultural Communities sa House of Representatives na ang nasabing paaralan at ang Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) ay pinamumugaran ng mga miyembro ng New People’s Army, at ginagamit bilang training ground ng mga kabataang laban sa gobyerno.

Ayon kay Adora Pueblos, secretary ng komite, nais nilang malaman ang basehan ng mga impormasyon o reklamong kanilang natanggap laban sa mga skwelahang nabanggit.

Sabi ni Pueblos, nagkakaisa ang mga kinauukulang ahensiya ng gobyerno sa hakbang na ito sa pamamagitan ng whole of nation approach at mabigyang solusyon ang anumang mali sa sistema.

Ipinahayag naman ni Atty. Reuben Dasay Lingating ng Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) na may mga report na tumatanggap din ng milyon-milyong budget ang TRIFPSS at ALCADEV mula sa mga non-government organizations ng European countries subalit hindi naman ito nalalaan sa mga proyekto at programang tutugon sa edukasyon ng mga kabataang IPs ng rehiyon.

Ayon din kay Remegio Pareja, punong barangay ng Diatagon, hinikayat nilang magparehistro ang TRIFPSS sa DepEd subalit patuloy na tumatanggi ang mga gurong namamahala rito. Ayaw din umano ng grupo na makatanggap ng assistance mula sa gobyerno, at anumang programa at proyekto na para sa mga residente dito.

Ang resulta ng isinagawang site inspection at assessment sa nasabing paaralan sa Lianga, Surigao del Sur ay isusumite sa Office of the President upang malaman ni President Rodrigo Duterte at mabigyan ng akmang sulosyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Mga kandidato nagharap sa isinagawang Candidates’ Forum sa Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 3 (PIA) - Nagharap ang mga kandidato sa pagka-mayor, vice mayor at congressman ng lungsod ng Butuan sa ginanap na Candidates’ Forum na inorganisa ng Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

Sentro ng talakayan ang mga napapanahong isyu, mga polisiya, proyekto at programa na magbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad sa trabaho sa mga butuanon at marami pang iba pa.

Para kay Jocelyn Yee na isang negosyante sa lungsod, suportado niya ang ganitong aktibidad na makatutulong sa mga mamamayan at mga botante na makilatis mabuti ang mga tumatakbong kandidato at makapili nang mga karapat-dapat sa posisyon.

Umaasa rin syang mas matutugunan ng mga mananalong kandidato ang problema sa supply ng tubig maging sa kuryente.

Ayon kay Atty. Josefe Ty, FSUU Policy Center executive director, bagamat may mga ilang kandidatong hindi dumalo sa nasabing forum, naging maayos naman ang proseso o mekanismo ng pagsagot nila sa ibat-ibang isyung kinakaharap ng lungsod at kung papaano nila ito masusulusyonan.

Samantala, ibinahagi naman ni Butuan City election officer Ganger Ranada na malaki ang tulong sa mga simpleng mamamayan ang marinig mismo sa mga kandidato ang kanilang mga plano at long-term solutions sa mga isyu para sa mas ikabubuti pa ng lungsod. Nanawagan din siya sa lahat ng mga botante na maging wa-is sa pagpili ng mga ibobotong kandidato. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 
↧
↧

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

May 6, 2019, 6:08 pm
$
0
0

Gov't agencies conduct site inspection to non-formal schools in SurSur town

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur, May 7 (PIA) - Government agencies in Caraga region assessed the situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, this province and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) - a non-formal school not registered under the Department of Education, believed to be managed by the New Peoples Army.

DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas said they have reached out to the group and encouraged them to have the school registered under DepEd, however, the group refused and does not want government’s intervention.

This was after the Committee on Cultural Communities from the House of Representatives received a report that said school along with the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) is managed and influenced by the NPAs, and also served as a training ground of the youth to fight against the government.

According to Adora Pueblos, secretary of the committee, they wanted to know the bases of the information or complaint that they received against said schools in the area.

She said government agencies are taking steps through a whole of nation approach to come up with solutions in any issues and concerns.

Lawyer Reuben Dasay Lingating of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also revealed that there are also reports claiming that non-government organizations from the European countries are giving multi-million budget as financial support to TRIFPSS and ALCADEV and other non-government organizations, however, these funds are not utilized for projects and programs that directly address to the education of the IPs in the region.

Meanwhile, according to Remegio Pareja, punong barangay of Diatagon, they have encouraged the TRIFPSS management to register their school under DepEd, however, they always refuse to do such, and they decline assistance from the government that promotes the welfare of the locals. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


TESDA eyes more livelihood trainings for FR in SurSur



By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 7 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur official has committed to provide more livelihood training programs for former rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In a press statement, TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva reiterated his commitment to provide livelihood trainings during the discussion with the officials of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB) recently.

“The agency is prepared to accommodate more students to fast-track their reintegration process," Cueva said.

Both officials said the trainings are aimed at developing technical skills and competencies which could help former terrorists land jobs or start their own livelihood activities.

The trainings offered for this year are welding and fabrication, electrical installation, and maintenance, bread and pastry production, food processing, and organic agriculture.

Both officials discussed the agency’s plan to provide various trainings to former rebels who are enrolled in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as part of the re-integration process. The said trainings they planned are aimed at developing technical skills and competencies which could help former rebels land a job or start their own livelihood activities.

According to Captain Edwin Leo Franco Francisco, 75IB Civil Military Operation Officer, TESDA was able to train 30 E-CLIP beneficiaries on carpentry, automotive mechanic, and masonry among others last year.

Lt. Colonel Jaime Datuin, 75IB Battalion Commander, thanked TESDA official for its commitment and dedication to help in ending the local communist armed conflict.

“We want our former terrorist members to go back to their communities and become responsible and productive citizens. Providing them with livelihood skills is one way of helping them regain their dignity which was taken away by the communist-terrorist CPP-NPA,” he said.

Datuin is hopeful that other NPAs would be encouraged to lay down their arms and back to the folds of the government and live into a normal life.

“We do not want them to die in vain as terrorists because they are still our brothers,” he noted. (with a report from 75IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DSWD Caraga names reg'l. entries for Pantawid Pamilya National Partners Summit

By Joana Rica P. Millama


BUTUAN CITY, May 7– In the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga to acknowledge the efforts of its partners/stakeholders in the implementation of their programs and services, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) conducted a regional selection of the best Pantawid Focal Persons to be recognized in the National Partners Summit this May 2019.

As a result of the series of desk and field validations, two Pantawid Focal Persons in Health and Education were selected as regional entries to the summit.

For education, Natividad Labial, master teacher III of Florida National High School in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (FNHS), stood out among all other focal persons because of her innovations such as establishing a Grievance Committee to address the pressing issues within the program, such as absenteeism among Pantawid Pamilya students.

“Mrs. Labial is one of the best teachers in this school. She has established good practices on the 4Ps program especially with students with tardiness and absences. In fact, she always gives orientation about the Program during flag ceremonies,” Ramelio Polestico, school head of FNHS, shared.

For health, Rozana Bantugan, midwife I of Rural Health Unit (RHU) in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, was selected because of her untiring dedication in serving the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries especially those who are located in Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) group.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Mary Michelle Paganpan was all praises about Bantugan’s work ethics.

“Sa kadaghan sa trabaho, nakit-an nako sa iya ang kagustuhan na mutabang (Amidst lot of workloads, I saw her willingness to help). The heart of service and volunteerism, that no matter how hard this work is, taos-puso siya at may adhikain na makatulong (she has the heart and the goal which to help),” she said.

The summit seeks to recognize the efforts and services of Pantawid Pamilya’s partner-stakeholders from the Schools and Health Centers which plays a vital role in contributing to the success of the program.

It is also an avenue to celebrate their milestones as the linkages to key agencies, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH). (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Butuanons witness 2019 Candidates’ Forum

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - The candidates for mayor, vice mayor, and representatives have revealed their platform of government and solutions to various issues and concerns raised during the Candidates' Forum held here, witnessed by various stakeholders.
The said event was spearheaded by Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

The discussion focused on issues, policies, projects and programs that will provide better opportunities for employment to Butuanons and other relevant matters.

For an entrepreneur like Jocelyn Yee from Butuan City, the conduct of Candidates’ Forum was an opportune time for her to know very well the candidates and be able to choose those who deserve the posts.

"We, in the business sector, also hope that the winning candidates would address the problem on water supply, as well as lowering down the rate of water and electricity, so more investors would also put up businesses in the city," she said.

According to lawyer Josefe Ty, FSUU Policy Center executive director, the process or mechanism of the forum still ran smoothly despite the non-attendance of other candidates. She also emphasized that a well-informed Butuanons will prevent them from being victims of vote-buying.

Meanwhile, Butuan City election officer Ganger Ranada highlighted that forum like this is a good venue for voters to see and hear straight from the candidates how they would address the issues and concerns of the city.

He also called on the public to choose their candidates wisely this May 2019 elections. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Over P1-B worth of cocaine bricks found in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 - Amid the intensive information drive and the ‘one sack of rice per brick of cocaine’ reward, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 seized 182 bricks of cocaine worth a billion pesos from the seawaters of Caraga since February 12, 2019.

Based on the record of the Regional Operations Division, a total of 227 kilograms of cocaine with Dangerous Drug Board value of Php 1,135,000,000.00 were turned-over to the police stations in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

On April 30, 2019, some 18 bricks of cocaine were discovered by a fisherman in the seawaters of Lingig town, Surigao del Sur. Jolan B. Pucot, 25 years old, resident of Barangay Handamayan of the same municipality received his reward from Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO13 director on May 1.

Most of the turned-over cocaine bricks were marked ‘Bugatti’ and ‘Dollar Sign ($)’ but the newly discovered cocaine in Lingig had the marking ‘Coca-Cola.’

“The recovery of billion worth of cocaine in the coastal areas of Caraga had saved possible victims of substance abuse," said Cruz. 

"We encourage our local folks to immediately report to the nearest police unit any suspected bricks of cocaine they may find washed ashore or floating in the sea," he added.

During his visit on April 29, 2019 at the headquarters of PRO13, the Deputy PNP Chief for Operations Lieutenant General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa lauded the initiative of Cruz in giving reward to the local folks who can turn-over bricks of cocaine. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

AgSur PWDs nakilahok sa DRRM orientation-seminar

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Lumahok sa Orientation-Seminar ang mga persons with disabilities (PWD) sa Agusan del Sur upang mahasa ang kanilang kakayahan at abilidad nang maging handa sa anumang sakuna o kalamidad.

Isinagawa ito ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), kasama ang Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga.

Aktibong lumahok ang PWD na si Liza Culentas sa orientation tungkol sa paghahanda sa mga sakuna at kalamidad. Ayon sa kanya, mas naramdaman niya ngayon ang pag-aalala at malasakit ng pamahalaan para sa kanilang sektor. Dagdag pa niya, mas naging kampante siya at mas nadagdagan ang tiwala sa sarili sa kabila nang kanyang kapansanan.

“Mula noon, ngayon ko pa naranasan ito. Ngayon ay alam ko na ang mahalagang papel namin. Sa amin, sa Purok-Uno Barangay La Caridad, Prosperidad, ay binabaha talaga. Kaya ngayon na wala pang baha, pinaghahandaan na namin at alam na namin ang aming mga dapit gawin," sabi ni Culentas.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Armando Gomez, PDRRMO ng Agusan del Sur na ang mga PWDs ay kabilang sa mga mahahalagang sector sa lipunan na kinakailangang  pagtuonan ng pansin. Mahalaga, ayon sa kanya, na mapalawak pa ang kaalaman ng mga may kapansanan  para mas mahasa sila sa paghahanda upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan.

“Isa itong mahalagang orientation sa disaster risk reduction and management para sa mga persons with disability dahil ang mga PWds ay isa sa mga vulnerable sectors ng lipunan na kailangang pagtugunan-pansin lalu na sa pagturo o pagbigay alam sa kanila tungkol sa evacuation protocol, at kailangan ding magabayan at masiguro ang kanilang kahandaan at kaligtasan bago paman mangyari ang anumang sakuna, maging after ng sakuna,” pahayag ni Gomez.
Ang inisyatibong ito ay suportado rin ng Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, at Philippine National Police. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 

LGU-Dinagat Islands inilunsad ang isang community-based broadcasting system

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Sa layuning maipaabot sa mga residente sa probinsya ng Dinagat Islands ang tama at napapanahong impormasyon at balita, pormal nang inilunsad ng probinsya ang isang community-based broadcasting system.

Layon nitong makatulong at magamit sa panahon ng kalamidad at sakuna, at magsisilbing benyu para mga ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na ang national line agencies na mapaaabot at maipa-alam ang kanilang ibat-ibang mga proyekto at programa para sa mga residente.

Ang bagong broadcasting system na ito ay matagtagpuan mismo sa annex building ng provincial capitol, Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands, sa ilalim ng Philippine Broadcast System (PBS) at may pahintulot o permit to operate galing sa National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Ang inisyatibong ito ay bilang suporta na rin sa mandato ni President Rodrigo Duterte na maging well-informed citizens ang mga Pilipino sa bansa sa pamamagitan na rin ng pagamit ng mass media sa tamang paraan.

Suportado rin ito ni Secretary Martin Andanar ng Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) at hinihikayat ang lahat ng empleyado ng gobyerno at mamamahayag na manatiling tapat sa kanilang tungkulin na itaguyod ang katotohanan sa pagbabalita at magpatuloy na labanan ang “fake news.”

Ipinapaabot din ni regional director Abner Caga ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga ang kanyang pagbati sa lokal na pamahalaan ng probinsya sa kanilang pagsisikap na magkaroon ng community based broadcasting system na aasahan ng mga residente sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang impormasyon.

Binigyan-diin din niya ang ginagampanang mahalagang papel ng mass media bilang tulay ng gobyerno at mamamayan.

Samantala, sa kanyang mensahe, sinabi ni Governor Glenda Ecleo na malaking tulong ang sistemang ito sa komunikasyon ng mga Dinagatnon upang malaman ng publiko ang mga programang nagawa sa probinsya sa larangan ng infrastructura, turismo, solid waste management, social services at iba pa. (JPG/SDR/PIA-Caraga) 

Piso Caravan ng BSP isinagawa sa palengke ng Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Mas naging matao ang Langihan Public Market sa lungsod ng Butuan nang magsimula nang magtawag ng mga tindero at tindera ang mga tauhan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Butuan branch sa kanilang isinagawang Piso Caravan kung saan mapapalitan ng bagong banknotes at barya ang mga luma ng pera sa pamilihan.

Isa si Ruby Almonia, tindera ng isang karenderya sa loob ng palengke sa mga nagmamadaling lumapit sa BSP at nagpapalit ng ilang barya dahil nangitim na ang kulay ng mga ito, at hindi na tinatanggap sa malalaking tindahan.

“Okay po ito kasi at least yung perang medyo luma na napundo lang dahil sa hindi tinatanggap ng malalaking tindahan ay mapapalitan na rin. lalu na kami rito sa palengke, di rin namin tinatanggap ang mga perang nasira na o wala sa tamang ayos,” sabi ni Almonia.

Ayon kay Glizriel Rose Quijada, Bank Officer II ng BSP Butuan, kasama ang Bankers Club at ibat-ibang commercial banks ng mga probinsya sa Caraga region, sinasagawa nila ang Piso Caravan upang maipalaganap ang impormasyon sa publiko kung papaano ang tamang pag-handle o pag-alaga at pagpapanatiling maayos ang kalidad ng mga pera.

“Isa po itong oportunidad sa ating publiko na makasali sa ating tinatawag na Piso Caravan para ma-exchange po ang kanilang mga unfit or mutiliated na mga banknotes.

Ang activity rin na ito ay bilang suporta sa BSP advocacy campaign on the use of clean and fit notes para maprotektahan natin yung currency integrity kasi kapag fit notes ang ginagamit, madali po nating ma-identify kung ano yung counterfeit o genuine na banknotes and at the same time maiwasan din natin yung transmission ng diseases na sanhi ng bakterya,” paliwanang ni Quijada.

Dagdag pa ni Quijada, magsasagawa rin sila ng Piso Caravan sa Surigao City at iba pang probinsya ng rehiyon.

Maliban sa Piso Caravan, magdadaos rin ang BSP ng orientation-seminar para sa cash handlers ng mga commercial establishments, bakeshop, malls, sari-sari vendors, mula sa transport sector at marami pang iba. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
↧

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

May 7, 2019, 2:45 am
$
0
0

Bayugan farmers acquire inputs on project management

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, May 8 - Twenty six member-farmers of Bayugan Achievers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAMPCO), producing naturally grown products, have recently acquired the basic inputs on packaging and labeling during the Project Management cum Packaging and Labelling Seminar held at the Organic Trading Post (OTP) Hall, this city.

Lemuel Roboca of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), briefed the group on the labelling requirements of the Food and Drug Administration, the types of label lay-out, the branding, elements of packaging and the types of packaging.

Packing and labeling is an important element in packing products for retail.

Rodel Maglunsod, DVM, Provincial Government Department Head of the (PEEDO) Provincial Economic and Enterprise Development Office gave inputs on Project Management.

He introduced the 4Ps of Project Management: 1) Plan; 2) Process; 3) People; and 4) Power, the importance of Vision, Mission and Goals of an organization, understanding the Project Management Cycle, the Initiation, Planning, Execution and Closure Phase, and the Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Maglunsod encouraged BAMPCO to develop a Business Plan as their guide to work on their targets and goals.

The City Agriculture Office already made a commitment to the group to provide technical assistance and inputs like organic fertilizers and seeds to the identified organic farmer champions.

These champions will also enter a contract with the OTP to ensure consistent display of organic products.

BAMPCO staff and other OTP beneficiaries were very thankful for the inputs, realizing that they still have things to implement to sustain the project and later consider it as their business. This will also help improve their income to support the family's requirements. 

OTP is a project of the Department of Agriculture managed by BAMPCO. Currently, it is selling naturally grown animal meat, fruits, vegetables, and other value-adding products like; fermented fruit juice, fertilizers, and pesticides.

It buys the farmers’ produce from this city and other neighboring areas at a better price.
On April 23-24, 2019 same seminar was conducted for the rice delicacy Processors of barangay Noli, Bayugan City. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

NC-Esperanza invites biz operators, entrepreneurs to avail services

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur, May 8 - Charles Palen, Negosyo Center (NC) counselor here, invites the local business operators and those who are planning to engage into business to visit the center during its "NC goes to barangay" advocacy activity.

This is one of the NC initiatives to reach out more business operators and avail its services.

The center regularly conducts entrepreneurial development seminar, business consultancy services, facilitate regulatory requirements in operating business and other business related activities.

Just recently, a seminar on Entrepreneurial Mindsetting was conducted in Esperanza Public Market to the 20 market stall owners in sari-sari, fish and meat section.

John Samson, the municipality's Business Permit Licensing Office (BPLO) - designate, provided inputs on business compliance to the attendees.

The seminar aimed at helping the participants enhanced their entrepreneurial skills, developed the qualities of a successful entrepreneur and determined the right business at the right time and at the right place. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DTI, BIR brief CWD officers of business establishments in AgSur

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, May 8 - Thirty consumer welfare desk (CWD) officers in the province were briefed on the processes and requirements in paying withholding taxes thru the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Caraga.

The briefing was part of the business education seminars of the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) before the start of the CWDOs second quarter meeting held in San Francisco.

The resource person, Jinalyn Nonog of BIR-Bayugan City, also discussed other types of taxes required by the agency like: business tax and income tax.

Jardynne Narvasa of DTI-AdS also presented the DTI- Bagwis Programas well as the rationale and benefits of the stores once recognized.

The CWDs actively participated and learned the basics in the processing of withholding taxes payments.

CWD Officers were coming from three areas of Agusan del Sur, namely San Francisco, Prosperidad and Bayugan City. 
Every quarter, they are equipped on business related laws to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements while doing business in the province. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
↧

Thursday, May 9, 2019

May 8, 2019, 2:05 am
$
0
0

Another Agnor village disowns CPP-NPA terrorist; NPA members surrender

By 1Lt Roel Maglalang


BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 9– While another barangay in the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte declares the Communist Party of the Philippines - New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorists and its Allied Organization persona non-grata (PNG), two regular NPA members, four Militia ng Bayan and 27 members of Underground Movement (UGMO) pledge their loyalty and allegiance to the government on May 6, 2019.

The barangay council unanimously declared the CNTs and their cahoots as PNG in their area.

They voiced out their manifestation that the people are fed-up on the deception, extortion and manipulation of the CNTs in their community.

Moreover, an NPA regular member alias Maymay turned-in one cal. 45 pistol as a sign that he is leaving the underground organization.

He said “grabe gyud akong nasinatian sa ilalom sa grupong CPP-NPA. Ang ilang mga pasalig wala natuman. Akong pamilya na ingon nila suportahan, napasagdan. Ang ilang propaganda puro pamakak (I had a bitter experience being with the NPA in the underground organization. All their promises were not fulfilled. My family did not receive any support from them. Their propaganda are all lies).”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco L. Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23rd Infantry Battalion commended the Barangay Officials and residents of Brgy Simbalan in their pursuit for a peaceful environment.

“Our soldiers are committed in its mandate of serving the people and securing the land.

 We are happy that the people are now helping by declaring the CNTs as PNG,” he said.

“We also encourage the members of the CNTs to stop doing criminal and terroristic activities. Instead, they must join us in pursuit of peace and progress. We partner with other agencies in pushing for development in geographically, isolated and disadvantaged areas,” Ltc Molina added. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

CAFGU member sacrifices life, saves villagers from NPAs

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur, May 9– Approximately 30 Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) deliberately fired on the Community Support Teams, operationally controlled by the 3rd Special Forces (3SF) Battalion, Philippine Army, while on immersion in Sitio Magkahunao, Barangay Buhisan, San Agustin, this province.

Government troops immediately fired back to protect themselves from the perpetrators. Close Air Support (CAS) was also employed to loosen the strong resistance of the CNTs attack and to facilitate the extrication of the government forces.

The firefight lasted for 30 minutes, which resulted in the untimely demise of CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAA) Angelo Mariano, 32 years old and a resident of Barangay Magaud, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, Commander of 3SF Battalion, said that the deployment of the Community Support Program (CSP) teams started last May 2, 2019 which aims to establish and develop disaster and conflict resilient communities in San Agustin.

“CAA Mariano is among the CSP operators deployed in Sitio Magkahunao in order to achieve long lasting peace and development. He lost his life fighting to protect the people from the terroristic acts of the CNTs,” he said.

Baybayan further said that the 3rd Special Forces Battalion grieves as they lost a comrade.

“We also extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of CAA Mariano,” he added.

“His death is a clear manifestation of his heroism and patriotism; always ready sacrifice everything at the expense of losing his own life. His sacrifice will not go in vain for the battalion will seek justice and file appropriate criminal charges against the CNT perpetrators,” Baybayan said. (3SFBn/401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
↧

Friday, May 10, 2019

May 9, 2019, 7:56 pm
$
0
0

Butuan village declares CNTs persona non-grata

By 1Lt Nonette B Banggad

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, May 10– The barangay council of Anticala in Butuan City recently approved Resolution no. 030 series of 2019 declaring the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist persona non-grata in their barangay premises during the barangay council session on April 24, 2019.

Two weeks after the signing of the resolution, Barangay Chairman Antonio Masamayor Masamayor explained the content of the approved resolution to his constituents during the special general assembly meeting on May 6, 2019.

In response to the call of their barangay leaders, more or less 70 purok leaders of the barangay including Datu Pandugukan Diomedes A. Guinsod, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Manobo tribe supported the implementation by doing the symbolic signing of the resolution.

“Kauban sa akong mga katribu ug katigulangan, akong gipadayag akong suporta sa mga lakang nga gibuhat sa atong mga opisyales niining barangay nga maoy maka pabag-o gikan sa dili maayu nga imahe. Ato silang suportahan sa walay pag duha-duha (We, the Manobo tribe and the elderly strongly support the move of the barangay officials. Let us support them all the way)," said Datu Guinsod.

“As the second barangay in Butuan City to declare CNTs as persona non-grata, I hope that more barangays will finally recognize the need to take similar actions against the terrorists and join our campaign to completely eradicate the communist armed conflict in the whole Agusan del Norte,” said Lt. Col. Isagani O Criste, 29IB Commanding Officer. (CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

↧
↧

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

May 14, 2019, 1:13 am
$
0
0

Ex-NPAs urge Caraga rebels to rejoin gov't

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 15 (PIA) -- The former members of the new people’s army (NPA) terrorist group are urging their former allies who are still active in the resistance against the government to find their way back to the mainstream society.

Edward Gultia, a teacher who previously served the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) for 19 years, revealed that the school is not accredited by the Department of Education and is run by New People’s Army (NPA).

“What were inculcated to us during exclusive gatherings in a secluded and mountainous part in Surigao del Sur where these NPA rebels inhabit are plainly the same with what were being taught to the students of TRIFPSS,” revealed Gultia, adding that the learners would grow up hating the government.

Sonny Boy Acebedo, a former student of the TRIFPSS, also shared how the NPA rebels had indoctrinated the students by influencing them to adopt radically different beliefs against the government, and by teaching them on how to manipulate and use firearms at a very young age.

According also to Datu Jomar “Nahikyad” Bocales, municipal tribal chieftain of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, the ideas and principles taught in the TRIFPSS and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. (ALCADEV) schools are contrary to the democratic system of government, wherein the Lumad students were motivated for rebellion.

This, according to him, was confirmed by his contacts within the circle of the NPA movement.

Rico Maca, indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) of San Miguel municipality in Surigao del Sur, also said that the NPA operators of the TRIFPSS and ALCADEV schools barred the implementation of DepEd’s Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) curriculum framework in the area.

“It’s very obvious to see how these TRIFPSS and NPA are closely related. In fact, they are even into killing of the Lumad leaders who support the imposition of IPEd in the communities," he said.

The former NPAs hope for the active rebels to return and profess their loyalty anew to government so they could live a more meaningful and peaceful life. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Workers trained on new communication techniques 

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 15 -- About a hundred of population workers and volunteers from different areas of Caraga were trained on effective Interpersonal Communication and Counseling (IPC/C), as a core strategy for facilitating behavior change among clients leading to the attainment of desired healthy behaviors.

In the IPCC on Family Planning (FP) training workshop conducted by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)-Caraga, Director Alexander A. Makinano disclosed that the three batches of non-health service providers including population workers were equipped with practical information, skills, techniques, and resources to improve the quality and assess the effectiveness of interpersonal communication, counseling, and group communication to strengthen the delivery of health services at their respective area.

POPCOM emphasized that the training workshop helped the frontline non-health service providers maximize the one-on-one provider-client interactions to accurately assess the health concern of the client that caused to visit to the facility and offer a viable solution.

The agency, on the other hand, stressed that most provider-group interactions are organized for health education, and the conduct of various family planning demand generation activities like Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning class, and Usapan sessions.

The training workshop also helped enhance the effectiveness of non-health service providers in conducting these sessions to enable their clients or the couples, particularly those with unmet need on modern FP, to practice modern FP method of their choice and eliminate unintended pregnancies among social-economically poor women. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

PPA remits record-breaking P9.4-B in dividend, taxes for 2018

MANILA, May 15 -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) continued its strong fiscal performance in 2018 as it remits P3.5 billion in dividends to the national coffers for 2018.

On top of this, the state-owned agency likewise paid P5.9 billion in taxes for 2018, more than half of total taxes paid in the last 10 years.

Overall, the PPA is contributing a record-breaking amount of P9.4 billion in terms of dividends and taxes to the national government for the past year, which can be used for the government’s various social welfare, health and other projects.

Latest data from the PPA showed that total dividends for 2018 amounts to P3.5 billion, setting another all-time record for the PPA. Last year, PPA remitted some P3.1 billion, its highest recorded dividend in the last 30 years. Dividend payment for 2018 overshadowed last year’s dividend and marks PPA’s highest dividend payment in its history.

While growth percentage slowed down for the period covered, the increase in dividend remains high as the 2018 figure is 13 percent higher than the 2017 dividend.

PPA is mandated to remit at least 50 percent of its annual net income to the national government after it was granted fiscal autonomy during the term of President Corazon C. Aquino.

Meanwhile, total revenues for 2018 reached P17.49 billion or 8.13 percent higher than the target for the year. The amount is also higher by P14 percent compared to the total revenues recorded a year earlier.

According to PPA general manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, the agency’s performance in the past two years has placed the PPA on stable financial ground which will enable it to continue sustaining port services of the highest standards.

“This was achieved amid the agency’s massive infrastructure spending in port repair, modernization and development in support of the government’s Build, Build, Build program for the Philippines to achieve the ‘golden age’ of infrastructure,” Santiago said.
Santiago added that the streamlining of port processes and aligning it with global standards coupled with strategic port development and modernization have greatly contributed to this strong performance.

“This is also a testament to the resiliency of the Philippine economy as it continues to thrive despite external pressures from different foreign economies,” Santiago said.

With this, the PPA is expected to once again land in the higher echelon of the ‘Billionaires Club’ of Government Owned and Controlled Corporations contributing billions of pesos in dividends to the National Government. PPA is a consistent member of this club in the last decade but belonging only to the bottom half of the club. It only upped the ante when the new administration took over in 2016. (Philippine Ports Authority/PIA-Caraga)

POPCOM eyes to end spousal violence

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 15 -- Mainstreaming gender equality as part of its continuing advocacy to address issues in population management, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga heightens its implementation of various Gender Responsive Population Strategies (GRPops) at the local level, in close coordination with program partners and stakeholders.

POPCOM emphasized that the interrelationship between gender and population matters have been continuously taken into account in the implementation of the Philippine Population Management Program activities through its three major program components, namely Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP), Adolescent Health and Development (AHD), and Population and Development (POPDEV) Integration.

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.

To further intensify its advocacy, POPCOM Caraga facilitated Gender Sensitivity Training among personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Butuan City Jail and the local government employees of San Agustin Municipality, Surigao del Sur.

The activity oriented the participants on Gender Concepts including gender issues that exist in the organization and households.

Director Alexander A. Makinano of POPCOM Caraga reiterated that population issues cut across gender issues such that human sexuality, gender roles and expectations, and gender socialization ultimately affect values, attitudes, and emotions manifested by the individual.

To recall, in the preliminary results of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 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 third with 7.6 percent.

Violence against women and children (VAWC) is one common type of gender-based violence that exists in the society and it is one of the barriers to women empowerment and development. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

POPCOM, DOLE boost family planning in private firms

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 15 -- Various private companies with 200 workers or more in the region were trained on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP), organized by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga.

As agency members of the POPCOM Board of Commissioners (BOC), POPCOM underscored that the activity aimed to assimilate the RPFP program in their respective workplace, incorporate in the HR budget, and extend the program to people’s organizations under their agency. 

Provision of RPFP information and services in the workplace both in the public and private sectors is one of the priority strategies under the said program.

The RPFP priority strategies are geared towards assisting couples to achieve their desired number, timing and spacing of children within the demand of responsible parenthood through effective family planning.

To further heighten its advocacy, POPCOM Caraga has recently conducted another RPFP in the Workplace Seminar-Workshop in Butuan City and Surigao del Norte, targeted the private companies with 200 employees and above. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)
↧

Thursday, May 16, 2019

May 15, 2019, 1:18 am
$
0
0

Pag-IBIG Fund posts P9-B net income in Q1 2019

BUTUAN CITY, May 16 -- Pag-IBIG Fund recorded higher earnings in the first three months of the year as demand for its loan products surge and collections continue to improve.

For the first quarter of 2019, the Fund’s gross income amounted to P12.69 billion while net income reached P8.96 billion, up by 17 percent and 11 percent, respectively, from its earnings in the same quarter last year.

“In January, we reported that Pag-IBIG Fund recorded its highest ever income of P33.17 billion in 2018, which is 10 percent better than the previous year. The double-digit growth of our income continues in the first quarter of 2019. Because Pag-IBIG Fund stands as one of the most profitable government corporations, we remain in a strong position to provide social services to more Filipino workers. This is in line with President Duterte’s directive of providing social benefits to Filipinos, especially the low-wage earners,” said secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who heads both the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

From January to March this year, demand for Pag-IBIG Fund’s loan programs spiked. The amount of home loans released surged 22 percent year-on-year to P17.21 billion, while the number of borrowers increased 13 percent to 19,696.

Short-term loans (STL) or cash releases rose eight percent to P12.05 billion as the number of borrowers grew to 593,269, which is 12 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Collections, on the other hand, amounted to P40.24 billion, an overall increase of 13 percent year-on-year. Collected members’ monthly savings jumped 16 percent to P11.15 billion.

Meanwhile, payments for home loans amounted to P15.25 billion and STL payments totaled P13.67 billion, growing 15 percent and eight percent, respectively.  

“While the first three months of the year are usually slow for most companies, we have once again bucked the trend as we continue to achieve double digit growth. The demand for our home and cash loan programs exceeded our projections by a considerable margin and marked increases from the same period last year. As of March, our total assets have reached P552 billion, which is about 12 percent higher than last year’s figures. Our Q1 financials prove once again how robust the workers’ fund really is. We achieved our best year yet in 2018. If the upward trend continues in the next three quarters, we may well be on the way to achieve another best year in 2019,” said Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti. (Pag-IBIG Fund/PIA-Caraga)
↧
Search

Friday, May 17, 2019

May 16, 2019, 1:20 am
$
0
0

Pag-IBIG Fund reminds employers on penalty condonation programs

Manila, May 17 -- In a move to improve the plight of more Filipino workers, the top executives of Pag-IBIG Fund have recently reminded employers to settle their obligations before its penalty condonation programs expire by mid-year.

“Pag-IBIG Fund continues to heed the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to provide social benefits to more Filipinos. Pag-IBIG savings is one of the workers’ benefits so this is why we are going after unregistered and delinquent employers who are not giving what is due to their employees. We are offering penalty condonation programs to employers to improve compliance. This way the employees get to enjoy their Pag-IBIG membership while we offer payment plans under our penalty condonation programs to ease the burden on employers. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved,” said Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

The Fund is currently offering two penalty condonation programs - one under Circular No. 416 for employers who did not deduct Pag-IBIG monthly savings from employees and another under Circular No. 411 for those who deducted monthly savings but did not remit these to Pag-IBIG Fund.

Under the two circulars, unregistered and delinquent employers will be given two payment options and terms that best suit their capacity.

Employers covered by Circular No. 411 only have until June 26, 2019 to settle while employers covered by Circular No. 416 only have until August 13, 2019 to do so.

So far, more than 6,100 unregistered and delinquent employers availed of the penalty condonation programs. They have collectively remitted P260 million in monthly savings for over 194,000 employees who were previously deprived of the benefit. With the employers’ compliance, these employees now have an updated membership and can fully enjoy the benefits and services of Pag-IBIG Fund.

“Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the penalty condonation program to help employers comply with the law. Since 2017, we already helped delinquent employers save a total of P200 million in penalties. As we work to allow more workers to become members of the Fund, we want to make sure that their monthly savings are remitted properly and on time by their employers because it is their right. We would like to remind them that under RA 9679, saving for the future is a joint effort of employees and employers,” said Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti. (Pag-IBIG Fund/PIA-Caraga)
↧

Monday, May 20, 2019

May 20, 2019, 6:49 pm
$
0
0

DENR-13 celebrates Month of the Ocean

By Hannah M. Morano

BUTUAN CITY, May 20 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga celebrates the 2019 Month of the Ocean (MOO) through a simultaneous region-wide coastal clean-up drive on May 24, 2019.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the MOO celebration with the theme “Free the Seas from Marine Debris.”

The theme for this year focuses the issues of marine debris and its emerging threats to the coastal and marine biodiversity.

DENR Caraga regional director lawyer Felix Alicer reiterated that the annual observance of the Month of the Ocean is mandated through Presidential Proclamation No. 57, series of 1999.

As specified in Section 2, the DENR and Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are mandated to spearhead the observance of the MOO.

Other government agencies, private sector, academe, partners and other stakeholders pledged to become actively involved during the simultaneous region-wide coastal clean-up drive to show their support to the agency’s undertakings.

This environmental endeavor aims to highlight the conservation, preservation and sustainable management of the country’s coastal and marine resources.

The Department’s efforts and initiatives to help and protect our coastal and marine environment are unceasing and go beyond the MOO.

“Together, in many ways, we can help and keep our seas free from marine debris,” said Alicer. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)
↧
↧

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

May 20, 2019, 6:52 pm
$
0
0

DENR-PENRO AgSur to conduct river clean-up for Ocean Month celebration

By Chello M. Tanjay

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, May 21 - In celebration of Month of the Ocean (MOO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad this province will conduct a river clean-up at Minabang creek, San Francisco on May 24, 2019.

The clean-up activity, that is set to start at 6:00 a.m., will be participated in by approximately 200 volunteers from national and government agencies, local government units , students and residents of the four barangays adjacent to the creek.

Forester Jerome Albia, PENRO incharge, encouraged the volunteers to bring clean-up tools such as sticks, rakes and used sacks and to wear appropriate working attire with rubber gloves and boots.

They are also advised to bring tumbler in lieu of single-use plastics as the PENRO will only provide water for refill.

This year’s theme “Free the Sea From Marine Debris” is centered on the rising issues concerning marine debris and its effects to coastal and marine biodiversity.

This initiative aims to help address the global ocean concern posed by plastic pollution.

The MOO is celebrated annually in the Philippines during the month of May by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 157, which aims to highlight the importance and significance of the conservation, protection and sustainable management of country’s coastal and marine resources.  

The law also mandates the DENR and the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to spearhead the activities of MOO in collaboration with the different sectors of the society.

As one of the agency’s interventions in sustaining the effective management of the country’s environment and natural resources, PENRO Agusan del Sur embolden all Agusanons to be responsible and to actively participate in this endeavor. (PENRO-ADS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
↧

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

May 21, 2019, 8:11 pm
$
0
0
CENRO-Talacogon facilitates MOA signing for FLUP formulation 

By Cherlie G. Buo

LA PAZ, Agusan del Sur, May 22 – Community of Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Talacogon personnel recently facilitated the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Municipality of La Paz through Mayor Ambrosio Lim and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through Regional Executive Director lawyer Felix Alicer for the formulation of Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP).

In behalf of  Alicer, assistant regional director for Technical Services For. Ben-Ali Decampong attended said event, together with Forester Jerome Albia, Officer In-charge of DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO); Forester Vince Estopito, Community of Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of Talacogon; and other stakeholders of La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

In his message,  Decampong said that FLUP will be the guiding book for the LGU on managing their Natural resources and even on the proper allocation of Forest and Forestland.

“FLUP will create a strong partnership between the DENR and LGU La Paz,” said ARD Decampong.

Cydric Cumba, Municipal Environment Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) presented the content of MOA particularly the roles and responsibilities of both parties.

“We are anticipating the full support of the leading agency on the formulation and for the future implementation of the municipal FLUP,” he said.

Meanwhile, CENRO Estopito reiterated on his message the importance of FLUP to the municipality including the benefits of having a sustainable management of the municipal natural resources.

“Sharing of responsibilities will create a positive outcome between the LGU and DENR,” he said.

The MOA signing was then signed by Ambrosio Lim for LGU La Paz and witnessed by Decampong, CENR Officer Vince Estopito and OIC, PENR Officer For. Jerome Albia.

The signed MOA will be endorsed to the higher office for consolidation and records. (CENRO-Talacogon/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PENRO-SDN presents environmental Medium Term Plan for FY 2020-2022

By Jay Ar M. Montaner

TAGANA-AN, Surigao del Norte, May 22 - The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – Surigao del Norte (PENRO-SDN) presented its first draft of Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Medium Term Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-2022 in the recently conducted Final Review and Critiquing of ENR Plan facilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Planning and Management Division (PMD) at the Regional Learning Center, Ambago, Butuan City.

Forester Maritess Ocampo, officer-in-charge (OIC) of PENRO-SDN, thoroughly discussed the ENR plan containing the proposed projects of the office within the three–year period which focuses the core problem on upland and coastal degradation based on the identified environmental issues within the province of Surigao del Norte.

The critiquing was paneled by assistant regional director for Management Services (ARD-MS) Samuel Danganan, OIC-PMD Chief Antonieta Jurado, and Technical Division chiefs in the region.

The PENROs from four provinces of Caraga also presented their respective plans derived from the identified issues and concerns occurred in the provinces.

Series of meetings and consultations were conducted before the final critiquing.

The Medium Term Plan was created per memorandum from the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, dated July 13, 2018 that the Department will be institutionalizing reforms in improving the planning process through the Formulation of Medium Term ENR Plan using Geographic Information System (GIS).

Drafted ENR Plans will be consolidated by the region for submission to Central Office. (JPG/CENRO Tubod/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DENR initiates seagrass, coral reef monitoring in Siargao Islands

BUTUAN CITY, May 22 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office personnel had collaborated with the protected area superintendent (PASu) of Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) in the conduct of seagrass and coral reef monitoring under the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program (CMEMP) in the established Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the municipalities of Dapa, Sta. Monica and Pilar in Siargao Islands.

The two teams were created to simultaneously conduct the seagrass and coral reef monitoring per municipality following the standard Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Technical Bulletin No. 2017-05 or the Guidelines on the Assessment of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems.

The artificial reefs (ARs) were also monitored by the coral reef team. Data were then inputted and is subject for analysis and finalization by the PASu-SIPLAS Office.

This activity is part of the annual target of PASu-SIPLAS in ensuring the management and protection of the coastal and marine ecosystems in Siargao Island. The MPAs are no-take zones or reserve areas in the ocean that ensures fishery and biodiversity enhancement.

MPAs are annually monitored by DENR to update the status of the coral reef and seagrass in the area. This is also to ensure that issues be addressed and proper management be in place.

The team will continue to monitor the MPAs in the municipalities of Burgos, Socorro, General Luna, San Isidro and Del Carmen in the succeeding weeks. (LBO, DENR-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CENRO Tubay leads tree planting  to reduce flooding

By Fely Grace V. Catalan

CABADBARAN CITY, May 22– The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tubay spearheaded by OIC, CENR Officer Teresa Salisid recently conducted a tree planting activity along the bank of Cabadbaran River located at Sitio Hinagdanan, Comagascas, this city.

Salisid said the tree planting activity aims to protect threatened and endangered species.
"Planted trees will help save the river, reduce the risk of flooding and stabilize the bank," she said.

Among the groups that participated in the activity are residents and barangay officials from the barangay local government unit of Comagascas, Cabadbaran City; partners from the industries - EMCO Plywood Corporation; and Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated (AMVI).

The activity successfully planted a total of 600 various seedlings of Narra, Magcono, Lawaan, Molave, Mahogany, Sagimsim, Name Tree, Camagong and Talisay along the 580 meters stretch of Comagascas River, Cabadbaran City.

The activity is in line with the Earth Day celebration 2019 with the theme ”Protect Our Species.” (CENRO-Tubay/PIA-Caraga)
↧

Thursday, May 23, 2019

May 22, 2019, 7:04 pm
$
0
0

Caraga fisherfolks urged to strengthen organizational efforts

By Salve M. Dinolan

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 23 (PIA) -- During the recent field visit of current national fisherfolk director (NFD) Dante Noces here in Caraga region, he repeatedly urged the local fisherfolks to strengthen the efforts of their organizations for them to benefit more from any developments.

The appeal of Noces, who is from Region 1, was in response to the illegal fishing concerns in the province of Dinagat Islands as expressed by the fisherfolks and lobster growers at the meeting in the municipality of Cagdianao.

According to Noces, fisherfolks shall help the government stop the illegal activities by taking care and guarding their respective cages.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), on the other hand,  shall be empowered to lobby the local government unit (LGU) to create a task force and city/municipality ordinances to address these concerns.

Representatives from the National Anti-Poverty Council (NAPC) who were with Noces suggested that if all else fails, there is the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2018-59, which sanctions the LGU for their inaction towards the monitoring and regulation of fishery activities in the municipal waters as part of their territorial jurisdictions.


As for alternate livelihood programs to sustain the families of the lobster growers during off season, former regional fisherfolk director (RFD) Ruben Timogan encouraged the group to engaged in marine culture such bangus, tilapia, fish coral, seaweed farming, among others.

The wives can also do the marketing or do some handicrafts.

Noces, Timogan and this year’s RFD Rebustiano Patayon, Jr. also paid a quick visit at a lobster and grouper farm in Barangay Cabunga-an, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.

The Fisherfolk Directors Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Res#CaragaFisherfolksources (BFAR) is in pursuant to the provisions of Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88, series of 2005, which states that one fisherfolk leader is chosen to act as BFAR director at the national and regions levels in the whole month of May as one of the highlights of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month celebration.
During the month-long stint, the fisherfolk leaders are expected to provide insights and recommendations to advance the services of the bureau to the public.

Also, the regular BFAR directors are required to undertake a 2-week community immersion program in coastal villages to help them in drawing up more responsive programs and effective implementation strategies for its clients. (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Fishery art exhibit showcased in ‘One Surigao’ celeb

By Salve M. Dinolan


SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 23 -- In time with the 118th Founding Anniversary of “One Surigao” on May 14-15, 2019, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Caraga featured several photos and paintings through a fishery art exhibit.

BFAR, together with other stakeholders from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, participated in the Agri-Aqua Trade Fair.

The celebration also highlighted the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Rare Philippines represented by its vice president Raquel Sanchez Tirona and BFAR-Caraga through regional director Visa Tan-Dimerin for the Fish Forever/Fishing for Climate Resilience Project.

Fish Forever is Rare’s comprehensive and community-led solution to revitalizing coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses; protecting biodiversity; and securing the livelihood of the coastal communities.

"One Surigao" event was hosted by the provincial government office of Surigao del Norte held at the Surigao Sports Complex. (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
↧
Viewing all 5865 articles
Browse latest View live
Search
<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>