Thursday, 02 April 2026

Butuan City launches carpooling for 2026 Panaad amid high fuel prices

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan continues to demonstrate unity and compassion during the Holy Week with its carpooling initiative for the 2026 Panaad, ensuring support to residents who want to express their faith despite the continued rise in fuel prices. 

Under the program, designated pick-up points will be established across the city where individuals can safely join shared rides going to Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Anticala, where Panaad 2026 was held.

“We have five (5) designated pick-up points located at Libertad Overpass, Guingona Park, Tiniwisan, Rotunda Ampayon, and Taguibo Crossing,” said City Councilor Theodore Gabriel Salcedo.

He added that a total of 10 buses will be deployed to provide free carpool services. These same pick-up points will also serve as designated drop-off areas after the Panaad 2026. The free carpool service will remain available until the conclusion of the activity.

During the site inspection conducted by the city government and partner agencies, namely, the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Congressman Jose S. Aquino II, and Councilor Theodore Gabriel Salcedo on March 30, 2026, in Sitio Mahayahay, Anticala, ensured that the road was secure for the safety of all the devotees who were going to join. 

Meanwhile, a designated parking area was also established for those bringing their private vehicles and motorcycles,  ensuring that the vehicles are safe and the pilgrimage orderly.

The city government emphasized that the carpool initiative is more than just a response to high fuel prices but a reflection of the community’s spirit of devotion through service to others. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from the Office of Butuan City Councilor Salcedo) 

Thursday, 02 April 2026

PMO Surigao activates ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos’ for Holy Week

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — To ensure the safety and convenience of travelers during the 2026 Lenten season and summer break, the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao has officially activated ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.’

The initiative places all ports under a heightened alert status and introduces the ‘malasakit help desks’ to assist the anticipated surge of passengers. On Tuesday, March 31, Port Manager Froilan U. Caturla and Port Police Chief Elvis Daguman conducted a personal inspection of the Surigao Passenger Terminal Building to verify operational readiness.

Manager Caturla said, “To prevent congestion and ensure orderly transit, the PMO has outlined several mandatory protocols.”

The mandatory protocols include the following:  

• Streamlined operations. All service counters will be fully operational during peak hours to minimize queuing. Feedback hotlines have also been activated for real-time passenger assistance.
• Enhanced security. All passengers must undergo mandatory security screening before boarding. Security personnel, supported by 24/7 CCTV monitoring, will maintain high visibility. A “fast lane” has been established for PWDs, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with minimal luggage.
• Facility upgrades. The port will provide 24/7 first aid, clean restrooms, free drinking water, and additional tents and chairs for waiting areas.
• Inter-Agency Coordination. The PMO is working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and maritime law enforcement to prevent any criminal activity or harassment of travelers outside the port premises.
• First aid facilities. In coordination with the Philippine Red Cross, health care workers are on standby as first responders, offering services such as blood pressure checks. 

To ensure operational efficiency and public safety, all personnel must adhere to the following security protocols:

• Security and Vigilance. Maintain a heightened alert status by proactively monitoring high-traffic areas and port property to protect passengers and staff. 
• Staffing and Equipment. Port police stations must be manned 24/7. Officers on duty must wear functional body-worn cameras at all times; any equipment malfunction must be reported immediately.
• Communication and Coordination Stations must maintain active, publicly accessible phone numbers and email addresses, prominently displayed on-site and online. Personnel are expected to collaborate closely with local law enforcement to ensure a unified emergency response.
• Passenger Service Officers should remain visible and available to assist travelers with inquiries, providing the guidance necessary to ensure a smooth and efficient flow of port operations.

Caturla added that PMO Surigao urged passengers to declare metallic objects or industrial tools before X-ray inspections to speed up processing. 

Ship agents have also been directed to provide frequent, real-time updates on vessel arrival and departure schedules. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from PPA-PMO Surigao)

Thursday, 02 April 2026

Streets of Dinagat Islands’ town turn flavorful this Holy Week with its ‘Binignit Festival’

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The town in San Jose in the Province of Dinagat Islands is set to elevate ‘Binignit,’ a famous native delicacy cooked during the Holy Week, from a mere household preparation to a community-wide engagement with its most anticipated ‘Binignit Festival’ on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.

During Binignit Festival, the households in all 12 barangays of the town with 26,735 population (2024 census) will cook binignit, a Filipino delicacy made from rice gruel with fruits and tubers, stewed in coconut milk along with sugar and ‘sago’ or tapioca pearls.

San Jose Mayor Ruben D. Zuniega shared the collaboration behind the festivity in its second year in support of meaningful Holy Week observance, as well as a strategic initiative to boost the tourism sector of the town and the province, especially with the onset of summer vacation.  “This community engagement is spearheaded by the barangay officials, including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and the local government of San Jose through the Municipal Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (MTCAO).”

“Ang festival naghatag og bili sa espiritu sa Puasa, pagkahiusa, ug pagpamalandong sa panahon sa Kuwaresma. Usa kini ka higayon aron maghiusa, magtinabangay, ug lig-onon ang atong komunidad” (The festival gives value to the spirit of penitential fasting as we prepare and reflect for Easter, an opportunity for unity and cooperation to strengthen the community),” Mayor Zuniega said.

“Dad-a ang inyong pamilya, mga higala, ug lingawa ang usa ka hapon nga puno sa init, kalami, ug panaghiusa samtang ipakita sa atong mga barangay ang ilang pinakamaayo ug pinakalami nga binignit” (Please bring your family and friends and let us all enjoy the afternoon filled with warm and delicious binignit, while we showcase the unity of all our barangays, and we also cook the best binignit), the mayor said. 

“Kita-kits, San Jose! Magsaulog kita sa atong kultura, mga bili, ug pagkalig-on nga komunidad” (See you all, San Jose! Let us celebrate our culture, values and community resilience).

According to MTCAO, for this year, the festival will feature a parade of binignit in the town’s main streets going to the PBMA Shrine in Barangay Aurelio, where everyone – locals, tourists, and travelers can stop by and have a free taste of the dish.

San Jose Municipal Information Officer Jurie Mancia also relayed that every barangay will cook binignit, and all will be pooled together to create a vibrant street full of binignit where everybody is invited to eat. “Last year, 700 individuals participated in the activity. This year, the LGU is targeting to have at least 1,000 people join and bring vigor to the Binignit Festival.”

Meanwhile, the town of San Jose serves as the provincial capital and the gateway of the island province.  It offers tourism portfolios, such as culture and heritage, pristine beaches, festivals, and gastronomy, among others.

It is where locals and tourists come, revisit, and witness in awe the heritage site of PBMA Shrine and the Islander’s Castle, and be zestful at Don Ruben island-hopping gateway and the Santa Cruz beach resort.  

The municipality also offers unique edifices such as the flamboyant Japanese warship-inspired IJN Yamashiro People’s Hall Building, and the nearly finished Magellan-Elcano’s Galeon Victoria replica ship to serve as the Provincial Tourism, Culture and Heritage Center, both located in Barangay Cuarinta. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from San Jose MTCAO)

Thursday, 02 April 2026

Prosperidad bishop calls for inclusive Holy Week: A celebration for all generations

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As the Catholic faithful across Caraga prepare for the solemn observance of Holy Week, Bishop Ruben C. Labajo of the Diocese of Prosperidad reminds the community that the week-long commemoration of Christ’s passion is not reserved for the elderly alone, but is a spiritual journey meant for all ages.

“Ang atong kalihukan sa Holy Week is for everybody: para sa mga batan-on, tigulang, ug even the children (The observance of Holy Week is for everybody: for the youth, the elderly, and even the children),” Bishop Labajo emphasized, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in the celebration.

Holy Week for All Generations

The Diocese of Prosperidad, one of the three Catholic dioceses in Caraga, has been actively encouraging participation from the youth and children. Bishop Labajo highlighted the establishment of youth ministries in parishes and chapels, designed to engage younger members of the community in church activities. Even children are given roles on Easter Sunday, such as portraying angels in the reenactment of Jesus’ resurrection.

This initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to nurturing faith across generations, ensuring that the Holy Week observance remains vibrant and meaningful for the entire Catholic community.

A Celebration Amid Global Crisis

When asked about the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on the conduct of the religious celebration, Bishop Labajo acknowledged that this year’s Holy Week carries deeper significance. He noted that the suffering resulting from the global conflict resonates with the essence of Jesus’ passion.

“Para sa ako, mas meaningful ang atong selebrasyon karong tuiga sa Semana Santa tungod sa krisis nga atong giatubang. Nag-antos tanan tungod sa gubat, ug ang pag-antos mao ang core sa atong gisaulog—kining Passion of Christ” (For me, this year’s Holy Week celebration is made more meaningful due to the crisis we are currently facing.) We are suffering because of the current [Middle East] conflict, and this suffering is exactly the core of our celebration–the Passion of Christ, said Bishop Labajo.

The bishop encouraged the faithful to embrace the challenges of the present time with faith and resilience. While disappointment and anger over the economic crisis may be understandable, he urged believers to take up their cross and unite with Jesus’ suffering..

Strengthening Faith and Community

Bishop Labajo’s message serves as a reminder that Holy Week is not only a time of reflection but also an opportunity to strengthen communal bonds. By involving the youth and children, the Diocese of Prosperidad ensures that the traditions of Holy Week are passed on and lived out by future generations.

As the Caraga region, with its substantial Catholic population, enters into the solemn days of Holy Week, Bishop Labajo’s call echoes across parishes: to make the observance a shared journey of faith, hope, and renewal for all. (NJGD, PIA Caraga) 

Thursday, 02 April 2026

Dinagat Islands tourism office reminds public to be cautious with online travel bookings

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Don’t get scammed. Verify before you book online.  

This is an online advisory issued by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office (PTCO) on April 1 as a prompt reminder to domestic and foreign tourists wishing to visit the province this Holy Week.

Dinagat Islands Provincial Tourism and Cultural Officer Benlen D. Navas said, “Smart travel starts with secure choices and verified local partners.”

He underscored the importance of having travel plans and ensuring a smooth visit to the beautiful province of Dinagat Islands by checking the authenticity of the travel agency before finalizing any bookings and doing financial transactions online.

He also reminded the public to only transact with travel agencies accredited by the province and the Department of Tourism.

“Be cautious of suspicious accounts or pages requesting upfront payments without proper documentation or verification,” he added. “For assistance and verification, he encouraged the public to message the Facebook page of Dinagat Islands –Tourism and Culture Office, email at ptco.dinagatislands@gmail.com, or call at 0936-367-3538.”

Meanwhile, with influx of tourists expected to arrive in the province in observance of the Holy Week, the PTCO, in partnership with the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard – Dinagat Islands station and the local government of San Jose, has conducted the monitoring of key tourist destinations and real-time data collection for tourism statistics at the Don Ruben Port island hopping gateway beginning March 28.

Accordingly, these operational efforts will remain in full swing throughout the Holy Week to ensure consistent service delivery and visitor safety during peak travel days. This also reinforces the provincial government’s commitment to optimizing service standards, while positioning Dinagat Islands as a safe, sustainable, and visitor-centric destination. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from Dinagat Islands PTCO)