Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Caraga gov’t IOs enhance public messaging through communication planning training

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Caraga, secretariat of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC), organized a communication planning training for information officers (IOs) and IO designates of national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and state colleges and universities (SUCs) across the Caraga region.

The training, held on April 14-16 in Butuan City. aims to enhance the skills of government communicators in crafting effective public communication through strategic planning. To help realize such a goal, Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez, a seasoned communicator and strategist shared her expertise as the resource person of the said workshop.

“As communicators, our primary goal is behavioral change. Through our strategic communication plans, we will be able to effectively tell stories and influence the choices that our audience—the Filipino citizens—make,” said Rodriguez.

She added that the mandate of all government communicators should be aligned with that of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), which is to deliver timely, accurate, and relevant information thereby contributing to the public’s capability to make informed decisions based on transparency and truth.

The participants of the communication planning training were not limited to information officers but included personnel holding varied positions and assignments. All were designated to support their respective organizations in strengthening public messaging by applying the theories and techniques gained during the workshop.

Krizza Mae Orejas, planning officer and IO designate of the Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) shared to her co-participants how the training has helped her appreciate the interconnectedness of the roles among IOs and planning officers in providing vital information to their clientele.

“This training has brought me clarity especially with regards to my functions as a newly designated planning and information officer of our university. The duties of both positions, though they are usually handled by different personnel, are directly related as both of them go through the process of strategizing and planning to help realize the endeavors of the agency or institution,” she explained.

DEPDev Caraga, with the support of the Caraga RDC, continues to build the capacity of government communicators by designing more trainings focused on meeting the demand for timely and effective communication. This sustained effort reflects the region’s commitment to empowering public servants with the skills needed to deliver clear, responsive, and impactful messaging down to the grassroots. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

DENR intensifies crackdown on illegal mining in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga intensified its enforcement efforts against environmental violations following the successful shutdown of illegal mining operations along the Carac-an River in Barangay Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

DENR’s heightened enforcement effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to strengthen environmental protection, uphold the rule of law, and promote sustainable management of the country’s natural resources under the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda.

The joint anti-illegal mining operation, on April 9-10, resulted in the arrest of nine Chinese nationals and one Filipino, along with the confiscation of heavy equipment and gold ore materials valued at approximately ₱50.5 million, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting natural resources and preserving environmental sustainability.

Strengthening inter-agency enforcement

The operation was conducted through coordinated efforts among multiple government agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII, Philippine National Police (PNP) units, Philippine Air Force (PAF), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and enforcement teams from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cantilan and the DENR Regional Enforcement Division.

According to DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo, the enforcement activity commenced at around 9:00 p.m. on April 9 and concluded successfully at approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 10.

Authorities seized several pieces of heavy equipment used in illegal mining operations, including dump trucks, excavators, payloaders, and a pick-up truck. Other confiscated materials included generator sets, fuel containers, steel frames, and fine sand containing traces of gold.

The arrested individuals are currently detained at the Cantilan Municipal Police Station pending documentation and inquest proceedings.

Upholding environmental laws and accountability

Authorities confirmed that the arrested individuals will face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, as well as provisions under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (E-NIPAS Act) and the Chainsaw Act of 2002.

These violations include illegal exploration, theft of mineral resources, unauthorized timber cutting within protected areas, and possession of unregistered chainsaws.

Ocampo emphasized that the enforcement action highlights the DENR’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and preventing illegal exploitation of natural resources.

“This operation demonstrates the DENR’s unwavering commitment to enforce environmental laws and protect our natural resources from illegal exploitation,” Ocampo said.

She added that the agency continues to coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) regarding the custody and legal processing of the foreign nationals involved.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and intelligence units are assisting in tracing the ownership of an abandoned dump truck recovered during the operation, which has been placed under “red alert” status.

Protecting ecosystems and community safety

Illegal mining activities pose significant risks to the environment, particularly to river ecosystems and surrounding communities.

The Carac-an River, where the illegal operation was discovered, serves as an important natural resource supporting local livelihoods, agriculture, and biodiversity. Unregulated mining activities in river systems can lead to soil erosion, water contamination, and habitat destruction, potentially affecting both downstream communities and aquatic ecosystems.

Through strengthened enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, the government aims to mitigate environmental degradation while ensuring accountability among violators.

Sustaining environmental protection efforts

The DENR underscored the importance of public participation in reporting environmental violations and supporting conservation initiatives.

By promoting stronger compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies, government authorities continue to reinforce national efforts toward sustainable resource management and environmental protection.

The agency encouraged communities to remain vigilant and to cooperate with authorities in safeguarding natural resources, emphasizing that collective action plays a vital role in preventing illegal activities that threaten ecological balance and public safety.

As enforcement operations continue nationwide, initiatives like the recent crackdown in Surigao del Sur demonstrate how government agencies are working together to uphold environmental laws, protect ecosystems, and promote responsible resource use in support of long-term national development. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 20 April 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

20 April 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos to DOJ, DFA: Hold high-level talks with Czech Republic to get Zaldy Co

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, Philstar]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/319066/marcos-to-doj-dfa-lead-high-level-czech-talks-for-zaldy-cos-return

2. PBBM inspects service contracting rollout in Cubao, backs continued transport aid

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/20/pbbm-inspects-service-contracting-rollout-in-cubao-backs-continued-transport-aid

3. Marcos ratings climb, Duterte’s performance slips in Q1 survey – OCTA Research

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/20/2522309/marcos-regains-majority-ratings-duterte-slips-octa-poll

4. Gov’t gains power to cap fuel hikes, enforce minimum price cuts

-Diesel prices sliding by over P20 per liter in third week of April

-DOE: Oil supply good for 52 days; 320,000 barrels of diesel arriving Tuesday

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://business.inquirer.net/586199/govt-gains-power-to-cap-fuel-hikes-enforce-minimum-price-cuts

5. COA ruling raises VP Duterte’s confidential fund liability to P448-M

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2215194/coa-ruling-raises-vp-dutertes-confidential-fund-liability-to-p448-m

6. Sotto asks colleagues to prepare for transmittal of Duterte's impeachment case

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Rappler]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/20/sotto-asks-colleagues-to-prepare-for-transmittal-of-dutertes-impeachment-case

7. Transport group files petition for P10 jeepney fare hike

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2215178/piston-on-petition-for-p10-fare-hike

8. DepEd: Classes to start June 8, end April 8 under 3-term calendar

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/984611/deped-classes-to-start-june-8-end-april-8-under-3-term-calendar/story/

9. Balikatan war games begin in thick of Middle East conflict

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/20/2522308/balikatan-war-games-begin-thick-middle-east-conflict

10. Forest fire hits Eastern Samar’s Homonhon Island; PAF Black Hawk deployed to fight fires

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/984575/forest-fire-hits-eastern-samar-s-homonhon-island/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 20 April 2026

DSWD Caraga distributes P5K aid to 489 tricycle drivers of Prosperidad, Agusan Sur

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Following the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga continued its cash relief assistance (CRA) distribution to vulnerable sectors, particularly tricycle drivers, public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, and delivery riders, who were among those most affected by rising fuel prices.

Prosperidad, one of the municipalities in Agusan del Sur, simultaneously released the CRA on April 16, along with other municipalities nationwide.

Genus P. Juanich, a 55-year-old beneficiary from Brgy. San Lorenzo, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, expressed his gratitude for the CRA he received from the government.

“I am truly thankful to the government, through the DSWD, for the cash relief assistance we received. We may still have the passengers, but gasoline prices have soared beyond what we can afford. We are very thankful today because the government has provided something for us,” said Juanich.

“First things first, I would have to buy rice and fuel. I will also give some of it to my child, who has not been qualified for cash assistance because his family also needs help,” he added.

The distribution of assistance was well organized through the local government unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, led by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Clarilin P. Santa.

“First, we conducted a coordination meeting with the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), the Mayor’s Office, through the Office of the Municipal Administrator, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and the 32 barangay captains. We reviewed the payroll, segregated it per barangay, and coordinated with the social officer of the DSWD Caraga Field Office regarding the requirements,” said Santa.

“Aside from coordinating with the barangay captains, we also utilized our social media platforms, especially for those who were not able to attend the meetings. We posted the requirements, as well as the date, time, and venue of the distribution,” she added.

MSWD Officer Santa also explained that some listed drivers had issues with their requirements, such as lost IDs. She has already coordinated with the DSWD Caraga Field Office for alternative options so they can still claim their subsidy.

She further emphasized that through the combined efforts of the MSWD Office staff and BPLO, they were able to systematize the distribution process.

Michael John B. Andohuyan, social worker III from DSWD Caraga Field Office, also cited the program’s purpose for beneficiaries, especially during this time of crisis.

“What we are doing today is the release of funds based on the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the effort of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. This distribution is called Cash Relief Assistance (CRA). All qualified beneficiaries are those endorsed by the local government units through the City Traffic and Transport Management Department (CTTMD) or the BPLO, since we do not have the capacity to provide the list,” said Andohuyan.

“The process involves de-duplication, a procedure of checking and removing duplicate names across lists from other municipalities to avoid double receiving of benefits. Those qualified are legitimate registered drivers and driver-operators. This means that if you are only an operator or owner of units, you are not qualified,” he added.

In all of Agusan del Sur, 2,065 beneficiaries across 10 municipalities received their cash assistance simultaneously, with a total allocation of P10 million. In Prosperidad, the allocation amounts to P2.5 million for 513 beneficiaries. He also reminded all drivers that they will receive P5,000 in total with no deductions from anyone.

Out of the 513 beneficiary drivers, 489 have already claimed their CRA during the scheduled release in the municipality. Those who were unable to claim their assistance are required to complete their requirements and proceed to the DSWD satellite office in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, to claim their benefits. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)

Monday, 20 April 2026

DA Sec leads groundbreaking of P365.89M road project in Surigao City 

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony of the 6.51-kilometer NRJ Trinidad-Mabini farm-to-market road (FMR), including bridges, transforming the agricultural landscape in Surigao City.

Funded under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, in partnership with the World Bank and the city government of Surigao, the P365.89 million investment is designed to slash transportation costs and minimize post-harvest losses for local farmers.

The FMR will feature three bridges namely, the Togonan, Lower Sangay, and Anomar that will connect the five barangays of Anomar, Mabini, Mat-i, Sukailang, and Trinidad. It will also serve as a vital connection to five barangays in the municipality of Sison in Surigao del Norte such as Ima, Mabuhay, San Isidro, San Pablo, and San Pedro. 

Through this project, the transportation of agricultural products is expected to become faster and safer. An estimated 5,603 farmers and 2,844 families will benefit from the FMR, gaining better access to markets, services, and other economic opportunities.

Secretary Laurel emphasized that over the next year and a half, the DA will strictly monitor the project’s implementation from construction to full completion and turnover. 

“The DA ensures that this project will be realized according to set standards, with quality, integrity, and long-term benefits. This is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure government programs truly reach farmers and have a concrete impact on their lives,” he said.

He added that DA-PRDP will continue to conduct rigorous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the project is finished with high quality, sustainable standards, and full utility for the citizens.

Surigao City Mayor Paul Yves L. Dumlao, on the other hand, said, “This project is more than infrastructure. It is a lifeline for our farmers. It means faster transport of goods, better access to markets, and improved livelihoods for our communities. As we break ground, let this stand as a powerful reminder that through this strong leadership, meaningful partnerships, and a shared vision, we can build a better and more prosperous Surigao City.”

On behalf of the farmers, Mario Albay from Barangay Anomar expressed gratitude to DA. “We look forward to the physical realization of this project and for us to have a decent and proper road for the safety and efficient transport of our products; convenient travels of the locals, more income to the farmers, and better access to government services.”

The ceremonial groundbreaking, held on April 15 in Barangay Anomar, was also witnessed by Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, PRDP Mindanao Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga, and DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. They expect that the start of the project construction will bring positive change not only to the agricultural sector but also to the general development of rural communities across the province. 

As support to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the agriculture sector, the DA’s PRDP Scale-Up continues to intensify rural development through modernized infrastructure, higher farmer income, and strengthened agricultural value chains, promoting an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)