Friday, 26 December 2025

Siargao tourism workers train on hydroponics

By Susil D. Ragas

SIARGAO, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — A new wave of livelihood possibilities is sweeping across Siargao Island as 13 workers from the tourism sector in various municipalities completed a 10-day training on hydroponics.

This initiative represents the national government’s push to equip vulnerable workers with sustainable skills that can thrive in the island’s expanding tourism and agri-food industries.

Also, this convergence effort serves as a signal of a significant shift in government support, moving beyond temporary relief toward long-term economic empowerment.

This breakthrough initiative unites the Department of Labour and Employment’s program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with the Siargao Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (STIPC), forming a crucial part of the 2025 Strategic Compliance Plan (SCP) for the priority sector in Surigao del Norte.

Luzvifeno Miguel Cab, DOLE’s senior labor and employment officer and Siargao Island satellite head, illustrated the value of pairing immediate financial assistance with long-term capability building.

“The integrated approach ensures workers are not merely supported during economic difficulty but are guided toward developing sustainable livelihoods that can withstand market shifts and seasonal tourism cycles.”

TESDA’s involvement strengthened the training component by providing technical expertise and structured learning, ensuring that beneficiaries received nationally recognised competencies.

The beneficiaries were trained in crop production techniques using water-based systems that are both environmentally efficient and highly adaptable to limited land spaces.

One of the participants, Annabelle, said, “The DOLE’s training on hydroponics has been a game-changer for us in the tourism sector. Often, our work depends on the season, but hydroponics gives us a year-round opportunity to be productive.”

“We are now equipped to produce high-quality vegetables in small spaces, which is perfect for our local eco-tourism initiatives. We are grateful for this bridge toward a more sustainable and secure future,” she added.

The training culminated with the release of the participants’ TUPAD allowances on December 4, with each participant receiving P4,350.

The program’s success reinforces the growing call for convergence among government agencies by combining DOLE’s livelihood interventions with TESDA’s capacity-building programs, communities with holistic support that empowers workers not only to recover but to progress. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOLE-Surigao del Norte)

Friday, 26 December 2025

Farmers highlight gains from coffee development after Caraga competition win

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. (CAWFAI), a farmer-led enterprise based in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, showcased the tangible gains of sustained coffee development interventions after emerging as one of the winners in the Caraga Coffee Quality Competition 2025.

CAWFAI member Gregorio Buntag Jr. placed second in the competition, with his Robusta coffee, posting a cupping score of 83.20 and fetching P1,550 per kilo during the Coffee Auction, an outcome that underscores the association’s improving production quality and growing market competitiveness.

According to Anthony Buntag, CAWFAI member and founder of Anton’s Coffee Products Processing, the recognition affirms the strong potential of Robusta coffee in Caraga. He noted that the Caraga Coffee Festival enables farmers to continuously improve quality standards, access premium markets, and secure better prices for their produce.

DTI Agusan del Norte Director Lorejane D. Sacote highlighted the cultural and social value of locally produced coffee, particularly during the Christmas season. “During the holidays, family gatherings become even more meaningful when shared over locally produced Caraga coffee. It is more than just a beverage; it represents the hard work of our farmers and the progress of our rural communities.”

She added that enjoying local coffee during Christmas gatherings helps connect consumers directly to farmers’ livelihoods while supporting the growth of the regional coffee industry.

CAWFAI is a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) through the Green Coffee Beans Production and Marketing Project, with a total investment of P9.2 million. The project includes the establishment of a coffee processing center, provision of postharvest equipment, and P1 million in financial assistance, aimed at strengthening the coffee value chain and increasing farmers’ incomes.

The Dec. 3–5 Caraga Coffee Festival gathered coffee farmers, processors, cafe owners, buyers, and other stakeholders to promote the development of the Robusta coffee industry in the region.

Caraga Coffee Council Chairman Nilo Calipayan said the recognition of farmer groups such as CAWFAI reflects the sector’s transformative shift from dependence on traders toward farmer empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, DA Caraga Regional Technical Director Abel Wagas emphasized that coffee is a driver of productivity and innovation, encouraging farmers to enhance production practices and diversify coffee-based products to meet evolving market demands.

The festival featured activities such as the Coffee Painting Competition, Latte Art Showdown, Brewers’ Cup, and Coffee Auction. Organized in partnership with DTI Caraga, the event was supported through the I-PLAN Component of the DA-PRDP, in line with the implementation of the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP). (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from DA Caraga and DTI Caraga)

Friday, 26 December 2025

NCMF Caraga champions unity, sustainable peace through Kalilang

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Caraga conducted a two-day cultural and peace-building activity titled ‘The Pagmaya sa Panaghiusa: A Kalilang for Unity and Lasting Peace in Mindanao.’

Held December 17–18 in Butuan City, “The Pagmaya sa Panaghiusa: A Kalilang for Unity and Lasting Peace in Mindanao,” or a Celebration of Unity: A Feast for Unity and Lasting Peace in Mindanao, brought people together national and local government officials, cultural leaders, and key stakeholders in a shared celebration of Muslim Filipino heritage and a renewed commitment to unity and sustainable peace.

Designed to promote cultural appreciation, strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, and advance peace-building initiatives, the Kalilang served as a meaningful platform for dialogue, the expression of culture, and collective action.

“When we honor culture, we promote respect; when we promote respect, we build peace,” said Secretary Shiekh Sabuddin N. Abdurahim.

He emphasized the importance of respecting one another, especially since each individual comes from diverse communities.

Sec. Abdurahim further emphasized the importance of cultural identity in nation-building and reiterated the need to sustain programs that promote understanding, respect, and unity among Filipinos.

As part of the activity, a Pagana Maranao also highlighted the activity. It is a traditional feast of the Maranao, an indigenous Muslim group, and cultural practice where they sit together and share food while enjoying cultural performances, and an opportunity for dialogue. It symbolizes hospitality, respect, unity, and social harmony among the Maranao people of Mindanao.

Monaim D. Guro, regional director of NCMF Caraga, also emphasized the vital role of culture in promoting harmony, mutual respect, and sustainable peace within diverse communities.

Through the collective efforts of all partners, they continue to inspire strengthened cooperation in advancing peace, unity, and cultural understanding in Mindanao. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from NCMF Caraga)

Friday, 26 December 2025

Caraga farmers secure land, debt relief ahead of Christmas

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Thousands of farmers across the Caraga Region received a major boost to their livelihood days before Christmas, as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed thousands of land titles and granted wide-ranging debt condonations in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track agrarian reform and strengthen land tenure security.

On December 17, DAR distributed a total of 13,903 electronic land titles (e-titles) to agrarian reform beneficiaries during a mass awarding ceremony in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

DAR Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan and DAR Caraga Director Merlita Capinpuyan led the activity.

Awarded e-titles cover approximately 20,044 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 10,251 agrarian reform beneficiaries across Caraga’s five provinces, marking one of the region’s largest land distribution activities in recent years.

Dir. Capinpuyan shared that the initiative reflects the Marcos administration’s firm commitment to completing agrarian reform and improving farmers’ quality of life by providing secure land ownership, strengthening food security, and promoting inclusive rural development.

“This activity is part of the President’s clear directive to ensure that farmers finally enjoy the fruits of agrarian reform, secure land, freedom from debt, and renewed opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” Capinpuyan said.

Alongside the land title distribution, DAR also awarded Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, a landmark law signed by President Marcos Jr. that erases farmers’ unpaid land amortizations and accumulated interest.

Capinpuyan disclosed that more than P80 million worth of land amortizations were condoned through the issuance of COCROMs covering around 2,221.6380 hectares of land. The debt relief benefited 1,927 agrarian reform beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

Farmer-beneficiaries warmly welcomed the support, noting its profound impact on their lives and livelihoods. For Edgardo C. Madjos, 53, of Butuan City, the awarding of his land title marked the realization of a long-held aspiration.

“This is the best Christmas gift I could receive,” Madjos shared. “Having secure ownership of our land brings peace of mind and renewed hope for our family’s future.”

Francisco Mijares Jr., 60, of Cabadbaran City, likewise underscored the value of the debt condonation, saying it would enable farmers to channel their efforts and resources toward increasing farm productivity.

“We are thankful for this government initiative,” Mijares said. “Now that we are free from debt, we are encouraged to make better use of our farmlands and improve our harvests.”

According to Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble, the distribution of land titles and debt condonation is more than a simple paperwork exercise, as it is the realization of the farmers’ long-cherished dreams. He emphasized that for many beneficiaries, the documents symbolize dignity, security, and a better future for their families.

Mayor Roble assured that the local government of Buenavista will remain a steadfast partner of the Department of Agrarian Reform in advancing genuine and meaningful agrarian reform, saying the municipality is committed to supporting programs that bring lasting benefits to farmers and strengthen rural development.

The activity also included the distribution of 197 collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) covering 166.7594 hectares, benefiting 173 farmers and further advancing the government’s push to empower organized farmer groups.

The initiative supports the 9-point agenda of DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, which prioritizes bringing government services closer to communities, strengthening food security, improving rural livelihoods, and reducing poverty through secure land tenure, debt relief, and strong farmer organizations.

For many beneficiaries, the timing of the assistance made the occasion especially meaningful.

This is the best Christmas gift we have ever received, farmer beneficiaries shared. The debt condonation would enable them to reinvest in farm inputs and improve their income, turning long-awaited agrarian reform gains into real opportunities for growth and stability in the countryside. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) 

Friday, 26 December 2025

PDLs return to safer, more humane Surigao Sur district jail facility  

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -  Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) of the Surigao del Sur District Jail (SDSDJ)  expressed relief and gratitude after their return to the jail facility in Tandag City, describing improved comfort and a renewed sense of dignity following nearly two years of temporary shelter at the Cantilan District Jail.

The return followed the successful and orderly transfer of 96 PDLs on December 5, after the completion of repair and rehabilitation works at the SDS District Jail, which had been declared temporarily unsafe due to structural concerns. During the repair period, the PDLs were housed in Cantilan to ensure their safety and welfare.

“Mas komportable gyud diri sa Tandag kumpara sa Cantilan. Nalipay mi nga nibalik na mi sa among jail nga mas hapsay ug mas duol sa among pamilya. (We are more comfortable here in Tandag compared to our time in Cantilan. We are happy to be back in a facility that is more orderly and closer to our families), ” he said.

District Jail Warden Danilo A. Noquil expressed his heartfelt gratitude to partner agencies and stakeholders for the support extended to the PDLs during the transition period. “We are thankful to everyone who supported the welfare of our PDLs while repairs were ongoing. Their safety, dignity, and humane treatment remain our priority.”

The transfer operation was conducted smoothly, beginning with a pre-departure briefing at the Cantilan District, followed by the convoy departure using eight transport vehicles. The operation was secured by the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, BJMP Caraga Operations Division, STAR Team, and the Provincial Warden’s Office. All PDLs safely arrived at SDSDJ and were properly accounted for, with no untoward incidents recorded on the same day.

Following the operation, a post-activity debriefing highlighted the strong inter-agency coordination, strict adherence to safety protocols, and efficient execution of the transfer.

Looking ahead, the Surigao del Sur District Jail is set to further strengthen its gains following the completion of rehabilitation works. With the continued support of Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, additional facility enhancements are being planned to ensure a safer, more humane, and more comfortable environment for all PDLs.

The SDSDJ also extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders and partners who consistently support the welfare of the PDLs, reaffirming a shared commitment to uphold their dignity, well-being, and rehabilitation.

The SDS District Jail reiterated its sincere appreciation to all agencies, personnel, and partners who contributed to the safe transfer and continuous care of the PDLs, underscoring a shared commitment to humane detention and rehabilitation. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)