Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Agusan Norte vendors to benefit from safer, faster digital payments through PalengQR Ph Plus

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Safer, faster, and more convenient payment transactions, improved business operations, and greater access to formal financial services await market vendors in Agusan del Norte with the rollout of the PalengQR Ph Plus program.

The initiative will enable vendors to accept QR Ph-enabled digital payments, reducing the risks associated with handling cash while helping them build a digital financial transaction history that can provide opportunities to access savings, credit, and other financial services in the future.

The program supports the digitalization agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which promotes financial inclusion, ease of doing business, and wider adoption of secure digital payment systems to accelerate the country’s transition toward a digitally empowered and inclusive economy. PalengQR Ph Plus is a joint initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante has expressed the provincial government’s full support for the implementation of PalengQR Ph Plus, recognizing the program as an important initiative to empower micro and small entrepreneurs, accelerate digital transformation, and expand financial inclusion across Agusan del Norte. The governor underscored the province’s commitment to working closely with national government agencies and private-sector partners to ensure the successful adoption of digital payment systems among local vendors.

As part of the preparations, vendors at the Cabadbaran City public market participated in orientation sessions on QR Ph-enabled digital payments, financial literacy, cyber hygiene, and on-site transaction account opening to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt digital payment technologies.

Attorney Erwin G. Mora, Community Affairs and Investment Promotion Officer of the city government of Cabadbaran, encouraged vendors to embrace digital payments as a way to modernize their businesses and improve customer service.

“PalengQR Ph Plus is more than just adopting cashless payments. It empowers our vendors by providing safer, faster, and more convenient transactions while connecting them to formal financial services that can help grow their businesses,” Mora said.

During the orientation, Seer A. Manlantao, senior research specialist of the BSP Butuan, highlighted the benefits of QR Ph-enabled payments, explaining that the system simplifies transactions, minimizes the risks of carrying cash, promotes transparency, and enables vendors to establish a digital financial record that may help them access other financial products and services in the future.

The BSP also underscored the importance of financial literacy by encouraging vendors to develop responsible saving, budgeting, and money management practices to strengthen their financial well-being while embracing digital payment technologies.

Complementing the financial literacy session, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Agusan del Norte conducted a cyber hygiene orientation to help vendors protect their digital accounts and personal information as they adopt cashless payment systems.

Jovelyn A. Logarta, information officer and cybersecurity provincial focal of DICT Agusan del Norte, reminded participants to create strong passwords, never share their one-time passwords (OTPs), and remain vigilant against phishing scams, suspicious links, and fraudulent messages that could compromise their digital accounts.

Among those who immediately saw the value of the program was Guilnor C. Castanares, a sari-sari store owner from Purok 6, Barangay Mabini, Cabadbaran City, who registered for PalengQR Ph Plus after attending the orientation.

“This program will greatly help us because receiving payments will be much easier. After learning about the advantages of cashless payments during the orientation, I immediately decided to register my store for PalengQR Ph Plus,” Castanares said.

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte encouraged all vendors at the Cabadbaran City public market to register for PalengQR Ph Plus, emphasizing that registration is free and provides access to safe, secure, and convenient digital payment solutions that can improve business efficiency and expand financial inclusion.

The official launch of PalengQR Ph Plus in Agusan del Norte will be held on July 23 at the Cabadbaran City public market. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) 

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

DSWD reinforces food security through supplementary feeding of Agusan Sur children

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga conducted the third tranche of the inspection and distribution of food supplies for the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) covering 55 child development centers (CDCs) and supervised neighborhood play (SNP) centers in the municipality of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on July 15.

Dianne Jo Paloma, nutritionist-dietitian II of DSWD Caraga, shared that the SFP is being implemented across the region, with food distribution schedules varying by province, municipality, and city.

“Our recipients under the SFP are located throughout the region. Each province, municipality, and city has its own delivery schedule. Today, we are delivering food supplies to San Francisco, as well as the municipalities of Rosario and Loreto, which are included in this week’s distribution,” Paloma said.

In line with the celebration of Nutrition Month, Paloma emphasized that the program aims to improve the nutritional status of young children by providing them with nutritious meals while attending school.

“The SFP provides additional food on top of what children receive at home. It helps improve their growth and development while enhancing their ability to learn. When children are well-fed in school, they are less likely to become hungry during class and can focus better on their lessons,” she added.

Meanwhile, Annaliza Eco, the Supplementary Feeding Program focal person of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of San Francisco, said the municipality has exceeded its initial target number of beneficiaries.

“The program originally targeted around 2,000 children in San Francisco. However, we now have 2,055 beneficiaries enrolled in 55 Child Development Centers. We accepted additional enrollees because DSWD promotes a ‘no one left behind’ policy, ensuring that all eligible children receive assistance,” Eco said.

She added that the municipality expects the number of beneficiaries to increase further as enrollment continues.

“We are anticipating additional enrollees, and we are committed to accommodating all of them. The feeding program provides hot meals that will be prepared and cooked at the Child Development Centers with the assistance of parents,” she added.

As mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Supplementary Feeding Program is one of DSWD’s key nutrition interventions to combat malnutrition among children aged two to five and enrolled in the child development centers and supervised neighborhood play groups. 

Through the provision of nutritious hot meals and milk over a designated feeding period, the program supports children’s healthy growth, improves school attendance, and contributes to their overall development. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Agusan Sur launches MSME Dev’t Week with NegoShow Connect

By Kevin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Various Agusanon micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) geared up during the 2026 MSME Development Week provincial launching in Agusan del Sur with NegoShow Connect with the theme “Navigating the Shift: Building Resilient and Future-Ready MSMEs,” from July 14 – 17, at Gaisano Grand Mall in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

The celebration marked one of the highlights of MSME Development Week, observed pursuant to Republic Act No. 9501, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

The annual event aims to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen local businesses, and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs.

The NegoShow Connect aims to gather at least 50 MSMEs from across Agusan del Sur, together with government agencies, business development partners, and stakeholders, to foster networking, collaboration, market expansion, and new opportunities for business growth and innovation.

The event is spearheaded by the Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur through the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur – Provincial Economic Enterprise and Development Office (PGAS-PEEDO), and other partner agencies.

San Francisco Municipal Vice Mayor Ramil ‘Jing’ Pulvera welcomed participants, and in his message, Pulvera underscored the vital role of entrepreneurs and MSMEs in driving local economic growth and emphasized the importance of continuous support from government agencies through capacity-building programs, business development services, and skills training.

“We need entrepreneurs, businesses, and MSMEs, along with training and support from our provincial, local, and even national government partners to help us grow,” Pulvera said.

He also encouraged MSME owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to maximize every opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, noting that the business landscape continues to evolve with rapid technological advancements.

“To all the MSME participants here today, don’t waste your skills. The business environment is very different now. You need to be well-equipped, stay ahead of the trends, and strengthen your knowledge of information technology and modern business practices,” he added.

Delivering the governor’s message, Provincial Economic Enterprise and Development Office (PEEDO) Department Head Rodel C. Manglunsod emphasized that the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur remains a committed partner of the MSME sector by creating opportunities for business growth, strengthening market access, promoting innovation, and linking entrepreneurs to government support programs.

“The provincial government is not here as a regulator standing at a distance. We are your partner in this journey, working alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and our development partners. Together, we will continue opening doors to greater market access, financing opportunities, and innovation because every entrepreneur’s courage deserves a government that meets it halfway,” the governor’s message stated.

He also encouraged entrepreneurs to continue pursuing innovation and resilience, stressing that MSMEs’ success contributes significantly to the province’s economic development and job generation.

“Together, let us build a province where every enterprise grows, every community prospers, and every success story becomes the inspiration for the next one to begin,” the message concluded.

Mario L. Campos, chairperson of the MGO Hininang Likat Tu Magdiwata, expressed his gratitude for the event, saying it provides a valuable platform to promote the Suyam products produced by their organization.

“This is a big help in accelerating the promotion of our local products. We are planning to embrace technology to market our products not only here in San Francisco but also across the country and eventually in international markets. We are proud that these products are made here in Agusan del Sur,” Campos said.

“It is also a great help to our community because it allows us to preserve our tribe’s identity while showcasing our culture through our products. At the same time, it creates livelihood opportunities for our members. As production increases, more members of our community will benefit from it,” he added.

DTI Agusan del Sur Director Marson Jan S. Dolendo highlighted the vital role of MSMEs in driving the province’s economic growth.

“I am grateful to all our entrepreneurs because you continue to be the backbone of our local economy. Thank you for your unwavering perseverance in sustaining your businesses, taking risks, and seizing opportunities to build enterprises that contribute to the growth of our economy,” Dolendo said.

“Whether your business is small or large, you are an entrepreneur as long as you are contributing to the economy of Agusan del Sur,” he added.

The AgSur NegoShow Connect 2026 brings together government agencies, business support organizations, and local entrepreneurs to promote innovation, strengthen enterprise development, and expand market opportunities for MSMEs across Agusan del Sur.

It underscores the government’s shared commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and advancing inclusive and sustainable MSME development in the province. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur 

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Tandag promotes disaster preparedness through science-based public education

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Recognizing that informed communities are more resilient than those who are not, the city government of Tandag intensified its disaster preparedness campaign through a Facebook live webinar on Tropical Cyclone and Earthquake Preparedness as part of its observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

Organized by the Tandag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the online learning session equipped residents with science-based knowledge and practical preparedness measures to help reduce disaster risks and protect lives. The initiative supports the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda by fostering a culture of preparedness and empowering communities to become active partners in disaster risk reduction.

Resource persons from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST–PAGASA) and DOST– Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) shared expert insights on tropical cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunami preparedness, emphasizing that timely and accurate information is one of the most effective tools in saving lives.

Leading the discussion on tropical cyclone preparedness, Blaise Christian Perez, hydro-meteorologist and project technical specialist of DOST–PAGASA, stressed that while extreme weather events cannot be prevented, their impacts can be significantly reduced through early preparedness and informed action.

“We cannot control the weather, but we can control how ready we are,” Perez said.

He encouraged the public to stay updated with official weather bulletins and to follow the guidance of local disaster risk reduction authorities during emergencies.

“Always listen to the local authorities because they know better,” he emphasized.

A native Tandaganon, Perez explained tropical cyclone warning signals and rainfall advisories in the vernacular, making technical weather information more understandable and relatable to the community. He said that understanding official advisories enables families to make timely decisions that can save lives and minimize property damage.

Perez also reminded households to prepare emergency go-bags, develop family emergency plans, identify evacuation routes, and rely only on verified government information before, during, and after disasters.

“The more we prepare, the more resilient we become,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mark Louegie Juarbal of DOST–PHIVOLCS discussed the topic ‘Understanding Earthquakes and Tsunami Generation,’ emphasizing that the Philippines remains one of the world’s most hazard-prone countries due to its geographic location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Juarbal reminded participants that, unlike tropical cyclones, earthquakes cannot yet be predicted or forecast.

“An earthquake can happen anytime,” he said, stressing the importance of constant preparedness rather than waiting for warnings.

He encouraged families, schools, workplaces, and communities to practice earthquake drills regularly, identify safe evacuation areas, and familiarize themselves with appropriate actions during and after an earthquake or a tsunami. He also urged the public to rely on official advisories issued by PHIVOLCS and local authorities to avoid misinformation during emergencies.

The webinar forms part of Tandag City’s continuing efforts to strengthen disaster resilience through public education, recognizing that preparedness begins with awareness and that informed citizens are among the strongest assets in reducing disaster risks.

By promoting science-based risk communication and encouraging proactive community action, the city Government continues to cultivate a culture of preparedness where every individual contributes to building safer, more resilient communities.

As climate-related hazards and geological risks continue to challenge vulnerable communities, initiatives such as this demonstrate that resilience is built not only through infrastructure and emergency response systems but also through knowledge, preparedness, and shared responsibility, advancing the vision of a Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur) 

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Siargao’s Pilar town receives massive rice distribution from PBBM’s LGSF 

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — To strengthen grassroots food security and provide relief to local families, the local government of Pilar in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, started the municipality-wide rice distribution to households funded under the national government’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and strengthened the campaign on Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (BBM). 

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, it also aims to cushion vulnerable households against global inflation and rising commodity costs.

For the coastal municipality of Pilar, located on the eastern coast of Siargao Island, it local economy heavily relies on farming and fishing. The direct transfer of food resources provides a vital safety net for families working in these sectors.  

More than 10,000 high-quality, 10-kilogram rice packs were delivered directly to designated distribution centers in each of Pilar’s 15 barangays.

“This program bridges the gap between the national government resources and the immediate needs of our families,” Pilar Municipal Social Welfare and Development  Office said. “By ensuring that every household receives this food assistance, we are directly easing the financial burden on our local communities.”

To maintain absolute transparency and efficiency, the local social welfare office is utilizing updated household databases to ensure every family is accounted for without duplication.

Municipal workers and barangay officials set up designated, shaded distribution stations to keep the process orderly and comfortable for residents. Priority lanes were also established for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

Nanay Flora, one of the beneficiaries, expressed deep appreciation for the timely support during the distribution on July 1, noting that the rice subsidy enabled them to divert their limited household budget toward other essentials, like education, healthcare, and utilities.

“With the rising prices of goods, making sure there is always food on the table while stretching my income to cover electricity, school supplies for my kids, and basic household needs has been incredibly stressful. Thank you for looking out for us and for making sure that national programs reach the hands of everyday citizens in Surigao del Norte. This assistance didn’t just fill our plates; it truly eased our minds and comforted our hearts.”Nanay Flora said. 

Pilar Mayor Jess Gonzales, on the other hand,  thanked the volunteers and workers who assisted with the heavy lifting of sacks of rice from loading to unloading, and the MSWDO team for ensuring a smooth, safe, and orderly distribution process. 

“Thank you to our President Marcos Jr. for launching this program. It provided massive relief to our community. Ultimately, thank you to us—the taxpayers! Proper tax compliance is what makes vital programs like this possible.” Mayor Gonzales said. 

He added that they are strictly adhering to all national government guidelines and directives to ensure their municipality remains eligible for even larger allocations in the coming years. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)