Thursday, February 05, 2026

Human error main cause of vehicular crashes in Butuan City

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — According to the Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD), 94 percent of the vehicular incidents that they recorded and responded to in December 2025 were caused by human error.

December 2025 data from the CDRRMD showed that road conditions accounted for only 4 percent of the total cases, while environmental factors contributed 2 percent, highlighting that most accidents are preventable and largely driven by unsafe driving behavior.

CDRRMD is one of the frontline agencies dispatched not only during natural disasters but also in responding to road accidents, providing immediate rescue, medical assistance, and coordination with concerned agencies to mitigate the impact of emergencies and save lives.

Further records from the City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD) revealed that the majority of road crashes were caused by overspeeding, distracted driving, lack of safety gear, and poor road discipline. All of which are human errors and can be prevented.

From January to October 2025, the CTTMD recorded 1,207 road crash incidents in the city, resulting in 12 fatalities and 556 individuals injured, underscoring the urgent need for stronger road safety awareness and compliance. 

Mark July P. Yap, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD), urged drivers and motorists to prioritize their health and safety by exercising greater caution and responsibility on the road. “In 2025, approximately 80 to 90 percent of the road incidents handled by our team resulted from human error,” Yap disclosed.

He stressed that strict adherence to traffic laws, such as observing speed limits, avoiding distractions, and especially wearing safety gear/devices like helmets and seatbelt can help save your life. 

“One simple act of negligence or failure to follow traffic rules can put not only your life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and other road users,” Yap said. “While we do everything we can during response operations, it is always better to prevent tragic incidents from happening by consistently practicing proper road safety and preparedness at all times.”(MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from CTTMD and CDRRMD)

Thursday, February 05, 2026

DSWD: Food packs prepositioned in Agusan Sur ahead of ‘Basyang’ onslaught

By Kelvin Kennt Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —  A total of 9,095 family food packs (FFPs) have been prepositioned across the six municipalities of Agusan del Sur and are ready for distribution as preparations continue for the feared effects of Tropical Storm Basyang.

Agusan del Sur is among the areas placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 as of February 5.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Agusan del Sur assured the public that the agency has been prepared, even before TS Basyang entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“This time, we are conducting preparedness activities. Although we are part of the response thematic committee, a key part of our response involves pre-positioning goods for distribution during the disaster,” said Michael Andohuyan, social welfare and development (SWAD) team leader for DSWD Field Office Caraga – Agusan del Sur.

“We also have non-food items ready, including kitchen kits, sleeping kits, and tents. In total, we have P65 million worth of non-food items,” Andohuyan added.

The DSWD has also strengthened its quick response teams (QRTs) at both the regional and provincial levels to monitor conditions in municipalities and barangays.

“Members of these quick response teams will monitor barangays and municipalities for internally displaced persons or evacuees, ensuring real-time reporting. This allows us to respond immediately to requests from local government units (LGUs) for augmentation,” he explained.

The agency is aiming for zero casualties during the calamity, which is why it has prepared ready-to-eat food for affected families.

“We have already procured ready-to-eat foods such as nutritionally fortified biscuits that we can provide immediately during the disaster,” Andohuyan said.

The DSWD continues to urge the public to stay alert, heed LGUs’ reminders, and prioritize family safety. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with the report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Thursday, February 05, 2026

Butuan City placed under Red Alert Status; effects of TS Basyang closely monitored

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The local government of Butuan has placed the city under Red Alert Status following the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over the province of Agusan del Norte due to Tropical Storm Basyang.

Currently, TS Basyang accelerates while moving towards Eastern Mindanao. At 7:00 in the morning, TS Basyang was estimated based on all available data at 385 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (8.0°N, 129.8°E) with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa.

Under the Red Alert Status, all response clusters, the Incident Management Team, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), and personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) have been fully activated to ensure heightened preparedness and swift response operations.

In addition, the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) of the city’s 86 barangays are mandated to be physically present in their respective barangay offices to facilitate faster information dissemination and immediate response to any emergency situation.

The full activation of the different response teams enables quicker coordination and identification of areas that require urgent attention, particularly barangays that are prone to flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards.

According to the CDRRMD, continuous monitoring of the Agusan River’s water level is ongoing, especially as water runoff from Agusan del Sur and neighboring provinces is expected to pass through the river system, which may lead to flooding. The department is also closely monitoring the wind and wave conditions in Butuan Bay brought about by Tropical Storm Basyang. Response equipment such as life vests, speedboats, and other rescue paraphernalia have already been prepared and positioned for immediate use.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) has pre-positioned relief goods that are ready for deployment to designated evacuation centers in case flooding or other storm-related incidents occur.

City Mayor Atty. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun advised all the Butuanons to remain vigilant, closely monitor official advisories, and prepare Go Bags containing essential emergency supplies.

The CDRRMD further encourages all Butuanons to immediately report any emergencies, incidents, or observed hazards to their barangay officials or to the CDRRMD hotline to ensure prompt response and assistance. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from CDRRMD)

Thursday, February 05, 2026

Surigao Sur PDRRMC steps up proactive measures to brace for ‘Basyang’, aims for zero casualty

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has intensified its preparedness and response measures against the threat of Tropical Storm Basyang as the province transitioned from Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 to Signal No. 2 on February 5.

Chaired by Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, the PDRRMC underscores the provincial government’s proactive stance and goal of ensuring zero casualties.

Earlier on Feb. 4, while Surigao del Sur was still under TCWS No. 1, Governor Pimentel issued Memorandum Order No. 26-003, series of 2026, directing the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (PDRRM-OC) to be placed under Red Alert Status. 

The order instructed concerned agencies to maintain heightened preparedness, closely monitor PAGASA weather bulletins, and maintain 24/7 operational readiness to address possible emergencies.

In line with the memorandum, city and municipal DRRM offices were directed to intensify localized monitoring in hazard-prone areas, particularly in coastal, riverine, and flood-prone communities, ensure the timely dissemination of early warnings, and prepare evacuation centers, contingency plans, and response teams. Several local government units (LGUs) have already implemented preemptive evacuations, especially for residents living along shorelines.

To further reduce risks, a “No Sail Policy” is in effect, and a “No Beach, Sea, River, and Outdoor Tourism-Related Activities Policy” has been implemented across the province, temporarily prohibiting sea travel, fishing activities, and outdoor tourism operations during the adverse weather conditions. These measures aim to prevent maritime and water-related incidents as strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas continue to pose dangers.

The PDRRMC also conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) on February 4 at the PDRRMO Operations Center in Tandag City, presided over by Provincial Administrator John Vincent C. Pimentel. The PDRA gathered member agencies to assess risks, align response strategies, and ensure coordinated actions to safeguard lives and property.

Local governments have likewise enforced class and work suspensions to minimize public exposure to hazards. In Tandag City, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels starting February 4 and the suspension of work in government and private offices on February 5, except for personnel involved in disaster response, emergency services, and other essential operations.

Provincial and local authorities emphasized that forced evacuations will be implemented when necessary, particularly in coastal and other high-risk areas, as part of proactive measures to prevent loss of life and protect communities.

Early issuance of preparedness directives, along with coordinated actions by provincial and local governments, shows the administration’s commitment to disaster readiness, responsive governance, and the national goal of protecting lives in natural hazards.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant, observe safety advisories, and cooperate with authorities as monitoring and response operations remain in full effect. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Agusan Sur health professionals promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for preterm, low birth weight infants

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Health professionals from the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur underscored the importance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for preterm and low birth weight infants during the Department Information Officer (DIO) Hour program aired by DXGP Agusan Radio of the Provincial Public Information Office (PPIO) on February 2.

DOPMH was chosen as the pilot hospital in the region to implement the Care for Small Babies (CSB) program, which includes the promotion of KMC for infants born prematurely or weighing below 2.5 kilograms. These infants, generally referred to as ‘small babies,’ are considered highly vulnerable, with a higher mortality rate compared to normal-weight infants.

KMC is a method of care where the infant is held upright in prolonged skin-to-skin contact with the bare chest of the mother or a substitute caregiver. The position resembles that of a kangaroo carrying its young in its pouch, hence the name. The practice serves as a natural and cost-effective alternative to incubators, especially in facilities facing equipment shortages.

Doctor Cherrylin A. Bala-an, CSB team leader of DOPMH, explained that KMC can be performed by mothers regardless of their background, and in cases where mothers are unable, other family members may step in.

“What is good about KMC is that it can be done by all mothers regardless of their education, culture, or religion. And should mothers be unable to perform such, especially in cases wherein the mother is also under intensive care, other members of the family may perform the KMC to the small babies,” Bala-an said.

She emphasized that KMC offers multiple benefits, including thermoregulation, improved bonding, and stabilization of the baby’s heart rate. Babies in the position also tend to move less, reducing the risk of weight loss. For mothers, the constant contact provides a calming effect, stimulates breastmilk production, and helps reduce postpartum complications.

“Unlike in cases wherein babies are placed in incubators for a certain period of time and nurses are left to care for them, in KMC, the mother and the substitute caregivers gain the confidence to handle and care for the baby themselves,” Bala-an added.

Aida B. Pido, nurse at the DOPMH neonatal intensive care unit, shared their best practices in teaching mothers and families how to properly perform KMC.

“At first, we observe that there are instances wherein they find it hard to execute the position during KMC. However, with our constant guidance and monitoring, we are happy to see them learn and effectively perform the KMC during their second and succeeding days in the hospital and even after they are discharged,” Pido said.

She noted that the advocacy extends beyond hospital walls, as health workers continue to educate and encourage parents to practice KMC at home until their babies reach the target weight.

“We make sure to get the parents’ commitment to continue performing the KMC to their small babies to expedite their graduation from the program. As soon as the babies reach the weight of 2.5 kilograms and above, we already consider them as CSB graduates,” Pido added.

Through the CSB program, DOPMH aims to strengthen neonatal care and empower families in Agusan del Sur to actively participate in safeguarding the health of vulnerable infants. (NJGD, PIA Caraga a report from PPIO Agusan del Sur)