Friday, 24 April 2026

Bislig City shows inter-agency response amid grass fire, El Niño alert

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The government agencies in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, demonstrated strong coordination and sustained operational readiness following a reported grass fire near Core 1, Barangay Poblacion, while reinforcing preparedness measures amid the El Niño Alert issued by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

The grass fire was first reported on April 22, causing concern among residents near the site. Initial reports indicated that the cause of the fire remains undetermined, prompting immediate response from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and local emergency teams to prevent the flames from spreading toward nearby residential areas.

Relentless overnight operations sustain containment efforts

The city government of Bislig, under the leadership of Mayor Florencio Garay and through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), confirmed that the responders carried out round-the-clock operations to monitor and contain the fire. 

Personnel from the CDRRMO and the Motorpool Division worked tirelessly from April 22 until dawn, ensuring that the situation remained under control despite difficult conditions.

Responders created a defensive barrier to control the fire’s direction and prevent it from reaching nearby communities and sensitive areas. Despite fatigue and the challenging terrain, teams maintained their vigilance to ensure that any movement of the fire would be immediately addressed.

Authorities remained on alert status, while continuing monitoring and containment operations to maintain safety within the affected area.

Strategic containment and inter-agency coordination

According to the report, due to challenging terrain and limited access to the fire’s center, responders implemented strategic containment measures supported by the Motorpool Division, enabling more efficient suppression once the fire reached designated containment zones.

To enhance situational awareness, drone surveillance was activated, providing aerial visual aid to on-the-ground decision makers.

At the same time, the CDRRMO conducted continuous monitoring to track the fire’s behavior and ensure a timely response to emerging risks.

Coordination with airport authorities ensured that fire trucks from BFP and CDRRMO would have immediate access if the situation escalated.

As of April 23, the latest ground assessment indicated a relatively calm situation, though authorities emphasized that it remained uncertain, especially in areas not immediately visible or accessible within the affected site.

Hidden fire activity or residual heat sources may persist beneath the surface, prompting responders to maintain continuous monitoring and readiness.

The city government confirmed that the matter has been formally elevated to the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) for further evaluation, particularly on land classification and zoning considerations within the affected area. Initial findings highlighted the need for deeper technical assessment and strengthened inter-agency coordination.

Supporting these efforts, the CDRRMO has prepared the complete documentation and geo-tagged data, ensuring that evidence-based planning and long-term mitigation strategies can be developed.

The city government officials, through the City Information Office, assured the public that regular updates will continue to be provided as new developments emerge.

Heightened preparedness amid PAGASA El Niño alert 

Similar to local emergency response efforts, national agencies heightened preparedness after DOST-PAGASA’s announcement that elevated the country’s ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) Alert and Warning System to an El Niño Alert.

This development signals a high likelihood that El Niño conditions may develop in the coming months and persist into early 2027.

According to PAGASA, the feared El Niño conditions could result in drier-than-usual weather, prolonged dry spells, and potential droughts in several parts of the country.

These conditions may affect water supply, agriculture, and environmental stability, particularly in areas already experiencing elevated fire risks.

Despite generally dry conditions associated with El Niño, PAGASA also noted that above-normal rainfall may still occur in the western sections of the country during the Habagat (southwest monsoon) season, underscoring the importance of adaptive planning across regions.

Government agencies at both the local and national levels are urging communities and concerned agencies to adopt proactive measures, particularly in water conservation, agricultural planning, and fire prevention, to mitigate potential risks associated with prolonged dry weather.

Whole-of-government approach strengthens community  safety

The Core 1 grass fire incident underscores the effectiveness of a whole-of-government response that combines operational endurance, technological support, and coordinated planning among agencies.

With climate conditions becoming increasingly unpredictable, local government units are intensifying preparedness efforts to safeguard communities, protect natural resources, and ensure public safety amid evolving environmental challenges.

Bislig City officials reaffirm that safeguarding lives and property remains a top priority, emphasizing that continuous monitoring, inter-agency collaboration, and public cooperation are key to strengthening disaster resilience in Bislig City and beyond. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Friday, 24 April 2026

Sustained security operations in Surigao Sur reinforce ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ peace agenda

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur — Sustained security operations in Surigao del Sur continue to yield significant gains against remaining elements of the communist terrorist group (CTGs), reinforcing the national government’s peace and development agenda under the Bagong Pilipinas governance framework of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 

In a report from the 401st Infantry Brigade, in coordination with the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, government troops successfully neutralized a CTG member during an armed encounter in the hinterlands of Sitio Bulacan, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on April 15.

The clash stemmed from intelligence-driven operations targeting remnants of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). After the encounter, troops recovered the body of a CTG member identified as alias ‘Ka Keroy,’ along with five high-powered firearms and other equipment abandoned at the scene. The operation was launched after a concerned resident reported alleged extortion activities committed by armed group members in the community.

According to Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, the operation underscores the continued resolve of government forces to dismantle remaining insurgent structures in Northeastern Mindanao.

“This achievement is aligned with the Command’s objective to clear and dismantle the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee and ensure the safety and security of communities,” Aynera said.

Discovery of IED materials 

In a separate operation on April 12, government troops uncovered materials believed to be used in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Sitio Palompon, Barangay Mahaba, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, further disrupting the operational capability of insurgent remnants in the province.

Personnel from Delta Company of the 75th Infantry Battalion, with support from the 1st Civil-Military Operations Company, conducted the operation following a tip from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious war materials in the area.

Authorities recovered four gallons of nitro energetic molecules, believed to be used in IED production. The items were immediately secured and transported to a patrol base for proper disposition.

Military officials said the discovery significantly weakened the capability of CTG remnants to carry out violent activities, while enhancing the protection of communities and critical infrastructure in the area.

Community cooperation strengthens peace efforts

Officials emphasized that the success of both operations highlights the crucial role of community cooperation in sustaining peace and security gains. 

Aynera commended the troops and residents for their vigilance and active support, noting that public cooperation is important in preventing the resurgence of rebel activities.

“We commend our troops and the vigilant communities for their collaboration and courage. These collective efforts bring us closer to achieving lasting peace in the region,” he said.

Peace and development agenda

The sustained military operations align with the national government’s peace and development thrust under the Bagong Pilipinas governance approach, which emphasizes security, stability, and inclusive development in formerly conflict-affected areas.

Officials stressed that security gains on the ground complement government efforts to roll out development programs, infrastructure projects, and social services to uplift communities and promote long-term peace. 

With continued improvements in security conditions, authorities remain optimistic that more areas in the Caraga region will transition toward sustained development, enabling communities to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen local economies. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Friday, 24 April 2026

PhilHealth assures solo parents of healthcare services coverage

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Solo parents are assured of accessible and comprehensive healthcare services as Republic Act No. 11223 or the law on Universal Health Care guarantees their automatic membership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), in line with the national government’s directive to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Filipinos.

The initiative also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to strengthen the country’s healthcare system through inclusive and people-centered programs, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as solo parents.

In observance of Solo Parents Week, themed “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa sa Iyong Pag-iisa: Yakap at Kalinga para sa Solo Parent,” PhilHealth Caraga highlighted its expanded support mechanisms, categorizing solo parents as indirect contributors to the national health insurance program.

Jocelyn E. Cañete, field operations division chief of PhilHealth Caraga, explained that solo parents are already covered and can readily access services by presenting their solo parent ID and PhilHealth identification number (PIN) at any PhilHealth office or accredited health facility.

“As long as you have your PhilHealth number, you can avail of the benefits,” Cañete emphasized during the Kapihan sa PIA held at SM City Butuan on April 21. 

She added that solo parents and their qualified dependents are entitled to a wide range of benefits, including outpatient and inpatient services, as well as specialized packages such as the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT). Members may also avail of the zero balance billing policy in public hospitals, while those seeking care in private facilities can receive applicable discounts.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga reported that the province of Agusan del Norte has 3,680 registered solo parents among the 13,119 across the Caraga region.

Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, chief of the Protective Services Division of DSWD Caraga, presented the data during the Kapihan sa PIA, underscoring the growing number of beneficiaries of government programs for solo parents.

Cañete further assured that qualified dependents of solo parents are equally covered under PhilHealth benefits. These include children, parents aged 60 years old and above, adopted children, and foster children under the care of the solo parent.

“Qualified dependents are granted the same benefit packages, including access to outpatient and inpatient services,” she said.

To further expand access to services, PhilHealth Caraga encouraged solo parents to avail of healthcare assistance during the April 23–24, 2026, one-stop shop service caravan at Gaisano City Mall, Butuan, and on April 27, 2026, in Surigao City.

PhilHealth services, including the programs on YAKAP and GAMOT, will be made available during the caravan, bringing government assistance closer to solo parents, dependents, and their families. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Friday, 24 April 2026

396 Dinagat Islands PUV drivers receive fuel subsidy from DSWD

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The government’s cash relief assistance or fuel subsidy has reached the Dinagat Islands, with 396 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, particularly of three-wheeler transport locally called ‘bao-bao,’ each receiving P5,000.

At the payout held in San Jose town on April 16, PUV drivers received a total of P1,980,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga.

In collaboration with the local government of San Jose through the Municipal Traffic Office, each beneficiary received the P5,000, ensuring inclusivity and leaving no Dinagatnon driver behind.

San Jose Mayor Ruben J D. Zuniega attended the distribution and said that the cash relief assistance came from the national government through the DSWD to help bao-bao drivers, hit hardest by the spike in fuel costs due to the Middle East war.

He added, “Sa local nga lebel, gipangunahan kini sa atong LGU aron masiguro nga maabot ang benepisyo mismo sa mga benepisyaryo” (At the local level, the distribution is facilitated by the LGU to ensure that the assistance will reach the rightful beneficiary), he said.

“Unaha ninyo ang bugas ug gasolina. Kana nga subsidy dili na para lingaw-lingaw kay para na sa inyong panginabuhian,” Mayor Zuniega told the drivers.

(Prioritize the purchase of your rice and fuel. The subsidy is not intended for pleasure or merry-making because that is for your livelihood).

As response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide support to drivers affected by the Middle East crisis, the DSWD’s cash relief assistance for the transport sector kicked off in the Caraga region on April 8, benefitting the drivers who are members of the different tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODA) in the cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, and Tandag.

Thereafter, various payouts were implemented in other local government units in the region. As of April 16, DSWD Caraga reported that the program helped the 6,902 TODA members in the region who received a total of P34,510,000.

Aside from Dinagat Islands, there are 2,083 beneficiaries from Agusan del Norte (P10,415,000); 1,888 beneficiaries from Agusan del Sur (P9,440,000); 758 drivers from Surigao del Norte (P3,790,000); and 1,777 beneficiaries from Surigao del Sur (P8,885,000). (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with reports from DSWD Caraga and LGU San Jose, PDI)

Friday, 24 April 2026

DHSUD expands 4PH with beneficiary-centric housing modality in Caraga

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)-Caraga continues to strengthen its expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program to ensure that more Filipinos, particularly Caraganons, gain access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.

DHSUD Caraga Director Fulgencio R. Buyan shared during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on April 21 in Butuan City. 

“The housing initiative has evolved from the original 4PH Program, which primarily focused on vertical housing, into the Expanded 4PH Program that now also accommodates horizontal housing developments,” Dir. Buyan said. “This expansion adopts a beneficiary-centric housing modality, allowing housing options to be tailored-fit to the actual needs and capacity of beneficiaries.” 

Buyan also relayed that several local government units (LGUs) across the region have expressed strong support for the program, particularly in facilitating the formation of homeowners’ associations and identifying suitable project sites. 

He cited the local government unit of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur that recently secured a developer and is currently processing documentary requirements, with project implementation targeted to commence within this year, 2026.

“Through strengthened collaboration with LGUs and the adoption of a beneficiary-centric housing modality, DHSUD Caraga continues to pave the way for safer, more inclusive, and sustainable communities across the region,” the director said. 

Meanwhile, according to Engineer Joel C. Lobrino, development officer of DHSUD Caraga, the DHSUD’s beneficiary-centric modality ensures that housing affordability is fully integrated into project development.

“Under this modality, the program matches the housing package with what the beneficiary can afford. The project will be designed based on the needs and capacity of the beneficiaries, whether the preferred housing type is vertical or horizontal,”  Lobrino said.

Moreover, in partnership with the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), the expanded 4PH Program also offers accessible housing financing, with interest rates as low as three percent, making homeownership more attainable for low- and middle-income families.

DHSUD Caraga is also focusing on regulating developers, expediting the approval of housing projects, and strengthening homeowners’ associations to better protect Caraganons when purchasing house-and-lot packages, especially amid rising costs brought about by the energy crisis. 

It encourages communities to organize and strengthen homeowners’ associations. These associations serve as platforms where beneficiaries can share their preferences, ideas, and concerns regarding housing design and community development. (MFC, PIA Caraga)