Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Agusan Sur LGUs prioritize students, teachers safety after strong earthquake  

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Local government units (LGUs) in Agusan del Sur suspended classes at all levels on June 8 following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that jolted several parts of Mindanao. The move was prompted by widespread concern among parents and teachers over possible aftershocks and the safety of students inside school facilities.

The quake struck at 7:37 a.m., just minutes after thousands of students had gathered for flag-raising ceremonies on the first day of School Year 2026–2027. The temblor caused panic among learners, but teachers and administrators quickly implemented safety protocols, guiding students to open areas and calming the situation.

Local chief executives (LCEs) acted swiftly, issuing suspension orders in their jurisdictions. Many used social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to immediately disseminate the directive and reassure parents. The rapid communication ensured that students could safely return home while authorities began assessing the impact of the quake.

Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis was among the first to announce the suspension. “This decision allows the proper assessment of school buildings and facilities to ensure the safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel. We ask for the understanding and cooperation of everyone as we continue to monitor the situation,” Asis said.

School officials expressed relief at the LGUs’ prompt action. “Despite the unprecedented incident we experienced today, we are grateful we are all safe and that our LGUs share the same sentiment with us, teachers, and most especially the parents. Safety first at all times. Our classes can wait,” said Raymon Pagios, head of Panas Elementary School in Sibagat.

City and municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices (C/MDRRMOs) immediately deployed teams to conduct Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA). Inspectors checked the structural integrity of school buildings to determine whether they were safe for occupancy before classes could resume. As of this posting, no casualties have been reported, but C/MDRRMOs along with school officials continue to monitor facilities closely to ensure a safe resumption of classes.

The swift suspension of classes and deployment of assessment teams underscored the utmost concern of Agusan del Sur’s LGUs for the welfare of their constituents. By prioritizing safety and acting decisively in the face of hazards, as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,  local leaders demonstrated their commitment to protecting students, teachers, and communities during emergencies. (NJGD, PIA Caraga/Photo courtesy of Agusan del Sur National High School)

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

DAR summit brings P1.2-B investments, support services to boost Caraga farmers’ productivity

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) —  More than 2,300 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the Caraga region stand to gain from over P1.2 billion worth of investments, agricultural support services, infrastructure projects, and livelihood opportunities following the Agrarian Reform Stakeholders Empowerment and Partnership Summit led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Held on June 1, the summit was attended by DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, who underscored the Marcos administration’s commitment to strengthening food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers through comprehensive agrarian reform and rural development initiatives.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Roxas-Maligaya-Tagbobonga (ROMATA) Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, which will receive a P1.16-billion investment package over the next five years.

The development initiative is expected to directly benefit 353 agrarian reform beneficiaries from three barangays and two agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs). Through the program, farmers will gain access to farm infrastructure, enterprise development projects, financing assistance, capacity-building activities, and other interventions to increase farm yields and household incomes.

The summit also delivered immediate assistance to farmer organizations in the region.

Two ARBOs, the Sto. Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Butuan City and the Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative entered into marketing agreements that will help farmer-members secure stable markets for their products and improve their earnings.

Meanwhile, four ARBOs representing 403 agrarian reform beneficiaries received 15 units of farm machinery and equipment worth P3.6 million. The equipment is expected to reduce production costs, lessen labor requirements, and improve farming efficiency, enabling farmers to increase productivity and profitability.

Further strengthening rural connectivity, DAR turned over a P50-million farm-to-market road project in Surigao del Norte that will benefit 234 ARBs. The road is expected to ease the transport of agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmers’ access to markets and essential services.

Secretary Estrella emphasized that agrarian reform goes beyond land distribution and must be complemented by support services that enable beneficiaries to become productive and self-reliant.

The summit reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower farmers through sustained government interventions that promote agricultural modernization, food security, and rural economic growth.

DAR Caraga Regional Director Merlita Capinpuyan highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing rural development.

“Through stronger collaboration, responsive support services, and community empowerment, we can help our farmers achieve greater productivity, improved livelihood opportunities, and a more secure future for their families,” Capinpuyan said.

For local leaders, the gains of agrarian reform are already evident in communities across the region.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante noted that government interventions have significantly improved the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

“Our ARBs evolved, and their lives improved,” Amante said, expressing optimism that more farmers would benefit from continued government support and partnerships.

Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble echoed the sentiment, stressing that agrarian reform must translate into tangible improvements in farmers’ quality of life.

“Agrarian reform is not only about land. It is about providing our agrarian reform beneficiaries and farmers with the support they need to become more productive and improve their quality of life,” Roble said.

Among those who have directly benefited from DAR’s programs is Amelia Patalinghog, manager of the Manapa Agrarian Reform Beneficiary and Community Cooperative in Manapa, Buenavista, in the province of Agusan del Norte. She expressed gratitude to DAR and President Marcos for the assistance extended to their organization, particularly the hog-fattening project that has helped generate additional income for cooperative members.

The summit also featured the oath-taking of more than 700 Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) members and the recognition of local government units and partner agencies that have contributed to the successful implementation of agrarian reform initiatives in Caraga.

As part of the continuing implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, Secretary Estrella led the distribution of electronic land titles to 4,372 agrarian reform beneficiaries covering more than 10,130 hectares across the region.

The distribution of land titles advances the Marcos administration’s goal of securing land tenure for farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving the overall welfare of rural communities, ensuring that agrarian reform beneficiaries not only own the land they till but also have the resources and opportunities needed to create sustainable, prosperous livelihoods. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) 

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

More gov’t communicators join PIA Caraga’s 2026 conference

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — At least 150 public information officers (IOs) were gathered in Butuan City for the Caraga Regional Information Officers Conference 2026 with the theme, ‘Strengthening Public Information Through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity and Mobile Journalism.’

Spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga under Regional Head Venus L. Garcia, more IOs attended this year’s convergence held on June 4, with complete representation from the region’s five provinces, including the highly urbanized city of Butuan, and from the regional line agencies.

In 2025, the activity was attended by nearly 50 IOs coming from the regional line agencies only.

Millard P. Tawakal, supervising administrative officer of the Dinagat Islands Provincial Information Office, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the activity. 

“The knowledge that I gained in today’s conference – for instance, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and  cybersecurity awareness – is essential in my work as a public servant and a government communicator.”

“I hope that the rest of the personnel in my office and all IOs in the province will be given a chance to also learn from this relevant discussion and participate in the workshop,” he said.

In her message, Renelle L. Escuadro, assistant regional head of PIA Caraga, said, “Despite the State of National Energy Emergency, the government through the PIA has made it possible for us to come together in one setting,” she said.

“With full support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PIA will try its best to sustain this gathering annually, increase our engagement and ensure that no IO is left behind,” she added 

Meanwhile, the Caraga Regional Information Officers Conference served as a learning avenue for the municipal, provincial, and regional information officers to adapt to innovative platforms for effective dissemination of government programs to wider communities.

Doctor Jaymer M. Jayoma, dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences at Caraga State University, shared some AI applications that can assist in drafting news stories, fact-checking, translation, video editing, and meeting transcription, among other tasks. “These tools will make government communicators more productive and efficient in their jobs and in the workplace.”

He emphasized the responsible use of AI amid increasing concerns over deepfakes and disinformation. He also encouraged IOs to uphold the principles of responsible digital citizenship.

Reymar A. Estafia, planning officer II of DICT Caraga, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of protecting personal information in the digital world, reminding participants to be vigilant in handling sensitive data and to uphold privacy rights in all forms of communication and information management.

Further, they were informed about updates on PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) and No Balance Billing, including PAGASA-Butuan’s El Niňo.

The IOs were also allowed to sharpen and optimize their communication skills with an orientation and workshop on mobile journalism (MoJo), a novelty in curating information and advocacy materials. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

DepEd promotes 956 Caraga education personnel

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In line with the kickoff celebration of Brigada Eskwela, the Department of Education (DepEd) spearheaded the oath-taking of 956 newly promoted teaching and non-teaching personnel from various school divisions across the Caraga region, highlighting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to recognizing excellence and advancing the careers of public school educators.

Among those promoted was Doctor Marivic Cuizon, who expressed her gratitude to the DepEd’s system on Expanded Career Progression (ECP), which enabled her advancement from head teacher III to principal I in Pareja Integrated School in Butuan City

“I am thankful to the government for providing educators with opportunities for career growth and professional advancement. Through the Expanded Career Progression System, I felt that my years of hard work, dedication, and service were recognized. This program transformed what once seemed like a distant aspiration into a reality,” Cuizon said.

She described the promotion as a significant milestone in her career, reflecting not only personal achievement but also the value placed on educators’ commitment to excellence. She added that the promotion motivates her to strengthen her leadership in education and continue serving learners, teachers, and the school community with greater dedication, from ensuring a conducive learning environment to supporting quality instruction and learner development.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara personally administered the oath to the newly promoted personnel and underscored the significance of the ECP in strengthening the teaching profession.

The ECP allows high-performing teachers to advance in rank, responsibilities, and compensation while remaining in the classroom, ensuring that professional growth is accessible without requiring educators to leave teaching positions for administrative roles.

Sec. Angara also acknowledged teachers who have dedicated decades of service to public education, emphasizing that the program ensures their contributions are properly recognized and rewarded throughout their careers.

Meanwhile, Butuan City Councilor Glenn C. Carampatana lauded the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward empowering educators and strengthening the country’s education system.

“We commend Secretary Angara and DepEd for providing teachers with opportunities to advance based on merit, competence, and dedication. This initiative not only uplifts the welfare of our educators but also strengthens our schools and reinforces the foundation of quality education,” Carampatana said.

He added that the mass promotion clearly affirms the government’s recognition of teachers’ invaluable contributions to nation-building. “Today’s oath-taking ceremony is an affirmation that the government values the sacrifices of these teachers and is committed to investing in the growth and welfare of the education workforce,” he said.

Carampatana further recognized the unwavering commitment of educators who often go beyond their call of duty to ensure that education remains inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of every learner.

The promotion of 956 personnel across Caraga reflects DepEd’s continuing efforts to professionalize the education workforce, reward exemplary performance, and create more pathways for career advancement within the public school system, ultimately contributing to improved learning outcomes for Filipino students. (MFC, PIA Caraga) 

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 08 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

08 June 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1.  MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE:

-Magnitude 7.8 quake jolts Sarangani, shakes large parts of Mindanao

-Tsunami waves detected in 6 areas after Sarangani quake

-Mindanao quake caused by Cotabato Trench — Phivolcs

-Death toll in magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao climbs to 19 —OCD

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/sarangani-earthquake-tsunami-warning-june-8-2026/

2. Marcos orders disaster response, class suspension after Mindanao quake

-DND, OCD coordinate rapid response after earthquake hits Mindanao

-DSWD mobilizes aid as Mindanao reels from magnitude 7.8 quake

-DOE, NGCP assessing damage to energy infra from Mindanao quake

-GenSan Airport operations suspended after magnitude 7.8 earthquake

-DepEd deploys engineers to inspect schools after Mindanao quake; Says over 3.2 million students were affected

-DOH raises alert status, issues safety advisories after magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake

-DBM: Funds ready for release after magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/06/08/marcos-orders-disaster-response-class-suspension-after-mindanao-quake/

3. Blue ribbon committee resumes hearing on flood control projects

-18 ‘ex-Marines’ at Senate to visit Padilla, not to attend BRC

-14 more ex-employees of Zaldy Co ready to face Senate — Baligod

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2242188/watch-senate-blue-ribbon-resumes-hearing-on-flood-control-projects

4. PH classes reopen as 3-term school calendar begins

-PNP launches probe into fake posts on class opening suspension

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Rappler]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/8/-for-june-8-7-am-ph-classes-reopen-as-3-term-school-calendar-begins-0700

5. Impeachment court receives prosecution’s manifestation vs Sara Duterte

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2241902/impeachment-court-receives-house-prosecutions-manifestation-vs-duterte

6. Cayetano bloc seeks joint sign-off for Senate documents; Palace rejects Cayetano proposal for power-sharing with Gatchalian

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Guardian, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/06/08/2533716/cayetano-bloc-seeks-joint-sign-senate-documents

7. Marcos shrugs off Paoay cash delivery allegations; Palace calls kickback accusers as ’18 garbage collectors’

[DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/08/marcos-shrugs-off-paoay-cash-delivery-allegations

8. Marcos only recognizes Gatchalian-led Senate; Tells Alan Peter Cayetano: Don't act as if you're the victim

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/8/marcos-only-recognizes-gatchalian-led-senate-palace-says-ahead-of-supplemental-budget-request-1443

9. Curlee Discaya arrested for malversation

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2241841/curlee-discaya-arrested-for-malversation

10. OCTA poll: 71% says joint military exercises benefit PH

[GMA News, Malaya, Manila Standard]

https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/octa-poll-71-says-joint-military-exercises-benefit-ph/

 

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit