Monday, March 23, 2026

OCD boosts disaster readiness with BICS, EOC training for Caraga RDRRMC members

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga has intensified efforts to advance disaster preparedness and response in the region by conducting a series of trainings for selected focal persons of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) member-agencies.

Among the courses completed were the Basic Incident Command System (BICS) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training, both vital frameworks in disaster management.

The BICS provides a standardized approach to incident management, ensuring that responders from different agencies operate under a clear chain of command and shared procedures. This system promotes efficiency, accountability, and interoperability during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the EOC training equips participants with the skills to manage coordination hubs where critical decisions, resource allocation, and information flow are centralized during disasters. Together, these trainings strengthen situational awareness and unified action in times of crisis.

“As DRRM focal persons, we must be equipped with the needed skills and knowledge on the basics of incident management for optimum efficiency in disaster response operations,” said Marc Gil Calang, head of the Capacity Building and Training Section of OCD Caraga.

Participants learned the theories of BICS and EOC operations, reinforced through workshops and simulation exercises, providing a glimpse of real-life scenarios in managing emergencies.

OCD Caraga Acting Regional Director Antonio B. Sugarol emphasized the significance of completing the BICS course, noting its role in integrating responders into the national DRRM network.

“When you complete this [BICS] course, you will earn your certificates with corresponding serial numbers, which will enable you to become a part of the national DRRM network. You will also find yourself getting along with other emergency responders as you now speak the same language,” Sugarol said.

Through these initiatives, OCD Caraga continues to build the capacity of DRRM focal persons, ensuring a more coordinated, efficient, and unified disaster response across the region. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Monday, March 23, 2026

Agusan Sur town mobilizes motorcycles for swift rescue operations

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — All-in-one rescue motorcycles designed for emergencies, such as fire incidents and situations requiring first aid, were officially turned over and mobilized to various barangays in the municipality of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, during a ceremony held at the municipal grounds on March 16.

A total of 22 First Aid Service Team (FAST) motorcycles—the first of their kind in the Caraga region—aim to provide immediate assistance to inner and far-flung barangays, especially in areas where the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has difficulty accessing due to distance and narrow roads.

The project is an initiative of BFP San Francisco and was funded by the local government unit (LGU) of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, through its peace and order fund.

Each motorcycle is equipped with a first-aid kit, siren, and two fire extinguishers to ensure quick and efficient emergency response.

“When we say there is already a fire, the window for us to respond becomes very small, so it only takes seconds or minutes for the flames to grow bigger,” said Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo, mayor of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

“The main purpose here in our municipality is that there are barangays which, when traveled from the fire station, take more than 10 minutes to reach. Because of this delay, by the time we arrive at the fire incident, there is often nothing left to save as everything has already been burned,” said Fire Senior Inspector Cypol Jay Inocente of BFP San Francisco.

“This is primarily intended for response to small-scale fires, meaning it serves as first aid during fire incidents and for medical emergency response, as it is equipped with first-aid kits,” he added.

Two responders from each barangay have been designated to manage the motorcycles. They also undergo training in firefighting, basic life support, and first aid from March 16 to 18 to ensure the proper and effective use of the equipment.

“To all responders who will operate these motorcycles, rest assured that BFP San Francisco will provide you with the appropriate training to ensure their proper use,” said Fire Senior Inspector Shirly Erlina, acting provincial fire marshal.

Barangay responders who received the motorcycles expressed their gratitude for the initiative, noting that it will significantly improve their capacity to respond quickly to fire incidents within their communities.

“On our part, we are thankful to be one of the recipients of this motorcycle, as it will help us respond more efficiently during rescue incidents and can be easily mobilized,” said Daniel Perez, barangay councilor of Brgy. Das-agan, San Francisco.

The LGU, in partnership with the BFP, aims to provide additional FAST motorcycles to the remaining five barangays to further expand emergency response services across the municipality.

“It is not only used during fire incidents, but it is also equipped with a siren that can be utilized by the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) during roving in their respective barangays,” Mayor Bravo added.

“To our barangays, we have provided this equipment, and our humble request is that you take good care of it, including the proper maintenance such as refilling fire extinguishers and replenishing first-aid kits,” she emphasized.

With the deployment of these FAST motorcycles, the municipality strengthens its commitment to faster, more accessible, and community-based emergency response, ensuring that even the most remote barangays are better prepared to handle fire and medical emergencies. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with the report of PTV Agusan del Sur) 

Monday, March 23, 2026

Beneficiaries thank gov’t for P21-M TUPAD aid benefiting 2,805 storm-hit Agusan Norte residents  

By Nora L. Molde

Beneficiaries from the different municipalities of the province of Agusan del Norte attend the Department of Labor and Employment’s orientation on TUPAD emergency employment, part of the government’s post-storm recovery efforts. (Photo courtesy of DOLE Agusan del Norte)

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 2,805 residents affected by Tropical Storm Basyang in Agusan del Norte benefit from P21 million worth of emergency employment assistance under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to the government for the aid that provides immediate income support while accelerating community recovery efforts.

The program offers short-term employment to displaced and vulnerable workers, enabling them to earn income, restore their livelihoods, and participate in rehabilitation activities such as clearing storm debris, implementing risk-reduction measures, and assisting in public infrastructure restoration.

The initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure timely and responsive government assistance to communities affected by disasters, particularly through strengthened social protection and emergency employment programs as implemented by the DOLE–Agusan del Norte Field Office (DOLE-ADNFO) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PPESO). 

For the first quarter of 2026, DOLE-ADNFO rolled out simultaneous orientation sessions on March 5 across several municipalities to brief beneficiaries on program guidelines and their roles in community-based recovery efforts.

Of the total 2,805 beneficiaries, the highest number comes from Kitcharao with 743 workers, followed by Tubay (538) and Cabadbaran City (428). Other beneficiaries are from Jabonga (291), Magallanes (230), Buenavista (230), Santiago (130), Las Nieves (65), Nasipit (50), Carmen (50), and Remedios T. Romualdez (50).

Beneficiaries will be employed for 15 working days, from March 5 to March 21, 2026.

The intervention was launched in response to the effects of Tropical Storm Basyang, which placed the entire province under Tropical Wind Signal No. 2 on February 5, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that caused flooding and disrupted livelihoods in several communities.

DOLE-ADNFO Head Keith C. Duran emphasized the importance of providing immediate assistance to affected workers. “Providing timely assistance through emergency employment is crucial, especially for families whose livelihoods were disrupted by the storm. Through TUPAD, we are not only giving them financial support but also empowering them to actively participate in rebuilding their communities,” Duran said.

One of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for the assistance received. “This assistance is a big help for us who were affected by the storm. We are thankful to the government for providing us with work through TUPAD, which helps us meet our daily needs and recover,” the beneficiary said.

Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante also extended her thanks to DOLE for the aid provided to Agusanons affected by the storm, highlighting the importance of government support in the province’s post-disaster recovery efforts.

The TUPAD program continues to serve as a key intervention in delivering immediate relief while supporting long-term community resilience and recovery, in line with the administration’s thrust of building safer, more resilient, and disaster-ready communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DOLE Agusan del Norte) 

Monday, March 23, 2026

PMO Surigao, mas pinaigting ang kahandaan sa lindol

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Muling pinatunayan ng Port Management Office (PMO) ng Surigao ang dedikasyon nito sa kaligtasan sa pamamagitan ng aktibong pakikilahok sa 1st quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). 

Ang drill na idinaos noong ika-12 ng Marso ay nilahukan ng mga kawani mula sa lahat ng nasasakupang lugar ng PMO Surigao, kabilang ang: Port of Surigao (Baseport) at mga terminal management offices (TMOs) sa Dapa, Dinagat Islands, Tandag, at Lipata.

Sinabi ni Port Manager Froilan U. Caturla na idinaos ang pangunahing aktibidad sa gusaling administratibo ng Port of Surigao at sa hudyat ng integrated earthquake alarm system na nagsilbing simulasyon ng isang tunay na pagyanig, mabilis at maayos na isinagawa ng mga empleyado ang pangunahing kilos-kaligtasan na ‘duck, cover, and hold.’ 

Aniya, nagging susi sa tagumpay ng pagsasanay ang mabilis na pagkilos ng incident management team (IMT) ng PMO Surigao, na nanguna sa koordinasyon ng mga sumusunod na hakbang:

* Pagtatala ng tao o headcount: Agarang nagsagawa ng bilangan upang matiyak na ligtas at kumpleto ang lahat ng personnel.

* Inspeksyon ng estruktura: Mabilis na sinuri ng Damage Control and Search and Rescue Team ang integridad ng gusali upang matiyak na wala itong tinamong pinsala.

* Pagpapatuloy ng operasyon: Matapos i-deklarang ligtas ang lugar, agad na bumalik sa normal ang operasyon ng daungan—isang patunay ng kahandaan ng ahensya sa pagpapanatili ng serbisyo sa gitna ng sakuna.

“Ang masigasig na pakikilahok ng PMO Surigao sa NSED ay nagpapakita ng kanilang seryosong pangako sa pagprotekta sa kanilang mga kawani at sa pagtiyak na hindi mapaparalisa ang serbisyo sa publiko sakaling magkaroon ng natural na kalamidad,” dagdag pa ni Caturla. 

Sa pamamagitan ng regular na pagsasanay, sinisiguro ng pamunuan ng daungan na sila ay laging handa at mabilis na makakatulong sa anumang totoong banta ng lindol. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte kasama ang report mula sa PPA-PMO Surigao)

Monday, March 23, 2026

DOT inspects proposed aqua park in Malimono, Surigao Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Malimono, Surigao del Norte, conducted a joint inspection and validation of the municipality’s proposed tourism development project entitled ‘Construction of Aqua Park’ at Malimono Punta Beach Resort.

This initiative was part of DOT Caraga’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development. In addition, the proposed project is aligned with the province’s tourism development agenda, which aims to enhance local tourism offerings, attract more visitors, and provide employment in the community. 

DOT Caraga extended its sincere appreciation to the LGU of Malimono and the Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Norte for their cooperation and valuable support which contributed to the successful conduct of this initiative, saying, “The proposed aqua park is more than just a construction project, it represents a vision to elevate the local tourism landscape and create a premier destination that reflects the natural beauty and hospitality of its people.”

It added, “This development is strategically designed to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for their residents and stimulate growth for local businesses, and ensure that this park will be a source of pride for generations to come.” 

Following the site inspection held on March 6, a coordination meeting was conducted to present the team’s observations, findings, and recommendations regarding the proposed project. 

The meeting also served as an opportunity to provide guidance to the LGU on the necessary steps and strategies for the project.

Mayor Arnel S. Amalla expressed a strong commitment to further advancing the tourism industry in the municipality. 

Joining the validation team from DOT Caraga were key officers and personnel from the LGU of Malimono, including the Municipal Tourism Officer, Municipal Engineer, and Municipal Planning Officer. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte, with a report from DOT Caraga)