Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Buenavista, Agusan Norte posts 9.43% business tax growth

By Nora L. Molde

Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Mayor Joselito T. Roble underscores the importance of responsible taxation and fiscal sustainability as the municipality records a 9.43% rise in business tax collections in 2025, enabling expanded barangay infrastructure and frontline services. (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Buenavista)

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Business tax and other tax collections in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, surged by 9.43 percent in 2025, driving a 6.15 percent increase in the municipality’s total annual income and contributing to broader national priorities on fiscal decentralization and local development, Mayor Joselito T. Roble reported.

Records from the Municipal Treasurer’s Office show that business tax and other taxes rose from P33 million in 2024 to P36.163 million in 2025. The increase significantly increased the total annual by P67.8 million in 2025 compared to the previous year. Real property tax collections also posted a 1 percent increase, from P12.699 million in 2024 to P12.795 million in 2025.

Income from economic enterprises, including the public market, slaughterhouse, and terminal, grew from P11.5 million in 2024 to P12.1 million in 2025, reflecting a 5.01 percent growth.

Roble said the improved revenue performance demonstrates strengthened local collection efforts, increased taxpayer compliance, and alignment with national initiatives to empower local government units under the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.

“I am grateful to say that we have shown that taxation is not punishment, it is participation in development. Gradually, the people understood that what we collect is not excessive but only what is legally due. And what you pay is directed to projects and services that you can truly see,” Mayor Roble said.

Mayor Roble added that enhanced local revenues allow the municipality to sustain priority programs while supporting national objectives on inclusive growth, equitable public service delivery, and grassroots empowerment.

Among the key programs funded by improved revenue collection are continued investments in barangay infrastructure, particularly covered courts and barangay halls, aimed at strengthening community-level service delivery.

“If you have noticed, a significant portion of our infrastructure funds was poured into barangay-covered courts and barangay halls. This was not accidental. This was a well-thought-out decision. We believe that strong barangays build a strong municipality. The barangay is the backbone of our LGU. This is where service, unity, and people’s participation begin. By empowering every barangay, we bring the government closer to the people. If the barangay is strong, Buenavista is strong,” Roble said.

The municipal government also continues to implement the community-based “Kumustahan sa Barangay” program, bringing essential services directly to residents, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

In 2024 alone, 20 Kumustahan activities were conducted. Since 2023, more than 55,000 residents across all 25 barangays have benefited from services such as free medical consultations and medicines, scholarship assistance, veterinary and agricultural services, civil registry services, cedula processing, and other forms of social support.

Punong Barangay Rodel Roses of Poblacion 10 highlighted the program’s importance for residents.

“Dako kaayo og tabang ang Kumustahan sa Barangay kay dili na kinahanglan moadto pa ang among mga residente sa poblacion. Ang serbisyo maoy muduol sa ilaha. Mas dali nilang ma-access ang medical, scholarship, ug uban pang assistance (The Kumustahan sa Barangay is a big help because our residents no longer need to travel to the town proper. The services come directly to them. They can easily access medical, scholarship, and other assistance),” Punong Barangay Roses said.

Roses added that the program should continue because it greatly benefits the people of Buenavista.

The “Kumustahan ug Tin-aw na Panan-aw Program” has also assisted around 500 beneficiaries with eye care services and free prescription eyeglasses.

“Ang inyong buwis mao ang nagpalihok sa serbisyo ug naghatag og kausaban sa kinabuhi sa katawhan (Your taxes are what drive public services and bring positive change to the lives of the people),” Roble said.

Roble emphasized that Buenavista’s improved revenue performance is part of the national strategy to strengthen local government units’ fiscal autonomy, enabling municipalities to fund programs that directly improve the lives of constituents and support national development agendas. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

 

 

Monday, 16 February 2026

Over 2K typhoon-hit workers in Dinagat Islands rebuild livelihood through DOLE’s TUPAD

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Two months after Typhoon Tino struck the Province of Dinagat Islands in early November 2025, a total of 2,005 affected workers gradually regained their income stability with the help of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) program or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD). 

Through the DOLE’s emergency employment assistance, it provided short-term employment to beneficiaries who received wages that enabled them to address daily household needs, resume small livelihood activities and cope with income losses caused by the typhoon. 

Attorney Jason P. Balais, regional director of DOLE Caraga, emphasized the importance of maximizing government assistance to uplift the communities during the TUPAD payout on December 2, 2025, to 541 workers from San Jose town and 20 more from Barangay Mabini, Cagdianao. 

“I am grateful that we are gathered here today to reaffirm the Department’s support through this TUPAD payout. This short-term employment assistance provided immediate financial relief to families affected by economic challenges, ensuring temporary income support, while communities recover,” Dir. Balais said. 

Teresa, one of the beneficiaries, said, “DOLE’s program on TUPAD served as our source of support during the early stages of recovery, helping us meet our basic needs, while we rebuild our communities.”

The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, headed by Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., commended the DOLE initiative that empowered affected families to contribute to recovery efforts while receiving immediate income support. It also recognized the agency for its coordination and smooth implementation of TUPAD through collaboration with the local government units.

Meanwhile, according to the Caraga Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Situation Report No. 11, Typhoon Tino, which hit the province on November 4, 2025, affected 91 barangays, including 54,317 individuals or 17,427 families. It also destroyed 2,694 houses and 21 infrastructure facilities. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOLE-PDI)

Monday, 16 February 2026

Dinagat Islands strengthens food security with P7-M irrigation projects

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Water supply or irrigation to our farmlands is very important to sustain the gains of agriculture in the province and contribute to national food security.

This is the statement of Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. during the turnover of a P7 million worth of small scale irrigation projects in the province, covering a 50-hectare service area and benefiting 80 farmers from the towns of Basilisa, Cagdianao, Libjo and Tubajon, held at the Capitol Dome, Barangay Cuarinta in San Jose on February 3.

Spearheaded by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Office (PABEO), the eight small-scale irrigation projects include: pump irrigation system for the Laguna Farmers Association (LFA); spring development for the Upper Laguna Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ULFARCO); solar powered irrigation to benefit the Edera Farmers Association; check dam for the Dannapa Agri-Multipurpose Cooperative (DAMPC); ram pump irrigation system for the Nueva Estrella Farmers and Fisherfolk Association; mobile solar pump irrigation for the Bolod-Bolod Irrigation Association; and another spring development for the barangay local government unit of Santa. Cruz in Tubajon. Also included in the ceremonial turnover are irrigation pipes (polyethylene hose) amounting to P500,000.

Conrado C. Semilla, president of the LFA, recalled the challenges of expanding their farm and increasing production because the water source was very far and the members had to use a carabao to carry containers to water their crops. 

“Maglisod mi ug padaghan sa amo tanom ug abot kay layo ra ang tubig. Dili maagwanta ang paghakot sa tubig” (It was very difficult to increase our plantation and our production because the source of water is very far. It was laborious to transport water.)

With a good and convenient water source, Semilla said, ‘Now, we can plant anytime, and we don’t have to wait for the rain. We can expand our farm, increase crop productivity, and improve on quality and diversification.  Thank you to the provincial government and partners for helping the farmers improve our lives.”

Gov. Demerey said the mobile solar pump irrigation makes access to water convenient because of its mobility and design suited for farm roads. It is cost-efficient because it uses solar power. 

“The solar pump irrigation, known as irrigation on wheels, is our first modern irrigation equipment in the province.  Our farmers can now plant anytime even if it’s dry season. We added an all-terrain vehicle so the irrigation system will reach far-flung farms and areas.” The governor said. “Also the province has the most number of ram pump irrigation systems in Mindanao, contributing greatly to our economic growth.”

The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, together with partner agencies and stakeholders, will continue to modernize and mechanize agriculture in the province, acknowledging the critical role of sustainable and resilient irrigation in achieving food sufficiency and security. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from Dinagat Islands PIO)

Monday, 16 February 2026

Palarong Pambansa infra in Agusan Sur 80% complete —governor

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — With the Palarong Pambansa drawing near, final preparations are underway in Agusan del Sur, with the provincial government reporting significant progress in infrastructure development for the national sporting event.

Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. announced that the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) has completed around 80 percent of the required facilities, including billeting quarters for delegates and playing venues. “The provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) is now around 80 percent in the completion of all the infrastructure requirements for the Palarong Pambansa. That includes the billeting quarters for our delegates and the playing venues.”

He assured that the timeline remains on track, with winning bids already awarded to service providers. The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), in coordination with contractors and local government units (LGUs), is conducting regular monitoring to ensure completion ahead of schedule.

“Most of our contractors have pledged to have everything finished by the end of March. Although there are others whose completion dates stipulated on their respective contracts go beyond the month of March, we strive to get their commitment to do overtime so we can reach 100% accomplishment ahead of schedule to give ample time for possible last-minute refinements,” Cane added.

To guarantee quality, PGAS has also sought the expertise of sports enthusiasts to test out the playing venues. The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga is also working closely with PGAS to ensure compliance with regulations and specifications set by the Palarong Pambansa national board. Another executive committee meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2026, to be presided over by DepEd Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma.

The 2026 edition of the Palarong Pambansa marks the first-ever hosting by Agusan del Sur and the Caraga region. Cane described the event as a “long overdue dream,” recalling that the province had been bidding since 1993 but lacked the necessary sports facilities at the time. After more than three decades, Agusan del Sur officially won the hosting bid on July 16, 2024, besting Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga City. The formal turnover took place during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte, where Governor Cane received the Palarong Pambansa flag from Governor Matthew Manotoc.

“This is a long overdue dream. We have been longing to host a national sporting event here in our province,” shared Cane, emphasizing the historic significance of the games for Agsurnons and Caraganons alike.

Agusan del Sur’s journey to hosting the Palarong Pambansa is a testament to the province’s bravery and perseverance in keeping its eye on the goal. The fruit of such determination is a legacy that PGAS and the people of Agusan del Sur will proudly carry for generations to come, marking their place in history as hosts of one of the country’s biggest sporting events. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Monday, 16 February 2026

Siargao women-farmers earn over P500K from egg production

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Living up to its name–‘malipayon’ (cheerful) and ‘mauswagon’ (progressive)–the Malipayon ug Mauswagong Mag-uuma sa Mahayahay (M4) closed the year 2025 with a total gross sale of P550,702 by selling 75,337 eggs.

The M4, a women-farmers’ association in Barangay Mahayahay, Del Carmen on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, is supported by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) program on Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD). 

According to M4 Chairperson Marnie Q. Lubapis, in addition to the commitment and dedication of its members to keep the scheduled management rotation of the poultry farm, the convenience they offer to the community has also contributed to the growth of their egg-selling business.

“Our egg production project through the DA’s SAAD has made fresh table eggs more accessible. Eggs are an essential part of our community, especially for students who rely on them for daily nutrition,” Lubapis said.

Highlighting M4’s contribution to the community, its Display Officer Catherine C. Garrido said,, “Instead of traveling all the way to Dapa, as the adjacent town and the economic center of Siargao Island, the locals in Barangay Mahayahay can now buy fresh table eggs, including different sizes, at reasonable prices.”

Lilibeth J. Erong, vice chairperson of M4, emphasized how the program has empowered women in the community by helping them establish their own livelihood. “Most of our members are housewives, and this project gives us an opportunity to earn income to help provide for our families and cover daily needs.” 

As the M4 continues to grow its egg production, the group has agreed on a policy to balance project sustainability and member benefits. Their fund sharing takes place biannually (every June and December), equally dividing fifty percent of their net income among the members, and keeping the other half in their savings account to build the business capital for long-term operational costs and maintenance.

Looking ahead, M4 prepared an annual action plan, guided by the DA-SAADS area coordinator, to set the organization’s goals and targets and to assign key persons responsible for achieving them. To strengthen project diversification, the M4 plans to expand egg production by purchasing additional layer chickens to meet growing community demand. 

They also aim to revive their vegetable production initiative, which was affected by the typhoons that hit the region in the last quarter of 2025. This diversification will support the group’s plan to expand its display center, allowing for more egg trays and mixed vegetables.

As for SAAD Caraga, it will continue to guide the M4 and other farmers’ associations, helping them create sustainability plans to achieve their goals and establish their own community-based enterprises (CBEs). (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DA-SAAD Caraga)