Friday, 21 March 2025

DTI empowers Caraga MSMEs with modern facilities

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga continues to strengthen the region’s economy by empowering and upgrading the businesses of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program.

With 13 new SSF projects approved in 2024 amounting to P169.47 million, the MSMEs now have access to modern equipment and technology that enhanced their productivity and competitiveness.

The SSF program played a crucial role in equipping MSMEs with the necessary tools and shared resources to improve their production processes, increase efficiency and expand market reach. It supported a wide range of industries, including food processing, handicrafts, agriculture and manufacturing, ensuring local enterprises can meet both local and international demand.

DTI Caraga Director Gay Tidalgo monitored and assessed the SSF projects implemented in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, ensuring these facilities significantly contribute to business growth and industry development.

“We’ll make our businesses grow, not just for today, but for the next generation. I want to see industries thrive and create sustainable opportunities for our people,” Tidalgo said during the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Butuan City.

One of the key industries benefiting from DTI’s initiatives is Caraga’s coconut industry. As a former COCOFED scholar, Tidalgo took the lead to bring locally made coconut products, such as virgin coconut oil, coco sugar and desiccated coconut, to the global stage.

“I owe so much to the coconut industry, and now it is my mission to help elevate our coconut products worldwide,” she added while tackling the championing efforts of DTI Caraga in its collaboration with coconut farmers, processors and exporters to ensure local coconut-based products meet international standards, creating greater economic opportunities for the region.

To further accelerate economic growth in the region, DTI Caraga also invited investors to explore other business opportunities in the region.

“With its rich natural resources, skilled workforce and growing infrastructure, Caraga offers a promising environment for investment,” Tidalgo emphasized.

She also assured investors of strong government support, business-friendly policies and a thriving market in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and information technology.

“Caraga is open for business. We encourage investors to explore the vast opportunities our region has to offer. With the right investments, we can create more jobs, strengthen local industries and ensure sustainable economic development,” she said.

For investment inquiries, business assistance or consumer protection concerns, the public is encouraged to visit the nearest DTI office strategically located in all provinces in the region. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)

Friday, 21 March 2025

TESDA launches incubation centers for entrepreneurs in Agusan Norte

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY – To boost entrepreneurship and skills development in Caraga region, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga recently launched a network of incubation centers at Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The newly launched incubation centers included the NMSF ecovilla, the Fishers’ Dormitel, students’ dormitory, Brewer’s Café, and Fishyalan are designed to provide hands-on training and real-world business experience to learners. These facilities enable students to “earn while they learn,” equipping them with skills in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and event management while offering direct exposure to industry practices.”

TESDA Caraga Director Florencio Sunico Jr. acknowledged the big contribution of the facilities saying, “The centers are more than just physical spaces; they are hubs of opportunity where ideas turn into reality.”

“By providing modern facilities, mentorship, and industry linkages, we are ensuring that Filipinos are well-prepared to succeed in a competitive global economy,” he added.

Also, NMSF Vocational School Administrator Nancy C. De Guzman shared that beyond benefiting students, the incubation centers serve as economic catalysts for local communities. They provide training and employment opportunities, particularly in the fisheries and tourism sectors, while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

“With TESDA Caraga and NMSF at the helm, this initiative is set to transform skills development in the region, empowering individuals, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and driving economic growth,” De Guzman said.

Attorney Juselle Tricia S. Roble, administrative assistant of Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble, emphasized the program’s long-term impact on the community. “The training centers will transform lives, enhance the workforce, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the community. The local government unit of Buenavista looks forward to seeing the positive impact of these centers in the years to come,” she said while expressing gratitude to TESDA Caraga for this significant innovation in the town that will strengthen the quality and employability of the learners in technical education and vocation. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Friday, 21 March 2025

Butuan City releases earthquake hazard assessment tools

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY – In collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), the city government of Butuan launched on March 11 the scientific publications on Butuan City Earthquake Model: Event-Based Probabilistic Seismic Risks Assessment Technical Reports, Butuan City Buildings Portfolio, and How Safe is My House Brochure in Binutuanon and Bisaya versions.

The publication will help and equip the Butuanons to personally assess the resiliency of their houses against disaster based on the construction materials used, renovations made, history of disaster, age and others.

The collaboration between the city government of Butuan and DOST-PHILVOCS started in 2022 and since then their collaboration on hazard modeling, field validation and reviews, technical writing, among others resulted in the crafting of the two volumes of the said technical reports or books.

The first volume entitled “Butuan City Earthquake Model: Event-Based Probabilistic Seismic Risk Assessment Technical Report” determined the probabilistic motion hazard of the city, wherein the technical team assessed 10,000 buildings. Volume two, on the other hand, consisted of the building portfolios from 1968 to 2024.

Accordingly, Butuan City transcends in the Philippine fault known as the Surigao segment, making the city prone to earthquake hazards. There are barangays in the eastern part of the city that transcended in the Philippine fault Surigao and Esperanza segments, namely; Barangay Sto. Niño, Los Angeles, Sumilihon, Taguibo, Ampayon, Antongalon, Basag, Camayahan, Florida, Maibu, and Sumile.

Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, DOST-PHILVOCS director, said that their office has been helping local government units in their disaster-related planning. “DOST-PHIVOLCS has been developing hazard models and maps to help mitigate the impacts of destructive earthquakes. These models provide important data for urban planning, disaster risk reduction and building safety,”

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada emphasized the importance of this tool for the communities to be earthquake-ready, highlighting that the city is situated in a delta area making it vulnerable to disasters.

“This is a huge moment for us, this is a very important tool for us. We cannot allow the programs and developments that we have created and established to be destroyed by disasters like earthquakes. This tool will guide all the future developments in our city,” Lagnada underscored.  (MFC/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, 21 March 2025

Surigao City to transform former rebel stronghold Into eco-tourism destination

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the city government of Surigao spearheaded the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Surigao City Nature and Family Park, a major eco-tourism project under DBM’s Green, Green, Green Program.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-I on March 13, marked the start of phase 1 of the city’s Eco-Tourism Park Master Plan.

Leading the ceremony was DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who said, “The Green, Green, Green Program is DBM’s nationwide initiative that helps local government units (LGUs) develop public green spaces to enhance urban livability, boost tourism, create jobs and strengthen environmental sustainability.”

“Through this partnership with DBM, the city government of Surigao invested in sustainable development, expanding green spaces and promoting eco-tourism. Once completed, the park will provide a new recreational space for families, tourists and residents while supporting environmental conservation and local economic growth,” she added.

According to the city government, Sitio Brazil was once a guerrilla stronghold and is now being transformed into a thriving eco-tourism sanctuary.

“With a P10.2 million budget, phase 1 of the Surigao City Nature and Family Park will include a viewing deck, tribal hall, community garden, tree parks and nursery and camping grounds. Future phases will introduce an adventure zone with zip lines, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track and extended nature trails to attract more visitors,” said Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II as he expressed gratitude to DBM for choosing the city as a beneficiary of the Green, Green, Green Program.

Witnessing the activity were key DBM officials, including DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran, DBM Caraga Director Maria Fe Jagna, along with the regional directors of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), local leaders and community representatives.  (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao City- PIO)

Friday, 21 March 2025

Police presence in barangays encouraged rebels to lay down arms in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in Caraga emphasized that the enforcement of the Revitalized Police sa Barangay (R-PSB) Program contributed to the successful surrender of the communist terrorist group (CTG) members particularly in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) of the region.

During the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, regional director of PNP Caraga, revealed that from January to February of this year, the Police Regional Office 13 successfully arrested 10 CTG members while 34 others surrendered the campaign against insurgency intensified in the region.

“Of the 44 CTG members, 12 were listed in the Periodic Status Report (PSR). Also recovered included the 18 firearms, eight explosives, and 53 rounds of ammunition,” he said.

“This community-focused initiative enhances police presence and engagement at the grassroots level, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. The R-PSB has been instrumental in improving public trust in the police force, reducing crime rates, and promoting sustainable peace and development, especially in conflict-affected barangays,” explained Abrahano.

The official also disclosed that per data from the Regional Operations Division of PNP, there are 1,057 trained R-PSB cadres in the Caraga region. 

“Our cadres are deployed at the former CTG-influenced barangays; barangays with ongoing Barangay Development Program (BDP) projects such as farm-to-market roads and public schools; and at the identified GIDA,” he said.

The mission of the RPSB team encompasses several key objectives, including sustaining progress achieved by government initiatives delivered to the barangays, preventing any potential resurgence of criminal and terrorist groups, and safeguarding the unaffected neighboring communities.

“We continue to work with the local government units, other law enforcement agencies and other partners as we intensify our campaign against the communist terrorist groups. And we also continue to call on the remaining CTG members to surrender and the PNP will help them in their return to mainstream society with their families,” remarked Abrahano.

“We continue to level up our efforts in implementing the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Program through conduct of trainings and sending off more R-PSB cadres. Our cadre personnel serve as our partners in the delivery of basic social services to the people of Caraga, particularly in the far-flung affected barangays,” he said.

Through these efforts, the PNP also aims to build trust, promote peace, and uplift communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the government’s pursuit of lasting peace and development. (JPG, PIA Caraga)