Thursday, January 29, 2015

CAAP-Butuan to craft airport emergency plan

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) – To ensure a timely and effective response during emergencies and to comply with the prescribed standards and procedures in maintaining safety in airport operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Butuan Airport, Area Center XII will hold its first Butuan Airport Conference on Airport Emergency Planning 2015 to be held at the Almont Inland Resort here on January 30, 2015 which will start at 8:00 o’clock in the morning.

Butuan Airport Manager Evangeline Daba stated that for the past year, the rate of sustained growth and investment in the region as manifested by the growing number of passengers and increasing volume of high value cargo handled by the Butuan Airport.

“Since the Aerodome Emergency Planning (AEP) will operate on the basis of mutual aid and cooperation, we are seeking active support and cooperation from other line agencies to become members of the airport emergency committee,” encouraged Daba.

She said that the airport emergency plan is a coordinated program between the airport and the surrounding communities and that the procedures needed to handle major emergency situations at the airport are similar to other types of major emergencies that can strike a community, whether an aircraft accident or a natural disaster.

“An important consideration of the plan is the identification of all material resources that can be utilized to manage the emergencies identified within the airport emergency plan,” said Daba.

This AEP includes a set of instructions to ensure prompt response for rescue and firefighting; police/security and medical services on and off the airport that would address all unusual conditions. “The manual also gives premium to an effective emergency/rescue effort requiring adequate pre-planning as well as execution of periodic practice exercise,” elaborated Daba.

As mentioned also by Daba, the emergency plan ensures an orderly and efficient transition from normal to emergency operations; proper delegation of airport emergency authority; authorization by key personnel for actions contained in the plan; coordination of efforts to cope with the emergency; and safe continuation of aircraft operations or return to normal operations as soon as possible.

It was also learned that the aircraft emergencies for which services may be required are generally classified as aircraft accident, full emergency, and ‘local standby.’

This year’s conference is anchored on the theme, “Achieving excellence towards a fully certified Butuan Aerodome.” Aviation Safety Consultant Bienvenido Romero II will be the guest speaker to discuss the Airport Emergency Planning and Airport Certification Process. Also, Aviation Safety Consultant Cesar Cruz will talk on the Historical Perspective and Regulatory Requirements of the Development of an  Airport Emergency Plan. (PIA-Caraga)

DOLE spearheads 2015 'Araw ng mga Kasambahay' anniversary celeb in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 29 (PIA) - The Department of Labor and Employment- Surigao del Sur Field Office in coordination with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers of Tandag City and Tago, Surigao del Sur spearheaded the 2015 “Araw ng mga Kasambahay” anniversary celebration recently.

Republic Act (R.A.) 10361 or popularly known as “Batas Kasambahay or Domestic Workers Act” was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on January 18, 2013. This has been promulgated to serve the interest of our ‘kasama sa bahay’ and aims to strengthen respect, protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of kasambahays.

The anniversary celebration was attended by around 60 participants including kasambahays, employers, barangay officials and the newly created Barangay Employment Service Office (BESO) of Tandag City, partner agencies from Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Tandag City, Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, PagIBIG and PESO.

DOLE labor and employment officer Romelyn B. Bactol presented the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 10361 and made mention on the eligibility of the kasambahays to receive 13th month pay, five days service incentive leave for every one year of service, enrollment to SSS, PhilHealth and PagIBIG, the right to board and lodging, minimum wage for chartered cities and 1st class municipalities and other rights and benefits of kasambahays.

Partner agencies coming from the Social Security System, PhilHealth and PagIBIG have likewise presented their programs and services. They have entertained queries and clarifications coming from the participants that made them enlightened and encouraged to register/enroll and if already a member, to correct/update the status they are enrolling in the SSS to avail the Employees Compensation (EC) in times of work related accidents.

Meanwhile, Tandag City PESO manager Lorna L. Novo also shared the values of Pope Francis, "to love and have compassion to the poor which includes our kasambahays." She further reminds the participants to share the good news to other kasambahays and employers they know and to register/enroll in the social services as mandated from the Batas Kasambahay.

Aside from the information dissemination and registration, DOLE gave prices for the early bird kasambahay and those who answered the trivia on kasambahay. (NGBT/DOLE-SDS Provincial Office/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Public school heads to attend clustered assemblies

By Jolanie E. Bucad

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) – Public secondary/integrated secondary school heads of the Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City division will attend a three-day assembly on Clustered Assemblies of Public Secondary School Heads.

In a travel authority issued by Schools Division Superintendent Josita B. Carmen, 32 school heads of the division will be attending the assembly in Cebu City on January 31 to February 2, 2015.

The activity aims to strengthen the accountability of stakeholders through the leadership of school heads in the Governance of Basic Education towards the realization of Education for All (EFA).

Topics to be discussed during the assembly shall focus on Senior High School program management, partnership, engagement, relevance, accountability and governance.

Participants in the activity are secondary school heads, vocational school administrators, School-based Management Philippine Accreditation System for Basic Education (SBM PASBE) division and regional coordinators, and supervisors in-charge of senior high school preparations.

The three-day activity will be spearheaded by the National Association of Public Secondary School Head with the theme “Governance Accountability for Basic Education.” (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Presence of 'unidentified armed groups' in SurSur bared

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 29 (PIA) - The presence of an “unidentified armed groups” in the hinterland barangays of, at least, two towns and one city in Surigao del Sur has been bared in a meeting on January 28, 2014 by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) chaired by Governor Johnny Pimentel.

Although not contained in the separate briefing presented by Col. Alexander Macario, newly-installed commanding officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA), and P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, acting provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur, yet it came about during the course of the proceedings.

It was particularly brought out at length by Governor Johnny Pimentel and Vice-Gov. Manuel Alameda, Sr. before the presence of MGen. Oscar Lactao, 4ID commanding general, accompanied by all his top army officials, especially, from the 401st Infantry Brigade together with its battalion commanders, and P/SSupt. Verdadero, who all dropped by the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) first for a “courtesy call” before proceeding to the meeting venue of the JPSCC at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in this city.      

For his part, Vice-Gov. Alameda disclosed everything he knows about the said group, especially, those operating allegedly in San Agustin town, where his sister, Libertad, is the incumbent mayor.

The vice-governor stressed the armed group, whose members are wielding long, high-powered firearms, was estimated to be at 30 up to 70-strong.

Barobo Mayor Felixberto Urbiztondo, who came in a little earlier to discuss the matter with Gov. Pimentel, raised the same issue on armed group in his municipality.

In the course of the JPSCC meeting proper, Ceciro Bacolod, who was introduced as representative of Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro, aired the same alarming presence of armed group in their area.

During the press conference,  MGen. Lactao, when asked for comment, said “that has been discussed by yours truly, governor, the vice-governor, the PD (Verdadero) and the brigade commander.”

Moreover, he stressed “So, the brigade commander and the (PNP) provincial director were already tasked by the governor to look at this matter and report to him after three days.”

Meanwhile, Lactao stressed that the plan of action “how they (Macario and Verdadero) will do it” still remains a “secret.”

Gov. Pimentel expressed he badly wanted to address the problem. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur holds Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee meeting

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan 29 (PIA) – The first Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) meeting was successfully held in this city recently in collaboration with the Philippine Army (PA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the provincial government of Surigao del Sur.

401st brigade commander Alexander Macario said that the JPSCC is a mechanism to ensure the cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, and the local government units (LGUs) in addressing peace and security concerns in the locality, including disasters and calamities.

Accordingly, the major function of the JPSCC revolved on the drafting and execution of plans on joint military and police operations against the lawless groups, criminal elements, private armed groups and other threat within the respective jurisdiction in support to the LGUs.

Meanwhile, PNP provincial director PS/Supt Narciso Verdadero said that the peace and order in Surigao del Sur is manageable even though the CNN (CPP/NDF/NPA) remains a potent threat in the province.

Verdadero also said, “the 2014 monthly crime rate is decreasing due to the implementation of effective crime prevention approach.”

"On April 2014, the province's crime rate was rated 60.84%, it went down to 41.81% on December 2014," he added.

The open forum was also conducted actively participated by the local chief executives/representatives from the 17 municipalities and two cities of this province, members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the civil society organizations (CSOs).  (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DTI-FTB warns public on blacklisted, unaccredited freight forwarders

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 29 (PIA) – The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently warned the public on some blacklisted and unaccredited freight forwarders both foreign and local.

In its advisory dated January 16, 2015, the bureau presented the list of blacklisted foreign forwarders, blacklisted Philippine freight forwarders including firms with pending cases.

DTI-Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan appealed to the public especially the Surigaonons to be extra careful on availing services of freight forwarders and for them to advise their relatives abroad to be careful in identifying firms that they will entrust their balikbayan boxes and other items.

For the complete list of the said blacklisted firms, they can visit and ask any DTI Provincial Office for a copy of the FETB advisory or they can visit the website: www.dti.gov.ph/index.ph.resorces/listings and look for the freight forwarders section of this webpage.

All accredited freight forwarders area also listed on the said website.

Shippers and consignee are advised to file their complaints together with waybill, cargo receipts and other supporting documents to the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) through email address: fteb_blad@dti.gov.ph or they can at DTI hotline number (02)751-330 or they can text at 09178343330. (SDR/DT-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DTI invites consumers on its first Diskwento Caravan for 2015

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-ADN) announces the conduct of its first Diskwento Caravan on January 29-31, 2015 at the parking area of the Princity, Inc., Atega-Curato Streets, Cabadbaran City.

Consumers in the city and neighboring municipalities are invited and encouraged to visit and buy at the Diskwento Caravan as they prepare for the city’s fiesta celebration in the following week.

As one of the pillar programs of the agency, the Diskwento Caravan aims to ease the financial burdens of consumers by bringing to them basic necessities and prime commodities at discounted prices.  For this purpose, DTI-ADN organized said activities involving several major distributors, wholesalers/retailers and local manufacturers who have wholeheartedly committed to sell their products at a discount.

In 2014, DTI-ADN was able to conduct four Diskwento Caravans in the cities of Butuan and Cabadbaran generating 1.06 million pesos in sales and benefitting 4,533 consumers. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Surigao Norte literacy rate improves due to 4Ps

By Simplicia C. Cebreros

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – The literacy rate of some of the municipalities of Surigao del Norte has increased because of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

This was the finding of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) Technical Working Group (TWG) during the four-day validation held recently to assess the implementation of the livelihood opportunities and other projects implemented by the different government agencies in the region under 4Ps.

According to DSWD undersecretary Milo Gudmalin who presented the group’s evaluation findings, the TWG has found out that the literacy rate of elementary pupils and high school students have increased because the dropout rate has also decreased.

He added because of the 4Ps, the parents are now seriously sending their children to school because they already have allowance for their fares and even snacks during break time. “With this, DepEd is outstanding in providing education for all,” he added.

Gudmalin is confident that with the K-12 and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Program (IPED), the literacy rate of Filipino children including the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Children in Conflict (CIC) will also increase tremendously “hence this convergence initiative should be given policy support and funding,” he said.

In other developments, it was found out that the schools in some municipalities of Surigao del Norte are located far from the IP community.

Because of this, the NAC-TWG through Usec. Gudmalin said the DepEd and other concerned agencies and local government units should support for the establishment of schools in these communities. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Butuan City declared under state of water crisis

By Ma. Lourdes P. Apego

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) - Butuan City is now under the state of water crisis.

This after a special session of the Sangguniang Panglunsod approved a resolution declaring such in view of the lack or total loss of water supply experienced by residents in the different parts of the city.

In an interview with Councilor Ryan Anthony B. Culima, chairman of the SP Committee on Public Utilities and primary author of the resolution, he revealed that under the state of water crisis, emphasis will be put on giving immediate attention to the crisis such that that the resources of the local government will be focused on giving solution to the problem.

Culima explained further that the resolution was also a fulfillment of the requirement of Budget secretary Butch Abad to effect the release of a financial assistance requested by the city government of Butuan to address the crisis to include the procurement of a mobile water filter.

Further, Culima also said that the resolution also aims to appropriate the necessary funds needed to purchase tankers, water tanks, water trucks and other equipment needed to address the water crisis  considering  that funding for such crisis is not specifically stipulated in the 2015 Annual Appropriations of the city government.

Under the state of water crisis, the city government through the city mayor can make use of the resources of the government, Culima added. (Radyo ng Bayan-Butuan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Seminar-workshop series for educators set

By Rhoje R. Lustiva

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – The Enlightened Group for Quality and Excellence in Education, Inc. has lined-up series of international seminars/workshops for educators on March, this year.

On March 7 to 9, an International Seminar on Outcome-Based Assessment of Teaching and Learning with the theme: “Redefining Quality Education in the 21st Century” will be held in Vigan City.

Said training aims to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different kinds of data; to leverage outcome-based data to communicate the effectiveness and value of teaching and learning; and to design and evaluate outcome-based objectives.

Also, on March 20 to 22 in Baguio City, an International Seminar-Workshop on Promoting Positive Mental Health in Schools with its theme, “Preventing and Dealing with Bullying and Cyber Bullying for All" will be held.

The event is aimed to apply a positive psychological school base intervention in preventing bullying and cyber bullying in schools; and to enhance mental health and empower the administrators, teachers, educational staff and students.

Target participants of the seminars/workshops are teachers, school administrators, academic heads, head teachers, principals, subject area coordinators, guidance counselors, district and education supervisors, directors and owners of private schools, from both public and private elementary and secondary schools, graduate and undergraduate students specializing in elementary and secondary education.

For more information, they may call Elaine Angelica D. Muan, RPT Seminar Coordinator of the Enlightened Group for Quality and Excellence in Education Inc. at 0977-211-3155; 0920-211-9358; 0943-488-9586 or email at enlightenedgroup14@gmail.com.

The information is embedded in the Department of Education (DepEd) Advisory No. 9, series of 2015, dated January 14, 2015 informing DepEd officials, personnel and staff, as well as the concerned public. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

OSHC conducts appreciation course on safety and health in Dinagat Islands

By Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Jan. 28 (PIA) - The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), an attached agency under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), conducted an appreciation course on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for micro-enterprises on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 held at the 4G Building, this municipality.

OSHC-National Capital Region representative Rev Jose Soriano during the said activity discussed the principles of OSH towards micro-entrepreneurs.

"OSH is very important to prevent accidents and injuries within the workplace as well as ensuring safety and productivity of all workers and owners," he said.

Soriano also discussed on matters concerning occupational safety and industrial hygiene which include lectures on biologic and ergonomic hazards, and emerging OSH issues in the informal sector. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

ConsumerNet to release resolution related to Butuan's water crisis

By Ma. Lourdes P. Apego

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) - The members of the ConsumerNet, a regional aggrupation of government agencies and public utilities in Caraga region, have agreed to release a resolution that will deal on the water problem experienced by the residents of the city.

In their first meeting for 2015, the members agreed to first, ask the water service provider - Butuan City Water District (BCWD) not to impose the minimum rate but only the actual consumption in the water bills  for the meantime that the water problem is ongoing; Second, urge the BCWD to look into consumers' previous water bills, average this and subtract a certain percentage from the bill until water situation has returned to normal and, third, ask the BCWD to implement a moratorium to their water payment collection in the areas where there is no water supply or in areas where there is water rationing.

As stated, the ConsumerNet's objective is to learn about the consumer related updates, and address issues and concerns of each member agency.

Among its members are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), National telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of Health, Philhealth, PAG-IBIG Fund, BCWD, Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), PIA and Radyo ng Bayan. (Radyo ng Bayan-Butuan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

1,515 lumads leave AgSur villages due to NPA threats

By Maj Christian C Uy

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Jan. 28 (PIA) - Around 222 households or 1,515 individuals to include children left their homes from the different far flung sitios of San Luis, Agusan del Sur and consolidated at Balit Urios Elementary School, Brgy. Balit the same town on January 23, 2015 after being threatened by NPAs' tactical offensives.

The lumads were forced to leave their homes because of the fear that they would be caught in cross fire when the NPAs conduct tactical offensives against the soldiers who are conducting community service to them.

The soldiers of 26th Infantry Battalion together with other stakeholders have been in the area for almost a year conducting various community services through the Community Organizing for Peace and Development program. 

Col. Alexander Macario, commander of 401st Infantry (UNITY) Brigade has given orders to the 26th Infantry Battalion to help the local government unit of San Luis for the immediate support to be given to the evacuees.

“We are happy that together with the LGU and all concerned agencies, they are keeping our fellow countrymen safe and providing the necessary support while they are in the evacuation area. We will ensure our people that together with the stakeholders, we will continue our services and help in the speedy resolution of this unfortunate situation,” said Lt. Colonel Rolly Dumawa, commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion.

MGen Oscar Lactao, commander of 4th Infantry Division, enjoined the people of Caraga to appeal to the NPAs to stop the violence and give peace a chance. "We urge them to stop the armed struggle and embrace a peaceful and progressive life with our people,” MGen Lactao added. ((INF) PA/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur coastal LGUs recipient of community fish landing centers

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 28 (PIA) – Seven coastal areas in Surigao del Sur are among the 252 municipalities/cities nationwide prioritized for the establishment of Community Fish Landing Centers “as provided for in the 2015 General Appropriations Act,” according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga Regional Office.

Dr. Nerio Casil, BFAR Caraga regional director, informed Governor Johnny Pimentel in a letter dated January 22, 2015 that the municipalities of Cortes, Cantilan, Marihatag and San Agustin in the 1st District as well as the towns of Barobo, Hinatuan including Bislig City in the 2nd District are recipients.

The BFAR chief likewise invited Gov. Pimentel on February 6, 2015 for the official program launch at Tanza Oasis Hotel in Tanza, Cavite.

Casil pointed out that “The P2.85M Fish Landing Center will serve as the hub for landing and auction of fish caught by municipal/artisanal fishermen and as training center for fish processing and value-adding, conservation and protection of fisheries resources and other undertakings that would help improve the plight of fisherfolk families.”

Moreover, he stated that “This important project for our municipal fisherfolk communities had been made possible through the support of your Congressional Representative to which we are very grateful.”

Along with the activity is also the “launching of Boat Admeasurement Mobile Application and  hosting the Awarding Ceremony of the Top 100 municipalities first to complete the municipal fisherfolk registration program or FishR,” Casil added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tagalog News: Palasyo nanawagan sa mga mambabatas na itutok ang kanilang hangarin na dalhin ang matagalang kapayapaan sa Mindanao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Enero 28, 2015 (PIA) - Hinikayat ng Palasyo noong Martes ang mga mambabatas na bumawi ng kanilang suporta sa Bangsamoro Basic Law na ituon ang kanilang hangarin na makamit ang matagalang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.

“Habang kinikilala ang mga hamon sa bayolenteng pangyayari sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao, mahalagang isaisip ang mga mahalagang mithiin na makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan, matatag at progreso sa Mindanao,” sabi ni Sec. Coloma sa kanyang pahayag.

Nagkomentaryo si Coloma sa mga ulat na dalawang senador ang bumawi ng kanilang pagiging may-akda ng inimungkahing BBL dahil sa engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga pulis at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) noong nakaraang Linggo na humantong sa pagkamatay ng 43 miyembro ng Special Action Force (SAF) ng pulis.

Ang pagbawi ng mga senador sa kanilang pagiging may akda ay hindi gumagarantiya ng mayoriyang boto sa Senado.

“Iyong mga nagpahayag ng pagreserba tungkol sa pagsuporta ng pagsasabatas ng iminungkahing Bangsamoro Basic Law ay maaring naisin ang mga pagsalungat sa mga pangyayaring hindi ituloy ang proseso ng kapayapaan, tulad ng pagbabalik sa lumang ayos na inilalarawan ng “warlordism,” pagka walang batas, maling paggamit ng publikong pundo at ang malapit na pagbagsak ng pamahalaan,” dagdag ni Coloma.

Ayon sa napabalita, sina Senador Alan Peter Cayetano at Senador Joseph Victor Ejercito ay binawi ang kanilang pagiging may akda ng BBL dahil sa pangyayari sa Maguindanao.

Ang dalawa ay kasama sa 13 na mga senador na lumagda bilang co-authors, na siyang nagdala paitaas ng mayoriya ng 24 senador para maseguro ang pagpasa ng binalangkas na batas.

Ang tsirman ng Komitiba ng Senado para sa Pamamahalang Lokal na si Senador Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ay nagpahayag din na itigil niya ang konsultasyon sa Senado kaugnay sa pagpasa ng BBL.

Ang mga miyembro ng SAF ay nasa operasyon para ipatupad ang batas sa Mamasapano para arestuhin ang suspetsadong teroristang si Zulkifil bin Hir, na kilala ring si Marwan, noong Linggo ng ang sinasabing operasyon ay humantong sa sagupaan laban sa mga miyembro ng MILF. (DMS, PIA-Agusan del Sur)