Thursday, March 5, 2015

DepEd Caraga set to conduct Training of Trainers on Child Protection

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) – To ensure an effective implementation of Department of Education’s (DepEd) Child Protection Policy, a National Training of Trainers (NToT) on Child Protection for Region-XIII is slated on March 9-13, 2015 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

The training is aimed at building the capacities and competencies of school personnel, pupils, students, and parents to understand and deal appropriately the cases of child abuse, exploitation, violation and discrimination, bullying and peer violence.

“Personnel from the DepEd regional and division offices are specifically directed to attend the said training. They are encouraged to join especially those who are well-versed on child development, familiar with child’s rights, aware of Child Protection Policy, trained on facilitation skills, and child protection advocate,” said DepEd Caraga OIC regional director Rebecca Delapuz.

They are expected to cascade the training experience at the division and school level to advance awareness and facilitate efficient flow of information.

Participants are advised to confirm their interest to attend with the person in-charge at (085) 342-6267 or 09108432346 on or before March 5, 2015.

Said training is pursuant to DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 which stipulates the policy and guidelines on protecting children in school from abuse and violence, among others. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DILG spearheads Operation 'Listo' in Surigao del Sur

By Grace Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 5 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial office spearheaded on Wednesday a Disaster Preparedness Dialogue dubbed as Operation "Listo" held at Shacene Pension House- Function Hall, this city.

Operation “Listo” is a campaign for local government units of a unified tool and new protocol that will institutionalize disaster preparedness and response in every community.

During the morning session, a manual that is basically a local government unit’s (LGU's) detailed checklist of early preparation for a local chief executive (LCE) was presented and discussed. It guides the LGUs in the formulation of Disaster Preparedness Plan, which enables them to assess their respective readiness to respond to disasters and let them know what they need to address to meet the minimum levels of readiness.

The discussion as well as planning of the entire session was primarily focused on the areas where the civil society organizations (CSOs), private sectors, local research institutes (LRIs), and media partners can support the local government units.

Discussions and recommendations to further enhance the facilitation of the Barangay Coaching as well as the accreditation scheme for Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management office was also elaborated.

Meanwhile, the participants have showed support to Operation "Listo" through the active participation in the planning workshop in relation to their commitment in building disaster resilient communities. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

TESDA joins Women’s Month kick-off activity in Caraga

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) - In observance of Women's Month celebration this year and as per directive of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Sec. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, personnel of TESDA-Caraga, TESDA-Agusan del Norte, and the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) actively participated the foot parade marking the opening of the month-long celebration.

The parade started at around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at the Guingona Park in Butuan City passing the national highway going to the Agusan del Norte Provincial Covered Court. Adding color to the activity is the throwing, chasing, and participants coloring each other with holi powders.

After the parade, a short program was conducted which highlights the honoring of women state workers through flower and chocolate offering by the male government employees.

During the program, BGen Charito B. Plaza, former Congresswoman of the First Congressional District of Agusan del Norte emphasized the role of women in initiating peace and development of the community.

She pointed out that women’s edge over men in as far as leadership and management is concerned is that women decide matters through their hearts... “This means that we decide matters through passion… In this case, peace is always a factor in every decision made by women,” Plaza said.

Meanwhile, TESDA-Caraga regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. stressed that as a contribution of the agency to the celebration, TESDA trainees in the massage and beauty care are invited during the conduct of Kalandrakas on March 11, 2015.

Also, TESDA-Caraga Gender and Development (GAD) focal person Fe Gomez said for TESDA female personnel, a training on Pastry-Making will be conducted within the month.

This year’s celebration pays importance of equitable participation and representation of women in policymaking or decision making in all levels of organizations or bodies in our society. “Juanas” who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe with its theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo Ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”

The 2015 Women’s Month Celebration is the best time to highlight the “drivers of change” wherein women can express their strength, power and abilities being a credible leader in the society.

This celebration recognizes the role of women in the political arena or in any levels of organizations making use of her decision making that could influence their over-all contributions to progress. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur BIR remains poised amid test in tax collection

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 5 (PIA) – The Revenue District Office 106 (RDO 106) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Surigao del Sur has remained optimistic amid hardship in hitting tax goal.

However, Monib Dimakuta, BIR district chief, said he is confident posting an increase in tax collection year in and year out.

Citing a -8.09 percent deficit or equivalent to P60,360,054.55, the BIR district chief admitted that in 2014 his office failed to hit the collection target of P745,763,000.

Meanwhile, this year 2015, Dimakuta bared hitting snag anew by posting -12.06 percent or equivalent to P9,879,104.41 for the month of January with a supposed tax goal of P81,946,000.

Nonetheless, he said exceeding the preceding year is already a big deal.

Dimakuta bared that in 2014, which cumulative collection summed up to P685,402,945.45,  the district office here has yielded a 12.42 percent increase or equivalent to P75,730,996.70 over the 2013 cumulative collection of P609,671,948.75. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Boosting rice farming through farm mechanization

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) - To further boost the rice production in Caraga Region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently turned-over around 53 units of floating tillers to various farmers associations.

The turn-over ceremony was held at DA Research Station in Taguibo, Butuan City graced by DA Caraga acting Director IV Edna Mabeza.

Of the 53 units, 19 units were turned-over to farmers associations in Agusan del Sur particularly from municipalities of Loreto, Talacogon, San Francisco, Sta. Josefa, La Paz, San Luis, Trento and Bayugan City; nine units goes to Surigao del Norte particularly to municipalities of Gigaquit, Bacuag and Surigao City;  nine units goes to Butuan City; seven units to Agusan del Norte for the municipalities of Kitcharao, Santiago, and RT Romualdez; four units also to Surigao del Sur for the municipalities of Marihatag, San Miguel and Barobo; and two more units for the Province of Dinagat Islands. Recipients of the remaining three units are yet to be finalized.

In her message, Director Mabeza said that the floating tillers are part of the implementation of the farm mechanization program for the year 2014 and urged the recipients to maximize the use of the said farm implements.

Floating tiller is an on-farm machine that aids farmers to an easier, faster and efficient land preparation.

Dionisio Ruperez, chairman of the Capalayan/Guiso/Mananod/Canlangan or CAGUIMACAN Irrigators Association of Capalayan, Surigao City said that their group is looking forward to use the said equipment as it is a big help for their livelihood.

He said that using the floating tiller they will probably saved around 30-40 percent of the cost on one hectare lot during the land preparation than the traditional way of using the carabao.

“Siguro sir makatipid mi ug mga 30-40 porsiyento sa among galastuhan pag-andam sa among basak, maong mapasalamaton gyud mi sa DA (We can probably save 30-40 percent of the cost during land preparation that is why we are so thankful to DA)," Ruperez said.

After the turn-over ceremony, recipients brought home their respective units of floating tiller with smile on their faces, looking forward to bountiful rice farming. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Tinuig nga ebalwasyon batok sa malnutrisyon himuon sa PNC

Ni Mary Cheryl S. Monoy

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) – Aron masulbad ang malnutrisyon, ang Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) committee sa Agusan del Norte nga gipanguluhan ni gobernador Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba magpahigayon na usab og usa ka ebalwasyon sa tanang Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAO) sugod sa Marso 18 hangtod sa Abril 8, 2015 alang sa insaktong implementasyon sa Municipal Nutrition Program nga gihaom sa Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

Usa kini sa nahisgutan atol sa quarterly PNC meeting bag-uhay pa lamang.

Libuton sa mga miyembro sa PNC Committee ang mga barangay nga girekomenda sa munisipyo/syudad og tan-awon ang mga importanteng dokumento sama sa paghimo og Operation Timbang (OPT) kon pila kabuok ang underweight, severely underweight ug ang overweight, kapila naghimo og supplemental feeding ngadto sa mga pre-school ug elementary pupils, aduna ba kini  tinanom nga mga gulay ug prutas sa palibot, micronutrient supplementation, food fortification, nutrition education, nutrition in essential maternal and child health services, livelihood assistance, trainings, seminars, funding support for nutrition programs, resolusyon ug mga ordinansa nga gihimo ug uban pa.

Miyembro sa komite si Provincial Board member Rey G. Jamboy isip tsirman sa SP Committee on Health and Nutrition, mga representante sa Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Accountants Office, Provincial Agriculturist Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Veterinary Office ug uban pa.

Pangunahan sa Provincial Social Welfare, Population and Nutrition Services Office (PSWPNSO) ug PNC coordinator. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Caraganons celebrate Women’s Month, enjoy colorful fun walk

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) – As the country celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Caraga spearheaded the first-ever ‘Color Fun-Walk’ on Tuesday from the city’s Guingona Park to the Provincial Capitol Covered Court.

Most of the participants wore white shirt, filled with different colors as they used the Holi Powder thrown in the air during the fun-walk.

Despite the scorching heat of the sun and the sweat, the participating men and women from the government agencies and private sector still smiled and showed strong support to the celebration and campaigned against violence against women and their children.

Agusan del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan board member Elizabeth Marie Calo said that the provincial government has been supporting all the activities of the RDC-GADCC Caraga during Women's Month.

"We continuously promote the welfare of the women sector. We also continue to highlight the key roles and accomplishments of the women, and encourage more to run in public office especially for the 2016 election," stressed Calo.

Atty. Marylin Pintor, RDC-GADCC chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director shared how the said celebration was realized and how it affected the women sector through the years.

"We would like to promote women's participation in the field of politics, just in time with the 2016 election. We hoped to encourage more women get involved in policy-making and decision-making," highlighted Pintor.

Pintor also expressed her apology that the invited guest speaker for the said event was not able to grace the celebration. "We regret to inform you that our invited guest speaker Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, former Akbayan representative and newly-appointed PhilHealth board member did not make it today. She called me up yesterday (Monday) afternoon and informed me that her daughter was confined in a hospital, the reason why she can't join us today in our celebration," she relayed.

Pintor further expressed her warm thanks to all participating agencies and partner stakeholders for their support. "I am the happiest person today seeing you enjoying our kick-off activity. Thank you so much for your presence today and for your continued support to all the Juanas," she said.

Meanwhile, in a message of former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel relayed by PhilHealth Caraga regional vice president Johnny Sychua, it was mentioned that "in building a region, women play a very important role in implementing livelihood programs, peace process and working forward for gender development and empowerment."

Brigadier General Charito B. Plaza of the AFP Reserved Force shared her wonderful life experiences. "We have been celebrating this event for 27 years now to remind our people of the valuable contribution of women in our community and I'm very lucky of being part of it. I am more encouraged to serve with determination. As a former lawmaker, I was inspired to finish five different courses just to gain more knowledge and so I became one of the 25 women leaders in the congress. Women are gifted with so much wisdom so let's develop more women leaders to become decision-makers," she articulated.

Plaza also emphasized the need to educate the men and women to attain personal development, as well as contribute to the need of the society. "If we're going to educate women, we are building a character. So it is always education and character that can produce good leaders. If men are also well-charactered, they can be good husbands and fathers," added Plaza. (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor joins Women's month celebration

By Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte joined the nation in celebrating the 2015 National Women's Month on March 3, 2015 during the opening ceremony, at the provincial capitol covered court here.

The event started with a parade from Butuan City’s Guingona Park participated by the officials and employees from different national line agencies and local government offices.

Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, representing Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, gave a welcome message to the participants.

The nationwide celebration brings the theme, "Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!"


It was anchored on legal mandates from Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day.

The Philippine Commission on Women said that this year’s celebration aims to pay tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies.

Their key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making will be highlighted in order to influence and break the conservative mindset and belief that politics and leadership are not for women.

The celebration will also be a perfect time to drum up the call for “Juanas” to run in public office since the last quarter of 2015 is the period of filing of candidacy for 2016 election. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Surigao Norte GADCC joins National Women’s Month celeb

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 4 (PIA) – The provincial government here through the Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (GADCC) and Provincial Center for Women’s Training and Development joined the National Women’s Month celebration, the whole month of March.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!

In Surigao City, the celebration kicked-off on Sunday, March 1 with a thankgiving mass at 5:00 a.m. at the City Cathedral, followed by the Unity Walk, and Wellness Activity at the Provincial Sports Complex.

Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr graced the kick-off activity along with the members of the PGADCC, provincial government employees and national line agencies, and other stakeholders.

The opening celebration was also highlighted with the Buntis Day Activity, Surgical Outreach for Gynecologic Problem at Siargao District Hospital, and LGBT (Lesbian Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender ) Summit.

Other lined-up activities for the month long celebration include free papsmear for female capitol employees; PGADCC mining plant tour in THPAL, Calver; GAD learning visit to Davao City; GAD orientation for Department of Agrarian Reform employees and DepEd employees by district, consumer education advocacy; tour visit in livelihood project of Women at Hinatuan Mining, Brgy. Talavera, Taganaan town; family health program services; provincial jail visit; distribution of vegetable seeds to Indiegenous People's sector in Mabuhay, Sison; bio-intensive gardening for 4P’s beneficiaries; radio program advocacy; and orientation of magna carta on Women for DPWH employees. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

OWWA Caraga opens 76 scholarship slots for OFW dependents

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office -13 is now accepting applications for Overseas Filipino Workers Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) for the school year 2015-2016.

OFWDSP is offered to legal dependents of active OFWs who receive monthly salaries of not more than $400 US.

Overseas Workers Welfare Officer II and Scholarship Coordinator, Rodel Deligero said “76 scholarship slots are open this year for Caraganon OFW dependents. Of this number, 12 slots are intended for the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Province. While 20 slots for the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte, respectively.”

Qualified applicants for the program must be 21 years old below who have no units earned yet in college.

“OFW dependents or beneficiaries who wish to apply for the scholarship program must submit their documentary requirements to the regional welfare office not later than April 30, 2015,” bared Deligero.

Individuals who want to avail of the program should submit an accomplished application form; two copies 2×2 pictures (studio shot/white background); proof of relationship to OWWA member (birth certificate of applicant or birth certificate of both the single OFW and the applicant-dependent and certificate of no marriage duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar or NSO, if OFW is single, proof of OWWA membership; and form 137/High school report card.

The scholarship program offers P20,000.00 financial assistance per school year leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree in a state college or university.

Deligero opined that “the financial assistance covers the tuition fees of the scholars which are directly paid to the school and the remaining amount goes to the scholars upon submission of the required documents such as certificate of registration, official receipt and grades for the semester.”

“In cases where a scholar has to pay in advance the school fees, they are advised to reimburse their expenses by presenting requisite documents and receipts,” Deligero added.

As of this period, there are 148 scholarship grantees under OFWDSP and 23 scholars have already graduated.

For more information relative to this program, Deligero urged clients to visit OWWA regional welfare office 13 at Nimfa Tiu Building II at J.P. Rosales Avenue, this city. (OWWA-13/PIA-Caraga)

2016 General Revision of Property Valuations and Classifications set in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 4 (PIA) – The Provincial Assessor’s Office in Surigao del Sur headed by Salvacion Espenido has already set the 2016 General Revision of Property Valuations and Classifications that will take effect in 2017.

Espenido bared the plan to “instruct” the 17 municipal assessors in this province to start the initial preparation for the said undertaking in their respective localities.

The chief provincial assessor said this has something to do with “field data gathering relative to the farm productions of all classes of agricultural lands, sales values and map sketching of urban lands to be submitted to this office for statistical analysis and preparation of Schedule of Market Values.”

Meanwhile, Espenido pointed out that beforehand, “personnel of this office and the 17 municipal assessment office, this province, would undertake a Training-Workshop on Compliance Reporting System in the Preparation and Review of Schedule of Market Values; Seminar-Workshop on the Preparation of Land Use and Value Maps; and Seminar-Workshop on Real Property Identification and Accounting System” on April 6-8 at Mount Hibok-hibok, Cambahao, Camiguin Island. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

MOU on Integrated Gold-Copper Mineral Processing Pilot Plant OK’d

By Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte will soon implement the Field-Testing of the Integrated Gold-Copper Mineral Processing Pilot Plant in Caraga Region to be specifically located at Barangay Del Pilar in Cabadbaran City, this province.


Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell “Angel” M. Amante-Matba was authorized recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 057-2015, authored by Provincial Board Member Joseph E. Tomaneng, to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines (UP) - Diliman, Caraga State University (CSU), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the local government unit (LGU) of Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City for the implementation of the said project.


This project, funded by DOST, aims to help small-scale mining communities through introduction of technologically innovative and pro-environment mineral processing and extractive methods.


Under the MOU, the provincial government shall ensure the development of the people and their communities to oversee the management and administration of all social and public services for the entire constituency of the area and is solely in-charge of orchestrating cooperation among its people, either through community and citizen’s organizations as an expression of the LGU mandate of creating community powers.


Barangay Del Pilar shall be the main partner in the management and operation of the pilot plant facility, and shall ensure the identification and negotiation of the land where mineral processing pilot plant facility shall be built.


UP Diliman shall serve as the central based team that will introduce the technological innovation to the small-scale mining community, while the CSU shall serve as the main academic institution partner of UP Diliman in the Caraga region for the implementation of the said project. 


On the other hand, the DOST-Caraga shall serve as the monitoring institution that will supervise the project implementation output and compliance with the work plan.


With this project, Barangays Bayabas, Putting Bato and Concepcion of Cabadbaran City and Barangays E. Morgado, Poblacion 1 and San Isidro of the municipality of Santiago shall also participate in the field-testing project through its partnership with Barangay Del Pilar, however, their plant operation and management matters will be stipulated in a different memorandum of agreement. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Dinagat couples undergo gender sensitivity training

By Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 4 (PIA) – To drum up gender sensitivity awareness campaign, a two-day seminar/workshop on gender sensitivity participated by married couples was recently conducted at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol Compound, this municipality.

The two-day activity aims to promote awareness on the present status of the society in terms of gender related matters, different manifestation of gender biases, and legal basis that addresses gender-based violence.

Furthermore, the activity served as an eye opener to the participants relative to the dormant issue of discrimination in the society.

During the event, resource speaker Eval Makinano of DSWD Caraga discussed matters about discrimination, gender inequality, violence in the lives of men and women, human rights, and other gender related issues.

The said activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Tagalog News: Kagawaran ng Enerhiya gumawa ng “proactive” na paghahanda para tugunan ang posibleng krisis sa enerhiya, ayon sa Palasyo

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Marso 4 (PIA) - Dahil sa paggawa ng “proactive” na paghahanda, ang kagawaran ng enerhiya (DOE) ay may kompyansa na kaya nilang harapin ang nakabinbin na kakulangan ng enerhiya kahit na walang espesyal na kapangyarihan na hinihingi ng pamahalaan, ayon sa isang opisyal ng Palasyo noong Martes.

Sa isang panayam sa media sa loob ng Malakanyang, sinabi ni Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. na ang DOE ay nagsimula nang gumawa paghahanda noong Agosto at Setyembre ng nakaraang taon.

“Inasahan nga sana natin na mas maaga ang pagbibigay ng emergency powers para mas malawak sana ang mga opsyon. Ngayon at limited na ang mga opsyon, makikita na rin naman natin na nakabuo na rin naman ng kahandaan ang DOE sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa pribadong sector, dahil marami nang mga kumpanya ang nagpahayag ng kanilang kahandaan na gamitin ang kanilang mga sariling generator sets,” sabi ni Secretary Coloma.

Sinabi pa niya na ang departamento ay nagsimula ng magkampanya para sa paggamit ng mga hakbang para mapangalagaan ang enerhiya at binabantayan ang mga nakatakdang pagmentena ng mga planta ng kuryente.

“Kaya sa pangkalahatan, ayon sa latest projection ng DOE, nakikita nilang minimal ang maaaring maging shortage o power supply deficiency,” sabi niya.

Maghahain pa ang Kongreso na siyang magbibigay ng espesyal na kapangyarihan kay Pangulong Aquino para matugunan ang kakulangan ng kuryente. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)