PIA News Service - Thursday, October 30, 2008

Director Albert Valenciano of the Administrative and Finance Management of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is shown here delivering his keynote speech during the awarding ceremonies of the 2008 Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at Almont Hotel's Inland Resort in Butuan City. Valenciano emphasized the contribution of OFWs in uplifitng the economic status of the country. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)

OWWA official cites importance of Global Forum on migration and dev’t. in RP
by: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) – Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrative and Finance Management Director Albert Valenciano cites importance of the on-going global forum on migration and development, hosted by the Philippines, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

According to Dir. Valenciano, delegates from around 190 countries worldwide are convening here in the country to discuss the current issues pertaining to migration, nation-building and development.

Valenciano added that the conduct of the forum is held for the first time, in a developing country like the Philippines. “The first round of global forum was held in Brussels on July, 2007. Nandito po sila ngayon sa Manila dahil gusto po nilang ipabatid sa atin that we are being recognized as a nation of skilled professional and migrant workers”, he said.

However, Valenciano said, “it does not mean that we are simply migrant workers. But I would like to admit that we are in a nature that is bound by a culture of migration”, he added.

Valenciano also said that with this year’s theme of the global forum, “Protecting and empowering migrant for development”, which, according to him, “says a lot of things about the state of migration and development today in the world”.

With the global financial crisis that we are currently facing, Valenciano said the government is preparing for contingency plans and one of these is for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and OWWA to look for opportunities in other countries so that those OFWs who will be affected by the crisis will have the opportunity to work in those countries.

Meanwhile, Valenciano lauded the OFWs known as one of the best workers. “What is important is that, we know that our workers abroad are known to be good, if not, the best workers. And because of this, the global financial crisis will not directly affect majority of our OFWs because they will be surely kept by their employees and if not, they can be easily hired in other countries since our OFWs can compete globally in terms of skills and talents”, he said.

Valenciano also said that the focus of this year’s global forum is on human phase of migration which means that the forum centers on the problems and issues and concerns of the migrant workers.

Dir. Valenciano was here in the city on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 to grace and keynote the awarding ceremonies of the 2008 Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) – Caraga Regional Eliminations, held in a local convention center in the city.


OWWA is not only for successful workers, says top official
by: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) – The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) is not only for successful migrant workers but also for the workers and their families who are not that successful.

This is what OWWA Administrative and Finance Management Director Albert Valenciano emphasized in his keynote speech on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 in time with the 2008 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) awarding ceremonies held in one of the local convention centers here in the city.

“I would like to emphasize that OWWA is not only for workers who are successful. It is also for the workers and their families who are not that successful”, he said.

Valenciano added that OWWA’s role is to give honor to those workers who are successful and at the same time, providing assistance to those who are in immediate need wherever they may be in the different parts of the globe.

Meanwhile, Valenciano said that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is urging the public to change the term we used to call the migrant workers from OFWs to expatriate. “This term means that Filipinos who are working and living abroad”, he said.

Also, Valenciano stated the importance of the MOFYA which he said, it is but fitting that our OFWs or expat-Pinoys wil be given due recognition for the sacrifices they have while working abroad for the benefits of their families left here in the country.

“Giving recognition to successful migrant workers does not only mean recognizing their efforts and sacrifices but also recognizing them for making their families as models to every Filipino family”, Valenciano added.

With these developments, Dir. Valenciano assures all OFWS – active or inactive that OWWA will be fair in giving attention to all their families “because we believe that the Filipino culture is centered within the family. This is the message of MOFYA – to honor the OFWs and to wish you well to be successful in all your future plans and aspirations”, Dir. Valenciano said.

The 2008 Search for MOFYA is anchored on the theme “Parangal sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW” (“Honoring strong OFW Families”).


EDSP scholarship grant to increase by 50% in 2009
by: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) – True to its commitment to serve the OFWs and their families, Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrative and Finance Management Director Albert Valenciano announced that a 50 percent increase in the number of Educational Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) will be imposed next year.

This announcement was made by Dir. Valenciano in his keynote speech delivered during the awarding ceremonies of the 2008 Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 in one of the local convention centers here.

According to Dir. Valenciano, the EDSP which grants 100 slots per year will now be increased to 150 slots in 2009. This, according to Valenciano, will give opportunities to more OFW dependents and families to avail of free college education.

Meanwhile, Valenciano said that OWWA has also increased its financial support to OFWS in the sea-based sector to avail of free trainings, particularly the marine officers, deck officers, and engine officers to update them and improved their skills for fast promotion.

This effort of OWWA is in support to the thrusts and programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo particularly in promoting education for all and the welfare of OFWs.

2008 MOFYA winners in Caraga. Photo shows the regional winners of the 2008 Search for Outstanding OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA). From left to right: Engr. and Mrs. Samuel D. Micompal (Sea-based category) and Mr. and Mrs. Cipriano C. Desamparado (Land-based category) proudly show their plaques and checks which they received during the awarding ceremonies held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at Almont Hotel's Inland Resort in Butuan City. They are flanked by personnel of Western Union. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)

2008 MOFYA winners in Caraga bared
by : Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) – Winners of the 2008 Search for Model Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) were finally revealed in a simple yet meaningful awarding ceremony held Wednesday, October 29, 2008 in one of the local convention centers here, graced by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Dir. Albert Q. Valenciano of the Administrative and Finance Management Office.

Two regional winners were given recognition in the fields of land-based and sea-based. The family of Mr. Cipriano and Mrs. Angelina Desamparado of Talisay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte was chosen from among the three nominees in the Land-based category.

In the Sea-based category, the family of Engr. Samuel and Mrs. Dominica Micompal of Poblacion, Alegria, Surigao del Norte won over the other five nominees.

The winners were awarded cash prize of P20,000.00 each from Globe Telecommunications represented by Mr. Alan Gilbuena, Butuan City Branch Manager. Also, Western Union-Butuan Branch gave P5,000.00 to the two winners and were presented by the Assistant Branch Manager, Jenevene Pomera. The two are also members of the board of judges.

Meanwhile, Dir. Valenciano, together with OWWA-Caraga Regional Director Petrona Bergado, DOLE Asst. Regional Director Romeo Cagas who is also the chairman of the board of judges awarded the Plaque of Recognition to all the nominees and the two winners.

Nominees in the Land-Based category are the families of Mr. and Mrs. Winfred Bernal of Panaytayon, RTR, Agusan del Norte; Engr. and Mrs. Raul Estrada of Trianggulo, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; and Mr. and Mrs. Mateo Saagundo of Pareja Subdivision, Brgy. Bayanihan, Butuan City.

In the Sea-based category, other nominees are the families of Chief Mate and Mrs. Francisco Aguirre of Brgy. J.P. Rizal St., Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hermoso of Bayview Hill, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Engr. and Mrs. Carlos Lobite, Sr. of Talisay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; Chief Mate and Mrs. Arturo Nietes of Guingona Subdivision, Butuan City; and Capt. and Dr. Cipriano Torrentira of Greenhomes, Km. 3, Brgy. Luna in Surigao City.

Other members of the board of judges are Engr. Salvador Jayoma, representing the Sea-based sector; Engr. Roderico Cane of the Land-based sector; Jenevene Pomera, Assistant Branch Manager of Western Union-Butuan Branch; and Alfredo Davalos, Jr. of the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The two regional winners will be the official nominees of Caraga Region in the national Search for MOFYA 2008 that will take place on November in Metro Manila, where a cash prize of P600,000.00 is at stake for the winners both in the land-based and sea-based category with Globe giving P500,000.00 and Western Union to give P100,000.00.

Special awards were also given to Chief Mate Arturo Nietes as Outstanding Entrepreneur while Engr. Samuel Micompal is this year’s recipient in the Outstanding Community-based project award. Each received Plaque of Recognition from Dir. Valenciano, Dir. Bergado and Dir. Mantilla.

The 2008 Search for MOFYA is supported by Globe Telecommunications, Western Union, Banco de Oro, Philam Life, and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).

“Gov’t, doing its best to counter global financial crisis”, DOLE-Caraga chief assures
by : Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) - Following the issue of global financial crisis, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Regional Director Chona Mantilla gives assurance that the national government is doing its best to counter this problem.

This assurance was stated by Dir. Mantilla in her welcome address during the awarding ceremonies of the 2008 Search for Model Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) held Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort Convention Center in this city.

According to Dir. Mantilla, the government agencies most especially DOLE and OWWA including their partner agencies are “doing their best and in fact, the programs of the government to counter this problem are already in place”.

Dir. Mantilla also cited the noble contributions of OFWs who are one of those directly affected with the current global crisis. “The OFWs are among those who are directly affected with the on-going global financial crisis. That is why DOLE and OWWA have set contingency plans to help them in this time of global crisis”, she said.

Meanwhile, Mantilla revealed that based on the national figure in 2007, 14.4 billion dollars were contributed by OFWs. She also said that in Caraga Region, more than 10,000 OFWs have also given its significant contribution to the country. “In 2007 alone, 14.4 billion dollars (national figure) were contributed by OFWs. In Caraga, based on statistics, more than 10,000 OFWs are from here and have made significant contribution to the country”, she said.

Mantilla also made mention of the plans and programs of DOLE and OWWA where she said that she is looking forward for more improvements in as far as the accomplishments of these two government agencies is concerned.

Also, Mantilla lauded the efforts and accomplishments of OWWA-Caraga Regional Director Petrona M. Bergado where Dir. Mantilla emphasized the successful launching of Tulay-II Project in Caraga last October 20, 2008. “I have high regards for OWWA for the successful conduct of Tulay II project-launching and I’ve heard that it is the most successfully done launching of the project”.

With these developments, Dir. Mantilla urged the OFWs present, government and non-government agencies to join hands in countering not only the global financial crisis that is currently happening but as well as in fighting poverty which is the main thrust of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Mantilla also encouraged all the stakeholders to rally behind the plans and programs of the national government.

A closer look at the Caraga MOFYA 2008 winners

by : Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) – The 2008 Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in Caraga has finally come to an end after the two winners coming from the land-based and sea-based sectors were announced and awarded in a simple but memorable awarding ceremonies held on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort.

Winner in the Land-based category is the family of Mr. Cipriano C. Desamparado, who formerly worked in Saudi Arabia as heavy equipment operator from 1985 to 1998.

Married to a retired school teacher - Angelina, Mr. and Mrs. Desamparado owns the Quad C School Supplies and Dry Goods Distributor based in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, employing two full-time workers with average earnings of P20,000.00 per month and a total project cost of P700,000.00.

As part of the civic and community involvement of the family, the Desamparados advocates people empowerment through access to educational support services. As President of Kalihokang Nasipitnon and member in several socio-civic organizations and Filipino associations in their area, Mr. Desamparado shows his exemplary leadership by organizing socio-civic activities such as mass wedding, gift-giving to indigent families, donation of reading materials and giving medals and trophies to students who excelled in academics.

Aside from the achievements mentioned above, the Desamparado family was a finalist in the 2005 and 2007 MOFYA Search. Thus, the family is no longer a rookie in the annual search.

Adding to his achievements, Mr. Desamparado was awarded last Migrant Workers Day (Araw ng Pasasalamat) in June 7, 2008 as “Outstanding Achiever Migrant Worker”, also in the land-based category.

Meanwhile, the family of Engr. Samuel D. Micompal of Alegria, Surigao del Norte was chosen as the winner in the Sea-based category.

Among the family’s achievements in the civic and community involvement includes the propagation, manufacture, and marketing of the alternative herbal medicines initiated by the San Isidro Labrador Parish where Mr. Micompal is a Lay Minister.

Samuel’s family is also an awardee of the Countryside Excellent Service by Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace S. Barbers. The family also managed the P2.3-million water system under the DAR-IFAD project which caters the potable water supply needs of the residents in their area. This best explains the family’s advocacy which geared towards countryside development thru access to potable water and alternative medicines.

In as far as leadership is concerned, Mr. Micompal is the President of Poblacion Alegria Waterworks Sanitation Association. He is also the President of Marajaw Magbalantay
Herbal Medicine. Other positions which he handled are Auditor of the Alegria Sports Club, and Vice President of Alegria OFW Association.

This year’s MOFYA-Caraga winners were chosen by top caliber personalities in the region headed by DOLE-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Romeo Cagas. Completing the list are OWWA-Caraga Regional Director Petrona Bergado, Engr. Salvador Jayoma of the sea-based sector, Engr. Roderico Cane of the land-based sector, Janice Arapan – Branch Manager of Banco de Oro-Butuan, Alan Gilbuena – Branch Manager of Globe Telecommunications-Butuan, Jenevene Pomera – Asst. Branch manager of Western Union-Butuan, and Alfredo Davalos, Jr. of the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The two regional winners will be the official entry of Caraga Region in the national level to be awarded in Metro Manila on November.


LTO Butuan applies for ISO accreditation
by : Jose Jemuel B. Dael, PIA-13

BUTUAN CITY (October 30) —Land Transportation Office (LTO) Butuan is applying for accreditation to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) says Asis Toma, LTO District Head today during the Regional Law Enforcement and Coordinating Council (RLECC) Meeting at the Philippine National Police Regional Office conference room in this city.

In a follow up interview, Toma said that during second quarter of this year they passed the internal audit conducted by representatives from LTO Central Office.

He said they are looking forward to passing the upcoming audit on November 5 by the external audit and hopefully become an ISO accredited government agency.

He said their office greatly improved the quality of their services through standardization of processes and computerization of their systems to satisfy their clients.

He added that with the operation of instant lamination facility on June this year, clients can get their laminated driver’s licenses in just thirty minutes upon application or renewal.

Toma also said their present system can easily verify their records to determine if the driver’s license issued is original or not

He said clients should transact their business at the LTO windows with people in uniform and not with “fixers” outside the LTO fence to avoid being charged with a high rate.

“Merong nagreklamo kasi daw malaki ang binayaran sa pagkuha ng license n’ya. Pero ng tanungin, ang sabi sa labas ng LTO pala s’ya lumapit,” said Toma.

He added that the fees and charges for the services of the office are very minimal depending whether the transaction is under the Driver’s Licensing System (DLS) or Motor Vehicle Registration System (MVRS).

Toma also said that their services have become more strict and efficient as they would not accept applications with lacking documents.

“Wala na dito yung ‘pwede ba nating mapag-usapan” sa office namin dahil wala nang VIP treatment pagdating sa process,” he said.

Sherwin Lipio, 30 years old, from Ampayon, Butuan City said he is satisfied with the services of LTO Butuan District Office because he only paid the amount required for the services he availed as printed in the official receipt.

He also said that the processing is smooth, fast and efficient as he experienced during his driver’s license application.

LTO Butuan is the first to apply for ISO accreditation in the entire LTO District Offices in Caraga Region.

Photo Releases - Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Surigao City Vice Mayor Rico Sering said that they are serious in eliminating illiteracy in their area and added that they are allocating P12-M for the local school board for the salaries of teachers in the city, He said this during the 2008 Regional Literacy Awards held in one of the local convention centers in Butuan City. (PIA-Caraga)

Mrs. Nenita Gonzales, Chief of the Alternative Learning System Division (ALSD) of the Department of Education said the support of LGUs is vital to the success of the literacy program in Caraga since out of the total budget of the DepEd, only about 1% is allocated for the ALS program. She said this during the 2008 Regional Literacy Awards held in one of the local convention centers in Butuan City. (PIA-Caraga)

Dr. Norma Salcedo, Head of the Local Literacy Council (LCC) Secretariat lauded all that have been involved and contributed to the success of the literacy programs in Caraga during the 2008 Regional Literacy Awards held in one of the local convention centers in Butuan City. (PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Surigao del Norte Mayors thank DENR for its active participation at PGMA caravan

BUTUAN CITY – The Mayors of four towns in Surigao del Norte have expressed their sincere thanks to DENR Secretary Lito Atienza for the participation of the agency in the recently concluded People’s Government Mobile Action –Caravan in that province.

Mayors Domingo A. Perral of Guigaguit, Nestor A. Olvis of San Francisco, Juancho T. Maturan of Sison and Reynaldo S. Orquina of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte have extended their thank to Secretary Atienza through the DENR Regional Executive Director Edilberto S. Buiser and PENRO Claudio P. Asumen in Surigao del Norte for their participation in the Caravan in their respective municipality.

The Caravan was held at the Western section of that province through the initiative of Congressman Guillermo A. Romarate . It was participated by the different agencies of the national government , the local government units to bring the services of the government to the far-flung barangays .

The DENR has distributed about 86 land titles to the landless farmers as a show of commitment of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the people through the “Handog Titulo ng Pangulo” program.

The DENR also gave 5,000 fruit and fast growing tree seedlings to the people in the four municipalities including information materials about the present programs of the DENR.

There were at least 55 people who submitted forms for patent applications which are now being processed by the DENR through the Land Management Sector under Regional Technical Director Atty. Paquito Rosal.

Director Buiser said the DENR shall continue to participate in this kind of activities throughout the region since it has committed its services to the people. (Herzon F. Gallego, DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: NTC mitunol sa 5 ka-milyones kapin ngadto sa city government sa Butuan

BUTUAN CITY – Pormal nga gitunol sa kadagkuan sa National Transmission Commission (NTC) ang kantidad nga P5,000,248.68 ngadto ni Hon. City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, isip franchise tax sa gobyerno.

Ang maong kantidad bayad sa buhis gikan sa tuig 2003 ngadto na sa 2007. Ang turn-over gipahigayon sa buhatan sa Mayor niadtong adlaw nga biyernes, Oktubre 24, 2008.

Sa mensahe nga gipabati ni Mayor Plaza, iyang gipasalamatan ang NTC sa gipakitang kasibot sa pagbayad sa buhis sanglit kini daku ug ikatabang alang sa dugang proyekto nga ipahimutang sa atong syudad.

Mitambong sa turn-over ceremony sila Mrs. Marietta Dorico, Asst. City Treasurer for Administration ug Mr. Arturo Castro, Asst. City Treasurer for Operations. (Romy B. Peña, PIO-Butuan City/PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: Pre-schoolers nagpahigayon ug literary musical contest

BUTUAN CITY – Gidugok sa mabagang duot sa mga kinder pupils nga nagagikan sa nagkadaiyang tulunghaang pang publiko dinhi sa atong syudad, ang gipahigayong Literary Musical Contest nga ubos sa pagpasiugda sa City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) sa kadumalahan ni Ms. Aldheberan Mordeno. Ang maong kalihukan gipahigayon sa City Hall Lobby ning dakbayan niadtong adlaw nga Biyernes (Oktubre 24).

Ang gikaingong indigay sa musika naglangkob sa nagkadaiyang kategorya sama sa vocal solo, poem, folk dance, drawing contest ug chorus ang gisalmotan sa kabataan nga nagtungha sa Day Care dinhi sa urban barangays ug gitambongan sa mga Day Care teachers ug mga ginikanan nga malipayon nga nagsud-ong sa ilang mga kabataan.

Nasayran nga mukabat sa 117 ka mga Day Care Centers ang gipahimutang sa dakbayan sa Butuan ug 116 niini ang gitubag ni Hon. City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, ang sweldo sa mga magtutudlo.

Ang migawas nga mananaug sa gipahigayong indigay mao ang Maon Day Care alang sa chorus; Lower Doongan sa draw and tell; ug Rajah Solaiman sa tula, poem ug balak.

Samtang sa Vocal Solo ang midaug mao ang City Hall GAD Day Care ug sa folk dance ang Los Angeles Day Care Center. Kini nga mga kalihukan alayon sa National Children’s Month Celebration. (Romy B. Peña, PIO-Butuan City/PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: Pagsaulog sa adlaw sa mga minatay gipangandaman

Matag tuig tradisyon sa mga Filipino ang pagsaulog sa Adlaw sa mga Minatay o Kalagkalag diin duha ka adlaw ang pagpahigayon niini sa Nobyembre 1 ug 2.

Alayon niini ang mga kadagkuang opisyal sa dakbayan sa Butuan nangandam pinaagi sa usa ka panagtigum sa mga hepe sa Butuan nga nahingtungdan.

Usa sa gihatagan ug tahas ni Hon. Democrito Plaza II mao si City Engineer Enily P. Gayon, kalabot na sa pag-estalar ug sugang dagitab sa matag sam-ang ning atong syudad.

Samtang sa dagan sa trapiko pinaagi sa rerouting sa mga sakyanan ang buhatan sa LTTMO, pinaagi ni Mr. Alfredo Radaza, ang gitugyanan. Ug ang pagmentinar sa kahusay ug kalinaw ang gihatagan ug dakong kaakuhan mao ang PNP, pinaagi ni PSSupt. Admirante Josue, Butuan City Police Director.

Tumong ug tuyo sa Mayor, nga hapsay ug malinawon ang kasaulogan nga walay kakulian ang pagduaw sa mga katawhan ngadto sa ilang minahal sa kinabuhi sa mga nagkadaiyang sementeryo ning dakbayan. (Romy B. Peña, PIO-Butuan City/PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: Amante gitubag ang dugang lote sa Jaguimitan

BUTUAN CITY – Makapalit na og dugang lote ang Barangay Jaguimitan, Nasipit human kini gipundohan ni Gobernador Erlpe John M. Amante agi’g tubag sa nagkataas nang popolasyon sa barangay.

Kuhaon ang pundo gikan sa Participative Initiative in Governance (PING) Program sa probinsya.

Ubos usab sa maong programa nga PING, makadawat og tag Singkwenta mil (P50,000.00) pesos ang Barangay 4 ug Barangay Kinabjangan sa susamang lungsod.

Katuyoan sa Barangay 4 nga mabutangan og insaktong drainage canal ang kalsada sa Basa ug Corvera, samtang paghuman usab sa day care center ang tumong sa Barangay Kinabjangan. (Jessica O. Mellejor, PGO-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: 4 ka barangay tabangan ni Atupan

BUTUAN CITY – Tabang pinansyal ang madawat sa 4 ka barangay ning probinsya human migahin si Bokal Venerando D. Atupan og pubdo isip tubag sa mga mahinungdanong proyekto niini.

Kini mao ang patubig sa Barangay Lower Olave sa Buenavista ug Barangay Cabinet sa Cabadbaran; ug ang paghuman sa barangay development centers sa Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista ug Barangay 5 sa lungsod sa Nasipit.

Sa laing bahin, gitakda na ang pagdawat sa Barangay Crossing sa Kitcharao sa tabang pinansyal gikan kang Bokal Sadeka G. Tomaneng.

Ang kantidad nga P20,000.00 ipatukod og 2 ka purok centers sa Purok 2 ug sa Purok 6 sa maong barangay.

Aduna na matod pay 7 ka purok ang Barangay Crossing apan 5 lang niini ang adunay purok centers.

Nagkanayon si Bokal Tomaneng nga importante gayod nga anaay purok center building ang matag purok aron adunay insaktong lugar ang katawhan sa mga meetings ug uban pang panagtigom matag karon ug unya. (Mary Cheryl S. Monoy, PGO-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: Panginabuhian sa CAPPM masugdan na

BUTUAN CITY – Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 294-2008 nga gipangamahan ni Bise Gobernador Enrico R. Corvera, usa ka gatos (P100,000.00) ka libo ka pesos ang dawaton sa Committed Active Partners in Progress for Magallanes, Inc. kun CAPPM gikan sa panggamhanang probinsyal.

Matod pa ni Gobernador Erlpe John M. Amante, tungod sa nakita niyang maayong katuyoan sa sulat-hangyo sa maong organisasyon, wala kini magduha-duha sa pagtubag sa hangyo’ng mapundohan ang livelihood project niini.

Ang CAPPM usa ka organisasyon nga nakabasi sa lungsod sa Magallanes ning lalawigan. Natukod kini niadto lamang tuig 2007 sa mga kababayen-an kinsang mga bana nagatrabaho sa kompanya sulod sa maong lungsod.

Kini nga tabang pinansyal sa gobernador gamiton sa negosyo’ng catering services isip tabang sa mga kababayen-an. (Jessica O. Mellejor, PGO-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)



AgNor conducts public hearing to boost ecotourism

BUTUAN CITY – A public hearing on ecotourism was conducted by the Committee on Economic Zone, Trade, Industry and Tourism chaired by Board Member Rey G. Jamboy last September 30, 2008 at the PEEDMO Conference Rom.

The meeting was called to thoroughly discuss the following legislative measures of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan: (1) Proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 0-015-2008, “An Ordinance Establishing a Mechanism to Develop and Promote the identified Tourism Sites and attractions in the Province of Agusan del Norte and for other purposes,” and (2) Proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 0-017-2008, “An Ordinance Regulating the Conduct of Tours within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Province of Agusan del Norte.”

Board Member Jamboy said that these ordinances are vital primarily to develop the sites here in Agusan del Norte that have been identified as ecotourism potential. This would also likewise provide funding to improve and increase our promotional activities so as to boost the province’s tourism industry.

Daniel M. Calo, chief of the Community Affairs Division, who has been working closely with the Department of Tourism, Caraga regional office said that Agusan del Norte is undoubtedly endowed with a lot of tourist destinations that can compete with other tourist spots in the neighboring provinces here in Caraga. He enumerated some existing spots here in the province that have been frequently visited by local and foreign tourists but need site development to improve its capacity to attract not only tourists but investors.

Aside from the Lake Mainit traversing through the towns of Santiago, Jabonga and in Kitcharao which is the 4th biggest lake in the Philippines; the 15th century Bitaog Tree in Magallanes; the 1872 Magellan Marker Magallanes; the Cabadbaran Museum in Cabadbaran City and also its famous Atega ancestral homes, exciting and breath-taking adventures could also be experienced here in Agusan del Norte, such as, mountain climbing, scuba diving, snorkeling, caving, trekking and windsurfing.

“We hope to propel our tourism industry in the next few years, mustering our efforts to make our province an existing place to visit,” Hon. Jamboy said.

The public hearing ended late in the afternoon with the highest degree of optimism that these ordinances will be implemented in the province soon. (Mary Cheryl S. Monoy, PGO-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)

Photo Releases - Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Usec Virgilio Leyretana, Sr and Chair of Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) (right) explained that MEDCo acts as coordinator, consolidator, integrator, monitoring and evaluator in any social and economic program for the development of Mindanao. He said this during the recently conducted press conference held at the residence of Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. Also in photo is Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Usec. Romeo Momo. (PIA-Caraga)

Usec. Romeo Momo of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) disclosed that the San Agustin-Lianga road section will be completed by June of 2009, Barobo- Lianga and Gamut- Bayabas by March of 2009 while Aras-asan-Tagmalinao-Tagbalidbid road section in the province of Surigao del Sur will be completed by early months of 2010. He said this during the recently conducted press conference held at the residence of Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. while Director Della Capicenio of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) listens attentively. (PIA-Caraga)

Usec Virgilio Leyretana, Sr. and Chairman of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) (right) assured the media practitioners attending the press conference held at the residence of Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr, that the 27 on-going infrastructure projects in Mindanao will be competed as scheduled since these were already programmed and well-funded by the national government. Also photo is Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Usec. Romeo Momo.

Photo Releases - Monday, October 27, 2008

MILO Inter-school Cheerdance Champion. Pep Squad of the College of Information Technology (CIT) of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) proudly show their winning stunt/lift and trophy during the MILO Inter-school Cheerdance Competition (College Level) held on Sunday, October 26 at Butuan City Rizal Park in connection with the 32nd MILO Marathon National Elimination - Butuan leg.

Photo shows the CIT Pep Squad of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology in their Championship winning performance during the MILO Inter-school Cheerdance Competition held on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Butuan City Rizal Park which is part of the 32nd MILO Marathon National Elimination in the city. Agusan National High School (ANHS) won in the Secondary Level while the Grade School Department of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) was declared champion in the Elementary Level.

CIT Pep Squad with College Dean Prof. Amy Saavedra (extreme right, wearing green and white shirt) and CIT Faculty and in-charge Mr. Christian Bryan Dayday (2nd from right, in green and white shirt) after receiving the Championship trophy (College Level) during the MILO Inter-school cheerdance competition held in connection with the 32nd MILO Marathon National Elimiation - Butuan leg on Sunday, October 26, 2008.

PIA News Service - Monday, October 27, 2008

College of Information Technology (CIT) Pep Squad of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) in their finale during the 32nd MILO Marathon Inter-school Cheerdance Competition held at Butuan City Rizal Park, Sunday, October 26, 2008. CIT Pep Squad is this year's champion in the college/tertiary category.

32nd MILO Marathon Nat'l elims set in Butuan
by: Robert E. Roperos

PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (October 27) – MILO Philippines, maker of the country’s official energy drink in several national and international sports events conducted yesterday, Sunday, October 26, 2008 the Butuan City leg of this year’s Milo National Marathon.

As early as 5:00 in the morning, runners of all ages gathered at the city’s Rizal Park for the said marathon. Two hours later, the marathon ended with the awarding ceremonies of winners of the different age brackets took place.

This year’s MILO marathon in Butuan produced quite number of runners who qualified in the national competition which will be held in Metro Manila sometime in November.

Meanwhile, highlighting the sporting event is the inter-school cheerdance competition participated by some schools in Butuan and the neighboring places in the elementary, secondary and college levels.

For the elementary level, young cheerdancers from the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) won over the Angelicum Montessori School.

In the high school category, Agusan National High School (ANHS) Eagles dominated the competition and defended their crown which they won in 2003. Second place went to Libertad National High School while Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) High School Department grabbed the third place.

Winning the championship plum in the college category is Saint Joseph Institute of Technology’s (SJIT) College of Information Technology (CIT) composed of students of the Computer Science and Information Technology departments, who also won second place in 2003 next to ANHS.

Patterned after a combination of UP Pep Squad’s stunts and UST’s attire and artistic formations, SJIT-CIT Pep Squad outscored Systems Technology Institute (STI)-Butuan who won second place and the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) who landed third place.

CIT Pep Squad is also this year’s champion during the 37th Foundation Anniversary celebration of SJIT choreographed by Ritchie “Ping” Gonzaga while the ANHS Eagles are composed of students under the Special Performing Arts curriculum of the province’s premier secondary school under the choreography of Miss Loriejane Enriquez. The two choreographers are considered veterans in the field of cheerdance competitions in the region.

Winners of the different categories in cheerdance received cash prizes and trophies while the top ten finishers of the race received MILO medals and the top three won MILO trophies and certificates while all participants in the MILO marathon received certificates from the competition’s organizers and officials.

The 32nd MILO Marathon Cagayan de Oro leg is scheduled this week, an official of MILO Philippines said.

ConsumerNet-Caraga will update the public on basic services, climate change
by: Nora CL Molde
PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (October 27) – ConsumerNet-Caraga region, a network of consumer-oriented government agencies and service providers that facilitates the flow of information and speedy resolution of consumer complaints in the region will be hosting a forum dubbed as “2nd ConsumerNet Meets the Public” on October 29, 2008 at 1:30-5:00 P M. at Luciana Convention Center, this city.

The forum is an interactive discussion on all basic services, issues and concerns and updates of all ConsumerNet members. The activity will also highlight the formal recognition of the 2008 Regional Consumer Quiz bowl winners, awarding of three bronze-level DTI certified establishments in Caraga and the destruction of violative goods/products and substandard construction materials confiscated/seized from hardware by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agusan del Norte provincial office.

Other topics for discussion include the new LTO guidelines for the use and operation of motorcycles on highways; new Pag-ibig services dubbed as ‘Nang Dahil sa PAG-IBIG’, Palit Ilaw, NFA rice and contaminated milk products.

Meanwhile, the local government unit of Butuan City, Butuan Local Price Coordinating Council, DTI and the Department of Energy (DOE) will also jointly undertake a Consumer Forum on “Climate Change and the Challenges to the Consumer Movement” on October 30 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Butuan City People’s Hall, Doongan, this city.

The consumer forum aims to provide consumers with a better understanding and appreciation of climate change, its impact/effects and the role of consumers in mitigating the ill-effects.

Target participants are representatives of consumer organizations in the region, senior citizens, government employees, transport groups and the academe.

The activities are part of the culmination program of the month-long celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month with this year’s theme, “Leading Consumers Towards Efficient Lighting for a Brighter Future”.


PAGC intensifies graft and corruption-free Philippines
by: Jennifer P. Gaitano
PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (October 27) – The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), in coordination with the Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Manila, and Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC-13) intensifies fight against graft and corruption through an orientation/briefing on Anti-Red Tape Act (R.A. 9485), recently held in one of the local convention centers here, in this city.

According to PAGC Sec. Constancia De Guzman the Anti-Red Tape Act (R.A. 9485) applies to all government offices including local government units (LGUs) and government-owned and controlled corporations that provide frontline services.

“Agencies performing judicial, quasi-judicial and legislative functions are excluded from the coverage of the Act but their frontline services are deemed included,” Sec. De Guzman added.

During the presentation, PAGC Comm. Jaime Jacob delves deep on the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Act (R.A. 9485). Comm. Jacob said that the law requires all government offices to draw up a Citizen’s Charter which identifies the frontline services offered, step-by-step procedures of the office, the employee responsible for each step, the amount of fees, the documents to be presented by the client and the procedure for filing complaints in relation to requests and applications.

Comm. Jacob further said that the Citizen’s Charter must be posted on information billboards at the main entrance or most conspicuous place and in published materials.

Meanwhile, Sylvia Angelique Umbac of the Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Manila discussed the significance of a Citizen’s Charter in the government agencies concerned. Umbac said that complying with the citizen’s charter would best help clients process their applications and requests in the easiest and fastest way.

“The law limits the number of signatures of officials or employees directly supervising the evaluation, approval or disapproval of the frontline service (request, application or transaction) to a maximum of five signatures,” Umbac added.

It was also learned that when it comes to advocacy, PAGC focused on the promotion of zero tolerance against corruption through societal transformation such as values formation, ethics compliance, and moral sense adoption by government officials and employees.

With the adoption of the Anti-Red Tape Act (R.A. 9485) to all government agencies, PAGC believed that the Filipinos would soon experience a graft and corruption-free Philippines.


British consultants visit Agusan Norte

BUTUAN CITY – Two British consultants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently meet with Agusan del Norte provincial officials relative to their fact-finding mission on the proposed Agusan River Basin and Watershed Management Project (ARBWMP) here in Caraga region.

This site visit is said to pave the way for ADB to finance the projects that are under ARBWMP, an opportunity for the province to get the financial support of ADB through a grant, translating to more jobs for the Agusanons and a sustainable management and development of the Agusan river basin.

In a meeting with Vice Governor Enrico Corvera and other provincial chiefs of office, ADB consultant, Ian Makin, disclosed that the main objective of their fact finding mission is to ascertain if the proposed projects stated in the master plan are worth pursuing.

He said that they will conduct a study and an actual site visit on the Agusan river basin which largely comprises the areas of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and some parts of Davao.

For his part, Vice Governor Enrico Corvera said that the towns of Magallanes, Las Nieves, Buenavista and Cabadbaran City have been the center of the initial study by the provincial government in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) since the Agusan river basin traverses through these areas.

“If ADB finds out that the projects are worthy of its support, they will readily grant an initial fund worth $0.8 million dollars. They will conduct further study on the details of the clustering of sanitary landfills in the province, sea wall protection, and water supply and sanitation, particularly in the municipality of Magallanes, which accordingly, close to the hearts of the British consultants. If found viable, ADB will grant a fund worth $50 million dollars for the proposed projects,” Vice Governor Corvera said.

Mr. Rofel Cabaltera, OIC of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, revealed that the project proposal of the province included the completion of the lower ARB water system, a Comprehensive Sewerage System for the lower basin, Drainage System Master Plan for lower basin, and the Creation of an Independent Single Management or Council to make the decisions and implement the necessary requirements concerning the ARB.

Makin added that they will have an in-depth study on the protection of the environment, mining, water system and the water quality of the basin here.

The team, mainly composed of Mr. Makin, Mr. Paul Taylor, another British consultant and Ms. Cristina Regunay from the Foreign Assisted Project (FASPO-DENR) Central Office has been going around the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur recently to conduct a series of consultation with the concerned agencies.

To recall, the process of the project proposal started a year ago between the provincial government and the Asian Development Bank. Last August 12-14, 2008, a visioning and project validation workshop was held at Davao City for the purpose of formally presenting this project to the stakeholders.

“This will be another milestone of the provincial government’s efforts in protecting our environment and practically with the creation of more jobs for our constituents once these projects are put in place,” Vice Governor Corvera said. (Mary Cheryl Manoy & Jay Vincent Demain, PGO-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Caraga)


Amante presides AgNor PPOC Meeting, focuses on insurgency

BUTUAN CITY – Governor Erlpe John Amante expressed no doubt on the capacity of the Philippine National Police to go against lawless elements but he was a bit saddened by the manifestation of a ranking PNP officer that some of its personnel have no will to fight when it comes to insurgency, so much so that their long firearms have been taken back by the PNP Regional Office.

This was one of the agenda being tackled during the regular meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) last September 24, 2008 which lasted until 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Provincial Training Center. It was chaired and presided by the energetic governor of the province of Agusan del Norte.

Governor Amante was quite overwhelmed by the report of the PNP Provincial Director PSSUPT Benson D Leleng that the province is number two in the entire region in terms of crime solution efficiency. He is doubtful, though, on the capacity of some PNP personnel to really fight should there be some insurgents in their area of responsibility. Lt Col Efrain S Oropel of the 402nd Brigade, 41D, Philippine Army, however expressed his opinion regarding the matter by citing jurisdictions of the Philippine Army and the PNP when it comes to insurgency issues.

On the report of the 23rd IB with regards to the sightings of NPA elements in isolated areas of the province, SP member and Chairman of the Committee on Laws and Peace and Order, Atty. James T. Reserva, felt discouraged by the delayed action of the Philippine Army to run after the said NPA rebels, who from time to time, are sighted in the different barangays of five municipalities in the province.

One of the topics also discussed and agreed was the organization of Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA). The PPOC approved a resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution requesting the 4th ID of the Philippine Army to organize and train SCAA recruits for the city and municipalities of the province.

Vice Governor Enrico R. Corvera and SP Reserva assured the council that said resolution is already approved in principle and it will be included in the SP agenda during their next Regular Session.

On the deputation and organization of Police Auxiliary Unit (PAU) in the different AOR, the council decided to lay on the table for further discussion since it involves more budgetary requirements.

OPAPP-SIP Action Officer for Caraga Region, Mr. Albert T. Baloloy, discussed about the government’s Social Integration Program intended for all NPA rebels who would like to be integrated in the mainstream and return to the folds of the law. OPAPP is under the Office of the President whose task is to create an environment conducive to the promotion of peace in the pursuit of community development; provide access to economic and social opportunities for former rebels; collect, register and destroy firearms, weapons, ammunitions and explosives that may be surrendered by the rebels; and to sustain a genuine social and economic integration of former rebels and contribute to healing the divisions in the country. However, some of the members of PPOC vehemently suggested for the government to review its policy especially on the procedure of funding allocation and its sustainability. (Jun M. Palarca Jr., PGO-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)