AusAID-PAHRD: Propelling AgSur to better economic heights
It is not just a mere pinpointing of fingers. Not just because of good appearance as many visitors describe, either. Not just because of good and attractive presentation too. Most of all, it is not just a favorable twist of luck.
It was a selection of the best among the rest. A thorough screening of qualifications that can satisfy the giver in selecting the qualified recipient. And it was like passing through the eye of a needle.
That was how Agusan del Sur provincial government and its people acquired the development initiatives from the Australian Assistance for International Development (AusAID), when it became one of the five provinces who became recipient of the Partnership with Phils-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRD).
The PAHRD
But what is PAHRD by the way? Why will AusAID invest only in Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Northern Samar, Surigao del Norte and Misamis Occidental and not in all provinces in the country?
Well, PAHRD is an AusAID funded development initiatives which aims to support the Government of the Philippines efforts under the Arroyo administration, to promote sustainable and equitable development through planned institutional capacity building programs for key government and private sector institutions. The Facility has officially partnered targeted public and private sector institutions throughout the Philippines since August 2004. It is a five-year partnering engagement with the Facility.
PHRD prioritize institution whose mandates are directly aligned with the aspirations describe in the Australia-Philippines Development Assistance Strategy. Specifically, the alignment should advance the interest of Australia and the Philippines to contribute to improving the prospects for economic growth, poverty reduction and national stability in the Philippines. It has three core pillars contributing to the achievement of local and national development strategies which are Economic Growth, Basic Education and the National Stability and Human Security.
The provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) became the targeted province of the AusAID Country Program Strategy because its current development program is firmly aligned to the principles of the Country Program Strategy – specifically in relation to poverty reduction, sustainable development and stability.
Aside from the alignment to the Philippines- Australia current Country Program Strategy, Agusan del Sur also satisfies the AusAID by its robust and responsive short term and medium plan, its readiness for a change, and its visible and functioning human resource system.
The Blessings
Since its implementation in Agusan del Sur in 2004, AusAID-PAHRD has shelled out some P60 million for short and long terms trainings that include areas for Administrative governance, service delivery and human resource development.
The short terms trainings conducted with an average cost of P2 million per training includes Capacity Building for Enhanced Human Resource Management and Development; training on Development management; Strengthening Enterprise Development Capacity of Economic Sector of the EBP Management Team; Enhancing the performance Evaluation System; Enhancing Revenue Generation in PGAS; Strengthening Training and Development Functions in PGAS; Development Pool of Trainers in PGAS; Enhancing Database Management in PGAS; Enhancing PGAS Qualification Standards for Effective Recruitment and Placement and; Advocating Agricultural Productivity in Idle and Marginalized Lands in PGAS. Each training were attended by an average participants of 23 persons.
For the long term training/ course with diploma or certificate, each training were participated by an individual or two persons per training, mostly abroad, with and average cost of P2.3 million per course.
The courses taken are Environment Management focused on Eco-Tourism; Rural Development; Agribusiness; Human Resource Management and Development; Career Development; Public Finance Management; Agri-Forestry; Environment management and Development on Eco-Tourism and Protected Areas; Database Management (GIS); Real Property Valuation, Policy Review and Advocacy; Crop production; Animal Production and; Solid Waste Management.
On process trainings for this year include Organization Development and Change Management; Property Valuation and; Project Management of Infra-Engineering.
Aside from trainings, AusAID also extended a digitizer now used by the PASSO to map-out land parcels, one unit server now used by the Information Technology Unit of the provincial government, and one unit laptop computer now used by the Provincial Human Resource Management Office.
On May 14, 2009, a team by the AusAID visited the provincial government to check and validate performances of the institutions through outcomes and impact and was satisfied by what they actually see and observed. In fact, the team also solicits ideas, suggestions and proposals on how to design the Phase 2 engagement.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Maria Valentina “Tina” Plaza, said being hardworking and dedicated people, Agusanons are always blessed with bounty for development and progress.
“Aside from sailing on the right track, foreign investors recognize and believe in Filipino values, dedication, knowledge and sincerity. For us Agusanons, we can always wear our heads up, and shout to the world, Agusanon, ikaw ang numero Uno!” Gov. Tina Plaza said. (Dave M. Suyao, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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PIA News Service - Thursday, June 25, 2009
Influenza A(H1N1) Update
BUTUAN CITY (June 25, 2009) – As of today, Center for Health Development Caraga reports one more laboratory confirmed influenza A(H1N1) case, bringing the total to two cases. These cases are now recovering and completing treatment in a designated referral center. This additional positive case is a nine year old female who is one of the close contacts of the first case.
Direct close contacts of these cases are still on quarantine and being monitored. So far, none of them manifested signs and symptoms of influenza except for the nine year old. We are continuing our surveillance in all communities particularly in schools.
We are reminding the public that the safest and effective way to prevent from getting sick with flu are practicing proper hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, strengthen body’s resistance through eating nutritious food, having adequate sleep, regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, managing stress and avoid crowded places.
The total number Cases Under Observation (COU) for the region is 15. Of these, ten were negative, two positive for influenza A(H1N1) virus and three have pending laboratory results.
We reiterate to the public to be vigilant and comply with the precautionary measures recommended by DOH. If you have traveled from an affected country or have known contact with positive influenza A(H1N1) virus and develop flu-like symptoms (or TRANGKASO) such as fever, sore throat and cough, immediately consult a medical professional or call the DOH Hotline at (085) 225-3876 or 09204155590. (DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
BUTUAN CITY (June 25, 2009) – As of today, Center for Health Development Caraga reports one more laboratory confirmed influenza A(H1N1) case, bringing the total to two cases. These cases are now recovering and completing treatment in a designated referral center. This additional positive case is a nine year old female who is one of the close contacts of the first case.
Direct close contacts of these cases are still on quarantine and being monitored. So far, none of them manifested signs and symptoms of influenza except for the nine year old. We are continuing our surveillance in all communities particularly in schools.
We are reminding the public that the safest and effective way to prevent from getting sick with flu are practicing proper hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, strengthen body’s resistance through eating nutritious food, having adequate sleep, regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, managing stress and avoid crowded places.
The total number Cases Under Observation (COU) for the region is 15. Of these, ten were negative, two positive for influenza A(H1N1) virus and three have pending laboratory results.
We reiterate to the public to be vigilant and comply with the precautionary measures recommended by DOH. If you have traveled from an affected country or have known contact with positive influenza A(H1N1) virus and develop flu-like symptoms (or TRANGKASO) such as fever, sore throat and cough, immediately consult a medical professional or call the DOH Hotline at (085) 225-3876 or 09204155590. (DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
PIA News Service - Wednesday, June 24, 2009
SPECIAL REPORT:
Aside from the lawless MILF group, the military is also facing atrocities coming from the communist New People’s Army (NPA) all over the country and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group in southern Philippines. Intermittent clashes occurred between government forces and these threat groups that usually result to killing from opposing sides.
”Winning the hearts and minds of the enemies is the new paradigm. Are we capturing and encouraging surrenders more than the insurgent groups are recruiting? This is the new question,” said Pangilinan, adding “thus, to find criminals or terrorists and their weapons – without going into necessity of killing them – is the new challenge.”
”The military may kill every enemy but as long as the enemy’s belief and reasons in joining the criminal groups live and linger, there will always be new recruits to replace those members or leaders killed. The time, the place, the people may vary but the problem stays the same,” said Pangilinan.
”Thus, it is in eliminating the recruitment platforms of the enemy or their reasons for going against the government such as poverty, illiteracy, abuses, among other social issues and injustices and replacing these with good governance that we can effectively exterminate terrorists,” Pangilinan also said.
Pangilinan noted that inflation of troops in certain regions could not provide long-term security in the area as the troops cannot stay in one area forever but having insurgents back to the folds of the law and live a normal life is found to be the best recourse.
“While it is tougher to persuade violent enemies to surrender than to kill them, it’s effectiveness is enormous in the sense that the enemy is most hurt and demoralized by desertion than firing a staggering amount of bullets and losing a few members,” he said.
”Numbers should never be again confused with efficacy. Killing an enemy is merely lessening one body from the threat group but if the military is successful in encouraging an enemy to surrender it will mean one less for the enemy and one more for the military,” said Pangilinan.
First quarter figures indicated that at least 2,296 insurgents have been neutralized from 2006 up to May this year, bringing down the current rebels' strength to just about 4,874 from 7,170 in 2006. The neutralization of the 2,296 rebels was by way of killing, surrender or capture, the military data indicated.
The current NPA strength is the lowest since the 1980s when the communist movement reached its peak strength of more than 24,000. Also, the number of communist guerrilla fronts is now down to 75 from 100 in 2006.
On the other hand, mainstream MILF strength was pegged at 11,542 with 7,658 firearms while lawless MILF group has an estimated manpower of 2,990 with 2,950 firearms. The strength of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, which continued to hold ICRC worker Italian Eugenio Vagni as hostage in Sulu, was put at 410 warm bodies with 345 firearms.
At present, the military has increased its operational tempo against all threat groups in compliance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s directive to render insurgency problem to insignificant level by 2010. (PNA)
AFP kisses the body count syndrome goodbye
Brig. Gen. Gaudencio Pangilinan, commanding general of the AFP-Civil Relations Service (CRS), noted that before -- and even until now for some – the fundamental measure of progress in any warfare is body count. The appeal is simply on killing more enemies.
”The unconventional warfare of defeating insurgency with the least of fighting or, if achievable, without firing a single shot, are being pursued vigorously under the leadership of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado,” Pangilinan also said.
For example, in Mindanao regions where both communist and lawless secessionist rebels, from time to time, clash with government forces, military and police authorities sometimes even point to signal intelligence or any other form of intelligence reports in estimating the number of slain enemies, without actual body count, if only to highlight combat score.
Aside from the lawless MILF group, the military is also facing atrocities coming from the communist New People’s Army (NPA) all over the country and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group in southern Philippines. Intermittent clashes occurred between government forces and these threat groups that usually result to killing from opposing sides.
”Body counts imply that with the continued number of criminals killed, they should now be losing momentum in their violent campaign but, if that is not the case, then they are recruiting much faster than we can blink. Considering this, body count may undermine the credibility of the military aside from arising issues of human rights,” explained Pangilinan.
While the military has drastically reduced manpower of all the three main threat groups, the number remains high with new recruits lured to join the anti-government forces’ ranks due to various reasons, like injustice, lack of education, the lure of money and poverty.
”Winning the hearts and minds of the enemies is the new paradigm. Are we capturing and encouraging surrenders more than the insurgent groups are recruiting? This is the new question,” said Pangilinan, adding “thus, to find criminals or terrorists and their weapons – without going into necessity of killing them – is the new challenge.”
”The military may kill every enemy but as long as the enemy’s belief and reasons in joining the criminal groups live and linger, there will always be new recruits to replace those members or leaders killed. The time, the place, the people may vary but the problem stays the same,” said Pangilinan.
”Thus, it is in eliminating the recruitment platforms of the enemy or their reasons for going against the government such as poverty, illiteracy, abuses, among other social issues and injustices and replacing these with good governance that we can effectively exterminate terrorists,” Pangilinan also said.
Pangilinan noted that inflation of troops in certain regions could not provide long-term security in the area as the troops cannot stay in one area forever but having insurgents back to the folds of the law and live a normal life is found to be the best recourse.
“While it is tougher to persuade violent enemies to surrender than to kill them, it’s effectiveness is enormous in the sense that the enemy is most hurt and demoralized by desertion than firing a staggering amount of bullets and losing a few members,” he said.
”Numbers should never be again confused with efficacy. Killing an enemy is merely lessening one body from the threat group but if the military is successful in encouraging an enemy to surrender it will mean one less for the enemy and one more for the military,” said Pangilinan.
First quarter figures indicated that at least 2,296 insurgents have been neutralized from 2006 up to May this year, bringing down the current rebels' strength to just about 4,874 from 7,170 in 2006. The neutralization of the 2,296 rebels was by way of killing, surrender or capture, the military data indicated.
The current NPA strength is the lowest since the 1980s when the communist movement reached its peak strength of more than 24,000. Also, the number of communist guerrilla fronts is now down to 75 from 100 in 2006.
On the other hand, mainstream MILF strength was pegged at 11,542 with 7,658 firearms while lawless MILF group has an estimated manpower of 2,990 with 2,950 firearms. The strength of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, which continued to hold ICRC worker Italian Eugenio Vagni as hostage in Sulu, was put at 410 warm bodies with 345 firearms.
At present, the military has increased its operational tempo against all threat groups in compliance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s directive to render insurgency problem to insignificant level by 2010. (PNA)
PIA News Service - Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Agusan del Sur braced for the entry of AH1N1 virus in the province
Although Agusan del Sur has no record of AH1N1 virus contamination yet, we are doing our best to control its entry by closely monitoring the people, specially those who have records of travel outside the country and other places as well.
This is the opening statement of Dr. Joel Esparagoza, the Provincial Health officer of Agusan del Sur, during the round table discussion with members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Agusan del Sur- Bislig City Chapter and the tri-media.
“As of the present, the Department of Health and the World Health Organization has declared that the AH1N1 virus that hit the country is not so fatal but contagious. And we are conducting close monitoring here in the province because people from Butuan City going to Davao provinces and cities and vise versa, pass thru the province, and chances that the AH1N1 virus may enter the province is high”, Dr. Joel Esparagoza said.
According to Dr. Esparagoza, they have already activated the community watch task forces in order that people who have shown symptoms of the AH1N1 flu will be reported immediately to proper health authorities, and although the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital has no capability yet to examine the suspected patient, they will be referred to the regional hospital in Butuan City for thorough examination.
“But we in the health sector repeatedly remind our people that prevention is much better than cure. That is why, we can always hear thru radio and television, and even read in the newspapers, that we should always maintain proper hygiene and sanitation in our system to avoid being contaminated by the virus”, Dr. Esparagoza said.
Asked if there are chances that the AH1N1 flu may suddenly occur in a place like any other ordinary flu, Dr. Esparagoza said that as far as the present situation is concerned, there is no other means that the AH1N1 flu can be acquired except thru contact with those who have acquired the virus. “Therefore, it is advised that proper distancing and contact with people should be avoided, in order to avoid contamination”, Dr. Esparagoza added.
Although Agusan del Sur has no record of AH1N1 virus contamination yet, we are doing our best to control its entry by closely monitoring the people, specially those who have records of travel outside the country and other places as well.
This is the opening statement of Dr. Joel Esparagoza, the Provincial Health officer of Agusan del Sur, during the round table discussion with members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), Agusan del Sur- Bislig City Chapter and the tri-media.
“As of the present, the Department of Health and the World Health Organization has declared that the AH1N1 virus that hit the country is not so fatal but contagious. And we are conducting close monitoring here in the province because people from Butuan City going to Davao provinces and cities and vise versa, pass thru the province, and chances that the AH1N1 virus may enter the province is high”, Dr. Joel Esparagoza said.
According to Dr. Esparagoza, they have already activated the community watch task forces in order that people who have shown symptoms of the AH1N1 flu will be reported immediately to proper health authorities, and although the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital has no capability yet to examine the suspected patient, they will be referred to the regional hospital in Butuan City for thorough examination.
“But we in the health sector repeatedly remind our people that prevention is much better than cure. That is why, we can always hear thru radio and television, and even read in the newspapers, that we should always maintain proper hygiene and sanitation in our system to avoid being contaminated by the virus”, Dr. Esparagoza said.
Asked if there are chances that the AH1N1 flu may suddenly occur in a place like any other ordinary flu, Dr. Esparagoza said that as far as the present situation is concerned, there is no other means that the AH1N1 flu can be acquired except thru contact with those who have acquired the virus. “Therefore, it is advised that proper distancing and contact with people should be avoided, in order to avoid contamination”, Dr. Esparagoza added.
According to Dr. Esparagoza, the Agusan del Sur Provincial Health Office will be sending a team to the DOH Regional Office in Butuan City for proper training on the AH1N1 virus cases so that they can address the problem anytime it enters the province. At present, Dr. Esparagoza said, there are medicines that can cure the AH1N1 flu, but sad to note, there is no vaccine yet to prevent a person from acquiring the virus. (Dave M. Suyao - PIA Agusan del Sur)
Surigao City asks PNP to augment city police force
Surigao City (23 June) – With the prevailing peace and order condition of the area, the city government of Surigao requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial office to augment personnel assigned to the city.
In a recent City Development Council (CDC) general assembly, Councilor Danilo Menor, chairperson of CDC Development Administration Committee presented a resolution requesting the provincial PNP to recall all detailed PNP personnel whose mother unit is Surigao City, and to assign additional PNP personnel to augment the present number and meet the targeted police to population ratio for greater efficiency.
The resolution revealed that the current strength or number of police personnel assigned to the city in the past years does not meet the standard police to population ratio for small cities like Surigao with at least 1:1000.
P/Supt. Arthur Sanchez, PNP city director, also revealed that the present strength of the police personnel in the city is only 62.
Given the increase of population and urban development, the city requires that police personnel assignment be continuously upgraded to meet community demands.
Thus, Supt. Sanchez said that there is really a need for an additional deployment of personnel to reinforce police visibility in the other areas of the city for security purposes. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Gov. Ace Barbers mihatag ug usbaw sa honorarium sa mga Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)
Surigao del Norte (23 June) - Puno sa kasadya ang mga BHWs sa dihang nadawat nila diha-diha dayun gikan kang Gov. Ace Barbers ang ilang gihandum nga usbaw sa ilang honorarium. Atol sa People’s Day sa San Francisco nga nagpadayon nga kalihukan ni G0v. Ace Barbers sa nagkalain-laing mga kalungsuran, gibutyag sa Gobernador nga pagadawaton na sa mga Barangay Health Workers ang ilang honorarium nga mokabat sa Php 250.00 gikan sa Php 200.00 matag bulan.
Gipaningkamutan gayud ni Gov. Ace Barbers uban sa Junta Probinsyal nga gipanguluhan ni Bise-Gobernador Noel P. Catre nga makahatag ug usbaw sa mga BHWs bisan pa sa kalimitado sa pondo sa probinsya, tungod kay na kita usab sa batan-ong Gobernador ang mga panginahanglanon sa mga Barangay Health Workers nga mao gayu’y direktang moatiman sa mga katawhan sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay kalabut na sa ilang maayong panglawas.
Sa laing bahin, gipangitaan usab ni Gov. Ace barbers ug paagi nga iya usab mahatagan ug usbaw ang tanang Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) sa tibuok probinsya, kay susama sa mga BHWs, dako usab ang nahimo nga tabang sa mga BNS sa paghatag ug kalidad nga panirbisyo, labi na ang pagsiguro sa kahimsog sa mga lumulopyo labi na ang mga kabataan sa matag barangay.
Uban sa hiniusang paningkamot ni Gov. Ace Barbers, Vice- Gov. Noel P. Catre ug mga miyembro sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, napanglantawan ni Gov. Ace nga mahatag gayud sa mga BNS ang iyang dakong tinguha nga mausbawan usab ang ilang honorarium. Dako ang pasalamat ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa nagmakanunayon nga pagdala sa mga BHWs ug BNS sa mga nagkadaiyang programa ug serbisyo sa mga kabarangayan ubos sa iyang pamunuan. (PGO- Surigao del Norte Media Bureau)
28 FRs received family packs from Surigao del Sur PSWDO
Tandag, Surigao del Sur (June 23) – The 28 Former Rebel (FR) who denoted to go back to the government received 50 family packs from the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) thru the Provincial Social Welfare Development (PSWD) officer May Navidad G. Salinas on June 22, 2009.
Each family pack contained 3 kilos of rice, 3 tins sardines, 2 tins corned beefed and 3 packs of noodles.
Present during the distribution of goods is 58th IB Executive Officer Lt. Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon.
It can be recalled that the 21 Former Rebels surrendered on May 24 and 7 FRs on June 9 to Lt. Col Benjamin Pedralvez, Jr. They are still housed at the custody of the Philippine Army for validation and were forwarded to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) prior to the effectivity of the Administrative Order 172 which take effect on March 23, 2007. (Grace B. Tranquilan/PIA Surigao del Sur)
PIA News Service - Monday, June 22, 2009
POPCOM execs to observe region’s anti-hunger drive
Surigao City – The gathering of the executives of the Commission on Population on June 22-23 here to study and possibly replicate the good practices employed by POPCOM-Caraga in its fast yet efficient implementation of the agency’s role in mitigating hunger incidence through the Responsible Parenting-Natural Family Planning (RP-NFP).
POPCOM Regional Director Camilo S. Pangan will do a detailed presentation on the different strategies and modes of RP-NFP implementation in the region. Technical, materials and financial support to the local government units, who are frontliners in the program implementation, will also be revealed.
Latest record of POPCOM-Caraga showed that as of May 2009, RP-NFP classes posted a total of 7,005 with 70,746 couples reached regionwide. Of these couples, 44,779 are currently using natural family planning methods. About 62 percent of the total barangays in the region have been reached by the movement. These numbers are increasing as movement is becoming more popular at the grassroots.
Pangan disclosed that the performance of the region in RP-NFP would not reach this far without the active involvement of the LGUs from provincial/city up to the barangays. “Our commendation goes also to the Barangay Service Providers who are facilitating the conduct of RP-NFP classes”, he added.
To sustain the commitment of the barangay volunteers, POPCOM-Caraga continuous to provide collaterals like bags, vest jacket, and NFP supplies and commodities. Pangan said that POPCOM-Caraga is continuously looking into consideration how to address the clamor of cash incentives to augment the meager income of the volunteers. “We hope that the Central Office will consider this issue”, he added.
POPCOM will bring its National Management Meeting for the first time in the region so as to be closer to the community where the program really works. (Rutchie C. Saluta, POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
NPA attacked 58th IB elements in Lianga Surigao Sur
Tandag Surigao del Sur (June 22) - According to reports, an undetermined number of Communist Terrorists (CTs) believed to be members of FC19a under unknown communist terrorist leader in the vicinity of Purok 5, Barangay San Isidro fired upon members of the Peace and Development Team of Philippine Army.
As of press time, Surigao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer (PSWDO) May Navidad Salinas revealed that 62 families and 308 individuals evacuees were now housed at Lianga Gymnasium, Lianga Surigao del Sur. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
NEDA-KR2 Project gets RTR a national award
A team of national evaluators visited the Municipality of Remedios T. Romuladez (RTR), Agusan del Norte on June 15-16, 2009 for the final assessment of the town’s merits for the Department of Agriculture Secretary’s award for outstanding organic agriculture. The assessment is based on the criteria set by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standard. Out of seven nominees, RTR is one of the two national finalists. The municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato is the other contender for the title.
The NEDA-KR2 Productivity Enhancement Program (NEDA-KR2-PEP) is part of this success having granted to RTR an amount of P1 million to support its initiative in organic rice farming. The project started with one hundred ten farmer beneficiaries through loan assistance amounting to P10,000 for each farmer. From P1,000,000, the seed capital has now grown to P1,430,000 which already benefited a total of 130 farmers in the barangays of Poblacion 1 and 2, Panaytayon, Humilog, Tagbongabong, Basilisa and Balangbalang.
The productivity level of the farmers has improved from 4-5 tons/hectare to 5-6 tons/hectare and they have also enjoyed an increased farm income of P40,000/hectare to P55,000/hectare. These are key indicators of development in the lives of the farmers which indicate their achievement of a higher level of self-sufficiency. The farmers themselves during said evaluation expressed how the shift to organic farming have benefited them through lower production cost and further enriching the soil. They also appreciated the support provided by the LGU like training, monitoring, infrastructure support and provision of loan assistance at a much lower interest rate through the NEDA KR2 project.
The presence of RD Carmencita S. Cochingco as a reactor during the evaluation process also strengthened the chances of RTR to be selected as the national awardee especially when she affirmed that the LGU of RTR through Mayor Nilo Soliva and the Municipal Agriculture Office, is among the most active and effective LGU partners of NEDA with its outstanding performance in the implementation of the KR2 project.
To make the municipality fully organic, the LGU of RTR targets to raise the percentage of its farmers practising organic farming to 100 percent in the next 2-3 years. The LGU also intends to expand its organic farm practices to other crops such as banana and vegetables. Considering that the LGU is already producing its own organic fertilizer, this thrust is indeed workable.
Mayor Soliva further hopes to radiate this LGU initiative to the rest of the municipalities of Agusan del Norte and throughout the Caraga Region. This unfolding in itself already makes RTR a winner and a success story worthy of emulation. (Gemima A. Olam, NEDA-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano News: Mga opisyales sa mga kalungsuran mihatag ug suporta kang Gov. Ace Barbers atol na sa kasaulugan sa ika-49 nga adlaw Nan Surigao del Norte
Puno sa kasadya ug malampuson nga gisaulog sa katawhang Surigaonon ang usa ka makabuluhanong selebrasyon sa ika-49 nga Adlaw Nan Surigao del Norte niadtong adlaw nga biyernes, Hunyo 19, 2009 didto sa Kapitolyo diin saa makausa pa, nagpakita na usab sa tiunay nga pakighiusa ug suporta ang pipila ka mga opisyales sa kalungsuran sa probinsya.
Ang mga maabtik nga mga local nga opisyales nga sila Vice-Mayor Alejandro Biñan sa Lungsod sa Malimono ug Vice-Mayor Nazario Gastardo sa San Francisco nga maoy mga gipasidunggang bisita atol na sa maong kasaulogan, usab nakighiusa sa gipahigayon nga Family Day nga pinangulohan ni Gov. Ace Barbers ubansa iyang kaabag sa panirbisyo, Vice-Governor Noel P. Catre.
GIkalipay sa tanang mga mintambong sa Family Day, hilabi na gayud ang mga kabataan ang ubay-ubay nga mga kalingawan ug parlor games sama sa Trip to Capitol ug Videoke Singing Contest alang sa mga managti-ayon ug pati na usab ang Hep-Hep Hurray para sa mga kabatan-onan nga giandam sa Human Resource Management & Development Office ubos na sa pagpangulo ni Mrs. Marnita Uberita.
Ang mga migawas nga mga mananog nagpakadawat sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga gift packs nga gitunol mismo sa Gobernador.
Dako ang pasalamat ug kalipay ang gibati ni Gov. Ace barbers sa kamadasigon ug sa koopersayon nga gipakita sa tanang empleyado uban ang mga Dept. Heads ug mga opisyales sa probinsiya. Siya usab nanghinaut nga ang maong panaghiusa molahutay unta dili lamang sa karon nga mga higayon kung dili hangtud sa umaabot pa nga mga kalihukan dinhi sa atong dapit. (PGO-Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano News: Lungsod sa Malimono mapasalamaton kang Gov. Ace Barbers sad ala niini nga mga panirbisyo sa gipahigayon nga People’s Day
Napaabot gayud ni Gov. Ace Barbers ang dakong tinguha niini nga iyang madala suod sa katawhan labi na sa mga hilit nga mga kabarangayan ang pangagamhanan sa probinsya pinaagi sa mga nagkadaiyang panirbisyo sa nagpadayon nga People’s Day, diin kagahapong adlawa, Hunyo 18, 2009 didto si Gov. Barbers sa Lungsod sa Malimono.
Uban usab sa Gobernador si Vice-Gov. Noel P. Catre, SP Members ug mga Department Heads. Sa maong kalihukan, nakita sa mga katawhan ang tiunay nga paghatag ug dekalidad nga panirbisyo sa pangagamhanan ubos sa liderato ni Gov. Barbers. Gibati usab sa mga lugsuranon ang paghatag kanila ug dakong bili ug pagtagad ni Gov. Ace, labi na nga gituyuan gayud sila sa pag-adto aron matino ang ilang kahimtang, uban ang mga opisyales sa probinsya ug mga Dapartment Heads alang sa ilang tanan nga mga gikinahanglan ug mga suliran kalabot sa ilang lungsod ug barangays.
Dako usab ang kalipay sa mga Barangay Health Workers sa usbaw sa ilang allowance nga gihatag ni Gov. Barbers, mga Barangay Kapitanes uban ang ilang mga opisyales nga nakapadayag sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga hangyo ug sa ilang nadawat nga financial assistance, mga Senior Citizens, ug uban pang katawhan nga nakatagamtam sa libre nga medical mission nga may pagpanuli, dental, X-ray ug laboratory exams, papsmear sa mga kababainhan, libreng tambal ug konsultasyon, nahatagan sa mga Philhealth cards, food packs, palay & vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers ug pati usab sa mga deworming drugs alang sa mga kahayupan.
Gikalipay usab ni Gov. Ace Barbers ang mainiton nga pagdawat kanila sa mga lumulopyo sa Lungsod sa Malimono tungod sa gidaghanon sa mga tawo nga mintambong sa maong talagsaon ug mapahimuslanong kalihukan. Gipanghinaut sa Gobernador nga unta kining maong mga higayon makahatg ug dugang kadasig ug inspirasyon diha sa tanang katawhang Surigaonon aron sa ingon nga sila usab makahatag ug tabang nga bisan pa sa ginagmay, makatampo gihapon sa mga mas nanginahanglan nilang mga kaigsuonan. (PGO- Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Surigao City – The gathering of the executives of the Commission on Population on June 22-23 here to study and possibly replicate the good practices employed by POPCOM-Caraga in its fast yet efficient implementation of the agency’s role in mitigating hunger incidence through the Responsible Parenting-Natural Family Planning (RP-NFP).
POPCOM Regional Director Camilo S. Pangan will do a detailed presentation on the different strategies and modes of RP-NFP implementation in the region. Technical, materials and financial support to the local government units, who are frontliners in the program implementation, will also be revealed.
Latest record of POPCOM-Caraga showed that as of May 2009, RP-NFP classes posted a total of 7,005 with 70,746 couples reached regionwide. Of these couples, 44,779 are currently using natural family planning methods. About 62 percent of the total barangays in the region have been reached by the movement. These numbers are increasing as movement is becoming more popular at the grassroots.
Pangan disclosed that the performance of the region in RP-NFP would not reach this far without the active involvement of the LGUs from provincial/city up to the barangays. “Our commendation goes also to the Barangay Service Providers who are facilitating the conduct of RP-NFP classes”, he added.
To sustain the commitment of the barangay volunteers, POPCOM-Caraga continuous to provide collaterals like bags, vest jacket, and NFP supplies and commodities. Pangan said that POPCOM-Caraga is continuously looking into consideration how to address the clamor of cash incentives to augment the meager income of the volunteers. “We hope that the Central Office will consider this issue”, he added.
POPCOM will bring its National Management Meeting for the first time in the region so as to be closer to the community where the program really works. (Rutchie C. Saluta, POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
NPA attacked 58th IB elements in Lianga Surigao Sur
Tandag Surigao del Sur (June 22) - According to reports, an undetermined number of Communist Terrorists (CTs) believed to be members of FC19a under unknown communist terrorist leader in the vicinity of Purok 5, Barangay San Isidro fired upon members of the Peace and Development Team of Philippine Army.
Said perpetrators were believed to be the same group who fired twice to the troops of Lt. Alipio while conducting research for peace and development in the area. Firefight ensued for more or less 3 minutes while enemy withdraw towards Northeast. There are no reported casualty on the government side and undetermined casualty on the other side.
Info officer of 58th IB confirmed that some residents from Barangay San Isidro, Lianga evacuated due to the encounters.As of press time, Surigao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer (PSWDO) May Navidad Salinas revealed that 62 families and 308 individuals evacuees were now housed at Lianga Gymnasium, Lianga Surigao del Sur. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
NEDA-KR2 Project gets RTR a national award
A team of national evaluators visited the Municipality of Remedios T. Romuladez (RTR), Agusan del Norte on June 15-16, 2009 for the final assessment of the town’s merits for the Department of Agriculture Secretary’s award for outstanding organic agriculture. The assessment is based on the criteria set by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Product Standard. Out of seven nominees, RTR is one of the two national finalists. The municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato is the other contender for the title.
The NEDA-KR2 Productivity Enhancement Program (NEDA-KR2-PEP) is part of this success having granted to RTR an amount of P1 million to support its initiative in organic rice farming. The project started with one hundred ten farmer beneficiaries through loan assistance amounting to P10,000 for each farmer. From P1,000,000, the seed capital has now grown to P1,430,000 which already benefited a total of 130 farmers in the barangays of Poblacion 1 and 2, Panaytayon, Humilog, Tagbongabong, Basilisa and Balangbalang.
The productivity level of the farmers has improved from 4-5 tons/hectare to 5-6 tons/hectare and they have also enjoyed an increased farm income of P40,000/hectare to P55,000/hectare. These are key indicators of development in the lives of the farmers which indicate their achievement of a higher level of self-sufficiency. The farmers themselves during said evaluation expressed how the shift to organic farming have benefited them through lower production cost and further enriching the soil. They also appreciated the support provided by the LGU like training, monitoring, infrastructure support and provision of loan assistance at a much lower interest rate through the NEDA KR2 project.
The presence of RD Carmencita S. Cochingco as a reactor during the evaluation process also strengthened the chances of RTR to be selected as the national awardee especially when she affirmed that the LGU of RTR through Mayor Nilo Soliva and the Municipal Agriculture Office, is among the most active and effective LGU partners of NEDA with its outstanding performance in the implementation of the KR2 project.
To make the municipality fully organic, the LGU of RTR targets to raise the percentage of its farmers practising organic farming to 100 percent in the next 2-3 years. The LGU also intends to expand its organic farm practices to other crops such as banana and vegetables. Considering that the LGU is already producing its own organic fertilizer, this thrust is indeed workable.
Mayor Soliva further hopes to radiate this LGU initiative to the rest of the municipalities of Agusan del Norte and throughout the Caraga Region. This unfolding in itself already makes RTR a winner and a success story worthy of emulation. (Gemima A. Olam, NEDA-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano News: Mga opisyales sa mga kalungsuran mihatag ug suporta kang Gov. Ace Barbers atol na sa kasaulugan sa ika-49 nga adlaw Nan Surigao del Norte
Puno sa kasadya ug malampuson nga gisaulog sa katawhang Surigaonon ang usa ka makabuluhanong selebrasyon sa ika-49 nga Adlaw Nan Surigao del Norte niadtong adlaw nga biyernes, Hunyo 19, 2009 didto sa Kapitolyo diin saa makausa pa, nagpakita na usab sa tiunay nga pakighiusa ug suporta ang pipila ka mga opisyales sa kalungsuran sa probinsya.
Ang mga maabtik nga mga local nga opisyales nga sila Vice-Mayor Alejandro Biñan sa Lungsod sa Malimono ug Vice-Mayor Nazario Gastardo sa San Francisco nga maoy mga gipasidunggang bisita atol na sa maong kasaulogan, usab nakighiusa sa gipahigayon nga Family Day nga pinangulohan ni Gov. Ace Barbers ubansa iyang kaabag sa panirbisyo, Vice-Governor Noel P. Catre.
GIkalipay sa tanang mga mintambong sa Family Day, hilabi na gayud ang mga kabataan ang ubay-ubay nga mga kalingawan ug parlor games sama sa Trip to Capitol ug Videoke Singing Contest alang sa mga managti-ayon ug pati na usab ang Hep-Hep Hurray para sa mga kabatan-onan nga giandam sa Human Resource Management & Development Office ubos na sa pagpangulo ni Mrs. Marnita Uberita.
Ang mga migawas nga mga mananog nagpakadawat sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga gift packs nga gitunol mismo sa Gobernador.
Dako ang pasalamat ug kalipay ang gibati ni Gov. Ace barbers sa kamadasigon ug sa koopersayon nga gipakita sa tanang empleyado uban ang mga Dept. Heads ug mga opisyales sa probinsiya. Siya usab nanghinaut nga ang maong panaghiusa molahutay unta dili lamang sa karon nga mga higayon kung dili hangtud sa umaabot pa nga mga kalihukan dinhi sa atong dapit. (PGO-Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano News: Lungsod sa Malimono mapasalamaton kang Gov. Ace Barbers sad ala niini nga mga panirbisyo sa gipahigayon nga People’s Day
Napaabot gayud ni Gov. Ace Barbers ang dakong tinguha niini nga iyang madala suod sa katawhan labi na sa mga hilit nga mga kabarangayan ang pangagamhanan sa probinsya pinaagi sa mga nagkadaiyang panirbisyo sa nagpadayon nga People’s Day, diin kagahapong adlawa, Hunyo 18, 2009 didto si Gov. Barbers sa Lungsod sa Malimono.
Uban usab sa Gobernador si Vice-Gov. Noel P. Catre, SP Members ug mga Department Heads. Sa maong kalihukan, nakita sa mga katawhan ang tiunay nga paghatag ug dekalidad nga panirbisyo sa pangagamhanan ubos sa liderato ni Gov. Barbers. Gibati usab sa mga lugsuranon ang paghatag kanila ug dakong bili ug pagtagad ni Gov. Ace, labi na nga gituyuan gayud sila sa pag-adto aron matino ang ilang kahimtang, uban ang mga opisyales sa probinsya ug mga Dapartment Heads alang sa ilang tanan nga mga gikinahanglan ug mga suliran kalabot sa ilang lungsod ug barangays.
Dako usab ang kalipay sa mga Barangay Health Workers sa usbaw sa ilang allowance nga gihatag ni Gov. Barbers, mga Barangay Kapitanes uban ang ilang mga opisyales nga nakapadayag sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga hangyo ug sa ilang nadawat nga financial assistance, mga Senior Citizens, ug uban pang katawhan nga nakatagamtam sa libre nga medical mission nga may pagpanuli, dental, X-ray ug laboratory exams, papsmear sa mga kababainhan, libreng tambal ug konsultasyon, nahatagan sa mga Philhealth cards, food packs, palay & vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers ug pati usab sa mga deworming drugs alang sa mga kahayupan.
Gikalipay usab ni Gov. Ace Barbers ang mainiton nga pagdawat kanila sa mga lumulopyo sa Lungsod sa Malimono tungod sa gidaghanon sa mga tawo nga mintambong sa maong talagsaon ug mapahimuslanong kalihukan. Gipanghinaut sa Gobernador nga unta kining maong mga higayon makahatg ug dugang kadasig ug inspirasyon diha sa tanang katawhang Surigaonon aron sa ingon nga sila usab makahatag ug tabang nga bisan pa sa ginagmay, makatampo gihapon sa mga mas nanginahanglan nilang mga kaigsuonan. (PGO- Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)