PIA News Service - Friday, Jan. 8, 2010

Cebuano News: ACE mitunol ug P20 mil sa Senior Citizen

BUTUAN CITY (8 January) –Malipayon nga gidawat sa mga Senior Citizen ang pinansyal nga regalo isip pinaskuhan gikan sa organisasyon sa Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) nga gipangluhan ni Mr. Joecel F. Obenza, Presidente ug kasamtangang Regional Director of the Department of Budget and Management-Caraga didto sa Senior Citizen-GeriacarePhysical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, SC-GPTRC/FSCAP Building, ning syudad, karong bag-o.

Ang Association of Caraga Executives kon ACE ang gilangkuban kini sa mga grupo sa mga Regional Directors sa nagkalain laing ahensya sa gobyerno sa rehiyon sa Caraga.

Sa gipahigayong turn-over program sa SC-GPTRC mitambong didto sila si National Economic and Development Authority-NEDA Caraga Asst. Regional Director Cecile Lopez; Department of the Interior and Local Government-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, Air Transporation Office-ATO Manager Emmanuel H. Costelo ug Philippine Information Agency-PIA Regional Director Abner Caga ug uban pang regional line agencies.

Si Butuan City Councilor ug Vice Chairman sa SC-GPTRC– Mr. Rodrigo L. Dayaday ang madasigon nga midawat sa tseke nga nagkantidad sa to P20,000.00 isip dugang pinansyal nga suporta gikan sa grupo sa ACE pinaagi kang DBM Regional Director Obenza.

Pinaagi sa mubo nga programa gipasalamatan ni Hon. Dayaday ang grupo sa ACE nga mitan-aw sa dugang panginahangalan nga magamit alang sa ilang health center. 

Si Hon. City Councilor Randolph Plaza ang chairman sa SC-GPTRC ilalom sa administrasyon ni Hon. City Mayor Democrito “Boy Daku” Plaza II. Gilauman nga sa pagsugod sa bag-ong tuig 2010, bag-o nga kaayuhan ug kalamboan aron madugangan ang pasilidad ug suporta sa Office of Senior Citizen-OSCA. (Mike A. Imbo, PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Gov. Ace Barbers mapasalamaton sa PACAP sa padayon nga pagsuporta niini sa mga proketo sa Lake Mainit Area

SURIGAO DEL NORTE (8 January) – Malipayon nga gipahibalo ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa tanang Mainitnon nga adunay laing pito (7) na usab ka mga barangay sa Lungsod sa Mainit pinaagi sa Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA), ang mudawat sa dugang pondo nga ihatag sa Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) pinaagi na usab sa ilang Focal Community Assistance Scheme (FOCAS) ug Responsive Assistance Scheme (RAS) Projects.

Mipidayag usab sa ilang tumang kalipay ang tibuok katawhan sa Lungsod sa Mainit sa ubay-ubay nga mga kaayuhan ug benepisyo nga padayon nilang nadawat gikan sa PACAP. Ang maong programa nakahatag gayud ug dakong kausbawan sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga panginabuhian hilabi na diha sa socio-economic ug environment aspect sa ilang lungsod.

Sa nasayran, halos 567 ka mga pamilya nga naggikan sa nagkalain-laing 18 ka mga Peoples Organization nga naglakip n asa mga mag-uuma, mangingisda ug mga nagkadaiyang grupo ug mga kooperatiba sa mga kababainhan sa Lungsod sa Mainit, ang direktang nakabenepisyo niining maong mga community-based project sa PACAP.

Ang PACAP usa kini ka grant facility sa Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID) ug ang probinsya nahimong AUSAID beneficiary sukad pang niadtong tuig 2002. (PGO-Provincial Information Office)

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CTs torch 1 backhoe, hack DOLE banana plantation 

TANDAG, SURIGAO DEL SUR (8 January) - Communist Terrorists in this province burned a unit of backhoe and hacked a hectare of banana plantation owned by DOLE Philippines, Inc. in Barangay Anahao-Daan here. 

According to SSupt. Julito Diray, PNP Provincial Director, the backhoe was owned by VENTIC Construction based in Davao City and contractor of DOLE Philippines, Inc.

According to report, the incident happened at around 2 o’clock early dawn today, January 8, where undetermined number of CTs or CPP/NPA hacked the banana plantation owned by DOLE Philippines and burned afterwards the heavy equipment. Estimated damage amounted to around 4 million pesos. 

Meanwhile, Tago Mayor Hermenegildo Pimentel said in an interview that the incident happened is perpetrated by an armed group believed to be members of New Peoples Army with unidentified motives.

DOLE Company alleviated the lives of the constituents and contributed to the jobs generation program of the Arroyo administration especially in the nearby barangays. 

“The ruthless incident affected the economy within the municipality and also the lives of the ordinary citizens in the area,” Mayor Pimentel said. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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PGMA Unveils P67M Corn Post harvest Facility in AgSur

Corn farmers in Caraga Region shall worry no more as to where they would sell their farm produce for no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo unveiled the P67 million worth Corn Postharvest Processing and Trading Center in Mabuhay, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur last January 5, 2009. President Arroyo was assisted by AgSur Governor Ma. Valentina G. Plaza together with NABCOR Vice President Jayda Mayoralgo, DA-13 Regional Director Ricardo C. Regis, Bayugan Mayor Magdalena A. Asis and former governors Edward Adolf Plaza and Valentina Plaza.

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             Photo shows P67M Corn Postharvest Processing and Trading Center
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“Mahal ko gayud kamo mao ako kanunay gabalik-balik diri sa inyo ug naghatag niini nga mga proyekto arun matabangan ang atong mahal nga mga mag-uuma .” (I care for all of you that is why I keep coming back here and provided you with these projects so we can help our beloved farmers) PGMA expressed in Visayan during the inauguration. 

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GMA leads the cutting of ribbon which signals the opening of the center assisted by (gma's left)-Gov. Ma. Valentina G. Plaza, NABCOR Vice President Jayda Mayoralgo, (gma's right)-former governor Valentina Plaza, Mayor Magdalena Asis, di ko kaila sa naka green, DA-13 Regional Exec. Dir. Ricardo C. Regis. (at the back of gma is Serge Remonde and Chris Lindo.
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The said facility which was a joint project of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur and the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), the agribusiness arm of the Department of Agriculture, is a public investment on postharvest facilities to promote agribusiness development in the area benefitting the farming populace in Agusan del Sur and nearby provinces in the region.  

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GMA turns over certificate of award consisting of 16 units shredder and 36 units compost tea brewer under the DA-BSWM Organic Fertilizer Production Project amounting to a total of P6 million.
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Through the center, farmers’ corn produce are now given sure market at a competitive price while farmers’ drying and processing cost is reduced or even eliminated as the center buys fresh corn cobs and have them processed into food grade corn grain. As such, the continuous supply of premium quality corn grains is being ensured keeping animal and human consumption free from aflatoxin. The center also aims to reduce corn postharvest losses from 15% to 5% while increasing farmers’ income.

“Dili na mi magproblema pagpauga sa among mais labi na panahon sa ting-ulan kay amo na man lang dalaon diri sa center.” (We will no longer have any problem on drying especially on rainy days because we only have to bring our corn to the center.) One of the farmers testified during the inauguration.

Investments of the project comes from the Department of Agriculture’s budget through NABCOR amounting to P25 million and AgSur counterpart of P42.55 million. After five years, the project will be turned over to the provincial government of Agusan del Sur once NABCOR will have regained its investment.  

Aside from the postharvest facility, PGMA also turned over 18 units 65 Hp RV Shredder and 36 units Compost Tea Brewer from the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Bureau of Soils and Water Management’s (BSWM) Organic Fertilizer Production Project for the various farmer’s organization and cooperatives in Agusan del Sur. The president also took the opportunity of awarding the diplomas to the 1,200 graduates of Farmers Field School on Rice Production during the event. (Emmylou T. Presilda, RAFID DA-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
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Tagalog News: Kuministang CPP/NPA nanunog ng backhoe at nanira ng mga tanim na saging

DAYOAN, TAGO, SURIGAO DEL SUR - Ang 58IB ay nakatanggap ng report kanina mga alas 5:00 ng umaga na nasunog ang backhoe at pinutol ang mga saging ng Dole Plantation Company sa Purok Paraiso, Barangay Anahao Daan, Tago, Surigao del Sur na naganap kanina mga 2:00 a.m ng madaling araw.

 Ang ganitong insidente ay maliwanang na isang stratehiya ng CPP/NPA, ayaw talaga nila ng malawakang progresibo o magandang pagbabago para sa mga mamayang Filipino. Tinatanggalan nila ng kalayaang mamuhay ng matiwasay ang maralitang mga kababayan natin at sila ang dahilan kaya patuloy na naghihirap ang mga maralitang taong bayan.  

Ilang trabahante ang mawawalan ng trabaho kung patuloy itong mangyayari, marami na namang pamilya ang magugutom at babalik sa dating nakagawian natural farming. Sa ngayon, karamihan sa mga trabahante ay unti-unti ng lumalago at umuunlad ang pamumuhay. Sa katunayan ang iba ay nakakuha na nga mga motor bilang serbis nila papasok sa pinagtatrabahuhan sa farm sa Barangay Anahao Daan sa Tago, Surigao del Sur. Paano na ngayon mababayaran ng isang trabahante ang motor kung siya ay matitigil sa kanyang pinagtratrabahuhan dahil sa di makataong gawain na CPP/NPA.  

Ang kumunistang teroristang CPP/NPA ang isa sa mga balakid sa pag asenso ng ating bansa. Hinahadlangan nila ang mga proyekto mapa gobyerno man o pribadong sektor. Katulad ng ibang mga kumpanya, kapag hindi magbigay ng butaw o revolutionary tax susunugin ang mga equipment katulad ng ginagawa nila sa SUDECOR Company. Sana magbigay din sila ng kaululang pang kabuhayan para sa mga tao para maramdaman naman nila ang pag-unlad sa kanilang sari-sarili hindi karahasan at pananakot nangsa ganun maging mapayapa, maayos at magkaron ng kaunlaran ang ating bansa. (58ib4idpa/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Cebuano News: Pres. Arroyo gipirmahan ang RA 9903 kon SSS Condonation law

BUTUAN CITY (8 January) – Si Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo subling gipirmahan ang Akta Republika 9903, usa ka SSS Condonation law nga magmulta batok sa mga pakyas sa pag-remit sa ilang kontribusyon sa Social Security System premiums, niadtong Huwebes (07 January).

Ang pagsumite sa RA 9903 aron paghatag ug ngipon sa balaod ngadto sa mga employer nga wala mag-remit sa ahensya sa SSS ug gilauman nga kini makadugang nga mosaka ang koleksyon sa mga pension fund sa mga empleyadong naa sa pribadong sektor.

Nahibaloan nga ang un-remitted premium contributions gibana-bana nga mikabat na ngadto sa P109 billion ug dunay mga multa nga mikabat sa P280 billion.

Si Pres. Arroyo milaom nga ang maong balaod ang dako nga ikatabang sa mga gagmay nga kompanya, lakip na kadtong mga empleyadong makadawat sa ilang mga benipisyo pinaagi sa maong sistema. 

Si Romulo Neri, ang Presidente sa Social Security System ang nagkanayon nga “For 2009 alone, the penalties amount to P68 billion, which we do not expect to collect anyway since a lot of companies are so hard-up, and this is our way of helping them survive.” 

Ang RA 9903 gipanday ni Occidental Mindoro Representative ug Deputy Speaker Armelita Villarosa kauban ang co-sponsored nga sila si Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo ug 4rth district Camarines Sur Cong. Felix Alfelo Jr.

Giaprobahan sa SSS ang proposal nga sulod sa 48 ka bulan dunay mabayaran nga installments nga kontribusyon, ubos sa premium payment gikinahanglan nga makakolekta kini sa 5 porsiento nga delinquency.

Dugang sa taho nga adunay makuhang 3 porsiento nga annual interest ang ahensya. 

Giklaro nga ang opensiba sa balaod magmulta batok sa kaso sa mga employer nga pakyas sa paghatag sa ilang remitans ug kontribusyon ilalom sa maong availment period. (Mike A. Imbo, PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010

15 Barangays benefited from mobility project of Cong. Aquino

BUTUAN CITY (7 January) – Fifteen barangays from the first Congressional District of Agusan del Norte benefited mobility project of Cong. Jose Aquino II and received on Tuesday (January 5) multicabs for official use during barangay activities, during the visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the newly-established Caraga State University (CSU) in Brgy. Ampayon, this city.

Awarded by Pres. Arroyo and assisted by Cong. Aquino, among the barangays received the vehicles thru their respective barangay chairmen are the following: Barangays Kamayahan, Leon Kilat, Obrero, Pagatpatan, Holy Redeemer, Bit-os, Baan Riverside, Tandang Sora, Pigdaulan, Taligaman, San Mateo, Anticala, Don Francisco, Tungao and Barangay Buhangin.

It was learned that the awarding of vehicles to barangays is a priority project of Cong. Aquino in cooperation with the Office of the President. Initially, the project is coordinated by the approval of the joint funds under the Arroyo administration and the House of Representatives in accordance with the barangay official’s government program in response to their mobility operations.

Finally, the young congressman also denounces some allocation target projects in completion with his programs and agenda in public services in Butuan City and Las Nieves.

Pres. Arroyo’s visit in the city is in line with the ceremonial signing of Republic Act 9854 establishing the Caraga State University (CSU) in the Caraga Region by integrating the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) in Ampayon, this city, and the Northern Mindanao College of Science and Technology (NMCAST) in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte in which Cong. Aquino primarily authored the bill.

The President also inaugurated the Corn Postharvest Processing and Trading Center in Brgy. Mabuhay, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, and later in the afternoon, she inspected the Butuan City-Las Nieves-Esperanza-Bayugan Road Project in Brgy. Amparo here. (Mike A. Imbo, PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: Behikulo sa mga Barangay gi-apod-apod ni Congressman Aquino II

BUTUAN CITY (7 January) – Nakadawat sa libreng multicab nga sakyanan ang 15 ka barangay sa Agusan del Norte human kini gi-apod apod isip inisyatibong proyekto ni 1st district Cong. Joeboy Aquino II atol sa gipahigayong bisita ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, niadtong Martes (January 5) didto sa tunghaan sa Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST), Barangay Ampayon, ning dakbayan.

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Gikalipay sa mga barangay kapitanes sa nadawat nga 15 ka multicab alang sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay human nga gitunol kini sa ilang kongresista sa ilang pagtambong sa usa ka espesyal nga pagbisita ni PGMA didto sa tunghaan sa NORMISIST aron pirmahan ang Republic Act 9854 nga magduso niini nga mahimong Caraga State University (CSU) sa rehiyon.

Ang mga barangay nga nakadawat sa proyektong behikulo mao ang Barangay Kamayahan, Barangay Bon Kilat, Obrero, Pagatpatan, Holy Redeemer, Bit-os, Baan Riverside, Tandang Sora, Pigdaulan, Taligaman, San Mateo, Anticala, Don Francisco, Tungao ug Barangay Buhangin.

Kining proyekto ang prayoridad ni Cong. Aquino alang sa serbisyong pang-barangay aron mas dali ug paspas kini sa ilang operasyon lakip na kadtong atua sa mga hilit nga lugar sa maong probinsya.

Si Cong. Aquino ang nagkanayon nga ang pundo nga gigahin sa maong proyekto ang inabagan sa koordinasyon gikan kang PGMA ug gi-aprobahan kini sa house of representatives.

Sa 15 ka mga sakyanan 36 na sab kabuok ang nauna nga natunol ngadto sa ubang barangay sa maong probinsya.

Si Cong. Aquino ang mihupot sa house of representative sugod niadtong tuig 2007 isip 1st district sa Agusan del Norte ug Las Nieves. (Mike A. Imbo, PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010

2010 One Stop Processing of Business Permits Opens in Surigao City

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SURIGAO CITY (6 January) – City Mayor Alfonso Casurra formally opened the One-Stop-Shop processing of business permits at exactly 8:00 o’clock in the morning of January 4, 2010 this city. 

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The venue for the permit processing is the Surigao City Auditorium and is expected to cater to the businessmen of the city at the most expeditious manner. 

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For the last four years, the average processing time has been maintained at the level of less than 2 and a half hour and the same is seen to be achieved this year or even better. 

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The first 10 businessmen who were issued their respective business permits were honored in simple rites at the office of the City Mayor immediately after the Mayor signed the permits in their presence. 

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As announced, the processing of the permits will continue until midnight of January 25, 2010. (Karen Acero, LGU-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Cebuano News: Corn Post Harvest processing sa Bayugan gibuksan ni PGMA

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) – Pormal nga gi-inagurahan ug gibuksan ang Corn Post Harvest Processing ug Trading Center (CHPTC) alang sa proyekto nga magdeliber sa produktong agrikultura nga nagikan sa rehiyon sa Caraga, didto sa Baranagy Mabuhay, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, dili pa lang dogay.

Si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang mi-inagural pinaagi sa usa ka espesyal nga “cutting of ribbon” simbolo sa kalamboan alang sa kaugmaran sa mag-uuma.

Si Cris Lindo, Chief Economic Affairs sa probinsyal sa Agusan del Sur ubos sa administrasyon ni Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza ang mitug-an nga ang maong proyekto ang mag-asdang sa agrikulturang produkto sama sa corn on cobs, corn processing, pagbaligya sa corn grains sa ubos nga presyo ug kalidad.

Ang CPHPTC project ang miabot sa kantidad nga P68 milyon nga inabagan sa hiniusang pundo gikan sa business venture ang National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) ug Provincial Government sa Agusan del Sur pinaagi sa Administrasyong PGMA ilalom sa pagdumala sa Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap sa pagatunol niini sa mga farming equipment.

Dugang ni Lindo nga makatagamtam na sa pruduksyon nga gikan gyud sa Agusan del Sur nga mauy mag-supply sa tibuok rehiyon sa Mindanao ug mamahimo pod kini nga export sa nasud diin ang Caraga region ang gibansagan na nga “agricultural food basket” sa Northeastern Mindanao. (Mike A. Imbo PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: PGMA gi-inspeksyun ang mga road projects nga nahuman sa DPWH

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) – Gi-inspeksyun ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang mga nahuman nga road projects ug mga on going nga mga proyekto sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) apil na ang mga taytayan, atol sa pagbisita niini sa dakbayan, dili pa lang dugay.

Si DPWH Caraga Regional Director Evelyn Barroso ang mipahigayon sa briefing ngadto kang PGMA sa mga road projects nga may 61.1 km (w/exception) sa ilang departamento.

Ilalom sa Philippine Japan Highway Loan-Project Management Office (PJHL-PMO) si Jose Bustamante nagkanayon nga dunay upat ka mga proposed bridge sa rehiyon sa Caraga ang itukod, ang Tagpulangao Bridge, Hawilian Bridge, Ujot Bridge ug ang pinakataas mao ang Esperanza Bridge nga magsumpay sa Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte ug probinsya sa Bukidnon. 

Dugang ni Bustamante nga kining upat ka bridges may contract amount nga P 625 milyon.

Nasayran nga ang duha ka probinsyal sa Agusan del Norte ug Agusan del Sur sa Rehiyon sa Caraga ang dunay mga deskripsyon sa proyekto nga gi-implementar sa DPWH-PJHL-PMO.

Dugang ni Bustamante nga prayoridad sa proyekto ang road concreting ug contruction sa upat ka bridges.

Base sa report ang Ujot Bridge ang may Length nga (162.80 meters), Hawilian Bridge nga may (L-30.80 m), Tagpulangao Bridge (L-21.80 m) ug ang Esperanza Bridge nga may gitas-on nga (L-315.80 m).

Apil sab ang construction sa mga drainage ug slope protection structures, gipaneguro pod ang probisyon sa pagmugna sa mga traffic safety measures.

Ang kontrata gisugdan niadtong March 11, 2009 nga may contract duration nga 840 calendar days nga gilauman nga matapos kini sa June 28, 2011.

Sa gipakitang location map gibutang sa project profile ang contract amount nga nagkantidad tanan sa P1,730 million nga gipundohan sa nasyonal nga kagamhanan.

Kining mga proyekto ang maglangkub gikan sa Butuan City, Las Nieves, Esperanza, Bayugan road project.

Ang maong programa ang tipik sa Proyektong natuman ni PGMA ubos sa temang “Isang mabilis at ligtas na daan Laban sa Kahirapan.” (Mike A. Imbo PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: PGMA Mipirma SA RA 9854, NORMISIST himoong CSU

BUTUAN CITY (6 January) – Si Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo mibisita sa rehiyon sa Caraga alang sa katuyuan sa pagpirma sa Republic Act 9854 nga magpalig-on sa Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) aron iduso kini nga mahimong Caraga State University (CSU) didto sa Ampayon, ug ang Northern Mindanao College of Science and Technology (NMCAST) sa Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. 

Nahimong historical event ang maong okasyon diin gilangkuban kini sa nagkalain-laing mga sektor atol sa pag-abot ni PGMA uban ang iyang pipila ka mga sakop sa gabinete, didto pod ang mga opisyales pinangunahan ni 1st District Congressman Joeboy Aquino, Butuan City Mayor Democrito “Boy Daku” Plaza II, Agusan del Sur Governor Tina Plaza, Agusan del Norte Governor John Erlpe Amante, Congressman Amante, Surigao Del Norte Congressman Romarate mga barangay opisyales, lokal nga kagamhanan, magtutudlo ug mga estudyante.

Ala 1:20 sa hapon gipirmahan ni PGMA ang RA 9854 nga subling gitukod ang pag-implementar sa Caraga State University (CSU). Ang RA 9854 ang gi-sponsoran kini ni Senator Mar A. Roxas nga gipasa sa Senado alang sa second reading niadtong November 9, 2009 sa ilang Upper House’s hearing. Base sa Committee Report No. 1240 nga gipanday ni Congressmen Jose S. Aquino II.

Si Joana Cuenca ang kasamtangang Presidente sa maong institusyon ang mapasalamaton sa maong okasyon diin gilauman nga mamahimong sentro sa rehiyon sa Caraga ang kalidad sa edukasyon ug pagkab-ot sa standard sa produktibong estudyante. 

Mibiya sa Ampayon ang presidente ug miabot kini alas 3:05 sa hapon didto sa Barangay Mabuhay, Agusan del Sur alang sa gihimong inagurasyon sa Corn Post Harvest Processing ug Trading Center ( CPHPTC) ilalom sa proyektong pang-agrikultura.

Human sa maong inagurasyon mibalik si PGMA sa dakbayan sa Butuan ala 4:54 ang takna sa hapon didto sa may Barangay Amparo alang sa gihimong inpsekyon sa mga natuman nga proyekto sa gobyerno ubos sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sa pagpanguna ni Caraga Regional Director Evelyn Barroso.

Sa Bancasi Airport gihatod si PGMA uban sa mga opisyales alang sa malampusong pagbisita sa rehiyon sa Caraga. (Mike A. Imbo PIA-Caraga)
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PNP vows strict enforcement of nationwide election gunban

All Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) issued by the Philippine National Police will be suspended from January 10, 2010 to June 9, 2010 when the Comelec-imposed nationwide gunban takes effect as part of security measures for the May 2010 national elections. PNP Chief, Director General Jesus A Verzosa said all gun-carrying privileges by virtue of PTCFORs are suspended for the entire duration of the election period. 

Verzosa said all authority granting police security detail to government officials, VIPs and other private individuals under threat are also revoked. "Only PNP, AFP, NBI personnel and Protective Agents of PDA (Private Detective Agencies) shall be deputized as security detail during the election period provided that these personnel shall be in proper uniform and in the actual performance of official security duties," Verzosa said. All security detail are subject to approval of the Comelec Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP). (P/CHIEF SUPT Leonardo A Espina, Public Information Office, Camp Crame, Quezon City/ PNP-Caraga)
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POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania; PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo

Report on illegal logging 

On January 3, 2010, PNP elements of RTR Municipal Police Station led by PINSP Jude Cres Gido Milan while conducting checkpoint in front of Municipal Plaza of RTR, Agusan del Norte intercepted one Ten Wheeler Truck loaded with falcata round logs.

Said ten wheeler truck was driven by one Roy Dagani registered in the name of Amado Ravena. Subject driver failed to present pertinent documents of said falcata round logs. The ten wheeler truck and falcata logs were brought to RTR Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

Report on vehicular accident 

On January 3, 2010 at Sitio Campanubay, Brgy Manyayay, Lianga, Surigao del Sur at 11:00 in the morning, a certain Johnny Marganas, 20 years old, single and Frenard Calo, 18 years old, single, both victims of hit and run by a Coca Cola Delivery truck bearing plate number YHD 427. Victims were immediately rushed to Lianga District Hospital but Johnny Marganas was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Progress report to follow. 

Also, at Barangay Wasian, Rosario Agusan del Sur of the same date, one cargo truck bearing plate number JBX 966 owned by Noel Barrios and driven by Gerry Bebis, resident of Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur while traveling towards Barangay Wasian proper, Rosario, Agusan del Sur purposely to haul falcata logs and upon reaching of said place accidentally fell down to the river due to mechanical defect which resulted to the instantaneous death of the following persons on board namely Justin Caballes; Glen Morales and Marlon Gabato. 

Injured were the driver Gerry Bebis, Roy Novo, Rudy Cullantes, Florencio Moran, Noel Baguio and Joel Bello. All injured victims were brought to Bunawan District Hospital for medical treatment but Joel Bello pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PNP arrests wanted persons

Personnel from 143rd RMG Coy led by PI Alfonso P Sarigumba III upon receipt of an information from its Intel Operatives proceeded to Purok-2 Barangay Tagmamarkay, Tubay, Agusan del Norte on January 5, 2010 around 8:30 in the morning and apprehended Jess Dapon Micarandayo, 26 years old, single, jobless and presently residing at the same place.

Subject person was arrested by virtue of WOA charged for homicide docketed under Criminal Case number CR-2003-25 issued by Judge Orlando F Doyon, Presiding Judge of RTC branch 34, Cabadbaran City dated 14 February 2003 with bail bond recommended of Php 4O,OOO.OO. Micarandayo was brought to 143rd RMG Coy at Santiago , Agusan del Norte for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, Jan. 4, 2010

Pres. Arroyo to sign RA 9854, inaugurates corn processing center tomorrow

BUTUAN CITY (04 January) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will sign Republic Act 9854 tomorrow, January 5 establishing the Caraga State University (CSU) in the Caraga Region by integrating the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST) in Ampayon, this city, and the Northern Mindanao College of Science and Technology (NMCAST) in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, with its main campus in Butuan City.

Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to arrive at 12:30 p.m. in Bancasi Airport. From the airport, the President will motor to NORMISIST Campus in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City for the ceremonial signing.

The President will be received by NORMISIST/CSU officials headed by its President, Dr. Joanna B. Cuenca, as well as the institute’s Board of Directors, faculty, staff, and students.

Also, some guests composed of some members of the Senate and the House of Representatives will grace the occasion.

Prior to the signing, Congressman Jose “Joboy” S. Aquino will give his message. Afterwhich, the President will sign the law.

After the ceremonial signing, the President will have lunch together with officials and other dignitaries at the university’s Administration Building.

After the lunch, she will immediately motor to Barangay Mabuhay, Agusan del Sur to inaugurate the Corn Postharvest Processing and Trading Center.

President Arroyo will be received by officials of the Province of Agusan del Sur headed by Gov. Maria Valentina Plaza. Other officials of the province who will welcome the arrival of the President include former Gov. Eddiebong Plaza, Congressman Ompong Plaza, Municipal Officials and Board Members.

Aside from the inauguration of the corn processing and trading center, the President will also turn-over to LGU some farming equipment needed for corn processing.

From Bayugan, tentatively, she will motor back to Butuan City, particularly in Brgy. Amparo for a project road inspection and briefing.

She will be received by Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, DPWH-Caraga Regional Director Evelyn Barroso, and Amparo Brgy. Captain. Upon arrival, DPWH Sec. Victor Domingo will give a project briefing on the road project. Afterwhich, the President will listen to testimonies of some beneficiaries. From there, the President will immediately proceed to Bancasi Airport for her departure.

RA 9854 was sponsored by Senator Mar A. Roxas and has passed in the Senate’s second reading during the Upper House’s hearing on November 9, 2009. Per Committee Report No. 1240, it was authored by Congressmen Jose S. Aquino II of the First District of Butuan City and Las Nieves.

Other representatives of the lower house who co-authored the bill are Congressmen Angara, Villar, Lagman, Javier, Remulla, Amante, Romarate, Padilla, Madrona, Nicolas, del Mar, Amatong, Mitra, de Guzman, Garay and Angping. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga producers earn P305 million domestic sales from various DTI marketing programs

Caraga producers earned some P305 million sales from their participation in various marketing activities facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] for the first 11 months of this year.

The marketing unit of DTI-Caraga’s Business Development Division is confident the final figure will approximate that of 2008 at P378 million as soon as more reports come in.

Trade sales went to some 34 producers who joined DTI’s national, regional and provincial trade fairs, inbound and outbound selling missions, market matching activities, maintenance of trade houses and pasalubong centers.

Producers from Surigao del Norte got the biggest share with P113.93 million sales followed by those from Surigao del Sur with P88 million. Agusan del Sur sellers got P67.53 million sales while P35.77 was generated by Agusan del Norte.

Among the Caraga products soldt were processed food items , gifts, home decors made from wood, coco beads, nito, romblon, agsam, tikog, fashion accessories and wooden furniture.

The region’s products have continually inched their way to new markets owing to continued efforts in product development to ensure that the region’s products are competitive in terms of design, functionality and pricing. Activities for enhancing packaging and labeling especially for food products were likewise done as buyers get more enticed to attractive product packaging. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


DTI taps ANECO and PAG-IBIG for intensified consumer info advocacy

BUTUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES- The Department of Trade and Industry- Caraga has tied up with the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ANECO) and the PAG-IBIG Fund in advancing the agency’s consumer information advocacy program.

This year, about 35 consumer education activities were conducted to 734 ANECO and PAG-IBIG applicants.

The consumer education lecture series were conducted during ANECO membership seminars and PAG-IBIG housing loan seminars.

The consumer education lecture series include a brief discussion on the consumer rights, how to handle one’s complaints and the agencies to approach when lodging a consumer complaint.

ANECO and PAG-IBIG are active members of the Consumer Net (CNet).

CNet is the regional organization of line agencies servicing consumers, utility service providers, and consumer organizations advocating consumer awareness and vigilance in Caraga. CNet now has a total of 25 active member-institutions. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


DTI- Caraga launches 5K radio program

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now on air.

At least for 30 minutes, twice a week through “5K- Kukabildo sa Katawhang Konsumador sa Karaga Karon”.

Anchored by Mareng Bebay and Mareng Gra, this program is part of the information and advocacy services of the agency especially on consumerism. Aside from the topics discussed on air, phone-in inquiries on consumer-related issues are also entertained and clarified. Other programs, services and activities of the agency are also discussed.

The radio program is aired Tuesdays and Thursdays over DXMK 97.5 Magik FM from 10:30 to 11:00 in the morning. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


DBP approves PhP 68.5 million for Caraga-OTOP projects

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has approved the release of some P 68.5 million funds for two (2) One Town One Product (OTOP) projects in Caraga.

The P65 million San Francisco, Agusan del Sur OTOP Complex and the P3.5 million expansion of Ocean Bounty Food and Frozen Products in Surigao del Norte were the first two (2) OTOP projects which were able to avail of the project funds through the DBP-OTOP financing window.

These two proponents incidentally are this year’s OTOP Regional awardees. The Municipality of San Francisco was awarded the Most Supportive OTOP Local Government Unit, while Ocean Bounty bagged the Most Outstanding Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Award.

The San Francisco OTOP Complex, a terminal building with additional facilities was designed to serve as the trading center of the town’s priority products.

As an added component, the LGU has also allocated working capital fund assistance to micro-entrepreneurs who will be the ultimate beneficiaries and target locators in the said facility. These beneficiaries have also been provided trainings and assistance on business plan preparation to qualify for the fund.

The expansion of Ocean Bounty is expected to usher in more production and more sales of the fresh and frozen seafood delicacies from Surigao del Norte. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


NERBAC Caraga receives computers from the Philippine Business Registry Project

In a move to strengthen the one-stop business assistance centers in all regions including the National Economic Business Assistance Research Assistance Center in Caraga [NERBAC Caraga], the Philippine Business Registry or PBR recently gave a package of information technology [IT] equipment.

The package consisted of five (5) workstations or desktop computers, one (1) server with uninterrupted power supply (UPS), one (1) network switch, one (1) wireless router, one (1) colored printer and network cables.

The PBR is a government-initiated web-based I.T. system that will primarily allow the online filing of applications for business registration, business permits and licenses, and business dissolution using a single data entry facility. This facility which links the systems of national government agencies and local government units will facilitate business registration-related transactions by providing agencies and local government units (LGUs) the information they need in near real-time.

PBR is beefing up facilities of NERBACs nationwide as these centers can serve as access stations for business registration applicants especially for areas where LGUs still have difficulty connecting to the internet or are not yet fully computerized.

The procurement of these IT units is funded by the Asian Development Bank- Japan Fund for Information and Communication Technology (ADB-JFICT).

NERBAC- Caraga has been advocating among LGUs connectivity to the PBR. To date, the LGU of Bislig City has already signified their intention to connect and is now working on the technical requirements. Both Butuan City and Surigao City LGUs are still evaluating their LGUs readiness as against the needed technical specifications. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


Caraga Intellectual Property Advocates organized

BUTUAN CITY, PHILIPPINES- A regional group of inventors, artists and intellectual property [IP] advocates was recently organized in Caraga.

The group named themselves the “Caraga Intellectual Property Advocates or Caraga IPAd.

The creation of Caraga IPAd is envisioned to ensure that more of Caraga’s original talents, designs and inventions will be protected from theft or unauthorized use through patenting, trademark and copyright.

Its formation also came in the heels of a series of meetings, IP advocacies, clinics and consultations which were started early this year.

To date, Caraga has pending applications of 4 trademarks, 2 utility models and 1 copyright. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


ILO-DOLE-DTI Climate Change Adaptation Project prepares for selection of priority areas in Agusan del Norte

The Climate Change Adaptation [CCA] Project: Climate Resilient Farming Communities in Agusan del Norte through Innovative Risk Transfer Mechanisms is now finalizing the selection of priority areas for specific interventions.

ILO Project Manager Lurraine Baybay-Villacorta said the selection will be done as soon as the technical working group and subsequently the project’s advisory committee [PAC] is done with the final review of the baseline study which was commissioned some two months back, as well as the selection criteria in a special meeting set on December 22.

The PAC is currently chaired by Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran with the Department of Labor & Employment [DOLE] regional director and Agusan del Norte [AdN] Governor Erlpe John Amante as members. The arrangement is for all PAC principals to assume as chair for a year each.

The draft baseline study was earlier subjected to a provincial validation workshop last December 3 with AdN provincial and municipal officials, representatives from farmers groups, people’s organizations, financing institutions and government line agencies.

Agusan del Norte is actually one of only five demonstration sites in the country for the climate change project under the Millennium Development Goals Fund. The demonstration projects are under the so-called Outcome 3 of a bigger project dubbed: Strengthening the Philippines’ Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change.

The AdN demo project is implemented by ILO in collaboration with DOLE and the DTI, with the latter two operating through their Caraga regional offices.

The Project is further given a boost by the commitment and involvement of the AdN Provincial Government formally expressed through the Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] signed by Governor Amante and Director Linda Wirth of the ILO Sub- Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SRO Manila), during the Project’s launching last August 26, 2009. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)


Former socioeconomic planning secretary keynotes Caraga’s 1st regional economic briefing

BUTUAN CITY - Former socio-economic planning secretary Dr. Cielito F. Habito was the keynote speaker in the recent regional economic briefing held this city.

Habito, an economics professor and director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development [ACERD] of the Ateneo Manila University talked on the global crisis, its effect on the Asian economies, and the recent key trends, outlook and imperatives of both the Philippine and Caraga economy.

His presentation titled: “Struggling through Global Crisis: Philippine Economic Performance & Outlook, 2009-2010 and Beyond” made special note of how the growth in the Philippine economy came from domestic investments mainly composed of government construction or what we may call as massive pump priming. Habito also shared how “the link between economic growth and poverty reduction has been stronger in Asia for every 1% of GDP growth . . . but not in the Philippines where poverty actually rose even as the economy saw a supposed record growth . . .”

In his consideration of the Caraga economy, the former NEDA Director General cited several positive developments such as increasing investments, tourist arrivals, mining output and tax collection among others, side by side with some disappointments [decreasing agricultural production and exports, elementary school participation rate, and high inflation rate] & challenges. He made particular mention on the challenge for the region to work for a much broader-based growth i.e. beyond mining & quarrying.

He also repeatedly emphasized the importance of good governance and the vigilance of the private sector to battle constraints to long term and sustainable economic development.

Habito was joined by NEDA Caraga Assistant Regional Director Cecilia Lopez who presented the Updated Caraga Regional Development Plan and Ms. Belinda Ato of the Father Saturnino Urios University with her talk on Caraga’s Perspectives & Challenges for Peace and Development, DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran who welcomed the participants and the members of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center or NERBAC Caraga board of advisors in the panel.

The December 7 briefing was the first economic briefing organized by NERBAC Caraga. The half-day activity as attended by more than 100 participants – officials and representatives from the government, business, academe and banking sectors. (DTI-13/ PIA-Caraga)