PIA News Service - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Soldiers encounter NPAs in Agusan del Sur

BUTUAN CITY (March 10) – An Army soldier was wounded while undetermined number of communist-New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were believed either killed or wounded during a 15-minute fierce gunbattle between operating Army troops and communist insurgents in Mount Tugas, Barangay Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur province, a report reaching the police regional command and tactical operation center on Wednesday stated. 

Initial report received by Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan, regional director of Police Regional office 13 (PRO 13) said that elements of 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) while conducting combat operation engaged an undetermined number of NPA rebels in a fierce firefight at about 6 a.m. Tuesday. 

The wounded Army soldier was identified as Pfc. Armand Paglalunan of the same unit. 

The encountered communists were believed members of Front Committee 88 of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command (NMRC), the report from Agusan del Sur police office said. 

Gunship helicopters of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) strike wing and helicopter wing were deployed from Bancasi here to extend air cover to the ground troops. 

The field report also said that one section of that same battalion is still conducting blocking position along the rebels escape route of withdrawal while elements of Alpha Company, 26th IB are still pursuing the running NPA rebels. 

Chief Supt. Calingasan also deployed the Agusan del Sur provincial mobile force to assist the Army troops. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

NSO readies public for Census of Population and Housing
By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Census Coordinating Board (RCCB) headed by the National Statistics office (NSO) Caraga Region, convened recently with representatives from the government line agencies, private stakeholders and academe for the updates of the scheduled enumeration of the Census of Population and Housing (CPH) from May 17 to June 11, 2010 nationwide.

During the convening, NSO-Caraga Regional Statistician Reynelo Magno explained what is CPH, its purpose, objectives, and legal basis in conducting the 2010 CPH. 

Magno said that CPH refers to the entire process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analyzing, and disseminating data about the population and the living quarters in a country. It entails the listing and recording of the characteristics of each individual and each living quarter as of a specified time and within a specified territory. It is designed to take an inventory of the total population and housing units in the Philippines and to collect information about their characteristics.

“The 2010 CPH will be conducted to provide government planners, policy makers, and administrators with data on which to base their social and economic development plans and programs,” Magno added.

As to the legal bases of NSO for conducting the 2010 CPH, Magno bared that legal bases are: Section 2 of Commonwealth Act No. 591 approved on August 19, 1940 authorizes the Bureau of the Census and Statistics (now the NSO) to collect by enumeration, sampling or other methods, statistics and other information concerning the population and to conduct, for statistical purposes, investigations and studies of social and economic conditions in the country, among others.

Also, as per Batas Pambansa Bilang 72 which was passed into law on June 11, 1980, further records the NSO the authority to conduct population censuses every ten years beginning in 1980, without prejudice to the undertaking of special censuses on agriculture, industry, commerce, housing, and other sectors as may be approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); as per Executive Order No. 121, otherwise known as the Reorganization Act of the Philippine Statistical System, which was issued on January 30, 1987, declares the NSO as the major statistical agency responsible for generating general purpose statistics and for undertaking such censuses and surveys as may be designated by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Magno further said that May 1, 2010 (12:01 am) is the census reference date for the 2010 CPH, which means that all population counts to be recorded shall pertain to this date and time.

When asked when the census enumeration will start, Magno stressed that Census taking will begin on May 17, 2010 and will last for about 23 days. “About 85 thousand census personnel including enumerators, team supervisors, census area supervisors, and assistant census area will be mobilized for the nationwide undertaking,” Magno said.

Meanwhile, NSO-Caraga Regional Director Rosalinda Celeste pointed out that pursuant to BP 72, public school teachers shall be utilized for the 2010 CPH. To augment the manpower requirements of the census, the NSO shall also hire enumerators from the locality. All personnel that will be involved in 2010 CPH shall be provided with proper identification cards duly signed by the NSO Administrator or her authorized representative.

“Census enumerators will gather the data through house-to-house visits and personal interview of the household head or any responsible member of the household. Similarly, institutional population living in institutional living quarters such as hospitals, sanitaria, penitentiary, military camps, convents, seminaries, and others shall also be visited by enumerators. In special areas wherein personal interview is not possible, the respondent will be asked to accomplish the 2010 CPH questionnaire following specific instructions that will be provided by the enumerators as guide,” Dir. Celeste said.

Dir. Celeste emphasized that as per Section 4 of Commonwealth Act No. 591 guarantess that any information obtained during the enumeration shall be held strictly confidential and must not be communicated to any other person except to bonifide employees of the NSO.

When asked if there is a penalty for refusing to give information or providing false information to census enumerators, Dir. Celeste revealed that based on Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 591, it provides penalty, upon conviction, to any person who unjustifiably refuses to provide answers in the census questionnaire, or to anybody who knowingly gives false or wrong information.  

With the updates/information that the NSO is disseminating to the communities, Dir. Celeste with all the concerned agencies are hoping for the public’s full participation for the conduct of the 2010 CPH. (PIA-Caraga)  
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GADCC prepared various activities for women
By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) Caraga prepares various activities for all the women and also men participants, this was learned during a press conference recently held at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Caraga Conference Room, this city, in line with the Women’s Month celebration which is celebrated this month (March 2010).

GADCC Chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor stressed that this year’s theme “Babae, Tagumpay ka ng Bayan”, highlights women’s achievement in paving the way for women’s advancement and empowerment amidst major challenges. 

It also celebrates the success of women’s commitment to pursue equality which resulted in the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women (a comprehensive women’s human rights law which serves as the national translation of the UN CEDAW, the International Bill of Rights for Women) and the achievements in the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) and those related to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

Atty. Pintor further said that GADCC was formed in 1998 thru the Regional Development Council (RDC) Resolution No. 38, Series of 1998 placing the committee under the RDC.

“GADCC started spearheading the celebration of the Women’s Month from then on,” Atty. Pintor said.

Also, Atty. Pintor revealed that main objectives of the celebration are: to increase understanding of micro-entrepreneurs, partners from government agencies, non-government organizations, academe and the private sector on micro-enterprise development, government programs and services that respond to the issues and concerns of the Filipino women, including but not limited to women’s rights, environment, family and work life balance; inculcate knowledge among partners from government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta of Women; and increase awareness of the general public on the platforms of the presidentiables to advance the status of women which can be the basis of holding them accountable in case they win the election.

The first day of March marked the opening ceremony of the women’s month celebration which highlighted with a “walk for a cause” from China Bank, J.C. Aquino Avenue going to Libertad Sports Complex, this city. A “plant for a cause” was conducted on March 5 at Ambago Elementary School, Butuan City. 

Also, Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan VI was the latest activity conducted this week, considered as a venue for technology transfer for livelihood opportunities and skills development, trade fair, ukay-ukay, GAD film showing, beauty and massage parlors, parlor games, and creates a venue for information dissemination on GAD issues and concerns, held at Balanghai Hotel, this city.

Meanwhile, upcoming activities like the “Candidates’ Forum on their agenda for women/GAD”, with candidates from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte is set on March 16, while the Sportsfest and Culmination Activity is scheduled on March 30, 2010 at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) grounds.  

Atty. Pintor encourages the public especially the women to participate in the activities lined-up by GADCC to show importance of women’s existence. (PIA-Caraga)
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50 OFWs received “Kabuhayan Starter Kit” from DOLE in Surigao del Sur
By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

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Tandag City, Surigao del Sur (Mar 9) – 50 former Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) beneficiaries recently received a “Starter Kit” under the “Kabuhayan Program” of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in San Miguel, this province.

Each Starter kit costs P4,000.00 according to Nancy Elizalde, Community Development officer.

In an information coming from Community Development Information Officer (CDIO) Nancy Elizalde, the local government of San Miguel headed by Mayor Alfeo Perez, supported the program by conducting several trainings to qualified unemployed OFWs in the said municipality. 

The trainings conducted were the following: massage, cosmetology, electrician and plumbing. The training program focused on hands on and lecture that were simultaneously held in the area.

The DOLE “Kabuhayan Program” is under the Capacity Building Services for Livelihood, and a priority project of the Arroyo Administration to enhance capacity building for livelihood to unemployed OFWs. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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DENR-13 bags best exhibit award

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga was adjudged the “Best Exhibitor – Regional Line Agency Category” in WOW Caraga! 2nd Calagan Festival Celebration held recently at the Provincial Sports Complex in Surigao City on February 23-27.

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DENR-Caraga Regional Executive Director Edilberto S. Buiser said the award is a testament to the good public service provided by the DENR personnel headed by Regional Technical Director Mario L. Eludo of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS).

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“The DENR’s participation is one way of helping mitigating climate change, through information and education, to help save our Planet Earth by urging people to be compassionate, caring and protective of our rich natural endowments,” RED Buiser added.

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RTD Eludo meanwhile, said that DENR bested 42 other exhibitors by showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity highlighted by world-class eco-tourism sites presented in a stunning audio-video media technology, by drawing an average of 150 visitor-registrants a day from the academe, studentry, various local government officials, religious and civil-society advocates, businessmen, environmentalists, and domestic and foreign tourists.

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“Our exhibition is in line with this year’s observance of the International Year of Biodiversity. Its slogan: ‘Conserve Biodiversity, Save Humanity’ is potent but clear enough to be understood even by children that our biodiversity (nature) is elemental to humanity’s survival in the face of climate change’s fearful backlash,” RTD Eludo said.

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The 2nd Calagan Festival Celebration is spearheaded by the Department of Tourism. (Ronnel LMV G. Calo, DENR-13/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, March 8, 2010

News Feature: The success of RCDC-Caraga’s hosting of Mindanao Coop Summit
By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The success of this year’s 5th Mindanao Cooperative Summit held on March 4-5, 2010 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city is considered one of the biggest achievements of the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) Caraga. 

On the afternoon of March 4, from the 1,200 expected participants, there were around 900 participants/delegates who have registered from different regions all over Mindanao. 

At 7:00 o’clock in the evening, fireworks display was presented and followed with a cultural show at the same venue. All the participants/delegates especially those from other regions were amazed of the presentation showing Caraganons great culture through its dances and songs.

On the following day (March 5), a thanksgiving mass was celebrated by most of the participants/delegates officiated by Fr. Mar DJ Arenas, former chairman of the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO) and Metro South Coop Bank, and founding chairman of the Ating Koop Parylist, who is also the keynote speaker of the said coop summit. Afterwhich, the registration of participants continued.

Fr. Arenas discussed the total quality leadership in credit cooperatives. He stressed that Mindanao is the coop capital of the Philippines. “Coop members should always bear in mind the seven (7) coop principles and that a cooperative should acquire the following qualities: voluntary and open membership; democratic control of members; economic participation of members; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for the community,” Fr. Arenas said.

Along with the summit program is the Mindanao Coop Movement: Celebrating its successes/Best practices and lessons by various legitimate coop operating in Mindanao.

Coop Life Mutual Services (COOP-CLIMBS) Chairman Isagani Daba, presented the success story of First Community Cooperative (FICCO). He cited that FICCO never hesitate to adapt with changes and great challenges. Chair Daba also pointed out that FICCO also believes of its coop values properly appreciated and internalized as key to grassroots empowerment. 

Meanwhile, Philippine Federation of Credit Coops (PFCCO) National Chairman Atty. Proculo Sarmen discussed its coop’s achievements and success story. “PFCCO is one of the biggest coops of the country today,” Atty. Sarmen said.

Atty. Sarmen further said that PFCCO is continuing its advocacy for peace and development in every community.  

Also, Paglaum Multi Purpose Cooperative Chairman Gadwin Handumon, bared its programs and projects that benefited by its members thru there services like savings, loans, insurances and other programs contributed help to all its members. 

Gadwin also said that their coop helps provide light to off-grid areas thru micro-solar energy. “Let us help our co-coop members grow and enhance their skills so we could continue providing our services to others,” he added.

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Chairperson Lecira Juarez emphasized that as per Republic Act 9520 (extensive exemption of tax to cooperatives), coop members are benefited but still should have to follow implementing rules and regulations set by CDA and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). 

“Cooperatives are not just tax payers but also tax makers…CDA will continue to support coop members. We have strong discipline within ourselves as cooperatives that will lead us to a more progressive coop members,” chair Juarez added.

Right after the sharing of success stories by various coops, an open forum was conducted.

At the forum proper, second Vice Chairman of the Host Execom Committee Chad Villamor served as moderator while there were different issues and concerns raised by the delegates from different regions. 

Meanwhile, CDA chair Juarez satisfactorily answered the questions raised during the forum. 

For other coops that have complicated concerns, chair Juarez requested them to put their concerns into writing and CDA will help them identify responsible agencies for their concerns. 

With the successful hosting of the 5th Mindanao Coop Summit, RCDC is optimistic that more coops will join in all the activities set by the council. (PIA-Caraga) 
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POPCOM promotes women’s welfare 

BUTUAN CITY – Empowering women and improving their economic status advanced by the Commission on Population in this celebration of Women’s Month.

This year’s event is anchored on the theme “Babae, tagumpay ka ng bayan”, which focused on women’s achievement despite various gender disparities.

In its various advocacy activities, POPCOM explained that advancing gender equality and empowering women is essential for sustainable economic growth within the family, community and all spheres of society.  

Studies showed that when women are supported and empowered, their families are healthier, more children go to school, family’s income increase. 

POPCOM pointed-out that women who actively participate in the labor force can help augment family’s income, regulate their fertility, and have fewer and healthier children.

RD Camilo S. Pangan, in a recent conference, emphasized that the more educated a mother is, the more she has a chance to be employed and empowered herself to be freed from poverty and any forms of violence and discrimination.

The 2008 National Demographic & Health Survey revealed that more educated mothers have better health care, better access to resources through earning opportunities and are significantly more likely to use contraception to space births.

On the contrary, survey said that women in poor households had the tendency to bear more children than those who are well-off, the result further shows that women who did not attend school at all bear an average of 5 children, about twice the total fertility rate (TFR) of those with college education.

The observance of Women’s Role in History Month every March is mandated through Proclamation No. 277. Meanwhile, Republic Act 6949 declares March 8 of every year as a working special holiday to be known as National Women’s Day. (Angie Balen- Antonio, POPCOM-13/ PIA-Caraga)
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CCPD extends financial assistance to kins of slain soldiers, wounded civilian and soldiers in Agusan del Sur ambush 

BUTUAN CITY (March 8)– The Department of National Defense (DND), through the Caraga Council for Peace and Development (CCPD), on Monday extended financial assistance to dependents of four slain peacemakers and one wounded civilian during an ambush last month at Barangay La Fortuna, in Veruela town, Agusan del Sur province. 

The wounded Army soldiers were also provided the financial assistance which was held in time with Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos’ birthday at Bishop’s Palace in Barangay Ampayon here. Bishop Pueblos is the founding chair of CCPD. 

During Monday's awarding program, the CCPD condemned the inhumane and barbaric acts of the communist-New People’s Army (NPA) at Barangay La Fortuna in Veruela town last Feb. 24. 

“The CCPD is deeply upset with such coward act,” the CCPD’s statement said. 

The CCPD statement also said “It only shows that the group (NPA) is already desperate as the government troops have won over them during the series of operations, development and peace programs in the different areas in the region.” 

“It is hard to believe that there are people who can do such cruel act, victimizing even innocent civilian. It is also sad to note that our peacemakers, who are advocating peace throughout the region were among those who were killed,” it added. 

The church group said the cruel act is a “clear violation of human rights”. The CCPD said this series of atrocities must be put an end. 

Killed during that ambush incident were 1Lt. Isagani Villasis, Sgt. Jose Balaba, Pfc. Alejandro Dao-on and Pfc. Zenn Stephen Cloma. 

Wounded civilian was nine-year-old Rosejean Tomonan. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Saturday, March 6, 2010

Mindanao power crisis threatens to lay off 1,000 electric coops workers

BUTUAN CITY (March 6) – The power crisis in Mindanao is likely to lay off about 1,000 employees and workers of 27 electric cooperatives in the island.

In an interview with top officials of various electric cooperatives in Mindanao, work scheduling, rotation of works and even temporary retrenchment might take effect to avert further losses if the power curtailment imposed by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and National Power Corp. (Napocor) to various cooperatives will continue unabated.

The NGCP and Napocor are imposing two,six or hours rotating power curtailment to different electric cooperatives in Mindanao since last month due to power deficiency.

However, the fallback position, particularly the retrenchment of workers, will only be done and effected if upon approval of the Energy Regulatory board (ERC).

“This only happens if the situation will worsen. We also abide to our cooperative board and ERC decision based on our recommendation to avert further losses,” said Horacio T. Santos, general manager of the 97,000 billed consumers of the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (Aneco).

At least 43 percent of the major industries and the electric cooperatives have lost millions of pesos since the start of power curtailment in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, the area where big companies and regional offices in the Caraga region operate.

If the power crisis in the southern island also worsened, the region’s largest electric cooperative is also planning to buy two megawatts of electricity from the 100- megawatt Nasipit Power Barge, which has just been bought by the Aboitiz group on March 1, this year.

The Davao del Sur Electric Coop. (Dasureco) plans to retrench some of their workers to avoid further losses.

Jesus Dela Victoria, Dasureco general manager, said the firm lost at least 50 percent of its revenues even before the NGCP started implementing the load curtailment scheme as Mindanao’s hydropower plants lost water due to the dry spell.

Officials of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (Amreco) also voiced the same strategy and planned to retrench workers to avert further losses.

However, Amreco officials blew their top when government allegedly planned to reduce their power allocation to only 50 percent if the power situation worsen.

This development came out during an emergency meeting with Amreco and Napocor early this week in Cagayan de Oro City.

"Imagine the implications of this move. This means that 50 percent of revenues from power consumers will be gone. If our coop's load is reduced it will also reduce more or less the load of every electric coop, every private power company, even that of industrial customers," said Amreco president Sergio Dagooc.

As this developed, the latest NGCP advisory said that the STEAG Power Inc.'s coal-fired power plant has increased its capability from 150 MWs to 210 MWs.

Another plant, Aboitiz Power Corp.’s Therma Marine Unit 2, was already synchronized to the grid on Friday. It is now generating 47 MWs.

However, the NGCP’s advisory said the total available capacity of 820 MWs in the Mindanao grid would still be insufficient to meet the peak demand of 1,470 MWs.

The NGCP said the water elevation at Lake Lanao was at 699.06 meters, which is below the critical level of 699.15 meters.

Technical men from NGCP, Napocor and some electric cooperatives said that if the low water level will continue in Lake Lanao and Bukidnon, hydro-electric power plants might force to shutdown to avert further damages of its turbines.

In a related development, the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with the PHIVIDEC Industries Association (PIE-MO) and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Industries (COCI) on Saturday appealed to concerned government offices to address the present power supply problem in Mindanao to avert further losses.

The group cited the need to immediately repair the Agus 2-Kibawe 138 kilovolt (kv) transmission line and the Maramag-Bunawan 230kv backbone project.

The Oro Chamber and its partner organizations expect that the government will also give the same attention to Agus 5 as well as strongly campaign for additional investments into the power sector of the island.

The Chamber will be presenting its paper on the non privatization of the Agus and Pulangi hydro electric power plants to the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 10 on March 11, this year for possible endorsement. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

 

UNDP exec: Good governance is key to RP peace and development

MARFIL, Rosario, Agusan del Sur - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director Renaud Meyer challenged residents and local officials of Barangay Marfil to disseminate information to other barangays in Agusan del Sur about their successes in their local peace and development initiatives and efforts.

"By doing so, you can make a statement that amidst all support given by the UNDP, the New Zealand Government and even from your own national government, it is always that good governance practices exerted by local barangay officials is key to success for peace and development efforts," Meyer told Barangay Marfil residents and officials who gathered at the Barangay Social Hall here.

He said UNDP would be most happy if through the experiences Barangay Marfil learned in peace and development efforts, local residents and officials themselves can help duplicate their successes to other communities in the province if not in the whole of Caraga Region.

“I am challenging you to become ambassadors for peace and development, contaminate that spirit of peace within you to others, let them understand how it works and how it will work for them for today’s generations and the generations to come,” Meyer said.

He added that truly efficient, corruption-free, relevant and good governance especially in marginalized communities has always been the barometer in achieving peace, unity and progress in the Philippines and elsewhere and that resources are only tools in achieving goals.

Secretary Dureza who is National Programme Director for the UN-GoP Act for Peace admitted that the program cannot provide assistance to all barangays in Agusan del Sur due to limited resources to fund various programs under Act For Peace.

The UN-GoP Act for Peace Programme has identified 37 barangays out of total 1,301 barangays in Caraga Region as Peace and Development Communities (PDCs). Of the 37 PDCs for entire Caraga Region, eight are in Agusan del Sur.

According to Act for Peace, a PDC is a marginalized, conflict affected community which is in the process of transformation with the help of various development partners. It may consist of a barangay or a barangay and adjacent households marked by a convergence of peace-building and development activities.

Dureza said the Act for Peace Programme in the country will end by December this year and it will now depend on partner countries whether to extend the program.

Among assistance provided to Barangay Marfil were; construction of Barangay Health Station, provision of medical equipment, establishment of Botika Sa Barangay, installation of potable water system and establishment of rice trading center. These projects were priorities set by by the community themselves in their Barangay Development Plan that they formulated using peace-sensitive and participatory resource appraisal approaches.

The program itself and funding efforts were managed by UNDP, the Act for Peace Programme being implemented by the Mindanao Economic Development Council or MEDCO, in partnership with concerned local government units of Caraga Region. The programme is also supported by the governments of Australia, Spain and European Union.

In her speech before mammoth crowd here who attended the short program for the dignitaries visit, Agusan del Sur officials headed by Governor Maria Valentina Plaza thanked the donor countries, the New Zealand Ambassador, UNDP Country Director Meyer and Dureza for the assistance they give to Barangay Marfil.

Plaza has called on every Barangay Marfil resident and official to nurture peace not only for the present generation but for future generations to come.

She has given token and plagues of appreciation to the foreign dignitaries and to Secretary Dureza as way of thanking them.

For his part, New Zealand Ambassador Andrew Matheson told Barangay Marfil residents and local officials that his country is committed to promote peace and development in the Philippines particularly in Caraga Region.

He also challenged local officials and barangay residents to spread the culture of peace and the good news it brings to communities where unity is very much needed to attain not only inner peace but goodwill to mankind. (Ben Serrano/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Friday, March 5, 2010

Power shortage in Mindanao now at 820-MW

BUTUAN CITY (March 5) - The power shortage in Mindanao now at 820 megawatts (MW).

In its latest advisory, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said that the total available capacity of 820-MW in the Mindanao grid would still be insufficient to meet the peak demand of 1,470 MW.

From 498 generation deficiency on Wednesday, the additional power supply increased after STEAG Power Incorporated and Aboitiz Power Corporation increased their respective capability on Thursday, the NGCP advisory said.

STEAG Power Inc.'s coal-fired power plant increased its capability from 150 MW to 210 MW.

Another plant of Aboitiz Power Corporation’s Therma Marine Unit 2, was already synchronized to the grid on Thursday. It is now generating 47 MW.

“However, the total available capacity in the Mindanao grid would still be insufficient to meet the peak demand,” added the advisory of NGCP Friday.

Thus power curtailment from four to eight hours is still in effect at various electric cooperatives in the southern island, it added.

To support power distribution, an estimated 112 big industrial companies spread all over the southern island already volunteered to de-load from the grid during peak hours, it said.

The state-owned National Power Corp. (Napocor) also started the operation of the 35-MW diesel power plant in Iligan City Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas told PNA that his province is already badly affected by the power outages as they experienced eight to 12 hours brownout a day. “The situation is getting worse,” the official said. (muc/PIA-Caraga)