PIA News Service - Thursday, April 8, 2010

Butuan local officials, military, PNP, stakeholders join the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan tomorrow

By: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (08 April) - The City Government of Butuan is set to spearhead the Araw ng Kagitingan celebration on Friday, April 09, 2010 in partnership with local public and private stakeholders.

The activity will commence with the flower offering ceremony to be led by local officials of the city. Among them include: Butuan City Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II who is also the guest of honor who will deliver a message, Cong. Joboy Aquino of the 1st District of Butuan City and Las Nieves, Vice Mayor Dino Claudio Sanchez, Sangguniang Panglungsod members, and chiefs of offices.

Also gracing the affair are top military officials of the region composed of BGen. Emiliano R. Gupana II – Commander of the 402B, 4ID, Phil. Army; Lt. Col. Roberto A. Valencia – Commander of the 30IB, 4ID, Phil. Army; Lt. Col. Ephraim Oropel - Camp Bancasi Commander, 4ID, Phil. Army; PCSupt. Lino G. Calingasan – PNP Regional Director and; Mr. Iluminado B. Domingo – Dist. Commander, 1st Dist. Agusan del Norte Veteran’s Federation of the Philippines. Highlighting the activity is the Sounding of Siren by the fire Department and the firing of the 21 gun salute by the 402nd Brigade of the Phil. Army.

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Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) is a national holiday in the Philippines which commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It is observed annually on April 9.

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DENR to Surigaonons, join 10 Million Movement for Mother Earth

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SURIGAO DEL NORTE (April 8) - As part of the nationwide Earth Day 2010 celebration, officials and personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the province urged all Surigaonons to join the “10 Million Movement” (10MM) for Mother Earth.

PENRO Claudio Asumen said that the 10 MM is the highlight of the Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2010 with its theme, "Hamon ng Panahon: Climate Change, 10 Milyong Solusyon (Kilos na! Ngayon Na!).

Recognizing that Climate Change is the most pressing issue today especially given the vulnerability of our country to its consequences as proven by the recent experiences with Typhoons Ondoy and Peping thus the movement was conceptualized, said Asumen.

The Earth Day Network Philippines with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Batasan Kalikasan Foundation and othe partners and members, are leading the 10MM, a movement of men and women who stand up for the environment.

“We invite everyone to be one with us to take the stand for the integrity of creation by joining the 10MM. Sign-up and commit a Green Act for Mother Earth to www. 10mm.com and enlist your doable activities. Let us encourage and inspire our family members, relatives, friends and officemates to do the same so that we can create a critical mass of individuals championing the environment,” Asumen said.

“The goal is to gather 10 Million individual commitments to do something for Mother Earth,” said Asumen.

He also said that the celebration becomes more relevant as we face disasters all over the world. The challenges require a sustained and united action involving all sectors of society to ensure the sustainable management of our environment.

“And so, let us give our Earth/Environment a chance, to be a good place to live in. Let us work together! Help Save Our Earth! “Earth Day is Everyday for Everybody,” Asumen concluded.

Earth Day is celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faith and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in Earth Day activities each year, thus the DENR-Surigao del Norte in coordination with PEMO, City ENRO, and Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) 13 have prepared a month long calendar of events to invite the public to participate in the crusade for Mother Earth. (PENRO- PIO Loreta Romanillos/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Cebuano News: PGMA motambong sa 16th ASEAN Summit sa Vietnam, Amerika ug Espanya
By Michael A. Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (April 8) – Si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang gitakdang moadto sa Hanoi Vietnam alang sa panagtigom ug pagtambong sa 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit karong adlawa, Huwebes, Abril 8.

Ang duha ka adlaw nga summit ang magtuki kabahin sa komunidad sa ASEAN nga nagdala sa temang “Towards the ASEAN Community: from Vision into Action”.

Ang kalihukan maghisgot lambigit sa kalamboan sa komunidad mga implementasyon sa ASEAN Charter, pagpalawig sa kooperasyon sa mga miyembro, pagpa-uswag sa kapasidad, mga hagit ug pagpalapad sa kooperasyon sa ubang nasud nga sakop niini.

Gikatahong palig-onon sa mga ASEAN liders ang ilang aksyon nga himoon alang sa pagpalapad sa ASEAN Community sa tuig 2015.

Ang Department of Foreign Affairs sa nasud mibutyag sa impormasyon nga ang Pilipinas misuporta sa ASEAN Connectivity Initiative ug nagpatawag kini sa mga sakop sa High Level Task Force (HLTF) nga tutokan ang pagpalambo sa digital highway ug pagamit sa ICT alang sa pagpakonekta sa ASEAN.

Tuki-on ang implementasyon sa ASEAN Charter apil na ang Roadmap sa ASEAN Community, ASEAN Connectivity, recovery ug development, mga hagit sa globalisasyon ug isyu sa Climate Change.

Nahibaloan nga ang Vietnam ang magdala sa maong ASEAN Summit isip chairmanship ning tuiga alang sa ika-15th nga membership sulod sa 10-Nasyon sa ASEAN.

Si Pangulong Arroyo ang sugaton sa mga lean delegation uban nila Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Finance Secretary Margarito Tevez, Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapus ug Press Secretary Crispulo Icban, Jr.

Ang ASEAN Summit ang una nga apilan ni Pres. Arroyo sulod sa tulo niini ka panagtigom sa foreign engagement nga nakatakda sulod sa usa ka semana.

Karong Abril 12 hangtod 13 molahos ang Pangulo sa Washington DC alang pod sa 40-Nation Nuclear Security Summit nga pamunuan ni US Presidente Barack Obama.

Human niana, adtoan ni PGMA ang Spain alang sa pagdawat sa Premio Internacional Don Quijote de la Mancha usa kini ka parangal sa nasud sa pagdawat sa kultura sa Pilipinas ug pagamit sa lingwaheng espanyol.

Ang Heads of State Meeting uban ang ASEAN inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) ang tambongan ni Pres. Arroyo nga ipahigayon sa Hanoi Summit.

Ang Pangulo moapil sa opening ceremony uban ang 9 ka tag-as nga mga opisyal sa gobyerno ug state diin si Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung ang mohatag sa iyang opening statement.

Sundan kini sa usa ka Plenary Session nga tambongan gihapon ni PGMA isip counterparts.

Ipahigayon sa grupo ang “working dinner” sa mga liders sa ASEAN didto sa Melia Hanoi Hotel.

Ang DFA mitug-an nga pinaagi sa maong Summit iduso ang inisyatibong ang Pilipinas ang mag-host sa ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights’ (AICHR) diin ang Manila ang himoong secretariat.

Kahinumduman nga ang AICHR gilunsad niadtong milabayng tuig October 2009 subay sa pagpadayag sa Human Rights Institution sa kada rehiyon, nga gikasabotan didto sa Cebu sa miaging ASEAN Retreat tuig 2007.

Dugang niini nga ang isyu sa Climate Change ang prayoridad nga hatagan sa dakong pagtagad panahon sa maong Summit gumikan sa mga kalamidad nga nasinati sa nasud lakip na ang bagyong Ketsana ug Parma.

Magpadayon ang pakigtimbayayong sa Pilipinas sa pagtukod sa ASEAN Community ug kasulbaran sa Climate Change apil na niana ang mga kasabotan, interes ug aktibong partisipasyon alang sa mga negosasyon nga makatabang sa kalamboan sa nasud.

Mogahin sab sa susporta ang ASEAN alang sa 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference nga ipahigayon karong Mayo.

Pamunuan kini sa Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ) pinasubay sa ilang prinsipyo ug mga mandato.

Sa laing bahin, gitun-an ang opurtunidad sa kalihukan nga salmotan sa ASEAN aron makab-ot ang tinguha ug kahiusa sa tanang lideres sa nagakalain-laing nasyon. (PIA-Caraga)
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Cebuano News: YESC gilunsad sa kasundaluhan
By Michael A. Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (April 8) – Ang Youth Empowerment Summer Camp (YESC) gilunsad pinaagi sa inisyatibo sa 30th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army, didto sa Sanchez Gymnasium, Caraga State University, Barangay Ampayon, ni’ng syudad, dili pa lang dogay.

Si Lt. Col. Roberto Valencia sa iyang mensahe mipasabot sa kahinungdanon sa pag-usbong sa kabataan nga mahimong lider nga magdala sa responsibilidad sa katilingban nga may baruganan ug prinsipyo.

Sumala ni Col. Valencia ang kabataan ma-edukar pinaagi sa pakigsalmot sa kalihukang kumunidad ug pagsuta sa mga isyu nga naka-apekto sa katawhan ug sa nasud.

Daghang gihan-ay nga aktibidades sa maong summer camp aron makat-onan sa kabataan ang mga responsibilidad isip mga Pilipinhon.

Si Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II mipaabot sab sa mensahe pinaagi kang City Councilor Salvador “Benjie” Calo nga matud pa ang summer camp usa ka luna sa mga bag-ong lider nga kabataan sa pagpalapad sa abilidad, pakigdait, pakig-higala ug pagpangandam sa ilang mga lamdag nga kaugmaon.
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“Dako akong pagtoo nga pinaagi niining aktibidades (summer camp) makat-onan ninyo ang pagpalapad sa kina-adman nga nagikan sa karakter nga makasagubang sa inadlaw nga hagit sa kinabuhi pinaagi sa pag-ila sa kaugalingon. (“I greatly believe that through this kind of activities, it will shape you and broaden your spectrum in dealing daily challenges that will determine who you really are)” matud ni Mayor Plaza.

Gilauman ni Plaza nga ang mga kabataang partisipante adunay makuhang pagtulun-an gikan sa mga tigpamaba aron kini magamit sa pagdiskobre sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka kaugalingon sa pagkab-ot sa ilang mga damgo.

“Dear young peoples, it is my prayer, that you will be able to absorb and treasure all the inputs that will be shared to you and that it will be a stepping stone for your discovery of what and who you are,” sulti ni Plaza.

“Our city needs youths who has the heart and soul that could lead Butuan to its glory. This is your opportunity in equipping yourselves what lies ahead. I challenge all of you to emerge as a new individual after this,” dugang sa Mayor.

Gisalmotan ang kalihukan sa mga nagkadaiyang opisyales sa Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) sa lain-laing barangay ning dakbayan.

Ang YESC usa ka hinusang programa sa 30th Infantry (Phyton Battalion), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Government of Butuan ug SK Federation sa Butuan,.

Gisugyot ang proyekto nga nagdala sa temang: “Paghulma sa kabataan nga mahimong lider ug dunay adbokasiya” (Shaping the youth through Leadership and Advocacy”.) (PIA-Caraga)
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AFP, DILG conduct 3-day 2010 YESC peace, dev’t summer camp in Northeastern Mindanao

AMPAYON, Butuan City – In line with the government’s peace and development program, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) along with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the city government of this region’s frontier city of Northeastern Mindanao, have started on Tuesday their three day 2010 Youth Empowerment Summer Camp (YESC) at Caraga State University Gymnasium at Ampayon, this city.

The first YESC project of the 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (IB), 4th Infantry Division will end on Thursday. The 2nd batch YESC will begin on April 19-21, also this year.

At least 150 youth leaders from this region’s capital city are participating in the ongoing YESC summit at Ampayon.

Top local government and military officials attended the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

In his message, Col. Roberto Valencia, commanding officer of the 30th IB, emphasized the importance of developing the youth to be responsible citizens of the country.

“Educating the youth on how they will actively participate in peace and development building, social and other relevant issues which affect the community and the country in general is the center of this activity,” said Col. Valencia.

Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza ll said this summer camp is a great venue for all the youths to harness their additional skills and establish camaraderie and friendship that will mold their perspective for a brighter and challenging future.

“I greatly believe that through this kind of activity will shape the youth and broaden their spectrum in dealing with daily challenges that will determine who they really are and what their participation in peace and development program of the government,” said Mayor Plaza.

The city’s chief executive also hoped that the participants in the first and second bath of YESC will be able to absorb and treasure all the inputs that will be provided by invited various resource speakers and that it will be a stepping stone for them to discover who they are.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Mario Chan, commanding general of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao Fourth Infantry (Diamond) and Col. Emiliano Gupana, commanding officer of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) brigade, said the YESC peace and development program is a continuing project of the Army in the two region’s in Mindanao. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Philippine Army spearheads youth summer camp
By: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (07 April) – The 30th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army spearheaded the conduct of the 2010 Youth Empowerment Summer Camp (YESC) held at the Sanchez Gymnasium of the Caraga State University in Brgy. Ampayon, this city.

In his welcome message during the opening ceremonies held on Tuesday morning (April 6), Lt. Col. Roberto A. Valencia, Battalion Commander of the 30IB, 4ID emphasized the importance of developing the youth to be responsible citizens of the country.

According to Col. Valencia, educating the youth on how they will actively participate in social and relevant issues which affects community and the country, in general is what the activity is centered.

Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, in his message delivered by City Councilor Salvador “Benjie” Calo said that the summer camp is a great venue for the youth leaders to harness additional skills and establishing camaraderie and friendship that will mold their perspective in preparation for a brighter and challenging future ahead.

“I greatly believe that through this kind of activities, it will shape you and broaden your spectrum in dealing daily challenges that will determine who you really are,” Mayor Plaza said.

Plaza is also hoping that the participants will be able to absorb and treasure all the inputs that will be shared to them by the invited speakers that will serve as stepping stone for their discovery of what and who they really are. “Dear young peoples, it is my prayer, that you will be able to absorb and treasure all the inputs that will be shared to you and that it will be a stepping stone for your discovery of what and who you are,” he said.

“Our city needs youths who has the heart and soul that could lead Butuan to its glory. This is your opportunity in equipping yourselves what lies ahead. I challenge all of you to emerge as a new individual after this,” Mayor Plaza said.

Participated by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials of the different barangays of this city, YESC is a joint-project of the 30th Infantry (Phyton Battalion), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Government of Butuan and the SK Federation of this city, and is anchored on the theme: “Shaping the youth through Leadership and Advocacy”.

The first batch of the training will run until Thursday, April 8 while the second batch is scheduled on April 19 to 21.


PPOC-Agusan del Norte reports accomplishments, bares plans for 2010
By: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (07 April) – “The peace and order situation in the entire province of Agusan del Norte is manageable although there are cases that are now filed in courts and were monitored by local authorities”.

This is what Agusan del Norte Provincial Administrator Percianita Racho stressed during the 1st meeting for this year by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), held recently at the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (PEEDMO) conference room in Butuan City.

During the meeting, stakeholders also reported their accomplishments for the first quarter of this year. They also presented the plans and programs undertaken by their respective departments/agencies.

Mr. Clementino Pontillo, DILG Provincial Director of Agusan del Norte and PPOC Head Secretariat reported that the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) was able to converge in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte where medical-dental mission was conducted.

Pontillo further stressed that as per feedback from Jabonga local officials and residents, the activity was successful.

Furthermore, Ms. Francisca Angeles of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reported that their office was able to conduct five (5) medical outreach programs in some municipalities of Agusan del Norte, namely: Jabonga, Poblacion; Doña Telesfora, Tubay; Buenavista; Poblacion, Nasipit and; Poblacion, Tubay.

Ms. Angeles also reported that PSWD assisted the Office of the Presidential Affairs on Peace Process (OPAPP) in the awarding of livelihood cash assistance to ten (10) rebel returnees, each receiving Php 20,000. She also reported that under the Self Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program, 3 projects amounting to Php 150,000 were turned-over to Cabadbaran, while 2 projects were also turned-over to Tubay.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented their plans of programs for 2010. Among the highlights of the plan is the continuous implementation of One Town One Project (OTOP) program.

Accordingly, activities lined-up for this program include skills training of abaca production in the municipalities of Tubay, Kitcharao, and Santiago, as well as technology-selling mission in Abaca, as well as product development in Cabadbaran City.

Moreover, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Andrei Atega said, one of the major accomplishments of their office is the successful profiling of farmers in Agusan del Norte.

With these developments, the accomplishments presented by stakeholders is a clear manifestation that the government is committed and dedicated to alleviate poverty especially in Caraga Region where majority of its provinces belong to one of the poorest in the country.


PNP presents crime situation in Agusan del Norte, prepares for upcoming May polls
By: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (07 April) – During the recent 1st regular meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Agusan del Norte held at the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (PEEDMO) conference room in Butuan City, Police Inspector Nemesio Saronhilo Jr., Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office Assistant Operations Officer reported that 353 personnel were already mobilized to different municipal stations of the province. Of this manpower complement, the ratio of police to persons is 1:641.

Inspector Saronhilo also presented the crime situation update of the province where he said, their record posted 32 crime incidents since January 2010. Out of these incidents, 27 are indexed crimes while 5 are non-indexed crimes. Of these crimes, the most prevalent is the theft.

Saronhilo also said, Cabadbaran City recorded most number of crimes, followed by Buenavista, Santiago, Magallanes, Carmen, Tubay, Jabonga, Las Nieves, and Kitcharao. “Cabadbaran is probably the highest because of the big population,” he said.

To address the peace and order in the province of Agusan del Norte this election period, Police Inspector Nemesio Saronhilo Jr. – Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office Assistant Operations Officer stressed that PNP-Agusan del Norte has established 24-hour checkpoint and conducted dry-run operations on different scenarios. The activity focuses on how government forces and agencies react in case of emergency. Among those include anticipated scenarios in the cities in the upcoming 2010 national and local elections.

Sectoring every municipality and city into three (3) sectors was also conducted where assigned teams from the PNP see to it that peace and order will be maintained on the areas particularly in voting precincts. This will be strategically located in the entrance and exit points of every municipality as well as in the province. This also serves as choke-points in conducting drug-net operations.

With this development, Inspector Saronhilo said, all chiefs of police in the province are directed to coordinate with barangay tanods and barangay captains so that there will be collaborative efforts in achieving and maintaining peace and order especially during election day.

“Six out of eleven municipalities and city in the province of Agusan del Norte are included in the PNP watch-list due to previous reports of Communist-Terrorists (CTs) visibility and possible tension among political parties,” thus said Police Inspector Nemesio Saronhilo Jr. – Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office Assistant Operations Officer during the 1st regular meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Agusan del Norte held at the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (PEEDMO) conference room in Butuan City on Thursday, March 25, 2010.

The said municipalities are Carmen, Las Nieves, Buenavista, RTR, Tubay, and Santiago. To date, Inspector Saronhilo said, peace and order situation in the whole province of Agusan del Norte is still manageable.

Meanwhile, the official said, one of the problems of PNP at present is the lack of communication equipment such as handheld radios, among others to be used in monitoring purposes and in daily routinary operations of the government’s police force in the province.


PACAP to set forum on environment, development, climate change
By: Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY (07 April) - The Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) will conduct a forum on the environment, development, and climate change on April 15-16, 2010 in one of the local convention centers here.

With the theme: “PACAP and the Environment: Building Community Resilience, Sustaining Development,” the forum will provide the avenue for PACAP partners to share lessons from their projects on environment and how these are contributing to the global effort in environmental protection, governance, sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

Part of the forum’s goal is to summarize the experiences and lessons from PACAP funded projects on environment and how these are contributing to the global effort in environmental protection, governance, sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

In particular, the forum aims to identify lessons and best practices and share these among partners. It also facilitates networking and partnerships amongst CSOs, government, donors, and other national environment networks and groups.

Topics and cases will be anchored on the Australian Aid Strategy on the Environment which covers three themes: Climate Change, Water, and Environmental Governance. Cases that will be discussed and presented are: projects covering protection and governance of coastal marine ecosystem, watersheds, wetlands, and ancestral domains; studies and stories on the connection of environment to basic services and livelihood projects; and case studies on how communities address the impacts of climate change and the threats to lives, livelihood, peace, and natural resources.

Representative from AusAID, PACAP implementing agency, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PACAP partner organizations and beneficiaries, PACAP staff and David Swete Kelly - Program Director of PACAP will participate in the said event.

PACAP is a 23 year old grant facility of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). Established since 1986, PACAP has financially supported more than 1,200 projects benefiting at least two million poor people through partnerships with more than 500 civil society organizations, primarily non-government organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations (POs). Projects supported by PACAP have sought to introduce innovative development approaches that uplift the social and economic conditions of marginalized communities.

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Mindanao electric coops plan to buy electricity from Aboitiz to mitigate power shortage

BUTUAN CITY (April 7) - To mitigate power shortage besetting Mindanao, the 33 electric cooperatives spread all over the southern island are planning to buy electricity from Aboitiz Power Corporation.

Aside from Aboitiz power supply, the electric cooperatives also made some move to buy electricity from big companies and malls who have some big generator sets, to back up their respective current power supply from National Power Corporation (Napocor) and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The Aboitiz owned the Power Barge 117 (AP Therma Marine) which is currently moored at Barangay Sta. Ana, in Nasipit town, Agusan del Norte and a fossil plant Therma Marine Mobile 1 (PB 118) in Maco, Compostela Valley.

The electric cooperatives also planned to buy electricity from Coal-Fired Plants in Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga and Geothermal Plant in North Cotabato.

In Northeastern Mindanao alone, at least 26 big companies are currently de-loading their power use from Napocor and use their own generator sets just to help mitigate the power problem in the southern island. The government asked these major business players to help ease out the power outages in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (Aneco) and other electric cooperatives in Northeastern Mindanao are already eyeing to buy at least 18 megawatts for Caraga region.

Aneco general manager Horacio T. Santos said at least 10 megawatts is only needed to support the power needs of Agusan del Norte and this region’s capital city.

However, he said the local government units (LGUs) being the host region of the 100 MW Power Barge 117 that is currently moored at Nasipit town, Agusan del Norte, is imposing Energy Regulations (ER) No. 1-94.

ER 1-94, Section 6, as amended (Rules and Regulations implementing Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7638, otherwise known as the “ Department of Energy Act of 1992”), said the prioritization of power where the power barge is situated.

“We are just invoking our right because everybody now needs electricity and we don’t want that our region, particularly Agusan del Norte province to be lifted,” said GM Santos.

On Tuesday, members of the Mindanao Electricity Power Alliance gathered in Cagayan de Oro City and mapped out other mitigating measures to alleviate the worsening power curtailment in the southern island’s 33 electric cooperatives. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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2,000 IT workers in gov’t to benefit from new CSC policy

The Data Encoder Eligibility may now be used for appointment to certain information technology (IT) positions in government.

Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 100319, the Data Encoder Eligibility shall continue to be appropriate eligibility for 36 IT positions such as Computer Operator, Data Encoder, Senior Data Encoder, Data Controller, Senior Computer Operator, Data Entry Machine Operator, Accounting Machine Operator, and Auxiliary Machine Operator.

CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III said, “This policy will benefit more than 2,000 incumbent government workers holding Data Encoder Eligibility. They may now qualify for permanent appointment or promotion to specific IT positions, provided they also meet the education, experience and training requirements of the position being applied for.”

Until 2007, the Commission granted the Data Encoder Eligibility to passers of computer skills tests administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) so that they could apply for select IT positions in government.

The CSC ruling also states that passers of the PC Operations II Skills Test holding a valid Certificate of Competency, and whose names are found in the master list provided by TESDA, may apply for conversion of their certificate to Data Encoder Eligibility until December 2010 only. After said period, applicants to IT positions indicated in the CSC resolution would then need to obtain a Professional or Sub-professional Eligibility, whichever is appropriate for the position, by passing the civil service examination administered by the CSC.

For conversion of the Certificate of Competency to Data Encoder Eligibility, an applicant must submit the following requirements to the CSC Regional or Field Office concerned: three pieces of identical 1” x 1” I.D. picture of applicant holding full name tag (last name, first name, middle initial); original and photocopy of valid I.D. card (e.g. Office/Company/School I.D., Driver’s License, PRC License, Voter’s I.D., Barangay I.D.); original and photocopy of birth certificate authenticated by the National Statistics Office; fully accomplished Application Form No. 101-A; original and photocopy of Certificate of Competency issued by TESDA; and processing fee of P150.00. (CSC-13/ PIA-Caraga)


DAR-Agusan del Norte conducts tree planting in BASAG ARC

Over one hundred seedlings of different species planted as DAR Agusan del Norte personnel converged to a tree planting activity in commemoration of the annual celebration of the National Women’s Month with the theme: “DAR GAD goes Clean, Green and Lean in 2010” which focused on the environmental awareness and consciousness in relation to climate change held at Basag ARC, Butuan City on March 29, 2010.

It was participated in by all DAR personnel in the province of Agusan del Norte in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who provided seedlings being used during the said activity.

PARO II Andre B. Atega commended DAR GAD advocates and personnel by exerting efforts and doing their share to protect and preserve the environment.

“Gender and Development advocates in DAR Agusan del Norte played an active role not only on gender rights and equality but also participates in a worthy endeavor contributing solutions to environmental concerns.” PARO Atega said.

The DAR personnel, who are working with farmers to improve livelihood and their environment, eagerly showed their willingness to respond the call for urgency in caring for our ecosystem and to restore degraded forest land areas that can cause soil erosions and flush floods that destroyed many crops of farmer-beneficiaries.

DENR Regional Executive Director Edilberto S. Buiser extends his all-out support by approving DAR personnel’s request to provide over a hundred of seedlings comprised of durian, jackfruit, marang, star apple and others fruits.

Further, during the tree planting activity, DAR personnel contributed generously from their own pocket a sum of P10,400 for the benefit of the colleagues in DAR who were diagnosed with cancer. (Gil E. Miranda, DAR-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Captured wounded NPA leader in clash treated well in military hospital, Army spokesman says 

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – An alleged New People's Army (NPA) leader that was wounded and captured during a one-hour gunbattle between government security troops and communist insurgents on Maundy Thursday at Sitio Bucasao, Barangay Calaitan, in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur province, is currently being “treated well”, said regional Army spokesman Maj. Mitchele B. Anayron Jr., on Monday. 

The Army spokesman of Army’s Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division said the captured alleged rebel leader, identified as Jomar Silaw Domo, alleged tribal NPA warrior was brought by the operating troops to the Bayugan Medical Center and later brought to Army’s Camp Edilberto Hospital Annex at Bancasi here for further medical treatment. 

“He is now under care by our doctors and all his medical needs is being taking cared of by our units in the area,” added Maj. Anayron. 

Confiscated from Domo’s possession during the encounter was one M16 Armalite rifle and one alloy magazine loaded with live ammunition. 

It was recalled that last Maundy Thursday afternoon, patrolling troops of the 26th Infantry Battallion encountered alleged NPA rebels in Bucasao area in a one-hour fire fight. 

Anayron added that the encountered rebels were allegedly members communist-Front Committee 21-B of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command. 

In a related development, a government troops was killed and another Army soldier was wounded when government security forces encountered with suspected NPA rebels at Sitio Tanawan, Barangay Malinawon, in Mawab town, Compostela Valley on Easter Sunday, reported received from the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMincom) on Monday stated. 

The field report also stated that a certain Pfc. Bimbo Ulsa died after three-hour heavy fire fight against communist terrorists. Encountered rebels were believed members of communist-Front Committee 33 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao regional Command. 

It also said the encounter started at 11:30 a.m. when patrolling soldiers of the 8th Special Forces Company and militiamen under 1Lt. Warren Tubungbanua encountered the rebels. 

The heavy fighting lasted until almost 3 p.m. until reinforcement of other Army soldiers from nearby areas arrived, the field report said. 

The other wounded soldier was Pfc. Leoncio Ramos Jr. He was rushed to Mawab Hospital. 

Reinforcing troops recovered several land mines as well as personal belongings believed left behind by the rebels at the encounter site, field report said. 

As this developed, blocking forces from the police and the military are being set up near and around the encounter site while massive pursuit operations against the fleeing communists is still going on. 

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commanding genral of the Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division ordered the deployment of more combat troops to beef up the pursuing government security forces in the area. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga Development Summit 2010 reels off in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY - As economic activity continue to spur in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region), a “Caraga Development Summit 2010” is set third week of this month in this region’s capital city. 

The summit will be participated by regional government officials, investors/locators, business owners and entrepreneurs, housing officials, home buyers and borrowers, real state developers, builders, contractors and suppliers, engineers, architects, banks and financial institutions and officials of Pag-ibig Fund. 

The big activity, slated on April 21, to 24, at downtown hotel, resorts and convention center, will be supervised by the Fifth Asia Communities Corporation. 

The Department of Trade and Industry-National Economic Research and Business Assistance Council (DTI-NERBAC) under DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran will act as secretariat during the summit. 

The goal and objectives of the summit is to locate business and commercial activities in the region’s business center, to assess the region’s current and future housing conditions and thresh out housing issues, concerns and circumstances and to relocate public offices in the region’s government center. 

Several top government officials and big business group leaders are resource persons during the summit. 

“This big gathering will also launch the business center development plan, residential district development plan, government center development plan and Caraga region master plan,” said DTI Director Pagaran. 

The region’s DTI head added the summit will also tackle the region’s government update and direction, challenges of the region, prospects and expectations, commitments and engagements and vision for 2020, 2030 and beyond for Caraga region. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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DOE implements AO 183 in government agencies

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By Michael A. Imbo 

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Butuan City - The Department of Energy (DOE) is intensifying efforts to complete the energy conservation audit and seminars of all government agencies, during the Half-day Seminar on Power Conservation and Efficiency to government agencies on April 28, 2010, this city. 

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DOE is conducting nationwide campaign for energy conservation as the center stage of awakening the different government agencies, offices and government institutions in line with the implementation of Administrative Order 183. 

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Energy conservation seminars to regional offices are also being conducted by Department of Energy Audit Team Chairman Waldo Flores. 

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Meanwhile, Mr. Flores said that the A.O 183 shall take the lead in implementing this order and shall take appropriate measures and necessary actions to ensure compliance in accordance to the use of energy efficient lighting system in government institutions. 

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During the forum some participants brought out the issues on crisis in power curtailment criticized by some government employees that mostly affected there works and performances in the offices. 

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Right after the seminar, the audit team also conducted Energy Conservation (ENERCON) inspections in different major regional government agencies such as; Department of Budget and Management (DBM); National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Works and Development (DSWD); Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Agriculture (DA); Department of Interior and local Government Unit (DILG); Government Services Insurance System (GSIS); Department of Justice (DOJ); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); Department of Health (DOH); Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). 

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The energy audit team said that so far, the regional offices here have obtained the energy conservation audit rating since the result are impressive and due to electricity savings. 

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National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) followed with a uniform rating. 

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The team had conducted a total of 20 owned-government institutions during its energy spot checking here in the city including Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Caraga State University Campus in Barangay Ampayon. 

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In addition to the DOE's spot checking, the team requires all government agencies to submit documents on fuel and electricity consumption. 

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Government agencies are also required to comply with A.O. 183 which mandates all government offices to use energy-efficient lighting systems and implement an energy conservation program. 
The Team hopes to increase consumer vigilance in energy conservation and protection of the environment. 

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The theme is anchored on the key policy area of the national government based on the pronouncement of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to promote energy conservation and environmental stewardship to mitigate the ill effects of climate change. 

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DOE's role is highlighted in the consumer adoption as crucial in the implementation and enforcement of the Consumer Act, and other energy-related laws which have great impact on consumers. (PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, April 5, 2010

P0.6-M hot lumber seized in Surigao

BUTUAN CITY - Joint operatives of the Hinatuan Municipal Police Office and Surigao del Sur Provincial PNP seized P600,000 worth of illegally transported lumber from three cargo trucks in Sitio Mungcag, Barangay Loyola, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on early dawn Maundy Thursday, police said.

Hinatuan police chief Josefito Orcullo said the illegally transported lumber were seized from cargo trucks bearing plate numbers RHD 658, driven by Milliam Jamito Amparo, 29, a resident of Butuan City; UVS 622, driven by Marcial Selgas y Pilangos; RFC 457, driven by Jepsy Escoreal Jacosalem.

The DENR requires a special permit for cutting and transporting of hardwood species, which are already endangered due to continuous, unabated illegal cutting of trees in the mountains.

The cargo trucks, which were all heading to Butuan City, were found to have no pertinent documents covering the transport and cutting of hardwood species.

Concerned civil society in Hinatuan has been puzzled why it took the joint police operatives to intercept the hot cargoes. (BS/ PIA-Caraga)


NPA rebel wounded, captured during Maundy Thursday encounter in Agusan del Sur

BUTUAN CITY - A New People's Army (NPA) member was wounded and captured during a one-hour encounter between government troops and about 15 heavily-armed rebels on Maundy Thursday afternoon in Sitio Bucasao, Barangay Calaitan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Reports reaching the Caraga Police Regional Office here identified the captured rebel as Jomar Silaw Domo, a tribal NPA warrior and resident of New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

Confiscated from Domo’s possession was one M16 rifle with Serial No. RP 101357 and one alloy magazine loaded with live ammunition.

Reports said soldiers from the Philippine Army's 26th Infantry Brigade and headed by 2nd Lt. Jeremy Acelin were on security patrol when they encountered the rebels belonging to the Front Committee of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People's Army-Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (NPA-CPP-NDF).

After a one-hour firefight, the rebels fled, leaving behind the wounded Domo.

Domo was brought immediately to the Bayugan Medical Hospital, but was transferred later to the Bancasi Military Hospital in Butuan City.

The confiscated Armalite rifle and live ammunition are now in the custody of 1st Lt. Gonoranao M. Tantao, commander of the Army's 26IB, the reports said. (BS/ PIA-Caraga)
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106,000 CFL bulbs set to arrive in Caraga region

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Butuan City - Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) is set to receive anytime next week 106,000 compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs, official said Tuesday. 

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Horacio T. Santos, general manager of Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), said the first batch for deployment of CFL bulbs will initially be distributed to six electric cooperatives in Northeastern Mindanao. 

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"The primary objective in using CFL bulbs is actually to reduce peak load power demand through the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives," Santos said. 

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"It also helps our electric consuming public reduce their power consumption, particularly in today's financial and economic difficulties," he added. 

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Last week, the Department of Energy (DoE), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and electric cooperatives from Northeastern and Northern Mindanao regions signed a memorandum of agreement on the use of CFLs at the Moresco-1 Training Center, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. 

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"The Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) is being implemented by the DoE with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 

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The project also aimed at plummeting green house gas and energy consumption. 

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The three main key outputs of the PEEP include efficient lighting initiative, efficiency initiatives in buildings and industries and communication and social mobilization. 

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The project totals to $ 46.5 million, of which $ 14 million was given by the Philippine government as contribution to this particular undertaking. 

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Santos concluded that CFL bulbs will also alleviate the consuming public on the power hike. 
"We are doing our very best to help our electric consuming public," he added. (muc/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Sunday, April 4, 2010

2-day RP-Australia development forum set in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY - A two-day Philippines-Australia development forum is scheduled to be held on April 15-16 in this capital city of the Caraga Region. 

It was learned on Wednesday that top representatives of the Australian government aid program will attend in line with their continuing commitment to the Philippine government's development program, particularly in the Caraga Region. 

According to its organizers, the two-day activity is dubbed as "Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP): Building Community Resilience, Sustaining Development" and forum on the environment, development and climate change. 

PACAP Director Lourdes M. Padilla and Communication Officer Ninosa Alipon said the forum will provide the avenue for PACAP partners to share lessons from their projects on environment and how these are contributing to the global effort in environment protection, governance, sustainable development and climate change adaptation. 

They said the forum also hopes to strengthen partnership among civil society organizations (CSOs), government, donors and other national environment networks and groups. 

Stakeholders from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PACAP partners such as national governmental organizations, people's organizations, and CSOs are participating in the forum. 

Another aim of the forum is to identify lessons and best practices and share these among partners to facilitate networking and partnership among CSOs, government, donors and other national environment networks and groups, and future financial assistance in the region, PACAP officials said. 

Currently, Surigao del Norte is a recipient of Australian government grant amounting to P77.129 million with 39 projects, while Agusan del Sur has P75.646 million with 34 projects. 

These projects are focused on the protection and governance of coastal marine ecosystems, watersheds, wetlands and ancestral domains, basic services and livelihood projects like potable water, watershed management, solid waste management, ecotourism, organic farming, sloping agriculture and contour farming. 

Projects under climate change involve clean energy, adaptation and disaster risk management. 

PACAP strategically implements its projects in the Caraga Region and other parts of the country through the Focal Community Assistance Scheme (FOCAS) engagement and nationally through Responsive Assistance Scheme (RAS) characterized by projects separate from each other but spread all over the country. 

The PACAP is a 23-year-old grant facility of the AusAID in the Philippines. It has financially supported more than 1,200 projects benefiting at least two million poor people through partnerships with more than 500 CSOs, primarily NGOs and POs. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


AFP, PNP tighten security measures for arrival of PCOS machines in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Northern and Northeastern Mindanao (Regions 10 and 13) have tightened their security measures for the arrival next week of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for the May 10, 2010 national and local elections. 

Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan, regional director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), said "tactical preparations to ensure the safe deployment of all PCOS machines at various areas in the two regions" have already been made in coordination with Chief Supt. Danilo T. Empedrad, PRO 10 regional director, Maj. Gen. Mario F. Chan, commanding general of the Army’s Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

The PNP and the AFP said they are paying special attention to areas under "close watch" or "immediate concern" such as Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and some parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Sur. 

Government authorities have also mobilized their respective joint security coordinating center (JSCC) forces in the deployment of the PCOS machines. 

In Northeastern Mindanao, the PRO 13 has already mobilized at least 3,764 policemen to help ensure peaceful and orderly elections, Calingasan said. 

Meanwhile, Col. Leo Cresente Ferrer, commanding officer of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said a JSCC has been established at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, where election-related activities are being monitored. 

In a briefing Monday afternoon in Iligan City, retired Army Col. Valentine Ragpala, and provincial and city Smartmatic security coordinators said at least 624 PCOS machines will be deployed for the more than 700 voting centers in Lanao del Norte. 

Iligan City alone will have 173 PCOS machines for 46 voting centers in 44 barangays, it was learned. 

It was also learned that the PCOS machines will be stored upon arrival in Misamis Occidental and in Cagayan de Oro City. The deployment timetable will be from May 3 to 9. 

The AFP, PNP and Comelec said that among the closely-watched municipalities in Lanao del Norte are Tangcal, Maigo, Kolambugan, Pantao Ragat, Matungao and Kauswagan. 

In a related development, security measures have also been tightened around the Agus plants in Lanao provinces, where the Mindanao grid is located, to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the Election Day. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


Suspected NPA rebels in burning spree anew; torch logging truck in Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY - Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Caraga Region, who were reportedly in a burning spree, torched a-10 wheeler logging truck SADDAM-type bearing plate number NR 954 in Sitio San Miguel, Brgy Santa Juana, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur Tuesday afternoon. 

Report from Caraga Police Regional Office claimed the logging truck driven by Marcos Armada was flagged down by armed rebels in Barangay Sta. Juana road, led by alias Ka Friday of FC-14 NEMRC, and forcibly brought at remote Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Santa Juana, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. 

The driver, a resident of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, was safely released by the suspects. He was accompanied by owner of the logging truck, a certain Ruben Sarihana Buag of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, to report the incident to Tagbina, Surigao del Sur Municipal Police Station. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives from Tagbina Police in coordination with the 1st platoon of Provincial Police Public Safety Management Company and 58th Infantry Battalion, Phil. Army were now conducting follow-up operation and investigation, according to the report. 

This is the fourth burning incidents allegedly perpetuated by NPA rebels in Surigao del Sur. (BS/PIA-Caraga)


Trainings held for DILG-13 technical staff

BUTUAN CITY - Forty-nine (49) technical staff of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 attended three (3) kinds of trainings during the first quarter of 2010. 

Twenty-five (25) of them took the diagnostic tools complementation training early this year at Balanghai Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City while sixteen (16) completed the two-day workshop on the preparation of provincial competency profile on February 15-16 at Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City and eighteen (18) also completed another two-day workshop on monitoring and evaluation system on February 22-23, at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City. 

According to Lilibeth Famacion, DILG-13 asst. regional director, the trainings on complementation of diagnostic tools, preparation of provincial competency profile and the monitoring and evaluation system aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of the staff as service providers of the'Strengthening of Local Governments in the Philippines' (SLGP) project. 

Famacion said, these trainings are very enriching to the participants as they have complied with the desired training outputs and are eager to embark on a new challenge as enabler on capacity building of other units and the department's various clients. (DILG-13)


6 Dinagat towns plan for development

BUTUAN CITY - Six (6) towns of the province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) has started to think for their comprehensive development through the Sectoral Planning Workshop that DILG-13 conducted recently at Balanghai hotel and convention center, Butuan city. 

The municipalities of San Jose, Libjo and Loreto joined the planning workshop with funding from the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) under the Strengthening Local Governments in the Philippines (SLGP) project. 

The municipalities of Basilisa, Cagdianao and Dinagat on the other hand attended the activity with their own local funding on the request of the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines (LLPDC) Dinagat Islands chapter while the municipality of Tubajon failed to attend due to financial constraints. 

Participants to the workshop include the municipal budget and health officers; human resource management officers; social welfare and development officers; agriculturists; environment and natural resources officers; and local government operations officers. 

The activity is one of the flagship programs of the SLGP that aims to develop capacities of the local government units (LGUs) in formulating the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) as required under RA 7160. 

Lilibeth Famacion, asst. regional director of DILG-13 and Assistant PPDC Evelyn Cainglet of the province of Dinagat Islands were present to lend support to the activity and to encourage the towns to plan for their development and growth. 

The activity is part of the series of workshops in the formulation of the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) with resource speakers from the technical staff of the DILG, DENR, EMB, and OCD. 

The towns had already crafted their ecological profile on July 15-16, 2009, in Surigao City while the priority programs, projects and activities planning is set on April 26-27, 2010. (DILG-13/MACT III)


DILG-13 develops website

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of the Interior & Local Government (DILG-13) in Caraga region finally developed a webpage at the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) at the Regional Office in Libertad, Butuan City. 

As one of the accomplishments of the Strengthening Local Governments of The Philippines (SLGP), the development of the website paved the way for showcasing the various programs/projects/activities of the agency. 

The website features the SLGP page with the social marketing and program advocacy in mind. 

A significant number of local government officials showed interest & optimism to visit the website. (DILG-13)


RPOC-13 conducts 2 outreach activities in March

BUTUAN CITY - The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-13) in the Caraga region conducted two (2) outreach activities in Barangay Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City and in on Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on March 16 and 23 respectively. 

Dubbed as "Hiniusang Paghatod Serbisyo alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan," it highlighted the concerted and convergence efforts of all government agencies in the region for the delivery of basic services to the communities. 

Rene Burdeos, DILG-13 regional director and RPOC-13 head secretariat explained that the outreach activities aimed to strengthen and generate deeper involvement of all government agencies and the private sectors in bringing basic services to the people. 

Various government agencies brought their services direct to the communities that included the Department of Agriculture (DA) that distributed various vegetable seeds, anti-rabies vaccination, dog castration and de-worming of large ruminant animals. 

The Dept of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) distributed trees seedlings while the Dept of Education (DepEd) gave barangay assistance in the preparation for the opening of an integrated school in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. 

The Dept of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) provided roadside maintenance, blood typing and blood pressure taking respectively. 

The National Statistics Office (NSO) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) answered queries on the processing of birth and travel documents. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on the other hand delivered the most sought-after services-- tuli and tooth extraction. Forty-two (42) boys ages 7-12 were circumcised while 84 persons availed of the dental services. 

The Dept of the Interior & Local Government (DILG) provided for the syringes, needles and medicines for the circumcision while the Dept of Health (DOH) provided the medical services to the residents in Manila de Bugabos and Jabonga. 

The Rotary Club of Butuan City, an active partner of RPOC, fed about 54 malnourished children. 

Cecilio Denuro, Punong barangay of Manila de Bugabos appreciated the various services in his barangay and requested that more similar activities will be conducted in the area in the future. 

DENR also conducted climate change advocacy campaign in Jabonga, which the Mayor, Glicerio Monton was very thankful for. 

RPOC-13 believes that when government services are brought right at the doorsteps of the marginalized sector of our society especially those in the depressed areas, it can bring back the trust and confidence in the government. 

This is also another way of informing the public on the frontline services that government is able to give to the people specifically in the far-flung areas. 

The first RPOC-13 outreach program for this year was considered a tremendous success. More community outreach visits are now being planned within the Caraga region for the rest of 2010. (PIA/DILG-13, AIRB)


Over 10,000 Mindanaoans stage separate rallies to unite for peace, condemn violence

TRENTO, AGUSAN DEL SUR - In a show of solidarity against violence, people in different parts of Mindanao on Monday unite themselves in calling for peace as they slammed the use of arms in bringing about societal change, military officials reported Tuesday. 

In Malita town in Davao del Sur, around 3,000 people composed of pro-democracy groups, anti-communist organizations, barangay officials and local government unit (LGU) gathered at the public market to show indignation on the atrocities perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA). 

In the towns of Bansalan, Sta. Cruz, Magsaysay, Matanao and the City of Digos of that same province, a combined number of another 3,000 people also gathered for peace and participated in the "Kuratong para sa Kalinaw" (Sound for peace) broadcasted live on leading local radio stations. 

In Southern Mindanao frontier city Davao, a peace rally went successfully as an estimated 2,000 people from different walks of life gathered at Victoria Plaza, Magsaysay Park and SM Mall then converged at Rizal Park in calling for peace. 

In the southern tip of Mindanao in Gen. Santos City, around 500 people from Karancho, Bigkis Balaod and other pro-democracy groups gathered at Lion's Beach to call for peace and stand against violence. 

In the Second District of Davao Oriental, bordering Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, a peace caravan was also organized by the people in their call for peace and a stop to armed struggle as they toured the highways of Mati City and Lupon town. 

A day ago, an indignation rally against the atrocities perpetrated by the Maoist Communists was held with the participation of hundreds of residents, barangay officials and LGU in Laak town in Compostela Valley Province. 

Last March 15, some 2,000 residents, former rebels and pro-democracy groups held a march rally in Baganga town in the First District of Davao oriental to show their indignation on the atrocities and crimes of the Maoist NPA under the direct command of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). 

March 29 of last year, thousands of people gathered in major cities in the south to call for a stop to armed struggle and urged the CPP-NPA-NDF to trudge the peaceful way towards the attainment of change and abandon the use of arms and violence. 

"People in Southern Mindanao region already wanted peace and unity and condemned violence," said Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commanding general of the Army's 10th Infantry Agila Division. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


NPAs destroy DOLE banana plantation in Surigao del Sur

TAGO, SURIGAO DEL SUR - At least 3,157 fully grown bananas (Savedish variety) were chopped and cut down by unidentified number of communist-New People's Army (NPA) at dawn Monday at Sitio (sub-village) Cabalawan, Barangay (village) Anahao-daan, in Tago town, Surigao del Sur, police authorities said Tuesday. 

Police said the perpetrators, believed regular members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Northeastern Mindanao regional command (NEMRC), swooped down on a banana plantation owned by Dole Philippines at 2 a.m. and used bladed weapons in destroying the fully grown bananas. 

The incident happened during the 41st founding anniversary of the NPA, police said. 

Police is still conducting thorough investigation while Army soldiers are conducting hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators. 

On Saturday, undetermined number of NPA rebels also swooped down on a construction site and burned six heavy equipments owned by contractors of Dole Philippines at Barangay (village) Guinhalinan, in Barobo town, also of this province. 

Dole Philippines is undergoing expansion of their banana plantation in Surigao del Sur. 

Police said the communist terrorists fled after the incident. 

The equipments burned and completely damaged were two backhoes, owned by Hogan Builders based in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur; two backhoes owned by Alanis Builders based in Rosario, Agusan del Sur; and two mini bulldozers owned by MFCS Construction based in Barangay Alegria, Barobo, Surigao del Sur. 

No one was reported hurt during the incident. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


Comelec issues resolution on fate of Dinagat provincial candidates in 2010 polls

by Robert E. Roperos 

BUTUAN CITY - Following the Supreme Court's decision declaring the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands as unconstitutional thereby reverting said province to its previous status as part of the Province of Surigao del Norte, the Commission on Elections issued Resolution No. 8790 dated March 9, 2010 on the status of the election-related matters such as the electoral posts that were available and considered in the area. 

Accordingly, if the decision is reversed, there will be no problem since the current system configuration is in line with the reconsidered Decision, meaning that the Province of Dinagat Islands and the Province of Surigao del Norte remain as two (2) separate provinces. 

If the Decision becomes final and executory before the election, the Province of Dinagat Islands will revert to its previous status as part of the First Legislative District in Surigao del Norte. 

But because of the current system configuration, the law stated that the ballots for the Province of Dinagat Islands will, for the positions of Member – House of Representatives, Governor,vice Governor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, bear only the names of the candidates for the said positions. 

Conversely, the ballots for the First Legislative District of Surigao del Norte, will for the position of Governor, Vice Governor, Member – House of Representatives of the First District of Surigao del Norte and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, show only candidates for the said position. Likewise, the whole Province of Surigao del Norte, will, for the position of Governor and Vice Governor, bear only the names of the candidates for the said position. 

Consequently, the voters of the Province of Dinagat Islands will not be able to vote for the candidates of Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Member of the House of Representatives in the First Legislative District of Surigao del Norte, and candidates for Governor and Vice Governor for Surigao del Norte. 

Meanwhile, voters of the First Legislative District of Surigao del Norte, will not ne able to vote for Members in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Member of the House of Representatives in Dinagat Islands. Also, the voters of the whole Province of Surigao del Norte will not be able to vote for the Governor and Vice Governor, Member of the House of Representatives of the First Legislative District in Surigao del Norte, and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the First Legislative District (with Dinagat Islands) of Surigao del Norte. 

However, if the Decision becomes final and executory after the election, the Province of Dinagat Islands will revert to its previous status as part of the First Legislative District of Surigao del Norte. 

The result of the election will have to be nullified for the same reasons with the second condition mentioned above. A special election for Governor, Vice Governor, Member of the House of Representatives of the First Legislative District of Surigao del Norte, and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the First District of Surigao del Norte (with Dinagat Islands) will have to be conducted. 

It can be recalled that on February 10, 2010, the Supreme Court declares the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands unconstitutional for failure to comply with the criteria for the creation of a province prescribed in Section 461 of the Local Government Code in relation to Section 10, Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution. (PIA-Caraga)


DILG-13 conducts training on effective communication skills

BUTUAN CITY - About 40 information officers and other technical staff of the Dept of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-13) in the Caraga region attended 3-day training on effective communication skills on March 29-31, 2010 at the Goat2geder Hotel, Butuan City. 

Lilibeth Farmacion, assistant regional director of DILG-13, in her opening message said that this training has been long overdue. "The last training on communication was about 10 years ago and with the advent of the I.T technology, we have to equip our staff to cope with the challenges ahead," Farmacion added. 

The DILG has an array of programs and projects under the 'Strengthening Local Governments in the Philippines' (SLGP) that needed to be popularized. 

People and even local government officials are not fully aware up to what extent the department can assist them in local governance, Farmacion said. 

The training will help provide the information officers and some technical staff of the office the needed skills to communicate better in writing and in public speaking. 

"They will be given lectures and workshops on how to write effective memos and in-house communication; how to craft news stories, press releases and package information from various sources," ARD Farmacion smiled. 

Farmacion further said that the DILG-13 invited Minerva Newman, regional director, Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) based in Cebu to facilitate and manage the entire training. 

She said Newman's training module included topics on the communication process, writing the official memo, setting-up a press conference, press release and news writing and the art of public speaking. 

Newman employed innovative strategies and learning tools in the course presentation. She left no room for boredom in the process of each learning activities and workshops. She has zest and wit in providing the inputs as well as in critiquing the various outputs. 

Omee, Maribel, Dulce, Jepoy, Jojo and the rest of the participants were all game during the workshops. Majority described it as "blast learning." 

We want more! They clamored as they continued to show their eagerness to learn and explore broader horizons in effective writing and public speaking. 

The training is part of the department's continuing education to upgrade the skills of its personnel through the'Strengthening Local Governments of the Philippines' (SLGP) project funded by the Spanish Government. 

With smiles and high spirits, the DILG-13 staff looks forward to similar workshops in the future, preferable newsletter production and photography, they intimated. (DILG-13)


DPWH deploys MATs to assist motorists during Lenten Week observance

TANDAG CITY, SURIGAO DEL SUR - Anticipating the influx of motorists along major thoroughfares in key cities and provinces in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga Region) during the Lenten season, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) makes the necessary preparations to assure road safety and travel convenience of the public. 

Caraga Region DPWH Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso ordered on Sunday all District Engineering Offices (DEOs) in provinces and cities all over the region to deploy Motorists Assistance Teams (MATs) along the main national highways under their respective jurisdictions. 

The teams are composed of engineers, auto mechanics, equipment operators and service crews. 

Dr. Barroso said the MATs will attend and give free roadside emergency repair assistance to motorists in the region during the weeklong observance of Lenten season. 

"Our MATs will be assisted by our local contractors," the region's DPWH chief said. 

The DPWH has already deployed MATs at various strategic areas in the region's capital city of Butuan in anticipation of the influx of motorists during the Holy Week. 

"We already anticipated the huge volume of motorists and we are ready to assist," said Butuan's District Engineering head Engr. Nicolas Alameda. 

With the directive of DPWH Secretary Victor Domingo, all DPWH Regional Directors and District Engineers are instructed to ensure that all road sections are well maintained, informational and directional signs are installed on conspicuous locations and well visible along national roads, Alameda said. 

"We will deploy DPWH equipment and mechanics to be assigned in critical areas along national roads in round-the-clock shift to provide immediate assistance to emergency road situations," said Secretary Domingo in his directive. 

Domingo added that travel advisories for the alternate routes by-passing traffic congested areas and road sections where construction activities are ongoing must be installed, specifying the entry and exit points and corresponding distances. 

Under the project dubbed as "Lakbay Alalay" Annual Lenten Program, the regional directors and district engineers were also instructed to coordinate with their respective Land and Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and concerned officials of the local government units in order that required assistance may be provided by the DPWH. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


Mindanao officials, biz group call for immediate improvement of watersheds to solve power woes

BUTUAN CITY - Top Mindanao leaders and the Mindanao Business Council (MBC) on Monday urged the national government and all sectors to unite in improving the watershed surrounding the Agus Lake and Pulangi hydro complex to avert more power crisis in the island. 

The Mindanao officials and business group also asked the national government and multi-sectoral water and forest protection committees to activate the watershed management committees for strict implementation of laws, rules and regulations of the Lake Lanao and Pulangi watersheds, sources of Mindanao grid. 

This immediate action plan was proposed after top officials of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) and MBC led by Chairman Jesus G. Dureza and Vicente Lao, respectively personally conducted on-site inspection of the two hydroelectric plants last week. 

They said there is an immediate need to improve the watershed management surrounding the Agus Lake and Pulangi Hydro Complex to avert worsening power crisis. 

They further said there is no problem on the structure of the facilities. 

"What is lacking is a responsible water management in these areas," said Secretary Dureza. 

In their actual inspection, they observed massive denudation of the watershed area which is supposed to be the catch basin of water that would run the Agus hydroelectric plants. The officials said massive reforestation must take place. 

The visiting officials urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strictly implement watershed management in those areas. 

Dureza also urged environmental groups and local government units to work hand-in-hand on a watershed management plan for Lake Lanao. 

A report gathered from the Regional Development Council (RDC) stated that the watershed in Lake Lanao is experiencing varying degrees of erosion. 

The power crisis in Mindanao is brought about by the below normal capacity operation of the hydropower plants due to the extremely low water levels of Lake Lanao. 

Mud has heavily accumulated in the Agus River, preventing the state-owned National Power Corporation (Napocor) from operating its hydro power plants at full capacity due to the damage that the mud may cause on the turbines. 

In Monday's advisory, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said the available capacity power supply is only 779 megawatts. Mindanao's peak load is 1,224. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


Gov't nets P40.8M in forest protection drive in Caraga region

BUTUAN CITY - The no non-sense drive on forest protection campaign in the Caraga region had netted at least P40.8 million since last year up to the present. 

The huge amount was based on the confiscated 15,275.19 cubic meters or 249,420.50 board feet of illegally-cut round logs and lumbers from various areas in Northeastern Mindanao. 

Aside from these confiscated forest products, at least P3.85 million worth of conveyances also added to the accomplishments of various provincial and community environment and natural resources offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) anti-illegal logging task force. 

These confiscated forest products and conveyances were already turned over to the Natural Resources and Development Corporation (NRDC), marketing arm of the DENR for public bidding. 

Some of these confiscated forest products were already bidded. 

DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED) Edilberto S. Buiser attributed these achievements to the ongoing all-out forest protection drive not only to DENR's anti-illegal logging task force but also to local government unit officials, police and military, especially the Caraga Conference Peace and Development (CCPD) led by its founding chair Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of the Diocese of Butuan. 

Bulk of this came from the Agusan del Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) led by PENR Officer Sixto C. Badua. 

The PENR officer received several certificates of commendation and appreciations for these accomplishments on environment preservation and forest protection. 

Meanwhile, Bunawan CENR officer Ulpiano Dasilao and Forestry Supervisor Victor Sabornido reported on Monday the latest apprehension of 720 pieces of logs and 1,949 pieces of sawn-lumber or 4,422 board feet at the southern part of the province of Agusan del Sur. 

In their flash report, Dasilao and Sabornido said the forest products with conveyances ? five 10-wheeler trucks, two Saddam trucks, three 10-wheeler Wing Van and one six-wheeler Fuzo forward, are now under administrative proceedings at Bunawan CENRO office in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. 

The two field forest officials requested RED Buiser and PENR officer Badua for lawyers to help them prosecute the owners of the seized forest products in local court. (muc/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga poll bets attend spiritual recollection

BUTUAN CITY - The spiritual recollection called for by the Roman Catholic Church-led Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) which is off-limits to media, has drawn more than 100 candidates from different parts of Caraga Region. 

A very important Roman Catholic priest who begged not to be identified, claiming he just wanted to work behind the scene, told the Philippines News Agency more than 100 candidates have arrived as of 11:30 a.m. and they are expecting more. 

The priest explained that the recollection is off-limits to newsmen so that candidates attending it can concentrate, claiming that with media around, "candidates seemed to be distracted". 

A check at the secretariat table revealed 89 candidates so far have registered. A registration fee of P500 was collected from each participant candidate to cover one meal (lunch), snacks and other expenses, the secretariat explained. 

Re-electionist Butuan City Councilor Erwin Dano told PNA he is hoping the spiritual recollection will somehow strengthen the spiritual commitment of the candidates for honest, peaceful and orderly elections on May 10. 

Earlier in a press statement, the CCPD called on candidates in the five provinces of Caraga Region to undergo "spiritual recollections" on Monday, March 29. 

It claimed that with the one-day activity, they hoped that prayers and actions would be inseparable and serve as guidepost to candidates to practice and pursuit the conduct of an honest, orderly and peaceful elections in the region. 

Caraga is composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan Del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao Del Sur and the island province of Dinagat. 

It has a total of 1,786 candidates vying for different elective positions from councilors to mayors to governors and congressmen who are given a three-year term. (BS/PIA-Caraga)


P285-M MRDP projects set for Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The World Bank (WB) and officials and technical men of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), along with the Department of Agriculture (DA), are preparing for the implementation of P285 million worth of additional development projects for Mindanao, it was learned Saturday. 

The World Bank team is now conducting site visits and assessments in the participating areas in Mindanao to review the anti-poverty program of the Department of Agriculture. 

The team will assess the impact of these agricultural infrastructure projects, livelihood, governance reform and environmental projects under the MRDP. 

It hopes to see attainment of the two program objectives, which are to provide livelihood opportunities to these areas and institutionalize a decentralized system for the delivery of agricultural services. 

MRDP program is part of the food security program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration in Mindanao. 

MRDP, a five-year WB-funded program, is now on its second phase and third year of implementation of farmers' countryside development. 

The MRDP aims to increase income of farmers, capacitating women and indigenous people, and enhancing local governance and environmental protection. 

The MRDP program has already accomplished over P131 million worth of agricultural infrastructure, including close to 66 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, bridges and four units of potable water systems. 

The third-year implementation involves P271 million for the rural infrastructure and P14 million for the community fund for agricultural development. 

The WB urges more qualified local government units (LGUs) to avail of the MRDP as it holds its second phase of program implementation. 

Lealyn Ramos, program director of MRDP, urged qualified LGUs in Mindanao to participate and avail of the program. 

Of the 225 municipalities that are allowed to avail of the 50 percent grant from WB through MRDP, only 118 towns participated, Ramos said. 

However, it was gathered that the lack of participation was caused by the 50-50 scheme set by MRDP and some LGUs do not have enough financial capacity to carry out the equity share. 

However, Ramos said the LGUs can actually source out their equity share from the provincial government or the district representative if the municipality really lacks the money to put in as their counterpart fund. (muc/PIA-Caraga)