Agsur and UP Open University sign MOA for distant learning scholarship
By: David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Jan. 25 (PIA) - Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza sign Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Philippines Open University Chancellor, Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso that marks the start of the distant learning scholarship program of Agusan del Sur.
The distant learning program, according to Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, is a scholarship grant of the provincial government to qualified students and employees of the provincial government who are willing to pursue their baccalaureate, masteral and doctors’ degree thru on-line studies.
According to Gov. Plaza, the program is one of the components of his administration’s thrust to give quality education to Agusanons in order that they become competent and responsible citizens for a better and brighter future.
“This is a rare opportunity for our people, especially the young graduates who are themselves scholars of the provincial government to pursue their dreams to become masters and doctors. We know very well that opportunities in acquiring a stable job, or become leaders and managers passes thru stiff competition, and we do not want that people from Agusan del Sur will be behind the competition. If you are aware, we have scholars who already graduated doctors of medicine, teachers, engineers and other courses and are now serving our brothers and sisters in the province. But our aim does not end there. We keep on studying how we can give even more for our people, and this distant learning program is one of those we see that can elevate the standard and quality of our brothers and sisters in terms of education,” Gov. Plaza said.
According to Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, while intellect is number one qualification of an applicant for scholarship, they will also give more weight to sincerity, dedication, honesty and self confidence.
“The selection process is rigid. But we want our scholars to become a true and responsible Agusanons that will give their sincere services to their people after they graduate,” Vice Gov. Santiago Cane said.
The screening of qualified scholars, according to Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, is right in his office. The qualified scholars will be announced before the school year starts on June, 2011. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
New Siargao Div. Supt. assumes office
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Caraga has announced the appointment of Teresita Tranquilan as the new superintendent assigned in Siargao.
DepEd Caraga Director Dr. Gloria Benigno formally installed Teresita Tranquilan as the newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of Deped Siargao Division on Jan. 20, 2011.
Tranquilan was formerly assigned in Butuan City as Asst. Schools Division Superintendent for three years and Agusan del Sur for two and half years prior to her new appointment in Siargao. She is currently writing her dissertation at Fr. Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City and a Career Service Executive Eligible (CSEE).
When asked about her plans for Siargao Division, Tranquilan said that basically she is for quality education. “I am with the governor in her aspiration for quality education, and high academic achievement for the pupils. That’s my main thrust.”
Meanwhile, outgoing Siargao Division Superintendent Dr. Daylinda Tampus will serve as the new Schools Division Superintendent of Butuan City. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao de Norte)
180 Nurses kinahanglanon para sa RNHeals Project
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 25 (PIA) - 180 ka mga nurse ang karon gikinahanglan para sa 2011 RNHeals Project dinhi lamang sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte nga pagasugdan sa Pebrero 14, 2011. Kini ang gitaho ni Mr. Emilio Pantejo, ang Provincial Manpower Training Center Officer (PMTC) sa Provincial Capitol pinaagi sa Memorandum Order nga gipirmahan ni Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) niadtong Enero 13, 2011.
Kining RNHeals Project nga gitimbiyaan sa DOLE, Department of Health (DOH), DSWD ug kauban usab ang PRC Board of Nursing nag punting sa 10,000 ka mga nurse nga ipakanat sa mga lugar sa Pilipinas nga gitudlo sa buhatan sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ubos sa ilang programang Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) sulod sa usa ka tuig.
Ang pagpangdawat sa mga aplikante magsugod sa Enero 17, 2011 hantud sa Pebrero 4, 2011 ug ang mga aplikante giawhag sa pagkumpleto sa mga mosunod nga mga rekisitos: Adunay balido nga lisensya gikan sa PRC; Lumulupyo sa maong CCT nga lugar; Labing mayo kung wala mag praktis sa pag ka-nurse sulod sa miaging tulo ka tuig; Medical Certificate gikan sa hospital sa gobyerno nga nagmatuod nga siya pwede nga magtrabaho; Ug dili dawaton kadtong mga benepisyaryo sa niadtong NARS project ug mga nag-drop out dinhi.
Adunay duha ka proseso sa pag-apply o pag pa-rehistro: pinaagi sa online www.nars.dole.gov.ph diin pagabasahon sa aplikante ang instruction o pahimatngon ug tubagon kini pinaagi sa pag fill-up dayon, I print nga adunay control number. Unya hulaton na lang ang pag-anunsyo sa mga napili nga mga nurse-trainee.
Ang ikaduha nga paagi mao ang manual diin ang aplikante moadto na lang sa Provincial Office sa opisina ni Mr. Pantejo aron tabangan sa ilang pag-apply pinaagi gihapon sa website.
Ang mga lugar nga giila nga DSWD CCT ug ang gikinahanglan gidaghanon nga mga nurse mao ang mosunod: Surigao City – 9; Alegria – 9; Bacuag – 12; Burgos – 9; Claver – 7; Del Carmen – 9; General Luna – 9; Gigaquit – 8; Mainit – 11; Malimono – 9; Pilar – 9; Placer – 10; San Benito – 9; San Francisco – 12; Sta. Monica – 9; Sison – 12; Socorro – 8; Taganaan – 8; Tubod – 11. (Surigao del Norte PGO-Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano News: Military gipakusgan ang pwersa sa Surigao del Sur
Tandag, Surigao del Sur, January 25 (PIA) - Gipakusgan karon ang pwersa sa Militar dinhi sa Surigao del Sur pinaagi sa pagdugang ug usa ka batalyon nga temporaryo nga nakabase sa Aras asan, Cagwait ning probinsiya.
Kahinumduman atol sa unang Provincial and Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting dili pa lang dugay, gipaila ni 401st brigade Commander Col. Augusto Tolentino ang bag ong Batalyon Commander sa 29IB nga si LTC Henry Robinson.
Pinaagi sa PPOC Chair nga si Gov. Johnny Pimentel, mainiton nga giabi-abi sa mga membro sa council ang pagbalik ug sa 29IB dinhi sa Surigao del Sur, ikatulong batalyon ubos sa pagdumala sa 401st brigade.
Matud pa ni Tolentino, tumong niini nga makab-ot ang kadaugan sa kalinaw dili lamang pinaagi sa giyera nga maoy naandan kaniadto batok sa mga CPP/NPA/NDF kon gipamub-an na karon sa tawag nga CNN.
Sa laing bahin gitumbok ni Tolentino ang kinatibuk-ang sitwasyon dili lamang sa Pilipinas kung diin matud pa sa opisyal nga kapin na ug upat ka dekada ang pakig-away pinaagi sa giyera batok sa mga CNN apan hangtod karon nagpabilin ang kagubot nga way kasulbaran. Gitumbok sa opisyal ang “Paradigm Shift’ kun pag bag-o sa ilang taktika batok sa mga CNN.
Matud pa nga ang tumong sa bag-ong Commander-in-Chief’s Security Agenda mao ang pagkab-ot sa kalinaw imbes nga lupigon ang kaaway. Ang pag implementar ug Peace and Development project maoy usa ka paagi nga natagamtaman na dinhe sa Surigao del Sur. (NGBTranquilan/PIA Surigao del Sur)
.
Tagalog News: PNP, kumpirmado ang tumaas na bilang ng pamamaslang sa mga Forest Ranger
Tandag, Surigao del Sur, January 25 – Kumpirmado ng PNP sa Surigao del Sur ang nangyayaring panibagong pamamaslang sa isang “forest ranger” ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) higit isang linggo na ang nakakaraan.
Ayon kay Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Julito Diray, pangatlong insidente na ito sa loob ng nakalipas na humigi-kumulang anim (6) na buwan. Pinaka-unang kaso naman ito ngayong taon, aniya. Ang biktima ay kinikilalang si Jacinto Fernandez Dragas, 55 years old, married ng Km. 3 Tabon, Bislig City.
Batay sa paunang imbestigasyon ng Bislig City Police Station, tatlo (3) umanong kahinahinalang mga suspetsado na pawang nakasuot ng jacket at ball cap ang dumating sa lugar malapit sa pinangyarihan noong Enero 23, nang araw na mapaslang si Dragas habang nasa balkonahe ng kapitbahay. Ayon sa ulat, nagtamo ito ng tatlong (3) tama ng bala mula sa kalibre.45. Karaniwang sa illegal iniuugnay ang motibo ng ganitong kaso ditto. (Greg Tataro, Jr./PIA Surigao del Sur)
City govt sets activities for the homecoming of the Balangay Masawa Hong Butuan
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The city government here together with the regional and national line agencies set activities for the homecoming of the Balangay Masawa Hong Butuan on February 4, 2011.
The arrival of the Balangay boat with its crew-men will be witnessed at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Office, this city.
It was learned that during the arrival, Kahimunan 2011 champion will perform once again to welcome the crew.
City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. will deliver his welcome message and will hand-in the award of recognition to the crew-men headed by former Transportation and Communication Undersecretary Arturo Valdez.
A Barangay Mass Dancing presentation will also be conducted by the 86 barangays of this city and will be followed with a press conference with local and national tri-media.
Meanwhile, the public will be entertained by the local bands during the nights’ jamming session dubbed as “Isang Bangka”.
With this upcoming event, city government hopes for the full support and participation of the general public that will also manifest unity of all Caraganons. (PIA-Caraga)
Pag-IBIG Fund Butuan sets social responsibility activities
The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund recently celebrated its 30th founding anniversary by having simultaneous activities scheduled by all its branches and extension offices nationwide.
In Butuan Branch, Pag-IBIG employees reached out to four institutions which were selected as areas for the Fund’s yearly social responsibility activities namely: the Agusan del Norte Provincial and Butuan City Jails, the Home for the Girls, CSWD’s Lingap Center and the Por Cristo Home for the abandoned elderly. While Pag-IBIG Fund Surigao Extension Office also went to the Charisma Bethel Children’s Home.
The Pag-IBIG Fund Butuan Branch visits started last December 11, 2010 in the jails where around 100 inmates were given blankets, hygiene kits and some snacks.
The inmates felt very grateful for the gift of visitation especially since most of them were already forgotten and abandoned by their families. Recently, the Home for Girls, CSWD Lingap Center and the Por Cristo residents also received some gift packages containing essential items such as towels, hygiene kits and medicines. Snack packs were also distributed.
Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Surigao Extension Office also shared with Charisma Bethel Children’s Home for the abandoned and abused children at Barangay Serna, Surigao City. Some 200 beneficiaries attended the social responsibility activities conducted by Butuan Branch personnel.
For Pag-IBIG Fund, as part of its anniversary celebration, giving and sharing to the less fortunate is a way of expressing deep gratitude for the blessings received the whole year round. (PAG-IBIG/PIA-Caraga)
NFA Shutdown Eyed
Chiz to Abad : Don’t shoot the messenger
Senator Chiz Escudero disagreed with plans to abolish the National Food Authority (NFA) as a way of addressing anomalies in the agency stemming from the excessive rice importation by the previous administration.
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said they were weighing the possibility of shutting down the NFA and transfer three of its key functions after the agency disclosed that it was saddled with P177 billion debt due to the excessive rice importation.
“That the present administrators of the NFA found malfeasance in rice importation from the previous does not deserve a knee-jerk reaction,” Escudero said. “The NFA still serves a purpose and should not be abolished although I agree that its mandate and processes should be reviewed at the very least.”
While the senator believes that the NFA’s system has long been plagued with inefficiency and corruption, he explained that this was not yet the proper time to abolish it.
“The NFA needs a policy overhaul and it must be made more relevant and in tune with the times and its flaws and shortcomings corrected,” Escudero explained.
To address the flaws in the system, Escudero proposed to economic managers to prioritize this, tap resources that could help stabilize market prices and aid the agricultural sector to make it self-sufficient.
“Every people’s need right now is food on their table. The poorest of the Filipino families belong to the agricultural sector. Forty percent of our labor force is directly dependent on agriculture. Boosting agricultural sufficiency will lower the cost of doing business in the country and will create a more stable business climate,” he said. (Office of Senator Chiz Escudero/PIA-Caraga)
20-40 years for carnappers – Chiz
Senator Chiz Escudero is seeking stiffer penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment against carjackers in a bid to stop the string of car thefts in the country.
The senator said penal provisions had rendered the existing law inutile in the face of the series of carjacking and had allowed criminal syndicates to carry out the criminal activity with ease.
Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, has filed a bill increasing the penalty for carjacking to a minimum of 20 years to 30 years if the offense was committed without violence and intimidation.
When carjacking is committed by means of violence against a person, Escudero wants a jail term of 30 years to a maximum of 40 years.
Under the current penal provision of Republic Act No. 6539, carjackers face a minimum of 14 years to a maximum of 17 years jail term, and 17 to 30 years imprisonment if the crime is committed by means of force or violence.
As such, it falls short of the minimum period for reclusion perpetua, which is at least 20 years and one day, a requisite to deny bail as a right under the above cited constitutional provision to be present.
“The criminal minds are no longer deterred by our penal code. Under the current law, the accused is entitled to post a bail as a matter of right. The crime has become very lucrative for these carjackers that they can just easily shell out money to post bail and walk scot-free,” Escudero pointed out.
The senator explained that once the minimum penalty is increased to 20 years and one day, it will satisfy the period covered by reclusion perpetua.
According to Escudero, strengthening the penal provision for carjacking would also deter the proliferation of other crimes.
“Logically and naturally, you will not use your own vehicle if you plan to commit a crime. Gunrunners, robbers, drug traffickers have always been found to use a get-away vehicle snatched from other innocent individuals,” the senator said. (Office of Senator Chiz Escudero/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda calls for strengthening of tropical fabrics industry to maximize its benefits to the country
In celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Day, Senator Loren Legarda today urged the government and concerned sectors to strengthen the tropical fabrics industry to capitalize on the benefits that it would bring to other industries in the country.
By: David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Jan. 25 (PIA) - Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza sign Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Philippines Open University Chancellor, Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso that marks the start of the distant learning scholarship program of Agusan del Sur.
The distant learning program, according to Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, is a scholarship grant of the provincial government to qualified students and employees of the provincial government who are willing to pursue their baccalaureate, masteral and doctors’ degree thru on-line studies.
According to Gov. Plaza, the program is one of the components of his administration’s thrust to give quality education to Agusanons in order that they become competent and responsible citizens for a better and brighter future.
“This is a rare opportunity for our people, especially the young graduates who are themselves scholars of the provincial government to pursue their dreams to become masters and doctors. We know very well that opportunities in acquiring a stable job, or become leaders and managers passes thru stiff competition, and we do not want that people from Agusan del Sur will be behind the competition. If you are aware, we have scholars who already graduated doctors of medicine, teachers, engineers and other courses and are now serving our brothers and sisters in the province. But our aim does not end there. We keep on studying how we can give even more for our people, and this distant learning program is one of those we see that can elevate the standard and quality of our brothers and sisters in terms of education,” Gov. Plaza said.
According to Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, while intellect is number one qualification of an applicant for scholarship, they will also give more weight to sincerity, dedication, honesty and self confidence.
“The selection process is rigid. But we want our scholars to become a true and responsible Agusanons that will give their sincere services to their people after they graduate,” Vice Gov. Santiago Cane said.
The screening of qualified scholars, according to Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, is right in his office. The qualified scholars will be announced before the school year starts on June, 2011. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
New Siargao Div. Supt. assumes office
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Caraga has announced the appointment of Teresita Tranquilan as the new superintendent assigned in Siargao.
DepEd Caraga Director Dr. Gloria Benigno formally installed Teresita Tranquilan as the newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of Deped Siargao Division on Jan. 20, 2011.
Tranquilan was formerly assigned in Butuan City as Asst. Schools Division Superintendent for three years and Agusan del Sur for two and half years prior to her new appointment in Siargao. She is currently writing her dissertation at Fr. Saturnino Urios University in Butuan City and a Career Service Executive Eligible (CSEE).
When asked about her plans for Siargao Division, Tranquilan said that basically she is for quality education. “I am with the governor in her aspiration for quality education, and high academic achievement for the pupils. That’s my main thrust.”
Meanwhile, outgoing Siargao Division Superintendent Dr. Daylinda Tampus will serve as the new Schools Division Superintendent of Butuan City. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao de Norte)
180 Nurses kinahanglanon para sa RNHeals Project
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 25 (PIA) - 180 ka mga nurse ang karon gikinahanglan para sa 2011 RNHeals Project dinhi lamang sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte nga pagasugdan sa Pebrero 14, 2011. Kini ang gitaho ni Mr. Emilio Pantejo, ang Provincial Manpower Training Center Officer (PMTC) sa Provincial Capitol pinaagi sa Memorandum Order nga gipirmahan ni Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) niadtong Enero 13, 2011.
Kining RNHeals Project nga gitimbiyaan sa DOLE, Department of Health (DOH), DSWD ug kauban usab ang PRC Board of Nursing nag punting sa 10,000 ka mga nurse nga ipakanat sa mga lugar sa Pilipinas nga gitudlo sa buhatan sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ubos sa ilang programang Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) sulod sa usa ka tuig.
Ang pagpangdawat sa mga aplikante magsugod sa Enero 17, 2011 hantud sa Pebrero 4, 2011 ug ang mga aplikante giawhag sa pagkumpleto sa mga mosunod nga mga rekisitos: Adunay balido nga lisensya gikan sa PRC; Lumulupyo sa maong CCT nga lugar; Labing mayo kung wala mag praktis sa pag ka-nurse sulod sa miaging tulo ka tuig; Medical Certificate gikan sa hospital sa gobyerno nga nagmatuod nga siya pwede nga magtrabaho; Ug dili dawaton kadtong mga benepisyaryo sa niadtong NARS project ug mga nag-drop out dinhi.
Adunay duha ka proseso sa pag-apply o pag pa-rehistro: pinaagi sa online www.nars.dole.gov.ph diin pagabasahon sa aplikante ang instruction o pahimatngon ug tubagon kini pinaagi sa pag fill-up dayon, I print nga adunay control number. Unya hulaton na lang ang pag-anunsyo sa mga napili nga mga nurse-trainee.
Ang ikaduha nga paagi mao ang manual diin ang aplikante moadto na lang sa Provincial Office sa opisina ni Mr. Pantejo aron tabangan sa ilang pag-apply pinaagi gihapon sa website.
Ang mga lugar nga giila nga DSWD CCT ug ang gikinahanglan gidaghanon nga mga nurse mao ang mosunod: Surigao City – 9; Alegria – 9; Bacuag – 12; Burgos – 9; Claver – 7; Del Carmen – 9; General Luna – 9; Gigaquit – 8; Mainit – 11; Malimono – 9; Pilar – 9; Placer – 10; San Benito – 9; San Francisco – 12; Sta. Monica – 9; Sison – 12; Socorro – 8; Taganaan – 8; Tubod – 11. (Surigao del Norte PGO-Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano News: Military gipakusgan ang pwersa sa Surigao del Sur
Tandag, Surigao del Sur, January 25 (PIA) - Gipakusgan karon ang pwersa sa Militar dinhi sa Surigao del Sur pinaagi sa pagdugang ug usa ka batalyon nga temporaryo nga nakabase sa Aras asan, Cagwait ning probinsiya.
Kahinumduman atol sa unang Provincial and Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting dili pa lang dugay, gipaila ni 401st brigade Commander Col. Augusto Tolentino ang bag ong Batalyon Commander sa 29IB nga si LTC Henry Robinson.
Pinaagi sa PPOC Chair nga si Gov. Johnny Pimentel, mainiton nga giabi-abi sa mga membro sa council ang pagbalik ug sa 29IB dinhi sa Surigao del Sur, ikatulong batalyon ubos sa pagdumala sa 401st brigade.
Matud pa ni Tolentino, tumong niini nga makab-ot ang kadaugan sa kalinaw dili lamang pinaagi sa giyera nga maoy naandan kaniadto batok sa mga CPP/NPA/NDF kon gipamub-an na karon sa tawag nga CNN.
Sa laing bahin gitumbok ni Tolentino ang kinatibuk-ang sitwasyon dili lamang sa Pilipinas kung diin matud pa sa opisyal nga kapin na ug upat ka dekada ang pakig-away pinaagi sa giyera batok sa mga CNN apan hangtod karon nagpabilin ang kagubot nga way kasulbaran. Gitumbok sa opisyal ang “Paradigm Shift’ kun pag bag-o sa ilang taktika batok sa mga CNN.
Matud pa nga ang tumong sa bag-ong Commander-in-Chief’s Security Agenda mao ang pagkab-ot sa kalinaw imbes nga lupigon ang kaaway. Ang pag implementar ug Peace and Development project maoy usa ka paagi nga natagamtaman na dinhe sa Surigao del Sur. (NGBTranquilan/PIA Surigao del Sur)
.
Tagalog News: PNP, kumpirmado ang tumaas na bilang ng pamamaslang sa mga Forest Ranger
Tandag, Surigao del Sur, January 25 – Kumpirmado ng PNP sa Surigao del Sur ang nangyayaring panibagong pamamaslang sa isang “forest ranger” ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) higit isang linggo na ang nakakaraan.
Ayon kay Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Julito Diray, pangatlong insidente na ito sa loob ng nakalipas na humigi-kumulang anim (6) na buwan. Pinaka-unang kaso naman ito ngayong taon, aniya. Ang biktima ay kinikilalang si Jacinto Fernandez Dragas, 55 years old, married ng Km. 3 Tabon, Bislig City.
Batay sa paunang imbestigasyon ng Bislig City Police Station, tatlo (3) umanong kahinahinalang mga suspetsado na pawang nakasuot ng jacket at ball cap ang dumating sa lugar malapit sa pinangyarihan noong Enero 23, nang araw na mapaslang si Dragas habang nasa balkonahe ng kapitbahay. Ayon sa ulat, nagtamo ito ng tatlong (3) tama ng bala mula sa kalibre.45. Karaniwang sa illegal iniuugnay ang motibo ng ganitong kaso ditto. (Greg Tataro, Jr./PIA Surigao del Sur)
City govt sets activities for the homecoming of the Balangay Masawa Hong Butuan
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) – The city government here together with the regional and national line agencies set activities for the homecoming of the Balangay Masawa Hong Butuan on February 4, 2011.
The arrival of the Balangay boat with its crew-men will be witnessed at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Office, this city.
It was learned that during the arrival, Kahimunan 2011 champion will perform once again to welcome the crew.
City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. will deliver his welcome message and will hand-in the award of recognition to the crew-men headed by former Transportation and Communication Undersecretary Arturo Valdez.
A Barangay Mass Dancing presentation will also be conducted by the 86 barangays of this city and will be followed with a press conference with local and national tri-media.
Meanwhile, the public will be entertained by the local bands during the nights’ jamming session dubbed as “Isang Bangka”.
With this upcoming event, city government hopes for the full support and participation of the general public that will also manifest unity of all Caraganons. (PIA-Caraga)
Pag-IBIG Fund Butuan sets social responsibility activities
The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund recently celebrated its 30th founding anniversary by having simultaneous activities scheduled by all its branches and extension offices nationwide.
In Butuan Branch, Pag-IBIG employees reached out to four institutions which were selected as areas for the Fund’s yearly social responsibility activities namely: the Agusan del Norte Provincial and Butuan City Jails, the Home for the Girls, CSWD’s Lingap Center and the Por Cristo Home for the abandoned elderly. While Pag-IBIG Fund Surigao Extension Office also went to the Charisma Bethel Children’s Home.
The Pag-IBIG Fund Butuan Branch visits started last December 11, 2010 in the jails where around 100 inmates were given blankets, hygiene kits and some snacks. The inmates felt very grateful for the gift of visitation especially since most of them were already forgotten and abandoned by their families. Recently, the Home for Girls, CSWD Lingap Center and the Por Cristo residents also received some gift packages containing essential items such as towels, hygiene kits and medicines. Snack packs were also distributed.
Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Surigao Extension Office also shared with Charisma Bethel Children’s Home for the abandoned and abused children at Barangay Serna, Surigao City. Some 200 beneficiaries attended the social responsibility activities conducted by Butuan Branch personnel.
For Pag-IBIG Fund, as part of its anniversary celebration, giving and sharing to the less fortunate is a way of expressing deep gratitude for the blessings received the whole year round. (PAG-IBIG/PIA-Caraga)
NFA Shutdown Eyed
Chiz to Abad : Don’t shoot the messenger
Senator Chiz Escudero disagreed with plans to abolish the National Food Authority (NFA) as a way of addressing anomalies in the agency stemming from the excessive rice importation by the previous administration.
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said they were weighing the possibility of shutting down the NFA and transfer three of its key functions after the agency disclosed that it was saddled with P177 billion debt due to the excessive rice importation.
“That the present administrators of the NFA found malfeasance in rice importation from the previous does not deserve a knee-jerk reaction,” Escudero said. “The NFA still serves a purpose and should not be abolished although I agree that its mandate and processes should be reviewed at the very least.”
While the senator believes that the NFA’s system has long been plagued with inefficiency and corruption, he explained that this was not yet the proper time to abolish it.
“The NFA needs a policy overhaul and it must be made more relevant and in tune with the times and its flaws and shortcomings corrected,” Escudero explained.
To address the flaws in the system, Escudero proposed to economic managers to prioritize this, tap resources that could help stabilize market prices and aid the agricultural sector to make it self-sufficient.
“Every people’s need right now is food on their table. The poorest of the Filipino families belong to the agricultural sector. Forty percent of our labor force is directly dependent on agriculture. Boosting agricultural sufficiency will lower the cost of doing business in the country and will create a more stable business climate,” he said. (Office of Senator Chiz Escudero/PIA-Caraga)
20-40 years for carnappers – Chiz
Senator Chiz Escudero is seeking stiffer penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment against carjackers in a bid to stop the string of car thefts in the country.
The senator said penal provisions had rendered the existing law inutile in the face of the series of carjacking and had allowed criminal syndicates to carry out the criminal activity with ease.
Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, has filed a bill increasing the penalty for carjacking to a minimum of 20 years to 30 years if the offense was committed without violence and intimidation.
When carjacking is committed by means of violence against a person, Escudero wants a jail term of 30 years to a maximum of 40 years.
Under the current penal provision of Republic Act No. 6539, carjackers face a minimum of 14 years to a maximum of 17 years jail term, and 17 to 30 years imprisonment if the crime is committed by means of force or violence.
As such, it falls short of the minimum period for reclusion perpetua, which is at least 20 years and one day, a requisite to deny bail as a right under the above cited constitutional provision to be present.
“The criminal minds are no longer deterred by our penal code. Under the current law, the accused is entitled to post a bail as a matter of right. The crime has become very lucrative for these carjackers that they can just easily shell out money to post bail and walk scot-free,” Escudero pointed out.
The senator explained that once the minimum penalty is increased to 20 years and one day, it will satisfy the period covered by reclusion perpetua.
According to Escudero, strengthening the penal provision for carjacking would also deter the proliferation of other crimes.
“Logically and naturally, you will not use your own vehicle if you plan to commit a crime. Gunrunners, robbers, drug traffickers have always been found to use a get-away vehicle snatched from other innocent individuals,” the senator said. (Office of Senator Chiz Escudero/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda calls for strengthening of tropical fabrics industry to maximize its benefits to the country
In celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Day, Senator Loren Legarda today urged the government and concerned sectors to strengthen the tropical fabrics industry to capitalize on the benefits that it would bring to other industries in the country.
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Legarda said that the faithful implementation of Republic Act 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which she authored, will help jumpstart the effort to build up the tropical fabrics industry, while giving a much needed boost to the agricultural and industrial sectors. It will also create diversity in the textile and fashion industry, which will give Filipino fashion designers and garment manufacturers more choices in textiles to use.
“RA 9242 intends to promote the country’s natural fabrics through the use of such materials for official uniforms of government officials and employees, with the end in view of strengthening the local fiber industry. This law will also boost the agricultural sector, which will provide the raw materials such as pineapple, banana, and abaca fibers,” she said.
The Senator noted that according to the Department of Science and Technology, producing a set of uniforms that contain 20% indigenous fiber blend would need approximately 571 metric tons of pineapple, or 691 MT of banana, or 627 MT of abaca fibers; thus, it would generate additional income for farmers of these specific crops.
“The strengthening of the tropical fabrics industry is also attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable development and preserving our nation’s rich heritage. While being environment-friendly, this effort also instills pride and a sense of identity and nationalism in Filipinos as they use fabrics which are distinctly Filipino made,” Legarda said.
She added that a lot of work still needs to be done to be able to boost the industry. These efforts include: the establishment of a reliable supply of materials, the use of modern high technology machinery for greater productivity, the grant of financial assistance to the industry, setting up skills training program to produce more loom-weavers and artists, and promoting foreign investments and linkages in the industry to achieve scale economies.
“We all have to do our share. We have to work together to make this potential a reality, make our distinct fabrics known by the world, and preserve the art of Filipino weaving,” Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda condemns killing of broadcaster in Palawan
Senator Loren Legarda today denounced the killing of a broadcaster in Palawan as she stressed the urgency of passing proposed legislation that will qualify as murder the killing of members of media in the performance of their duties.
Legarda said that the killing of Gerardo Ortega, a radio commentator known to be a staunch critic of mining operations in Palawan, is a loss not only to the media industry but also to the environment sector.
“It is lamentable that a journalist, who courageously advocated for environment protection, had to die brutally. I condemn in the strongest sense this reckless act of violence committed against a seeker of truth and protector of the earth,” she said.
Ortega, anchor of the daily radio program “Ramatak” aired over local station dwAR, was shot in the head on Monday at about 10:30 am outside a commercial establishment in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Legarda, a former broadcast journalist, said that such acts committed against members of the media even in broad daylight shows the urgency of passing Senate Bill 1426, now under Committee Report No. 9, which seeks to qualify the killing of members of media in the performance of their duties from mere homicide to murder.
“According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Ortega is the 142nd journalist killed since 1986. Even under democratic rule, violence against members of the Fourth Estate will not cease if we do nothing about it. We have to put a stop to the killing of journalists and media practitioners. This measure will help protect them while in the lawful exercise of their functions,” Legarda stressed. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda said that the faithful implementation of Republic Act 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which she authored, will help jumpstart the effort to build up the tropical fabrics industry, while giving a much needed boost to the agricultural and industrial sectors. It will also create diversity in the textile and fashion industry, which will give Filipino fashion designers and garment manufacturers more choices in textiles to use.
“RA 9242 intends to promote the country’s natural fabrics through the use of such materials for official uniforms of government officials and employees, with the end in view of strengthening the local fiber industry. This law will also boost the agricultural sector, which will provide the raw materials such as pineapple, banana, and abaca fibers,” she said.
The Senator noted that according to the Department of Science and Technology, producing a set of uniforms that contain 20% indigenous fiber blend would need approximately 571 metric tons of pineapple, or 691 MT of banana, or 627 MT of abaca fibers; thus, it would generate additional income for farmers of these specific crops.
“The strengthening of the tropical fabrics industry is also attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable development and preserving our nation’s rich heritage. While being environment-friendly, this effort also instills pride and a sense of identity and nationalism in Filipinos as they use fabrics which are distinctly Filipino made,” Legarda said.
She added that a lot of work still needs to be done to be able to boost the industry. These efforts include: the establishment of a reliable supply of materials, the use of modern high technology machinery for greater productivity, the grant of financial assistance to the industry, setting up skills training program to produce more loom-weavers and artists, and promoting foreign investments and linkages in the industry to achieve scale economies.
“We all have to do our share. We have to work together to make this potential a reality, make our distinct fabrics known by the world, and preserve the art of Filipino weaving,” Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda condemns killing of broadcaster in Palawan
Senator Loren Legarda today denounced the killing of a broadcaster in Palawan as she stressed the urgency of passing proposed legislation that will qualify as murder the killing of members of media in the performance of their duties.
Legarda said that the killing of Gerardo Ortega, a radio commentator known to be a staunch critic of mining operations in Palawan, is a loss not only to the media industry but also to the environment sector.
“It is lamentable that a journalist, who courageously advocated for environment protection, had to die brutally. I condemn in the strongest sense this reckless act of violence committed against a seeker of truth and protector of the earth,” she said.
Ortega, anchor of the daily radio program “Ramatak” aired over local station dwAR, was shot in the head on Monday at about 10:30 am outside a commercial establishment in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City.
Legarda, a former broadcast journalist, said that such acts committed against members of the media even in broad daylight shows the urgency of passing Senate Bill 1426, now under Committee Report No. 9, which seeks to qualify the killing of members of media in the performance of their duties from mere homicide to murder.
“According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Ortega is the 142nd journalist killed since 1986. Even under democratic rule, violence against members of the Fourth Estate will not cease if we do nothing about it. We have to put a stop to the killing of journalists and media practitioners. This measure will help protect them while in the lawful exercise of their functions,” Legarda stressed. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
