(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


PIA News Service - Thursday, March 3, 2011

Preparations up for Palarong Pampook 2011 in Surigao Norte

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 3 (PIA) - The preparation for the 14th Palarong Pampook 2011 scheduled on March 13-17, 2011 is right on track, Governor Sol Matugas informed the media recently.

Gov. Matugas acknowledged the people in the various committees where DepED and provincial government point persons are working together. Matugas said the organizing committees are composed of a very efficient people and “they have been meeting almost every day.”

Gov. Matugas said the grand opening parade will be held at the Surigao City Boulevard on March 13 at exactly 3pm. Formal opening will be conducted at the new Provincial Sports Complex which will be followed by a fireworks display.

Former DepED Secretary and now DBM Secretary Florencio Abad will be the keynote speaker for the formal opening.

A total of 17 games for the elementary level and 18 games for the secondary level which include Arnis and Basketball (played by girls) will be played in the palaro events.

Aside from the palaro events, Matugas said that nightly socio-cultural activities, which will showcase the “culture of excellence” of the Surigaonons, will also be presented.

The event is anchored on the theme: “Harnessing the Youth Power through Quality Sports.” (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Atmosphere of peace looms

By: David M. Suyao

The release of PO3 Jorge Sabatin had proven that the coveted peace between the NPA and the government forces may soon be realized.

During the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Josefina Bajade, revealed that after she and Vice Gov. Santiago Cane went to the camp of Conrado Heredia Command-Front 20, the NPA, who called themselves Democratic Government of the People, the NPA leaders continued contacting them thru cellular phone to arrange a dialogue with different leaders of Agusan del Sur for the possibility of a lasting peace.

“We were there in their camp. At first, no one will believe the place is a rebel camp itself. We were guided into a makeshift tent, where there were already chairs and tables prepared. PO3 Sabatin was sitting at the middle of the tent, his face a little haggard with slight smile on his lips,” Vice Gov. Santiago Cane said.

According to Roel Agustin, spokesman of Front-20, “we know that the operations of the government troops are ongoing in order to rescue PO3 Sabatin, but from our side, we assure of the security and comfort of Sabatin under the guerrilla law while he is under our custody.”

With this development, Vice Gov. Cane and SP member Gilbert Elorde, chair of the Peace and Order Committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said they will present the idea to Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, of forming a team to represent the PPOC during the dialogue with the Front-20 committee of the NPA and find a solution to the century-old conflict between the government and the local NPA.

According to 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Rodrigo Diapana, if the proposal of the NPA is genuine, it’s a very good indication they want to achieve peace and we are tired of fighting each other. “If they are willing to talk to me regarding the attainment of lasting peace, I will ensure their safety and security. Their attempt by calling Mrs. Bajade to talk on peace is a very good indication that they want to obtain lasting peace, like the military,” Col Diapana said.

Upon approval of the proposal to be presented by Vice. Gov. Santiago Cane and SP member Gilbert Elorde to Gov. Eddiebong Plaza, a team from the PPOC will be organized in order to meet the NPA to talk on peace processes. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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FREEDOM to conduct micro enterprise dev’t workshop in Agusan del Norte

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, March 3 (PIA) – The Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (FREEDOM) will conduct a workshop on Micro Enterprise Development in Agusan del Norte in an effort to empower local indigenous peoples' communities to be in the mainstream of development.

The event is an important and strategic endeavour which is co-sponsored by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and the Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Rural Micro Enterprise Program (RuMEPP).

The DTI, through its RuMEPP program has engaged with FREEDOM to undertake the implementation of the DTI-RuMEPP-LGU Partnership Project which is aimed towards the development of micro enterprises in cities and municipalities in Caraga Region.

The workshop is scheduled on Monday, March 7, 2011at the Provincial Training Center, Capitol, this city.

The RuMEPP and LGU promoting partnership project in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte with FREEDOM intends to serve as a convergence mechanism for the development of micro enterprises in the localities of the three provinces.

The Project undertaking seeks to harmonize policies in the LGU, Provincial and DTI offices on the development of micro enterprises. Memorandum of Agreements between the DTI RuMEPP, LGU and Provincial Government will be forged to implement the promotion of micro enterprises in their respective areas.

It can be recalled that on same activity was conducted in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on February 22, 2011 with the presentation of the proposed memorandum of agreement between the participating local government unit and DTI RuMEPP partnership, highlighted the workshop.

Organized in the Philippine in June 2009, FREEDOM, with its headquarters located in Davao City and a branch in Butuan City support its noteworthy projects in Caraga Region to help uplift the economic condition of the Caraganons, being included in the top four poorest provinces in the Philippines. (PIA-Caraga)

402nd Brigade-PIA to conduct basic communication skills training for soldiers

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, March 3 – The 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Caraga Region plans to conduct basic communication skills training for soldiers during a roundtable discussion with Col Rodrigo Diapana of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division and Ltc Efrain Oropel, Camp Bancasi Commander, held at PIA-Caraga Regional Office, this city.

According to PIA-Caraga OIC-Regional Director, the two military officials have initiated the move to partner with the government’s information agency for the conduct of a communication skills training to the soldiers of the armed forces.

Dir. Caga added that this move of the armed forces is timely and relevant in support to the effort of the Aquino administration in promoting transparency and accountability governance to the public.

Caga further said, the Philippine Army and the PIA will meet for the finalization of the event. (PIA-Caraga)

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Indigenous peoples' multi-sectoral convergence seminar set in Butuan

SURIGAO CITY, Mar. 3 (PIA) - A follow-up seminar for the development of the Indigenous Peoples in Caraga Region is set on March 3-4 at the Prince Hotel, Butuan City.

The said Capacity Enhancement Training is intended for multi-sectoral partners aimed primarily at finalizing specific multi-sectoral convergence cluster plans; review the arrangements for the implementation of the said plans and formulate a site-specific local Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in protecting the rights of the local indigenous people.

A team-building activity will then be conducted to strengthen the relationship between the different partner agencies.

This 2-day activity is supported and spearheaded by the ILO- Indigenous Peoples Development Program (IPDP) of Caraga, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion International para del Desarrollo (AECID).

Earlier, a pre-activity was already held in Surigao City focusing on the local IP- the Mamanwa’s ancestral domain in the province including those delineated in the Philippine Constitution, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) and the nation’s medium-term development plans. (Susil Ragas, PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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PNP forms “all-women” police battalion as Women’s Month kicks-off

Police Regional Office 13, Caraga Regional Director Reynaldo S. Rafal, formed a battalion-strong “all-women police force” to highlight the kick-off celebration of Women’s Month.

The battalion strength of an “all-women” police force will be paraded during the kick-off activities at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, this city, early morning Monday (March 7), said PCInsp. Nelly T. Villagarcia, PRO 13 chief information officer.

The guest of honor and speaker for the occasion will be Atty. Marilyn M. Pintor, the Regional Director of the Commission On Human Rights 13, and also the chairperson of the Gender And Development Coordinating Council (GADCC). The representatives from the various government line agencies, non-governmental organizations, local government units and private sectors will also be attending the said activity signifying the start of the women’s month.

The battalion-size all women police force will be under the command of PSupt.(Lt. Col) Noemi P. Austero, of the PNP 13 Crime Laboratory. The officer will be assisted by: PSInsp. Ritzhe L. Pagaduan (S1), PSInsp. Jocelyn Ruby M. Perez (S2), PSInsp. Leziel B. Mindana (S3), and PSInsp. Analee C. Palima (S4).

Under them will be company commanders: PInsp. Junalyn B. Suan (Alpha) and PInsp. Venus E. Sarvida (Bravo). The color officer will be PInsp. Tessie R. Moleta.

The 2011 Women’s Month Celebration will have as its theme: Magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In Support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

The celebration will be anchored on the importance of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, the national translation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women or the CEDAW, to the achievement of the eight (8) Millennium Development Goals, namely: 1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; 2) Achieve universal primary education; 3) Promote gender equality and empower women; 4) Reduce child mortality; 5) Improve maternal health; 6) Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7) Ensure environmental sustainability and 8) Develop a global partnership for development. (Noel B. Najarro/PIA-Caraga)

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PSWD spearheads 2-day community disaster volunteers training

TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, March 3 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru the office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) spearheaded two-day Community Disaster Volunteers Training which started Wednesday, (March 2) at Shacene Pension House, Tandag.

In an interview with PSWD Officer May Navidad G. Salinas, the activity was participated by disaster volunteers, staff of Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office, and Day Care workers from 17 municipalities and 2 cities here.

On Wednesday, Eval B. Makinano, DSWD 13-Training Officer bared that the Philippines ranks third in terms of absolute number of disaster and ranked as number one disaster prone country in the world. Disaster statistics showed that an average of 1,263,569 families are affected per year; 112,514 (8.52%) families rendered homeless; 337,984 (25.595%) families need to repair dwelling; and the average number of casualties recorded per year are 991 dead and 1,595 injured.

Makinano further explained the declaration of policies of the Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1566, otherwise known as Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Control, Capability and Establishing the National Program on Community Disaster Preparedness approved on 1978.

Accordingly, PD 1566 was the basis of the RA 10121 or an Act Strengthening the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction for the National Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Appropriating Funds therefore and for Other Purposes approved on May 27, 2010.

The training aimed to equip the disaster volunteers with knowledge on disaster preparedness management. (NGBTranquilan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Consultation workshop on disaster risk reduction set in Caraga region

By: Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 3 (PIA) - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga is set to hold a regional consultation workshop on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) framework in the region on March 24, this city.

According to Regional Disaster risk Reduction management council (RDRRMC) chairperson and OCD regional director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong, the workshop aims to revisit the current disaster management framework of Caraga region and review the key concepts of Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 otherwise known as “An act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes.”

Said workshop will convene all RDRRMC members both national government agencies and local government units particularly the heads of office and its focal persons.

RDRRMC is responsible to carry out coordination, integration, supervision, monitoring and evaluation functions covering the regional council member agencies and the local disaster risk reduction management councils. It is also responsible in ensuring risk-sensitive regional development plans. (PIA-Caraga)

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ILO, AECID laud PIA-Caraga

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, March 4 (PIA) – The International Labor Organization (ILO), and the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) lauded the efforts of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga for supporting the programs of the Indigenous Peoples Development Programme (IPDP) in the Region through the agency’s communication support by disseminating information to the public.

In a luncheon meeting held Thursday in one of the local hotels here, Mr. Domingo Nayahangan, Programme Manager of IPDP-Caraga said the meeting was purposively called by ILO and AECID to acknowledge the communication support rendered by PIA-Caraga and thus, bringing the information on the plans and programs of IPDP-Caraga closer to the people through the information and communication dissemination strategies implemented by the information arm of the government.

“We want to personally thank you and your agency for continuously supporting the cause of ILO and AECID and promoting and disseminating information to public on the thrusts, programs, and projects of our funding organization,” Nayahangan said.

All personnel of PIA-Caraga were invited to the said luncheon meeting where forging of partnership was made with PIA committed to continuously support the program which is also the mandate of the agency to provide communication support by way of creating a wider venue of dissemination of developmental news and information. (PIA-Caraga)

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Reintegration of former rebels discussed in planning workshop

By: David M. Suyao

The Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development, together with various line agencies involved with planning and providing technical assistance and resources to former rebels (FRs) met last week to come up with projects to fit the needs and capabilities of former rebels before the Office of the Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (OPAPP) provides the funds.

According to PSWD chief Josefina Bajade, the group had identified various livelihood programs that can be easily financed by the funds from OPAPP and are acceptable to the FRs. Among them are farming, sari-sari store and vulcanizing.

“Many of our FRs are farmers, so we give more weight on the number of FRs who engaged themselves farming while we also identified what kind of crops they planted when they were still farming. In that process, we have learned that many were engaged in rice farming, while others have knowledge in corn farming and rubber trees growing. For other livelihood aside from farming, we encourage them to group themselves so that they can start on a bigger capital. Just like when they choose to establish a sari-sari store.

If only one FR will venture into a sari-sari store, I am sure his capital will be very small, so I believe that the project will find a hard chance to prosper,” Bajade said.

According to Bajade, only 50 FRs will be accommodated during the first batch of the implementation. Unlike the previous years where OPAPP had granted P50,000 each for the livelihood program, this year’s amount of grant will depend upon the weight of the livelihood project and the determination of the recipient in order to ensure the program’s success.

It can be recalled that in 2009, the OPAPP, thru the provincial government of Agusan del Sur/ PSWD had granted to more than 400 FRs in the province, an immediate cash assistance worth P20,000 each and livelihood assistance worth P50,000 each, or its equivalent in kind. That time, Agusan del Sur has the biggest number of FRs who received assistance from the government nationwide.

Among the agencies that participated in the planning workshop are the 75th Infantry Battalion, the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office, 26th IB of the army, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the 402nd Infantry Brigade, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Department of Education, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Department of Trade and Industry and project officer of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD).

The OPAPP was represented by Elena Padua and Christopher Azucena while the OPAPP – Payapang Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) was represented by Dir. Rolly Asuncion. Cecilia Lisondra of the PSWDO who represents PSWD chief Josefina Bajade presides the meeting. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Cebuano News: ABC andam muabag sa Matag Barangay sa ilang pagproseso sa mga papeles

Gibutyag ni Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president, Hon. Nestor Amora nga andam motabang ang ilang buhatan sa pagproseso sa bisan unsang matang sa mga papeles may kalabutan sa panginahanglanon sa Barangay.

Kini kalabot sa natagamtamang kalisdanan sa mga Punong Barangay sa ilang pagproseso sa mga papeles sama sa barangay Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), Procurement system (Barangay Office Supplies) pagproseso sa mga infra nga proyekto, payroll ug labaw sa tanan ang ayuda alang sa katawhan sama sa abuno sa dugo, medical assistance, burial assistance, balayronon sa hospital, sakyanan sa paglubong ug daghan pa.

Gipadangat ni Hon. Amora sa tanang barangay nga ang buhatan sa ABC nahimutang sa Basement, niining City Hall Building ug abli sa katawhan nga moserbisyo sugod sa alas 8 sa buntag hangtod sa alas 5 sa hapon.

Ang maong programa sa ABC hugot nga gisuportahan ni Hon. Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., alang sa dugang kalambuan sa 86 barangay ning Butuan. (Ritchelle Encabo, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: LIGA Meeting, Nagmalampuson

Nagmalampuson ang ikaduhang LIGA meeting niadtong Pebrero 16, 2011 didto sa Girls Scout Building, Butuan City, nga gipangunahan ni Hon. Nestor Amora,President Association Of Barangay Captains (ABC).

Ang Mga Proposed Resolution mao ang musunod:

1.1 Proposed Resolution requiring each of the 86 Barangays of the City of Butuan to contribute five (5) bags of blood per annum to the blood letting campaign of the Liga ng mga Punong Barangay.

1.2 Proposed Resolution establishing the policy of releasing burial assistance in the form of coffin for the dead indigents in any of the 86 Barangays of Butuan City.

1.3 Proposed Resolution requesting the City Mayor Hon. Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., thru the Sanguniang Panlungsod of the City of Butuan, to provide a complete dose of medicine for dog bite victims who are certified indigents by the Punong Barangays of Butuan City.

1.4 Proposed Resolution requesting the Chief Lottery Operations Officer, Ms. Gloria C. Ybañez of blood processing fee as required by the Philippine National Red Cross, Butuan City Chapter.

Ang maong programa sa ABC hugot nga gisuportahan ni Hon. Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., alang sa dugang kalambuan sa 86 barangays ug nanghinaot nga mapadayon ang pagpanerbisyo uban sa iyang mga kabanay sa Dakbayan sa Butuan. (Ritchelle Encabo, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Schedule sa ANTI-RABBIES PROGRAM Gipadayon

Aron mahalikay ang katawhan sa peligro sa mga rabbies sa iro, ug kalabot sa programa ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., nagpagawas og eskedyul alang sa pagpahigayon og Defluking with Anti Rabbies Vaccine Treatment (ARVT) ang Buhatan sa City Veterinary ngadto sa mga nagkadaiyang barangay, kini ang musunod: Marso 07, 2011 - Brgy. Tiniwisan; Marso 08, 2011 - Brgy. Sumilihon; Marso 09, 2011 - Brgy. Villa Kananga; Marso 10, 2011 -Brgy. Doongan; ug Marso 11, 2011 - Brgy. Ambago

Kini nga kalihokan pangunayan ug pangunahan ni Dr. Mancio Danilo A. Alegado, hepe sa maong buhatan, uban sa iyang mga staff, diin plano niini nga maserbisyohan ang tanang katawhan nga adunay binuhi nga mga iro. Gihangyo sa buhatan ang tanan nga mo-avail niini nga programa aron malikayan ang pagtaas sa ihap sa kaso sa rabies. (Ritchelle Encabo, Butuan City-PIO/PIA-Caraga)