(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 13 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Wednesday, April 27, 2011

DOE set to distribute Pantawid Pasada card starting May 2

by Robert E. Roperos

QUEZON CITY, Apr. 27 (PIA) -- Department of Energy is set to distribute the Pantawid Pasada Card to jeepney drivers who have legitimate franchises on May 2 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The pronouncement was made Tuesday by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Management Conference and Launching of the Pantawid Pasada Communication Program held at Rembrandt Hotel here.

According to Sec. Almendras, the distribution of the Pantawid Pasada Cards in NCR is expected to take five days. This will be managed by five different groups, with each group having four members from the DOE, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

For NCR, an LTFRB official will confirm if the claimant is included in the list of legitimate franchisee of jeepneys.

To qualify, the energy secretary said jeepney drivers must present the original franchise certificate, as well as the Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of Motor Vehicle, and two of any of the valid IDs such as: driver’s license, passport, GSIS/SSS, PhilHealth, Voter’s ID, firearms license, and seman’s book.

Sec. Almendras also said the program will be implemented in the regional and provincial level soon.

“Pantawid Pasada Program” is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that aims to provide financial assistance to the public transport sector through cash grants to reduce the impact of increasing fuel prices on the riding and consuming public.

Specifically, the program aims to provide assistance to the transport sector, such as jeepneys and tricycles by distributing 60,000 fuel cards to jeepney operators and drivers to ease their daily fuel expenses.

Almendras said the program also `aims to cushion the impacts of oil price hikes as the growing unrest in the Middle East and North Africa continues to create uncertainty in the international and local markets, defuse the emergence of fare hikes and, instill awareness on their responsibility to be part of the solution by practicing energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) measures. (PIA-Caraga)


PENRO monitoring closely mining activities in Surigao Sur

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Provincial Environment Office (PENRO) under the Local Govenment Unit (LGU) of Surigao del Sur is closely monitoring all mining activities in the province, following the incident in Compostella Valley where at least eight miners have died due to landslide.

Mr. Gabriel Perez, Acting PENRO-LGU Chief particularly pointed out the massive destructions in Barangay Tambis, Barobo town, 105 kms south from here as a result of illegal small scale gold mining.

According to Perez, a cease and desist order has already been served to all concerned individuals who are allegedly involved in the illegal mining which is the main livelihood of some residents in the area.

However, before taking any action, PENRO-LGU said they had yet to conduct environmental inspection and verification. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)


For the peaceful resolution of Agusan Sur hostage-taking
PNP-Caraga chief lauded cops

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 27 (PIA) -- PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga Regional Director lauded the efforts of the police officers who have put their lives to risk during the negotiation of the hostage-taking in La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur from April 1 to 6, 2011.

During the awarding ceremony held Monday (April 25) at Camp Rafael Rodriguez in Brgy. Libertad here, the region’s PNP chief congratulated the 26 personnel who received medals and citations from PNP chief for a job well done during the hostage-taking.

Rafal added the invaluable contributions of the 26 police officers of the region will serve as a model to other cops who have accepted their responsibilities to defend the interest of the nation by upholding security and safety of the public at all times.

Further, Rafal stressed that the actions of these police officers are manifestations that they are indeed sincere to their duties as law enforcers, worthy to be emulated by other members of Police Regional Office (PRO-13) and the whole PNP organization, as a whole.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo personally awarded Medalya Ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod Award to Caraga PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Reynaldo S. Rafal and Caraga PNP Chief of Staff Senior Supt. Nestor Monton Fajura during the flag ceremony at Camp Crame on April 11.

Two other police officials: Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Chief Supt. Isagani Francisco Ganabe, Jr. and Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Director Jerome Baxinella also received awards for their contribution in crisis’ peaceful resolution.

Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza who worked behind the scene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Mayor Albin Magdamit who chaired the Crisis Management Committee, Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Officer Josefina Bajade and Fr. Carlito Clase of the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) also received citation awards for giving all out efforts and support in the peaceful ending of the hostage-taking crisis.

On April 1, 2011, at least 16 individuals were held by hostage-takers led by a certain Kenken Perez at around 6:00 p.m. on their way home after a graduation exercise. Days after, two of the hostages were released who were asked to inform the local management crisis committee of the perpetrators’ demands, including food and medicines.

The committee granted the request but asked the hostage-takers that the two will not go back anymore to the area where they are staying along with the other 14 hostages. A day after, another hostage who is a minor was released.

Five days after (April 6), suspects Kemken Perez, 17, Rejoy Brital, 17, both minors and Joel Endengan abandoned the 13 remaining hostages in the forested area of Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima where said hostages were fetched by Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)


Butuan City gov’t to raise funds thru ‘Kaliwatan Fund Walk’

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- In time with the month-long celebration of the “Balangay Festival,” the city government here headed by Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. will be spearheading a fund raising dubbed as ‘Kaliwatan Fund Walk’ on May 17, 2011, 5:30 am from Rizal Park to the city hall grounds.

In a press conference, Balangay Festival 2011 Executive Committee chairperson Atty. Rema Erigbuagas-Burdeos revealed that through the ‘Kaliwatan Fund Walk’, the public will be able to recognize the families and clans who have migrated and opted to choose Butuan their residence and as partners in developing the city.

“Funds raised during this activity will be intended for the City’s One Barangay, One Product Program,” Burdeos said.

Participants for the ‘fund walk’ can pre-register at P100.00 per member under the Kaliwat’s (clan’s name) until May 17 at the Community Affairs Office, Malvar Building, corner J. Rosales and J. Satorre streets, this city.

Each clan is also encouraged to have their own uniform, attire or accessory identifying their respective group. They can also have their own identifying streamer or banner and is requested to prepare yell or cheer.

Also, Burdeos stressed that plaques and trophies will be awarded to the Kaliwat (clan): first three to register, top three biggest number of members registered, top three best in uniform, the clan with the youngest registered participant during the fund walk, clan with the oldest registered participant, and clan with the biggest number of delegates. (PIA-Caraga)


Mutya Hong Butuan candidates presented to media

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The city government here thru the City Tourism Council officially presented this year’s official candidates of the Search for Mutya Hong Butuan as one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the Balangay Festival this May.

In a press conference held recently, committee chairperson Marie Therese T. Fontanilla-Fortun said this year’s winner will receive P50,000.00 and will automatically become the ambassador of goodwill, and will be involved in charity works.

Mutya Hong Butuan 2011 candidates - No. 1 Vanessa Kaye Omandam; No. 2 Suyene Marie Balbuena; No. 3 Hydee Cloreb Cloma; No. 4 Dorothy Sales; No. 5 Lovely Rose Cebrian; No. 6 Christine May Creencia; No. 7 Sheena Marie Potol; No. 8 Andrea Bautista; No. 9 Honey Tess Martinez; and No. 10 Christy Ann Gato.

Special awards will also be given to the candidates by different sponsors/endorsers.

Also, Fortun bared that the 10 candidates recently undergone speech development and table manner etiquette after a series of different workshops. Today, April 27, the candidates will be having their city tour in Butuan, and a radio tour on April 28, 2011.

Mutya Hong Butuan Committee is composed of the following: Chairperson Marie Therese T. Fontanilla-Fortun; Vice-chairperson Dr. Anna Marie Montilla-Espiritu; Secretariat headed by Mr. Jun Banaay Jr.; Screening sub-committee chaired by Dr. Winona T. Bernas-Amante; Wardrobe sub-committee chaired by Dr. Marilou Monet-Solidum; Hair and Make-up Artist chaired by Ms. Myla Concon; Protocol and Contract chaired by Atty. Louella A. Mendoza-Yu; Production sub-committee chaired by Mr. Jessie Laxa; Training and Workshop chaired by Ms. Helen S. Langanlangan; Prizes and awards chaired by Atty. Lailanie Corvera-Empesto; Travel and Tour chaired by Ms. Jenny Navarra-Divinagracia, together with hired photographers and videographers.

The coronation pageant is set on May 19, 7:00 p.m. at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) gymnasium. (PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: DOLE mohimo ug pag-rebisar sa Labor Code

ni Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- Ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nagbutyag nga lakip sa ilang Philippine Labor and Employment Plan proposal ang pag-amendar sa 36-year-old Labor Code.

Atol sa gipahigayong news conference niadtong miaging adlaw, Abril 25, 2011, si Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz nag-ingon nga angayan na gayod erebisar ang Labor Code aron kini makatubag sa panginahanglanon sa kasamtangang urog sa labor market.

“1970s pa kasi yung Labor Code. The labor market realities now brought by globalization, hindi nayan sakop ng labor code noon (this is not covered by labor code before),” sulti ni Baldoz.

Usa sa mga gi-konsederar nga eribisar mao ang Article 130 nga nag-asoy sa pagdili sa mga babaye mga motrabaho sa gabii.

Kini nagpakita ug dakong sukwahi sa karon nga kahimtang diin ang mga babaye nga nagtabaho sa mga call centers gikinahanglang motrabaho sa night shift.

"Wala pang (there was no) BPO/ICT at that time. Ngayon may naririnig na tayong (now we hear of) job security, flexibility security, at kailangan nating pag-aralan ang mga 'yan ng mabuti (we need to study all that thoroughly)," sulti ni Baldoz.

Lain pang artikulo ang natumbok aron i-rebisa mao ang bahin sa pagbaton (tenure), kontrata (contracting) ug subcontracting of services.

Ubos sa labor subcontracting nga sistema, ang usa ka kumpanya mo-abang ug laing kumpanya aron mo recruit ug mga trabahador nga dili permanente ug dili mosuweldo sa minimum wage o dili maka benepisyo sama sa social-security coverage, health insurance, ug pagsulod sa low-cost housing services.

"We're finalizing a project proposal to ensure that we can present to the tripartite council the omnibus review of the labor code. We hope in six months time we can finish the omnibus review," dugang pa ni Baldoz.

Ang mga Labor groups dugay ng nagduso sa pag-amendar niining karaan ng Labor Code.

Ang Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016 gimugna isip tubag sa mando ni Presidente Benigno C. Aquino III nga matag usa ka ahensya sa gobyerno mohimo ug sectoral plan nga mosuporta sa Philippine Development Plan sa mosunod nga lima katuig.

Ang maong plan ipresentar ngadto sa labor stakeholders sa 1st National Summit on Labor and Employment karong Abril 27, 2011. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Mga pulis sa Caraga, gipasidunggan tungod sa malinawo’ng pagsulbad sa Agusan Sur hostage-crisis

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abr. 27 (PIA) -- Tungod sa malinawon ug hapsay nga pagbuhi sa 13 ka mga hostages sa La Purisima, Agusan del Sur niadtong Abril 6 kung diin pipila ka mga kapulisan sa rehiyon ang usa sa mga tinubdan nga nagmalampuson ang pakig-negotiate sa mga suspetsado, ang rehiyon nga buhatan sa Philippine National Police (PNP) mihatag og pasidungog niadtong Lunes nga gipahigayon sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, ni’ng dakbayan.

Ang Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Medal of Valor) gisul-ot ngadto kang PSSupt. Crisaldo Nieves tungod sa iyang mabayanihong kontribusyon sa paghatag og administrative nga suporta sa critical management task group nga nahimo’ng paagi sa malampuson nga negosasyon ug pag-resolba sa hostage-crisis, butang aron buhi-an sa mga suspetsado ang mga biktima.

Ang talaan sa mga kapulisan nga nakadawat og Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Excellence) gikan kang PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal, ang kasamtanga’ng Regional Director sa PNP-Caraga mao ang mosunod: PSSupt. Jane Aunzo; P/Supt. Ritchie Posadas; PSupt. Antony Maghari; PSSupt. Julian Boquida; PCInsp. Florence Andit; PCInsp. Romeo Villalobo, Jr.; P/CInsp. Warren Dablo; PSInsp. Rodel Maritana; PSInsp. Jomar Dela Cerna; PInsp. Jameson Aguilar; PInsp. Julius Mojica, PInsp. Joel Cervantes; PInsp. Abdul Nasser Dimaporo ug; PInsp. Roberto Fabregas.

Kung mahinumduman nga niadtong Abril 1, 2011 sa may alas 6 ang takna sa sayong kagabhi-on, gi-hostage sa grupo ni Kenken Perez ang 16 ka mga indibidwal nga naglangkop sa mga magtutudlo sa Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Sur Division, kaestudyantehan, sibilyan kung diin kasagari niini mga drayber sa tricycle sa bukid nga lugar sa Purok 7, Barangay La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Niadtong Abril 6, ang mga suspetsado gi-abandona ang 13 ka mga nabiling hostage sa kalasanga’ng bahin sa Purok 8, Barangay La Purisima kung diin sila gikuha sa local management crisis committee sa pagpangulo ni Prosperidad Mayor Albin Magdamit ug Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza. (PIA-Caraga)