Disability council assesses Butuan City Hall facilities
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– The Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga with focal persons from different member-agencies recently assessed building facilities of the city hall here whether or not it conformed with the standards set intended for the persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) regional program coordinator Flerida Labanon, the purpose of the accessibility audit is to enhance the accessibility of the city hall to PWDs and to those who have difficulties in moving around.
Labanon also reiterated that Batasang Pambansa 344 should be complied with to promote the rights of PWDs and enable them to enjoy quality of life.
“However, RCDA will not accuse the mayor or any official for non-conforming to the requirements, instead, RCDA will give recommendations on how we can improve the facilities that are already existing so we can best provide PWDs the welfare they deserve,” Labanon stressed.
Also, RCDA members based their assessment on the monitoring checklist on the compliance of the minimum requirements of the accessibility law for government buildings and private establishments for public use.
RCDA intensely checked and assessed the city hall’s ramps, parking lot, washroom and toilet, entrances, corridors, lobbies, stairs, elevator/s and functional areas.
After assessing the city hall here, RCDA members noted that there are only minor areas needed to be improved like the provision of handrails on both sides for the ramp, and others.
Labanon also revealed that recommendations for the city hall facilities will be put into writing and send to the office of the City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante for appropriate response.
RCDA members are also set to conduct accessibility audit at the Agusan del Norte provincial capitol Wednesday, June 8, 2011. (PIA-Caraga)
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Council on disability conducts accessibility audit in prov'l capitol
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) –- The member-agencies of the Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga as the lead agency conducted recently the accessibility audit in the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol, this city.
On behalf of Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John Amante, Provincial Administrator Percianita Racho welcomed the team led by National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) Regional Coordinator Flerida Labanon during their courtesy call before the conduct of the actual accessibility audit inside and out of the capitol building.
According to Labanon, the purpose of the accessibility audit or assessment is to enhance the accessibility of the city hall to persons with disability (PWDs) and to those who have difficulties in moving around.
Labanon further bared that Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 is an act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices.
During the assessment, the team discovered that the capitol building do not have facilities like ramp/s for the PWDs at the entrance and exit of the building. However, the team comprehends the case of the building since it was built on the 1950’s wherein BP 344 was not yet established.
Meanwhile, the team was also informed that the provincial government will put up their new building in Cabadbaran City. The team then initially talked with the provincial architects and engineers urging them to include the facilities for PWDs in the new building.
RCDA members will convene again on Friday, June 10 and sit down with the provincial architects and engineers for further discussion on the establishment of facilities for PWDs in their new building in Cabadbaran which is said to finish three years from now. (PIA-Caraga)
LGUs, stakeholders sign covenant of commitment to support full disclosure policy
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– Local government units including the public and private stakeholders today signed the covenant of commitment in an effort to support the full disclosure policy (FDP) of the Aquino administration.
The covenant of commitment is in support for Pres. Aquino’s reform agenda which the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has adopted the FDP with the overarching theme: “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad,” to promote transparency, accountability and good performance at the local level.
The covenant also emphasized that LGUs equally and strongly believe at the same time adhere to transparency, accountability and performance as core values to achieving good governance.
With the signing of the covenant of commitment, the local government units are committed to fully comply with existing laws, statutes, government issuances, and pertinent rules and regulations which mandate FDP of certain financial transactions.
The signing was led by DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo who also graced the TAPATAN launching in Caraga Region attended by all local chief executives of Caraga Region in the provincial, city, and municipal levels. (PIA-Caraga)
Butuan Mayor calls fellow officials to support full disclosure policy
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) – Butuan Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. called on his fellow local government executives in Caraga Region to support the full disclosure policy (FDP) of the Aquino administration in its effort to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
In his welcome remarks during the TAPATAN held this morning in one of the local convention centers here, Mayor Amante said the city government of Butuan is fully supporting the move of the national government. He said this will inspire confidence of constituents in local government.
“I call on my fellow local chief executives to join Butuan City as we declare our support to the full disclosure policy of the Aquino administration,” Amante said.
Mayor Amante further said the FDP will pave the way to achieve the battle cry of Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” (When there’s no corruption, there is no poverty).
The TAPATAN in Caraga Region was graced by DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, who was acknowledged by Mayor Amante saying that his presence is an opportunity for the local government units to know the details of the full disclosure policy.
The FDP is the government’s policy requiring local government units to post their budgets and finances, bids and public offerings in government websites, newspapers of general circulation, and in conspicuous places within their localities.
Also, FDP makes people aware of how much public funds are available for the development of their communities, keep people informed of how public hands are allocated and spent.
The policy also minimizes, if not totally prevents corruption and misuse of funds. It also promotes the guideposts for good governance: Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability and Participation.
TAPATAN stands for Take part in Accountable, Participative, Accessible, Transparent, Agenda for Newly-reformed local governance. (PIA-Caraga)
DepEd-Caraga reports shortage in classrooms, facilities
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) –- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Caraga said shortage of classrooms and facilities is one of the common problems in all the division offices of the region.
In an interview on Tuesday (June 7), Dr. Isidro Biol, DepEd-Caraga regional information officer said classroom shortage including tables and chairs is one of the most common and biggest problems experienced by teachers, school administrators and supervisors in any division offices of the region.
Biol said the shortage can be attributed to the high turnout of enrollees this school year due to students who have transferred from private schools.
Dr. Biol further stressed this problem is also true to all the 17 regions in the country because of the implementation of the universal kindergarten education for school year 2011-2012.
The Universal Kindergarten Education is being implemented this school year 2011-2012 to ensure access to and quality education for all the 5-year old children. Its implementation aims to expand the coverage of Kindergarten Education to reach 5-year old children in the poorest households, and improve their readiness and foundation skills to be ready for the primary grades.
Although DepEd, as of press time, could not give the statistics of the actual enrollees and transferees yet as schools are still accepting enrollees. Majority of school heads have already reported that more students in the private schools have been transferring in public schools because of high tuition fee, Biol said.
With the prevailing problem in classrooms and other facilities shortage including school buildings, Dr. Biol said the regional office is still hopeful that what the department has promised to give additional infrastructures will be realized. (PIA-Caraga)
DepEd to conduct nat’l fun run
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) –- In time with the 150th birth anniversary of the country’s national hero – Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Department of Education (DepEd) will hold a nationwide fun run for education to be held simultaneously on June 19, 2011 by all regional and division offices nationwide at 6:00 A.M.
Dubbed “Every Runner a Finisher; Every Finisher, a Winner,” the fun run aims to involve all community stakeholders in the districts and all schools of the division. The division office is the lead agency.
It also aims to promote the value of education. And for the stakeholders to unite under the ideal that no Filipino child should be deprived of this. Through this advocacy, the stakeholders can show their love for country.
The country’s national hero was a teacher, a doctor, a farmer, and a scientist.
DepEd-Caraga regional director Dr. Gloria Benigno enjoined all government offices in Caraga including the barangay officials, non-government organizations, religious groups and other public and private stakeholders to participate in the nationwide event. (PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Sur Vice-Governor’s office reports accomplisments
by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, June 8 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Vice Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. bared the his office's accomplishment for the first five months of this year.
In a report during Monday’s flag ceremony, Alameda stressed the accomplishments of the officials of the Legislative Department as a collegial body.
According to Alameda, during the said period, the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan has already had 21 committee hearings and regular sessions alternately held in Tandag City and the Capitol of the South in Bislig City.
This, he said, was accomplished aside from a joint special session recently held with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental that tackled their boundary dispute.
In addition, the Vice Governor also cited among others, 13 vital legislation ranging from Anti-Illegal Drugs, Education, Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Health and Sanitation, Infrastructure up to Social Welfare that were passed and approved. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
DSWD implements supplementary feeding program
by Leah T. Quintana
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 –- The regional social welfare and development office in Caraga has implemented the supplementary feeding program (SFP).
Prior to implementation, the field office held a series of conferences attended by 297 participants composed of Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers, Day Care Parents Group federation president, City/Municipal Auditors and Accountants and DSWD staff.
Being the key players and stakeholders of the program, the participants were oriented on their duties and responsibilities along SFP implementation. The series of orientations were done by the following clusters, namely: Agusan del Norte; Agusan del Sur; Surigao del Sur; Surigao del Norte Mainland and Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island.
The SFP is defined as the provision of food in addition to the regular meals to day care children as DSWD’s contribution to ECCD program of the government. This is in the form of hot meals to be served during break/snack time in the morning or afternoon session. The feeding program will run for 120 days to be done 5 times a week.
Ms. Hazel N. Vete, program’s focal person explained that the program aims to provide augmentation support for feeding program for children in LGU-managed day care centers, mitigate Hunger, improve, and sustain nutritional status, enhance knowledge, attitude & skills of parents & care givers, manage child’s health and nutritional problems.
According to Vete, the government has targeted 73 LGUs, 1,310 Barangays, 1,904 Day Care Centers and 69,949 Day Care Children in Caraga region. These are the 3-4 years old children and those 5-year old children not catered in the DepEd preschool.
Before feeding can be done, children will undergo weighing and deworming. Aside from hot meals, children will also be given micro-nutrients supplementation. Parent effectiveness and home care sessions will also be conducted to the parents of day care children.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pio V. Japitana also explained to the participants the financial aspect of the project to include fund allocation, fund flow, procurement of goods, requirements for the release of funds.
A child is allocated P 12.50/day – P 2.50 for the rice and P 10.00 for the viand. The total budget for Caraga is P 104, 923, 500.00. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
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SSS announces new deadlines for contributions, loans
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 – The Social Security System (SSS) has expanded the range of cut off dates for contribution and loan remittances of members and employers to eliminate long queues during payment deadlines, a top official said.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the new deadlines will be spread out from the 10th day for employees and the 20th day for self-employed and voluntary members to five different deadlines based on the employer and social security number.
"The new deadlines would take effect starting with payments for the applicable month or quarter ending on June 30," he said.
The revised deadlines are based on the 10th digit of the 13-digit employer number and the last digit of the 10-digit social security number of household employers, self-employed workers and voluntary members.
If the 10th digit of the employer number (for regular employers) or SS number (for household employers, the self-employed and voluntary members) is "1" or "2," contributions and loan payments fall on or before the 10th day after the applicable month or quarter.
The deadline would be the 15th day of the following month for numbers "3" and "4;" the 20th day for numbers "5" and "6;" the 25th day for numbers "7" and "8;" and the last day of the succeeding month for numbers "9" and "0."
De Quiros said the new deadlines would apply to over-the-counter payments at SSS branch tellers, banks, Bayad Centers and SM Business Centers.
"Members and employers flock to SSS on the day of the deadline, which results in long lines and congestion. The new policy aims to address this situation," he said.
Payment deadlines of overseas Filipino workers, who have more flexible cut off dates, are unaffected by the new policy, De Quiros said.
"Payments through Auto-Debit Arrangements and BancNet Online are also excluded from the change in deadlines," he said.
OFWs, who are considered voluntary members, can remit contributions for January to September on or before December 31 of the same year, while their premiums for October to December are accepted until January 31 of the following year.
With these developments, SSS Butuan Branch Manager Engr. Ma Raine M. Jamero calls all members in Caraga Region to observe the new deadlines set by SSS. (PIA-Caraga)
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First AFP lady “Reservist General” guested PRO-13 Monday flag rites
by Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– The recently promoted female official to the higher post of the AFP Reserve Force, became the guest of honor and speaker of Police Regional Office-13 during its Monday flag raising ceremony at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, this city.
BGen. Charito “Ching” B. Plaza, Wing Commander, 7th Air Force Wing Reserve, the first female general of the AFP Reserve Command, was invited by the regional police here to be their honored guest during their Monday flag raising rites.
Upon her arrival at the camp, she was met by Caraga PNP Director CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal and the other top police regional officials. Plaza, was afforded an arrival honors by an all women police force company under the command of PSInsp. Rowena A. Martinez., before proceeding to the regional grandstand for the ceremony.
During her message BGen. Plaza paid tribute to her mother Mrs.Gertrudes M. Booc, who’ve just passed away, and to be interred in the afternoon. She said that it was her mother who had nurtured her, provided her proper guidance, instilled the right values, strengthened her character and had set the example of deep spirituality which had made her of what she is today. She said that her beloved mother was not able to witness anymore the fruits of her success.
Moreover, she encouraged the police force to walk through the “straight path” as the clarion call of the president in this administration. She called on the citizens as well to do the same, as this will bring us to greater heights of progress and development.
She commended the PNP awardees and expressed the hope that their number will increase among their comrades in uniform.
BGen. Plaza started her public service career as representative of the first congressional district of Butuan City and Las Nieves for three consecutive terms. During her terms as a legislator, she was able to author a number of significant legislations and among them was the law creating Region XIII or the “Caraga Region ,” the reason why she was known as the “Mother of Caraga Region.” Among her landmark legislations were the “Salary Standardization Law of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the “AFP Modernization Act,” and the “Creation of the Philippine National Police.”
She was also once a special consultant of PNP-DILG during the time when Hon. Alfredo Lim was the DILG Secretary and also during the time of the then PNP chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
She became a full Colonel at age 35, where she was appointed as the “Wing Commander” as the 3rd Air Force Reserve Wing in Mindanao.
She also had contributed in the negotiations for the surrender of the then Col. Alexander Noble, who led a ragtag group and hid for some months on the mountains of the province of Agusan del Sur, and the surrender of the two faction commanders of MNLF Commander Nur Misuari who hid in Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.
She had also made her notable contributions to the realization of the benefits for the rebel returnees who had signified to go back to the folds of the law and to live normally. She had received three outstanding medals for these accomplishments.
She earned her two doctorates of Peace and Security Administration and of Public Administration. She also had undergone studies of post-graduate courses abroad such as the National and International Security Management at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, U.S.A. and Conflict Resolution Management, at University of Melbourne, Australia (PIA-Caraga)
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7 PNP personnel receives award
by Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– Police Regional Office-13 awarded seven (7) of its personnel during their Monday flag raising program,in recognition of their performance in duty.
Among the recipients of the “Medalya Ng Kagalingan” (or, the PNP Medal of Merit) were PSupt. Manuel P. Jimenez, PSInsp. Rowena A. Martinez and PO1 Darryl Lugto.
The three were cited for the arrest of a wanted person identified as Oliver Andangan, a.k.a. “Jongjong” who was charged with “Murder” and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Andangan was arrested on March 4, 2011 at Purok 3, Brgy. Obrero, Butuan City, based on an arrest warrantissued by Hon. Judge Francisco Maclang of RTC Branch 5.
The arresting authorities confiscated from the suspect a Caliber .45 Ingram, 2 magazines of an Ingram, 9 rounds of live ammunitions for a 9mm handgun, a hand grenade, and a digital weighing scale for methamphetamine hydrochloride (or commonly known as shabu).
Another recipient of the similar medal, the “Medalya Ng Kagalingan” was PInsp. Christian L. Rafols, who was cited for establishing a perimeter fence around Lianga Municipal Police Station, Lianga, Surigao del Sur utilizing used truck tires, interlink double fence and used galvanized iron sheets and the construction of a high rise tower inside the stations perimeter.
The facilities became instrumental to the policemen and the two Philippine Army soldiers who successfully defended the police station during an attack staged by more or less 100 NPA rebels on April 28, 2011.
Three more recipients of the similar award, the “Medalya Ng Kagalingan” were PInsp. Arvin B. Montenegro, SPO4 Emmanuel P. Isiang and SPO4 Vicente G. Serrano. The three were also cited for the arrest of Ali Dianca Sultan alias “Alex Muslim,” Abli D. Sultan alias APDI/Nasser/Luwa, Amron P. Eman alias “Abel Muslim,” Nayde E. Sultan alias “Naiden” and Arapat A. Daud alias “Pat Muslim.”
Confiscated from the suspects during their arrest were two sachets ( one big and a smaller one) of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (or commonly known as shabu) estimated to cost P420,000, a weighing scale, 13 mobile phones and cash amounting to P28,000.
The authorities were able to confiscate from the suspects during their arrest, five live bullets of Caliber 22, a KG-9 9mm machine pistol with silencer and an empty magazine of a KG-9mm machine pistol. (PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano news: Current thrusts, directions sa DepEd Surigao del Norte Division, gituki sa probinsya
SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 8 (PIA) -– Nagmalampuson na usab ang gipahigayong Monday Morning Sharing sa Kapitolyo nga gipanguluhan sa Provincial Adminstrator’s Office-Communication Services, niadtong miaging adlaw Lunes, Hunyo 6, 2011 didto sa Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.
Ang nahimong pinasidunggang mamumulong atol sa maong kalihukan mao si Dr. Fidela M. Rosas ang School Division Superintendent sa Surigao del Norte.
Ang maong kalihukan gitambongan usab nila Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., Board Member Myrna Romarate, mga department heads ug mga empleyado sa kapitolyo.
Atol sa maong kalihukan si Dr. Rosas namahayag sa current thrusts ug directions sa Department of education sa lalawigan, lakip na niini ang mga aktibidades nga gipahigayon sama sa Brigada Eskwela, Oplan Balik Eskwela 2011-2012 ug ang no collection policy panahon sa pag-abli sa klase.
Gipasabot usab ni Dr. Rosas ang implementasyon sa programang K+12, nga diin usa kini ka mandatory nga kamanduan nga ang tanan elementary adunay Kindergarten classes kay sa sunod tuig pre-requisite na ang certification sa Kindergarten sa mga pupil nga mo enroll sa Grade – 1. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano news: Programa sa Push Cart Garbage Collector gipanghingusgan sa City ENRO
ni Annette Villaces
SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 8 (PIA) -- Ang City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) mi-presenter ug bag-o nilang programa nga mao ang gitawag nga “Push cart Garbage Collector” diin sila mismo ang mihimo sa desinyo niini.
Ang maong pushcart adunay duha ka container nga kolor green ug yellow diin ang kolor yellow maoy butangan sa mga basura nga dili malata samtang ang Kolor green mao ang butangan sa malata.
Kini nga klase nga kareton mamahimong matawag usab kini nga personalize collection sa kada barangay, tungod sa bag-ong disenyo niini.
Ang maong kariton adunay tawo nga magdala niini ug kini gitawag nga “Bioman” nga maoy mangolekta ug basura sa usa ka lugar.
Samtang ang Brgy. San Juan maoy una nga barangay nga miapil sa paghimo sa maong desinyo ug pagproseso niini, diin naghimo kini sila ug 13 ka kariton alang sa ilang 13 ka mga purok.
Tumong niining maong proyekto ang pagrtubag sa problema sa basura ug aron mahatagan ug tabang ang syudad nga mogamay ang basura apil na usab ang pagkunhod sa gamit sa mga garbage truck aron makadaginot sa galastohanan sa krudo. (Surigao City-PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– The Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga with focal persons from different member-agencies recently assessed building facilities of the city hall here whether or not it conformed with the standards set intended for the persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) regional program coordinator Flerida Labanon, the purpose of the accessibility audit is to enhance the accessibility of the city hall to PWDs and to those who have difficulties in moving around.
Labanon also reiterated that Batasang Pambansa 344 should be complied with to promote the rights of PWDs and enable them to enjoy quality of life.
“However, RCDA will not accuse the mayor or any official for non-conforming to the requirements, instead, RCDA will give recommendations on how we can improve the facilities that are already existing so we can best provide PWDs the welfare they deserve,” Labanon stressed.
Also, RCDA members based their assessment on the monitoring checklist on the compliance of the minimum requirements of the accessibility law for government buildings and private establishments for public use.
RCDA intensely checked and assessed the city hall’s ramps, parking lot, washroom and toilet, entrances, corridors, lobbies, stairs, elevator/s and functional areas.
After assessing the city hall here, RCDA members noted that there are only minor areas needed to be improved like the provision of handrails on both sides for the ramp, and others.
Labanon also revealed that recommendations for the city hall facilities will be put into writing and send to the office of the City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante for appropriate response.
RCDA members are also set to conduct accessibility audit at the Agusan del Norte provincial capitol Wednesday, June 8, 2011. (PIA-Caraga)
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Council on disability conducts accessibility audit in prov'l capitol
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) –- The member-agencies of the Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga as the lead agency conducted recently the accessibility audit in the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol, this city.
On behalf of Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John Amante, Provincial Administrator Percianita Racho welcomed the team led by National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) Regional Coordinator Flerida Labanon during their courtesy call before the conduct of the actual accessibility audit inside and out of the capitol building.
According to Labanon, the purpose of the accessibility audit or assessment is to enhance the accessibility of the city hall to persons with disability (PWDs) and to those who have difficulties in moving around.
Labanon further bared that Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 is an act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices.
During the assessment, the team discovered that the capitol building do not have facilities like ramp/s for the PWDs at the entrance and exit of the building. However, the team comprehends the case of the building since it was built on the 1950’s wherein BP 344 was not yet established.
Meanwhile, the team was also informed that the provincial government will put up their new building in Cabadbaran City. The team then initially talked with the provincial architects and engineers urging them to include the facilities for PWDs in the new building.
RCDA members will convene again on Friday, June 10 and sit down with the provincial architects and engineers for further discussion on the establishment of facilities for PWDs in their new building in Cabadbaran which is said to finish three years from now. (PIA-Caraga)
LGUs, stakeholders sign covenant of commitment to support full disclosure policy
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– Local government units including the public and private stakeholders today signed the covenant of commitment in an effort to support the full disclosure policy (FDP) of the Aquino administration.
The covenant of commitment is in support for Pres. Aquino’s reform agenda which the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has adopted the FDP with the overarching theme: “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad,” to promote transparency, accountability and good performance at the local level.
The covenant also emphasized that LGUs equally and strongly believe at the same time adhere to transparency, accountability and performance as core values to achieving good governance.
With the signing of the covenant of commitment, the local government units are committed to fully comply with existing laws, statutes, government issuances, and pertinent rules and regulations which mandate FDP of certain financial transactions.
The signing was led by DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo who also graced the TAPATAN launching in Caraga Region attended by all local chief executives of Caraga Region in the provincial, city, and municipal levels. (PIA-Caraga)
Butuan Mayor calls fellow officials to support full disclosure policy
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) – Butuan Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. called on his fellow local government executives in Caraga Region to support the full disclosure policy (FDP) of the Aquino administration in its effort to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
In his welcome remarks during the TAPATAN held this morning in one of the local convention centers here, Mayor Amante said the city government of Butuan is fully supporting the move of the national government. He said this will inspire confidence of constituents in local government.
“I call on my fellow local chief executives to join Butuan City as we declare our support to the full disclosure policy of the Aquino administration,” Amante said.
Mayor Amante further said the FDP will pave the way to achieve the battle cry of Pres. Benigno Aquino III’s “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” (When there’s no corruption, there is no poverty).
The TAPATAN in Caraga Region was graced by DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, who was acknowledged by Mayor Amante saying that his presence is an opportunity for the local government units to know the details of the full disclosure policy.
The FDP is the government’s policy requiring local government units to post their budgets and finances, bids and public offerings in government websites, newspapers of general circulation, and in conspicuous places within their localities.
Also, FDP makes people aware of how much public funds are available for the development of their communities, keep people informed of how public hands are allocated and spent.
The policy also minimizes, if not totally prevents corruption and misuse of funds. It also promotes the guideposts for good governance: Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability and Participation.
TAPATAN stands for Take part in Accountable, Participative, Accessible, Transparent, Agenda for Newly-reformed local governance. (PIA-Caraga)
DepEd-Caraga reports shortage in classrooms, facilities
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) –- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Caraga said shortage of classrooms and facilities is one of the common problems in all the division offices of the region.
In an interview on Tuesday (June 7), Dr. Isidro Biol, DepEd-Caraga regional information officer said classroom shortage including tables and chairs is one of the most common and biggest problems experienced by teachers, school administrators and supervisors in any division offices of the region.
Biol said the shortage can be attributed to the high turnout of enrollees this school year due to students who have transferred from private schools.
Dr. Biol further stressed this problem is also true to all the 17 regions in the country because of the implementation of the universal kindergarten education for school year 2011-2012.
The Universal Kindergarten Education is being implemented this school year 2011-2012 to ensure access to and quality education for all the 5-year old children. Its implementation aims to expand the coverage of Kindergarten Education to reach 5-year old children in the poorest households, and improve their readiness and foundation skills to be ready for the primary grades.
Although DepEd, as of press time, could not give the statistics of the actual enrollees and transferees yet as schools are still accepting enrollees. Majority of school heads have already reported that more students in the private schools have been transferring in public schools because of high tuition fee, Biol said.
With the prevailing problem in classrooms and other facilities shortage including school buildings, Dr. Biol said the regional office is still hopeful that what the department has promised to give additional infrastructures will be realized. (PIA-Caraga)
DepEd to conduct nat’l fun run
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) –- In time with the 150th birth anniversary of the country’s national hero – Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Department of Education (DepEd) will hold a nationwide fun run for education to be held simultaneously on June 19, 2011 by all regional and division offices nationwide at 6:00 A.M.
Dubbed “Every Runner a Finisher; Every Finisher, a Winner,” the fun run aims to involve all community stakeholders in the districts and all schools of the division. The division office is the lead agency.
It also aims to promote the value of education. And for the stakeholders to unite under the ideal that no Filipino child should be deprived of this. Through this advocacy, the stakeholders can show their love for country.
The country’s national hero was a teacher, a doctor, a farmer, and a scientist.
DepEd-Caraga regional director Dr. Gloria Benigno enjoined all government offices in Caraga including the barangay officials, non-government organizations, religious groups and other public and private stakeholders to participate in the nationwide event. (PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Sur Vice-Governor’s office reports accomplisments
by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, June 8 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Vice Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. bared the his office's accomplishment for the first five months of this year.
In a report during Monday’s flag ceremony, Alameda stressed the accomplishments of the officials of the Legislative Department as a collegial body.
According to Alameda, during the said period, the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan has already had 21 committee hearings and regular sessions alternately held in Tandag City and the Capitol of the South in Bislig City.
This, he said, was accomplished aside from a joint special session recently held with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental that tackled their boundary dispute.
In addition, the Vice Governor also cited among others, 13 vital legislation ranging from Anti-Illegal Drugs, Education, Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Health and Sanitation, Infrastructure up to Social Welfare that were passed and approved. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
DSWD implements supplementary feeding program
by Leah T. Quintana
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 –- The regional social welfare and development office in Caraga has implemented the supplementary feeding program (SFP).
Prior to implementation, the field office held a series of conferences attended by 297 participants composed of Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers, Day Care Parents Group federation president, City/Municipal Auditors and Accountants and DSWD staff.
Being the key players and stakeholders of the program, the participants were oriented on their duties and responsibilities along SFP implementation. The series of orientations were done by the following clusters, namely: Agusan del Norte; Agusan del Sur; Surigao del Sur; Surigao del Norte Mainland and Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island.
The SFP is defined as the provision of food in addition to the regular meals to day care children as DSWD’s contribution to ECCD program of the government. This is in the form of hot meals to be served during break/snack time in the morning or afternoon session. The feeding program will run for 120 days to be done 5 times a week.
Ms. Hazel N. Vete, program’s focal person explained that the program aims to provide augmentation support for feeding program for children in LGU-managed day care centers, mitigate Hunger, improve, and sustain nutritional status, enhance knowledge, attitude & skills of parents & care givers, manage child’s health and nutritional problems.
According to Vete, the government has targeted 73 LGUs, 1,310 Barangays, 1,904 Day Care Centers and 69,949 Day Care Children in Caraga region. These are the 3-4 years old children and those 5-year old children not catered in the DepEd preschool.
Before feeding can be done, children will undergo weighing and deworming. Aside from hot meals, children will also be given micro-nutrients supplementation. Parent effectiveness and home care sessions will also be conducted to the parents of day care children.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pio V. Japitana also explained to the participants the financial aspect of the project to include fund allocation, fund flow, procurement of goods, requirements for the release of funds.
A child is allocated P 12.50/day – P 2.50 for the rice and P 10.00 for the viand. The total budget for Caraga is P 104, 923, 500.00. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
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SSS announces new deadlines for contributions, loans
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 – The Social Security System (SSS) has expanded the range of cut off dates for contribution and loan remittances of members and employers to eliminate long queues during payment deadlines, a top official said.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the new deadlines will be spread out from the 10th day for employees and the 20th day for self-employed and voluntary members to five different deadlines based on the employer and social security number.
"The new deadlines would take effect starting with payments for the applicable month or quarter ending on June 30," he said.
The revised deadlines are based on the 10th digit of the 13-digit employer number and the last digit of the 10-digit social security number of household employers, self-employed workers and voluntary members.
If the 10th digit of the employer number (for regular employers) or SS number (for household employers, the self-employed and voluntary members) is "1" or "2," contributions and loan payments fall on or before the 10th day after the applicable month or quarter.
The deadline would be the 15th day of the following month for numbers "3" and "4;" the 20th day for numbers "5" and "6;" the 25th day for numbers "7" and "8;" and the last day of the succeeding month for numbers "9" and "0."
De Quiros said the new deadlines would apply to over-the-counter payments at SSS branch tellers, banks, Bayad Centers and SM Business Centers.
"Members and employers flock to SSS on the day of the deadline, which results in long lines and congestion. The new policy aims to address this situation," he said.
Payment deadlines of overseas Filipino workers, who have more flexible cut off dates, are unaffected by the new policy, De Quiros said.
"Payments through Auto-Debit Arrangements and BancNet Online are also excluded from the change in deadlines," he said.
OFWs, who are considered voluntary members, can remit contributions for January to September on or before December 31 of the same year, while their premiums for October to December are accepted until January 31 of the following year.
With these developments, SSS Butuan Branch Manager Engr. Ma Raine M. Jamero calls all members in Caraga Region to observe the new deadlines set by SSS. (PIA-Caraga)
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First AFP lady “Reservist General” guested PRO-13 Monday flag rites
by Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– The recently promoted female official to the higher post of the AFP Reserve Force, became the guest of honor and speaker of Police Regional Office-13 during its Monday flag raising ceremony at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, this city.
BGen. Charito “Ching” B. Plaza, Wing Commander, 7th Air Force Wing Reserve, the first female general of the AFP Reserve Command, was invited by the regional police here to be their honored guest during their Monday flag raising rites.
Upon her arrival at the camp, she was met by Caraga PNP Director CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal and the other top police regional officials. Plaza, was afforded an arrival honors by an all women police force company under the command of PSInsp. Rowena A. Martinez., before proceeding to the regional grandstand for the ceremony.
During her message BGen. Plaza paid tribute to her mother Mrs.Gertrudes M. Booc, who’ve just passed away, and to be interred in the afternoon. She said that it was her mother who had nurtured her, provided her proper guidance, instilled the right values, strengthened her character and had set the example of deep spirituality which had made her of what she is today. She said that her beloved mother was not able to witness anymore the fruits of her success.
Moreover, she encouraged the police force to walk through the “straight path” as the clarion call of the president in this administration. She called on the citizens as well to do the same, as this will bring us to greater heights of progress and development.
She commended the PNP awardees and expressed the hope that their number will increase among their comrades in uniform.
BGen. Plaza started her public service career as representative of the first congressional district of Butuan City and Las Nieves for three consecutive terms. During her terms as a legislator, she was able to author a number of significant legislations and among them was the law creating Region XIII or the “Caraga Region ,” the reason why she was known as the “Mother of Caraga Region.” Among her landmark legislations were the “Salary Standardization Law of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the “AFP Modernization Act,” and the “Creation of the Philippine National Police.”
She was also once a special consultant of PNP-DILG during the time when Hon. Alfredo Lim was the DILG Secretary and also during the time of the then PNP chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
She became a full Colonel at age 35, where she was appointed as the “Wing Commander” as the 3rd Air Force Reserve Wing in Mindanao.
She also had contributed in the negotiations for the surrender of the then Col. Alexander Noble, who led a ragtag group and hid for some months on the mountains of the province of Agusan del Sur, and the surrender of the two faction commanders of MNLF Commander Nur Misuari who hid in Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.
She had also made her notable contributions to the realization of the benefits for the rebel returnees who had signified to go back to the folds of the law and to live normally. She had received three outstanding medals for these accomplishments.
She earned her two doctorates of Peace and Security Administration and of Public Administration. She also had undergone studies of post-graduate courses abroad such as the National and International Security Management at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, U.S.A. and Conflict Resolution Management, at University of Melbourne, Australia (PIA-Caraga)
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7 PNP personnel receives award
by Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) -– Police Regional Office-13 awarded seven (7) of its personnel during their Monday flag raising program,in recognition of their performance in duty.
Among the recipients of the “Medalya Ng Kagalingan” (or, the PNP Medal of Merit) were PSupt. Manuel P. Jimenez, PSInsp. Rowena A. Martinez and PO1 Darryl Lugto.
The three were cited for the arrest of a wanted person identified as Oliver Andangan, a.k.a. “Jongjong” who was charged with “Murder” and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Andangan was arrested on March 4, 2011 at Purok 3, Brgy. Obrero, Butuan City, based on an arrest warrantissued by Hon. Judge Francisco Maclang of RTC Branch 5.
The arresting authorities confiscated from the suspect a Caliber .45 Ingram, 2 magazines of an Ingram, 9 rounds of live ammunitions for a 9mm handgun, a hand grenade, and a digital weighing scale for methamphetamine hydrochloride (or commonly known as shabu).
Another recipient of the similar medal, the “Medalya Ng Kagalingan” was PInsp. Christian L. Rafols, who was cited for establishing a perimeter fence around Lianga Municipal Police Station, Lianga, Surigao del Sur utilizing used truck tires, interlink double fence and used galvanized iron sheets and the construction of a high rise tower inside the stations perimeter.
The facilities became instrumental to the policemen and the two Philippine Army soldiers who successfully defended the police station during an attack staged by more or less 100 NPA rebels on April 28, 2011.
Three more recipients of the similar award, the “Medalya Ng Kagalingan” were PInsp. Arvin B. Montenegro, SPO4 Emmanuel P. Isiang and SPO4 Vicente G. Serrano. The three were also cited for the arrest of Ali Dianca Sultan alias “Alex Muslim,” Abli D. Sultan alias APDI/Nasser/Luwa, Amron P. Eman alias “Abel Muslim,” Nayde E. Sultan alias “Naiden” and Arapat A. Daud alias “Pat Muslim.”
Confiscated from the suspects during their arrest were two sachets ( one big and a smaller one) of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (or commonly known as shabu) estimated to cost P420,000, a weighing scale, 13 mobile phones and cash amounting to P28,000.
The authorities were able to confiscate from the suspects during their arrest, five live bullets of Caliber 22, a KG-9 9mm machine pistol with silencer and an empty magazine of a KG-9mm machine pistol. (PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano news: Current thrusts, directions sa DepEd Surigao del Norte Division, gituki sa probinsya
SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 8 (PIA) -– Nagmalampuson na usab ang gipahigayong Monday Morning Sharing sa Kapitolyo nga gipanguluhan sa Provincial Adminstrator’s Office-Communication Services, niadtong miaging adlaw Lunes, Hunyo 6, 2011 didto sa Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.
Ang nahimong pinasidunggang mamumulong atol sa maong kalihukan mao si Dr. Fidela M. Rosas ang School Division Superintendent sa Surigao del Norte.
Ang maong kalihukan gitambongan usab nila Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., Board Member Myrna Romarate, mga department heads ug mga empleyado sa kapitolyo.
Atol sa maong kalihukan si Dr. Rosas namahayag sa current thrusts ug directions sa Department of education sa lalawigan, lakip na niini ang mga aktibidades nga gipahigayon sama sa Brigada Eskwela, Oplan Balik Eskwela 2011-2012 ug ang no collection policy panahon sa pag-abli sa klase.
Gipasabot usab ni Dr. Rosas ang implementasyon sa programang K+12, nga diin usa kini ka mandatory nga kamanduan nga ang tanan elementary adunay Kindergarten classes kay sa sunod tuig pre-requisite na ang certification sa Kindergarten sa mga pupil nga mo enroll sa Grade – 1. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano news: Programa sa Push Cart Garbage Collector gipanghingusgan sa City ENRO
ni Annette Villaces
SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 8 (PIA) -- Ang City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) mi-presenter ug bag-o nilang programa nga mao ang gitawag nga “Push cart Garbage Collector” diin sila mismo ang mihimo sa desinyo niini.
Ang maong pushcart adunay duha ka container nga kolor green ug yellow diin ang kolor yellow maoy butangan sa mga basura nga dili malata samtang ang Kolor green mao ang butangan sa malata.
Kini nga klase nga kareton mamahimong matawag usab kini nga personalize collection sa kada barangay, tungod sa bag-ong disenyo niini.
Ang maong kariton adunay tawo nga magdala niini ug kini gitawag nga “Bioman” nga maoy mangolekta ug basura sa usa ka lugar.
Samtang ang Brgy. San Juan maoy una nga barangay nga miapil sa paghimo sa maong desinyo ug pagproseso niini, diin naghimo kini sila ug 13 ka kariton alang sa ilang 13 ka mga purok.
Tumong niining maong proyekto ang pagrtubag sa problema sa basura ug aron mahatagan ug tabang ang syudad nga mogamay ang basura apil na usab ang pagkunhod sa gamit sa mga garbage truck aron makadaginot sa galastohanan sa krudo. (Surigao City-PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
