(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 19 March 2024) Easterlies affecting 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. Light to moderate winds coming from Northeast to North will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


PIA News Service - Friday, September 2, 2011

Agusan del Sur bares strategy map, balanced score card for governance

by David M. Suyao


AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) presented a strategy map and balanced scorecard which will serve as guide for the province' governance to various sectors and offices for evaluation and appreciation.

According to provincial administrator Jesusimo Ronquillo, the consolidated SM-BS was prepared by the different division and department heads of the province after undergoing training with Prof. Edel Guiza of the Asian Institute of Management.

The balanced scorecard, according to Prof. Edel Guiza, is a strategic planning and management system used in business and industry, government and non-profit organizations worldwide.

As part of the workshop during the presentation, the national chiefs of offices were asked four questions to find out if they can align their functions with reducing poverty incidence in Agusan del Sur.


Butuan witnesses simultaneous opening ceremonies of big events in September

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Three big events are happening in the month of September led by different government agencies and to be participated by the government employees, non-government organizations, academe and private stakeholders.

On September 1, 2011, the celebration of the National Crime Prevention Week, National Filipino Family Week, and 111th Philippine Civil Service month simultaneously kicked off with the ‘Lakad Laban sa Krimen’ Fun Walk participated by employees from the government, and members from the non-government organizations.

Said Fun Walk started at 5:00am from Rizal Park going to the City Hall Grounds, where an ecumenical prayer and short program was held and followed by the ‘Hataw’ exercise.

In her message, Ms. Nerissa Murih of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga bared that the National Filipino Family Week is a special event for all Filipinos.

“With this celebration, we promote the Filipino values and Gender and Development (GAD) for all,” Murih said.

Murih also emphasized that with this year’s theme: “Kontra Krimen at Pro-GAD ang Pamilyang Pinoy,” we should all continue to serve our Pamilyang Pinoy and continue to impart the good values to our children.

Also, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Remeneo Valenzuela stressed that the National Crime Prevention Week with this year’s them: “Pinoy Ako, Crime Prevention Misyon Ko! Knock Out Crime!” focuses on the importance of the youths as contributor in nation-building.

Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Agusan del Norte Provincial Dir. Mishach Dinhayan revealed that the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration with this year’s theme: Championing R.A.C.E. (Responsive, Accessible, Courteous, and Effective): Excellent Public Service at Full Speed,” is calling on all public servants to continue to make change in public service with President Benigno Aquino III’s mandate – ‘Sa Matuwid na Daan’.

The lead agencies of government have lined-up activities fro this month and are calling on to the public to support the government in this endeavor. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Government Internship Program extended

by Maria Rebecca Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- From a 2-month schedule, the Government Internship Program (GIP) spearheaded by the National Youth Commission (NYC) extended the training period to three months effective last July 2011 to intensify the youths’ preparation for future work.

Ms. Salma Jayne A. Tamano of NYC presented the updates of the GIP project during the 3rd Semester Caraga Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting conducted recently at the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Regional Office.

It was learned that Interns will be exposed to mold their skills and knowledge in various areas and of basic office work such as writing, computer operation, interpersonal relation, work ethic, understanding of rules and regulation, and proper use of office equipment.

“The objective of the program is to encourage the youth to join public service. The program shall involve and acquaint interns with government programs and projects draw their support and understanding towards them”, said Tamano.

However, students who have previously availed the GIP program are no longer qualified to re-avail so that many people could benefit from the said program.(MRA/PIA-Caraga)

PDEA-Caraga intensifies efforts to drug prevention

by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) --
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said they are stepping up its drive against illegal drugs citing strides gained because of their operations.

This was revealed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga OIC-Regional Director Joel Plaza in a press conference organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in celebration of the National Police Commission’s (NAPOLCOM) 17th National Crime Prevention Week held Thursday, September 1 at City Interior and Local Government (CILG) office, Barangay Doongan, this city.

“For the first two quarters of 2011, PDEA has conducted a total of seventy-eight (78) operations. Out of these operations, 105 drug personalities were arrested, two eradication of Marijuana, and 132 drug cases were filed in court,” Plaza stressed.

Plaza added that drug trafficking incidents at Barangays San Ignacio and Ong Yiu have lessened due to their intensified efforts in making a drug-free city and their cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in implementing the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Plaza further emphasized the importance of the community’s involvement in their operations by simply giving them information. “We are already making programs against drug trafficking and we are empowering the community because they have a big role to drug prevention.” (MRCA/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao City celebrates 41st Charter Day

by Susil Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The city of Surigao unfolds another moment in history as it marks its charter day on August 31 with the theme “Onwards to Progress…Surigao”, 41 years after it became a chartered city under Republic Act No. 6134 approved on August 31, 1970.

This highly-significant event showcased the triumphs of the city government of Surigao in its efforts in governance.

At 4:00 in the morning, the diana, ringing of bells and sounding of sirens were conducted.

Bishop Antonieto Cabahug of the Cathedral Parish of San Nicolas de Tolentino, officiated the thanksgiving mass at the City Cathedral at 6:00 a.m. Followed by a flag-raising ceremonies led by Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Vice Mayor Danilo Menor, 2nd District Congressman Guillermo Romarate and 1st District Congressman Francisco Matugas in-front of the City Hall grounds.

As a fitting tribute to individuals and entities who have exemplified outstanding performance worthy of emulation in different fields, Mayor Ernesto Matugas awarded the certificate of recognition to Marine Engr. Jonelito Razona, a native of Surigao for his invaluable contribution to a law enforcement by the City PNP particularly in curbing Alcohol Impaired Driving through his donation of 2 units Alcomat Premium Breath Alcohol Tester (Breathtalyzer) an alcohol device used to detect blood alcohol content.

Float parade completion highlighted the celebration of the 41st charter day of Surigao City.

The winners are the following, first place went to Philipine Ports Authority; second place went to DepED Surigao City Division; 3rd place – province of Surigao del Norte. For Best Marching Cadets, first place went to Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), second place went to Surigao Education Center (SEC), third place went to St. Jude Thaddeus Institute of Technology (SJTIT), fourth place went to Northeastern Mindanao Colleges (NEMCO) and fifth place went to St. Paul University Surigao (SPUS).

For Best Marching Band, SSCT got the first place, second place went to Surigao Norte National High School (SNNHS) and third place went to SEC. (SDR/PIA- Surigao del Norte)


P5-M fund for Nasipit public market ready for release

by Roselyn Gangca Exaure and Brian Jay Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) --
The P5-M fund support from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte for the repair of the Nasipit public market is ready for release as confirmed by Agusan del Norte incumbent Governor Erlpe John M. Amante recently.

According to Gov. Amante, he is only waiting for the resolution from the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Nasipit to formally request for the funds so that the funds can be released counterpart to the P5-M fund support also given by 2nd District Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba.

Gov. Amante assured that the funds will be released this year after the Sangguniang Bayan of Nasipit will pass the resolution. And either the province or the municipality will implement the project.
(Agusan del Norte-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Sur launches “JYes Kontra Droga” today

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan


TANDAG CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) - The 10 point agenda of the “JYes Kontra Droga” Program, a massive campaign on Anti-Illegal Drug in Surigao del Sur was unveiled this morning in Tandag City.

The event was led by Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) chair Gov. Johnny Pimentel along with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Dir. Gen USec Jose Gutierrez, Jr., and Ms. Alma Concepcion and witnessed by PADAC members, provincial government and national line agency employees, local chief executives, ABC President and SK Federation Presidents of 17 municipalities and two cities, students from Jacinto P Elpa National High School, Civil Society Organizations and religious organizations representatives.

Governor Pimentel in his message this morning, requested all local executives to activate and strengthen the Anti Drug Abuse Council from municipal level down to barangay level provincewide.

He added that the launching today is just a start of the program implementation aiming for Surigao del Sur province to be drug free in the next 2-3 years. (NGBT/PIA Surigao del Sur)


40 Caraga 4th to 6th class towns to receive P1M Performance Challenge Fund

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Forty 4th to 6th class municipalities of Caraga Region will receive a P1,000,000.00 peso Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) for passing the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the Calendar Year 2011.

This was announced by DILG Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos during a press conference held Thursday, Sept. 1 at the CILG-Butuan Office, marking the start of the three celebrations this month which are the National Crime Prevention Week, National Filipino Family Week, and 111th Philippine Civil Service anniversary.

The forum was attended also by other top regional officials of some national agencies: Regional Director Joel Plaza (PDEA), Regional Director Remenio Valenzuela (NAPOLCOM), Regional Director Marilyn Pintor (CHR), City Dir. Romeo Solis (CILG), PSupt. Martin M. Gamba (PIO-PRO 13), JSInsp. Herman Paas and JInsp. Prospero Parnay, Jr (BJMP).

Dir. Burdeos said that this was a significant feat for Caraga region where all of its 4th to 6th municipalities has achieved the seal. “This is something that we can boast of, as Caraganons. While in the other regions only a number of their towns are making it to the award, all of our 4th to 6th class municipalities did it,” he said.

According to Dir. Burdeos, the program recognizes the local government units which had not received adverse or disclaimer opinions from the Commission on Audit (COA) on their financial statements of 2010. They also complied with the full disclosure policy budget, bids and awards which need to be published in conspicuous places, print media of community or general circulation and in the website.

The municipalities, according to Burdeos, can avail of the performance challenge fund, which is a support fund to finance local development initiatives aligned to priorities such as the attainment of the millennium development goals, local economic development or the adaptation to climate change and disaster preparedness.

The forty municipalities includes: Carmen, Kitcharao, Magallanes, Remedios T, Rumualdez, Santiago, and Tubay (all of Agusan del Norte); Basilisa, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, and Tubajon (all of Dinagat Island Province); Alegria, Bacuag, Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Gigaquit, Mainit, Malimono, Pilar, Placer, San Benito, San Francisco, San Isidro, Sta. Monica, Sison, Socorro, Taganaan, and Tubod (all of Surigao del Norte); Bayabas, Cagwait, Carmen, Carascal, Cortes, Lanuza, Lianga, Madrid and San Agustin (all of Surigao del Sur). (PIA-Caraga)


SURSECO II electric coop keeps status quo on conversion proposal

by Greg Tataro, Jr.


TANDAG CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative II (SUESECO II) has kept status qou on the proposed conversion issue following the convincing win in a recently concluded referendum last August 27.

SURSECO II General Manager Iglorio Hinayon confirmed that the “negative vote tallied 28,600 overwhelmingly subdued the “affirmative ones” that only an inched up to 883 in a bid to convert the said distribution utility to operate under Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) instead of National Electrification Administration (NEA).

Hinayon also reported over 51% voter turn-out at 29,483 from an estimated 57,000 voting member-consumers.

According to Hinayon, the issue on conversion to CDA stemmed from a letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan by
a group which identified themselves as KKK thereby prompting the board of directors of SURSECO II to pass a resolution to hold a referendum in order to get the true sentiment of the majority of the member-consumers. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Development blueprint for Capitol Business Park ready

by Roselyn Gangca Exaure and Brian Jay Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- The plans of developing the Capitol Business Park as one of the prime business hubs in Butuan City is moving as planned.

The blueprint for the said business park, according to Governor Erlpe John M. Amante, is due to be finished and it can accommodate any prospective business in any industry who wants to put up a business establishment in the business park as long as they would meet the guidelines provided.

For now, Governor Amante said that the people in charge of the developments of the park are still studying the budget that will be used for the construction of the business park because the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte is also preoccupied and tied with the transfer of the new Capitol Building to Sanghan, Cabadbaran City.

However, Gov. Amante reassured that if ever the funds won’t suffice for the business park, the plan can still be realized through joint ventures with businessmen who are interested to rent the whole business park. (Agusan del Norte-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


District Hospital of Agusan del Norte to be upgraded

by Roselyn Gangca Exaure/Brian Jay Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Cabadbaran District Hospital is set to be upgraded as part of the priority programs of Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante to improve the district hospitals in the province.

The Cabadbaran District Hospital (CDH) is set to add five (5) private rooms to their hospital to provide more options to the patients not to seek treatment from Butuan City anymore and instead stay in the said hospital for their convenience.

The new private rooms will be comparable to that of the private rooms of the big hospitals in Butuan City but will be more affordable.

According to the Governor, CDH is also planning to provide more offices to lure more doctors to work in the hospital. More doctors, especially the private doctors, would mean more options for the patients in Cabadbaran City and it will improve the capacity of the hospital to attend to patients especially in more critical moments.

Gov. Amante added that the funds for the said improvements for CDH are ready and this will serve as a pilot project to be implemented soon to other district and municipal hospitals of the province. (Agusan del Norte-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Aquino ipasiugda ang Pilipinas sa mga tigpamuhunan sa China sa iyang lima ka adlaw nga pagbisita


ni Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Luyo sa pagpanday og maayong relasyon sa China , si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III miingon nga ang iyang nasodnong pagbisita didto sa China mo mostra sa Pilipinas isip usa ka lugar sa pamuhunan sa mga negosyante didto human sa dagkong reporma sa mga sumbanan nga iyang gisugdan sa gobyerno.

“Bilang pangatlong pinakamalaking katuwang sa pakikipagkalakal ng Pilipinas, hindi po natin palalampasin ang pagkakataon na makipagpulong sa mga negosyante sa Tsina upang hikayatin pa silang mamuhunan sa ating bansa,” ang Pangulo miingon sa iyang pamahayag sa iyang pagbiya didto sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport Centennial Terminal 2 niadtong Martes sa gabii.

“Bibigyang-diin natin sa kanila na bukas at maaliwalas nang muli ang ating bayan sa patas na pagnenegosyo,” siya midugang.

Ang Pangulo miignon siya mo-imbetar sa mga negosyanteng Chinese sa pagbisita sa Pilipinas, human nga ubos sa iyang liderato ang klima sa negosyo sa nasod nabag-o gyod og dako ug ang nasod nahimong maabtik nga partisipante sa rehiyon sa Asia.

Ang gobyerno mihimo og mga dagkong reporma aron pagbalik sa kumpiyansa sa mga langyawng negosyante aron mobutang sa ilang puhunan sulod sa nasod, ang pangulo miingon.

“Asahan po ninyong sa patuloy at puspusan nating pagtatrabaho para sa pag-asenso ng nakakaraming Pilipino, marami pa tayong maipapasalubong sa inyong good news,” siya miingon.

“Bumabangon na po ang Pilipinas, buhay na buhay na ang kumpiyansa ng ating ekonomiya at mga mamamayan tungo sa tuloy-tuloy nating pag-asenso at pag-abot ng ating mga pangarap,” siya midugang.

Luyo sa pagpasiugda sa Pilipinas ngadto sa mga tigpamuhunan sa China, si Pangulong Aquino miingon ang kontrobersyal nga West Philiipine Sea isyu pagatukion uban si Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Ang Pangulo miingon nga siya ug si Pangulong Hu Jintao mosaksi sa pag pirma sa mga pipila ka mga gikasabotan nga makapakusog sa kooperasyon tali sa Pilipinas ug China sa trade, infrastructure, mass media ug culture.

Samtang atoa sa China, ang Pangulo miingon siya usab mobisita sa mga Filipino communities didto aron ipadayag ang iyang dakong pasalamat kanila alang sa ilang makanunayong sakripisyo alang sa kaayohan sa ilang mga Pamilya ug sa nasod.

Ang lima ka adlaw nga bisita sa Pangulo sa China maglakip sa pagbisita sa Beijing, Shanghai, ug Xiamen. Ang Pangulo mopauli sa nasod karong Sabado, Setyembre 3, 2011.
(SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Gov. Amante naningkamot nga mas mapalamabo pa ang lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte

ni Roselyn Gangca Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) -- Daku ang paningkamot ni Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante nga mas mapalambo pa ang lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte, labi na sa natad sa ekonomikanhong kahimtang.

Gibutyag ni Gov. Amante nga usa sa iyang gihingusgan karon mao ang Co-Management Project sa LASBUENASCAR, kon diin mas labaw matud pa nga makabenepisyo niini ang mga residente sa upat ka mga lungsod nga mao ang Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit ug Carmen.

Gipasabot pa ni Gov. Amante nga kon magmalampuson ang co-management project sa LASBUENASCAR, usa matud pa kini ka dakung kalampusan sa maong luna, kon diin kaniadto matawag kini nga none productive area, problematic area and high in poverty incidents, mamahimo na matud pa kini nga the most productive area sa tibook lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte. (Agusan del Norte-PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Cong. Matba nag-awhag sa katawhang Butuanon

ni Roselyn Gangca Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 (PIA) --
Giawhag ni Agusan del Norte 2nd District Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba ang katawhang Butuanon nga suportahan ang kasamtangang administrasyon ubos sa pagdumala ni Butuan City Mayor Dr. Ferdinand M. Amante Jr.

Sumala pa ni Cong. Matba nga dili pod sayon ang pagpangatungdanan o ang governance sa lokalidad sama usab sa pagdumala ni pangulong Benigno Aquino III sa nasud nga ubay-ubay usab ang mga gisagubang nga mga problema.

Alayon niini nanghinaut na lamang si Cong. Matba nga malabang ni Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr ang mga nagkadaiyang problema sa dakbayan sulod sa iyang administrasyon uban ang paghatag ug dakung suporta sa katawhan pinaagi sa ilang mga pag-ampo aron magmalampuson ang mga programa ug mga proyekto nga gipatuman niini.

Nanghinaut usab si Cong. Matba sa kasamtangang administrayon sa dakbayan sa Butuan nga maserbisyuhan pag-ayo ang katawhang Butuanon. (Agusan del Norte-PIO/PIA-Caraga)