PIA News Service - Monday, December 12, 2011

Search is on for the 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The search for the 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees is now on. This was announced by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairman Dr. Francisco T. Duque III.

Three awards categories are at stake including the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or the Dangal ng Bayan Award and the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award.

The Awards for Outstanding Work Performance that of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan is conferred on an individual or group of individuals for exceptional or extraordinary contributions which had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony. The contribution may be a suggestion, innovation, invention or superior accomplishment.

According to CSC, the Agency’s Pagasa Award is conferred on an individual or group of individual for outstanding contribution/s resulting from an idea or performance that directly benefit more than one department of the government.

Meanwhile, the Award for Exemplary Conduct and Ethical Behavior is the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or the Dangal ng Bayan Award. This award is conferred on an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her observance of the eight norms of behavior provided under Republic Act (RA) No. 6713.

In Caraga region, nominations may be submitted to their regional office located at Upper Doongan, Butuan City or to any of the CSC field offices in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

Deadline for submission of nominations is on April 30, 2012.

The Search is mandated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Executive Order Nos. 292 and 508, s. 1992, as amended by Executive Order No. 77, s. 1993 and Republic Act No. 6713. (PIA-Caraga)

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PNP-Caraga launches “blow the whistle” campaign in support to anti-VAW

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- In support of the advocacy of the United Nations’ advocacy on anti-violence against women (VAW), personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga Region on Monday launched the “blow the whistle” campaign.

During the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Camp Rafael Rodriguez in Barangay Libertad here, PSupt Martin Gamba, Chief of the Information Office emphasized the need for the police personnel to support anti-VAW campaign.

In an interview with a local radio station here, Gamba said the PNP is one of the target audiences of the anti-VAWC campaign program of the national government and the United Nations because majority of the PNP personnel are dominated by men, and men are prone to abusing women and children.

Gamba further said that PNP-Caraga Regional Director PCSupt Reynaldo Rafal has called on the police officers to support and implement the anti-VAWC campaign of the national government.

Meanwhile, Gamba said the women’s desk section in police stations in Caraga were able to entertain cases on VAWC. Such cases were jointly resolved by PNP and concerned agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

When asked if there are PNP personnel who were involved in cases related to VAWC, he said not only cases involving physical abuses were committed by some of the PNP personnel. He added issues related on financial assistance, psychological and even abandonment of their families are among those that were given attention by top PNP officials.

“Cases on financial assistance, psychological, and abandoning of their families also happened but all these were given appropriate investigations because top management of the country’s police force will not tolerate such acts committed by police personnel,” Gamba said.

The activity forms part of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women which is spearheaded by the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) composed of public and private stakeholders in the region.

This also supports the Human Development Agenda of the Philippine Development Plan of the Aquino administration. (PIA-Caraga)

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PNP-Caraga chief expresses support to anti-VAW campaign

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- PCSupt Reynaldo Rafal, Regional Director of Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga on Monday called on police officers to uphold the anti-Violence Against Women (VAW) program of the national government.

Speaking before the personnel of PNP-Caraga during the launching of the “blow the whistle” campaign held in time with the regular flag-raising ceremony at Camp Rafael Rodriguez here, Rafal said for over two decades, women have struggled to breakthrough the shame and silence that surrounds this violence to put it on every national and global agenda.

“Today, we join people from all walks of life and from the different islands of the Philippines in blowing the whistle on VAW… this is a symbolic gesture of a united commitment to prevent VAW by knowing women’s rights to a life free from violence,” Rafal said.

The PNP chief of the region also pointed out that everyone should speak out against VAW by getting information on where and how to report cases, reporting actual cases of VAW, and help someone who suffers from VAW by sympathizing with her and helping her seek assistance from service providers like the police, social workers and health workers. (PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: Town mayor is TOPS in Caraga

by David Suyao

For her determination and hard work in uplifting the economic condition of her constituents, the Civil Service Commission awarded Esperanza town Mayor Leonida Manpatilan as this year’s The Outstanding Public Servant in the Caraga region.

Following the structure of governance of her husband and former Mayor Deo Manpatilan started, she continued focusing on the seven themes namely: Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation, Environmental Sustainability, Quality Social Services, Revenue Generation, Enhanced Legislation, Peace & Order and Public Safety, and Indigenous Peoples (IP) Empowerment.

Manpatilan accessed funding from foreign and national governments to augment the municipality's economy which is dependent on agriculture and Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).Thus, the town availed of poverty reduction and economic activity stimuli programs under the Mindanao Rural Development Program in the form of construction of farm to market roads. These programs, according to the Tabulated Output of Community Based Management System 2010, resulted in reduced poverty incidence from 70.1 percent in 2005 to 62.2 percent in 2009.

For revenue generation, the local government unit (LGU) has increased competency through automated real property tax assessment, billing and licensing system. And while there is a huge share from the IRA, the town also enjoyed an increase in financial resources from tax base collection. The Municipality’s Statement of Income reported that total local income had increased from about P89 million to about P158 million in 2010.

Social services, on the hand, received further support through the formulation of the Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA). According to Manpatilan, the creation of the ELA will provide focus in the implementation of programs and will be effective in building team-up and support with the legislative body and community. In addition, a Capacity Development Plan was also designed to prepare the skills of LGU staff in the implementation of ELA.

Similarly, legislation in Esperanza was also enhanced through the installation of the first ever paperless session at the Sangguniang Bayan. This move allowed saving of approximately P40,000 worth of computer ink and paper supplies per year, according to the Estimated Cost Savings on Budgetary Proposal Submitted by the Sangguniang Bayan.

Peace, order and public safety was also addressed through maintaining a good coordination with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army. The installation of municipal street lights also helped reduce crime rate in Poblacion proper. Going further in securing the constituents’ safety, the municipality was also the first in the province to craft the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Plan Integrating Climate Change Adaptation Options.

For environmental sustainability, the focus was on Solid Waste Management. This was emphasized through the creation of the Solid Waste Management Task Force that will strictly enforce the “Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Ordinance.”

Lastly, Manpantilan worked with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for the representation of IP at the Local Sanggunian, pursuant to the provision of R.A. 8371. Also, the local government was able to craft the Ancestral Domain Sustainable and Protection Plan of the Higa-onon Tribe, which comprises the majority population of IP in the municipality.

At present, Manpatilan is continuously implementing other projects that her administration is undertaking that will contribute to the development and progress of the municipality of Esperanza. (NK/DS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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BIR orders, reminds business establishments to issue official receipts

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Caraga ordered and reminded different business establishments in the region to issue official receipts to their customers.

The order was made, according to BIR regional director Norberto Vitug, because their offices have received complaints that there are some establishments in the region that continually disregard the order of their agency to issue official receipts to their customers.

A penalty amounting to P10,000 for the first offense will be collected from the business establishments who failed to follow the order, said Vitug.

Also, according to Vitug if the business establishment/s continue to disregard the BIR order, their office will close the erring business establishments through the agency’s “Oplan Kandado” program. (PIA-Caraga)

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Butuan SK Federation bares activities for 'Linggo ng Kabataan'

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- The ‘Linggo ng Kabataan’ from Dec. 11-17, 2011 will highlight the unity of youth groups in the city.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation here led by Mr. Rauzil Carampatana, SK President together with the Caraga Youth Leaders Network (CYLN) President Mr. Rex Ybañez prepared lined-up activities for the said event.

According to Carampatana, this activity will highlight the united efforts of all the youths in the city that will be led by the SK chairmen in different barangays. Sports and developmental activities have been set.

“The activities set for the Linggo ng Kabataan will also help the youths keep away from illegal drugs and will encourage them to get involve in the socio-activities like tree planting, feeding to poor children, slipper-giving, dance competition, among others. Thus, it will be first time to happen wherein all the youths from the tri-people in different barangays will be gathered,” Carampatana added.

Carampatana bared that on December 11, the kick-off ceremony of the said celebration started with a motorcade, short program at the Brgy. San Vicente Gymnasium and followed by the Search for Mr. and Ms. Linggo ng Kabataan.

Today, the SK Federation has conducted the tree planting activity at the Taguibo Watershed area followed by their Children Feeding Program held at barangays Pianing and Anticala.

On December 13, the group will be distributing slippers for the children residing in barangays Pagatpatan, Obrero, and Babag while in the afternoon the SK Dance Expo will be conducted at the Butuan City Hall Lobby.

Meanwhile, the following activities will also be conducted: Sports Seminar and Distribution of Sports Equipment on December 15; Amazing Race on December 16; and Awards and Social Night on December 17 at the Buenavista Beach Resort.

With these developments, Carampatana is optimistic that through these activities, the youths of today will be more participative in the community activities and be cautious not to engage into illegal drugs. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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2012 Kahimunan Festival is only for Brgy. Libertad contingents, organizers say

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- Organizers of the annual Kahimunan Festival here recently said only contingents from Barangay Libertad will be accepted in this year’s festival and other competitions to be staged in January 15, 2012 at the city’s sports complex.

In a radio interview, Libertad Barangay Captain Vincent Rizal Rosario said the barangay council doesn’t have big budget for this year’s celebration, which prompted them not to invite contingents from the neighboring cities, provinces and regions.

Kahimunan Festival, which is the local version of Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, is held annually every third Sunday of January, in honor of Barangay Libertad’s patron saint – Senior Sto. Niño.

The festival is among the accredited festivals of the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Region which promotes the culture and tradition not only of the people of Barangay Libertad but as well as the Butuanons, supporting the Tourism Development Agenda of the present administration as presented in the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016.

Rosario said this year’s champion for the Grand Kahimunan Street Dancing Competition will receive P50,000; first runner-up – P30,000 and second runner-up – P20,000. All participating contingents will each receive P5,000 as consolation prize.

Meanwhile, special awards will also be given to contingents who will excel in the best in streetdancing, best in costume and best in musicality, and will receive P10,000 each.

For the “Higanteng Sto. Niño” (Giant Sto. Niño) competition, prizes are at stake are as follows: Champion – P15,000; 1st runner-up – P10,000 and; 2nd runner-up – P5,000. Non-winning entries will receive consolation prize of P3,000 each.

In the Children’s Kahimunan, champion will receive Php15,000; 1st runner-up – P10,000 and; 2nd runner-up – Php5,000. Non-winning contingents will also receive consolation prize of P3,000 each.

Rosario said the city government through Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. has given P200,000 while Agusan del Norte 1st District Congressman Jose Aquino II donated some P300,000 for the activity. (PIA-Caraga)

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3 quakes jolt Dinagat Islands, Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- Three earthquakes hit Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte provinces early Monday, but there was no initial report of damage or casualty.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the first quake measured magnitude 3.8 and was recorded at 12:08 a.m. in Loreto, Dinagat Islands.
It said that the epicenter was 54Km Northeast of Loreto.

A second quake measuring 3.8 was recorded at 1:12 a.m. at 43km still in Loreto.

The third quake measured magnitude 2.5 & was recorded at 1:39AM with the epicenter at 56 Km NE of Burgos, Surigao del Norte.

No damage or aftershock was expected from the three quakes Phivolcs said. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Hinatuan launches “JYes Kontra Droga”

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Surigao del Sur, December 12 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Hinatuan under the leadership of Mayor Candelario Viola, Jr. recently launched the “JYes Kontra Droga” program in the municipal level.

The replication of the program implementation supports the program of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Chaired by Gov. Johnny T. Pimentel in Surigao del Sur.

Hinatuan is the first municipality to launch and replicate the “JYes Kontra Droga” program of Gov. Pimentel to strengthen its campaign aiming for a drug-free province in Caraga thru the activation of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) into an operational and functional council, chaired by the Local Chief Executive Officer down to barangay level.

Meanwhile, a mass oath-taking was officiated by PADAC Chair Gov. Pimentel to the members of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), aimed to strengthen its implementation to the barangay level.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga Reg’l Director Joel Plaza congratulated PADAC Chair for the successful launching of “JYES Kontra Droga” program that was conducted in September in Tandag City, and was awarded as Best PADAC in Caraga recently.

“I congratulate Hon. Johnny Pimentel for the successful launching of the ‘JYes kontra Droga’ in Tandag last September graced by no less than, the Dir. General of PDEA, Usec Jose Gutierrez, Jr. as the guest of honor and speaker. I also commented the good Governor for a job well done, a first of its kind in the whole Philippines,” Dir. Plaza said. (NGBT/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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Cebuano News: Aquino misaad padayon nga suporta alang sa urban poor

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 12 (PIA) -- Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III mipasalig sa mga Filipino, labi na kadtong mga pobre sa syudad, nga ang pangagamhanan padayon pagduso sa mga programa dili lamang aron taposon ang korupsyon ug masolusyonan ang kapobrehon apan usab aron paghatag og dugang oportunidad aron pagpataas sa kalidad sa ilang panginabuhi.

Sa iyang mensahe atol sa 25th Anniversary of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) nga nahiatol sa 23rd Urban Poor Solidarity Week ngagipahigayon didto sa Heroes Hall sa Malacañang Palace, adlawng Biyernes, si Pangulong Aquino mipasalig sa implementasyon sa iyang panaad sa mga pobre sa syudad lakip usab ang Republic Act 7279 nga naila usab nga Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA).

“Ngayong tayo na po ang nasa katungkulan, higit po nating ipagpapatuloy ang pagbagtas sa tuwid na daan… higit nating isusulong ang kampanya upang tuldukan ang katiwalian at labanan ang kahirapan sa bansa,” ang Pangulo miingon.

“Dito po naka-angkla ang panata natin na patuloy na ipatupad ang covenant with the urban poor… gayon din ang Republic Act 7279 o ang Urban Development and Housing Act. Sisiguruhin natin na nasusunod ito upang masiguro ang pangangalaga sa karapatan at kapakanan ng mga maralitang taga-lungsod,” siya midugang.

Ang Pangulo miingon nga sa National Capital Region (NCR) lamang, adunay mokabat sa 560 ka liboan nga mga pamilya ang nagkinahanglan ug panabang gikan sa gobyerno. Ingon nga kining maong panlimbasog nagkinahanglan og 500 bilyones ka pesos aron maseguro nga ang ilang panginahanglanon mahatag.

“Alam po niyo dito po sa sitwasyon ng maralitang taga-lungsod, mayroong hindi bababa sa 560 thousand families ang kailangan nating isaayos sa NCR. Magkano ba ang tinitingnan na kailangang gastusin diyan? Five hundred billion para sa taga-lungsod pa lang,” ang Pangulo mingon dugang pa nga ang kinatibuk-ang ihap sa mga informal settler families sulod sa nasod mitala sa 1. 3 milyon.

“Mahigit 1.3 milyong pamilya na ang bilang ng mga informal settler families sa bansa at mahigit kalahating milyon dito ang mula sa National Capital Region, ito po ang pinagtutuunan natin ng pansin,” ang Pangulo miingon.

Ang Pangulo mipadayag nga ang gobyerno migahin na og mokabat sa 10 bilyones ka pesos alang sa pagtukod og vertical housing units alang sa in-city solution ug sa programang balik-probinsya o ang off-city solution.

Atol sa maong kalihukan, gipangulohan ni Pangulong Aquino ang awarding sa “Natatanging Paglilingkod Award” niadtong mga deserving urban poor leaders nga nahimong instrumento alang sa kalamboan sa maong sektor.

Gihatag usab atol sa maong kalihukan ang “Pagkilala” award ngadto sa mga tawo gikan sa nagkalain-laing mga sektor alang sa ilang suporta sa kaayohan sa mga urban poor.

Una sa maong awarding ceremonies, usa ka documentary film ang gipakita gihulagway ang buhat ug mga nahimo sa PCUP sa milabay’ng 25 ka mga tuig gisundan sa presentasyon ngadto sa Pangulo sa mosunod: Usa ka posthumous award alang sa iyang inahan, kanhi Pangulo Corazon “Cory” Aquino pagtimaan sa pagkamapasalamaton sa PCUP tungod sa iyang tiunay nga kalabotan alang sa sektor nga nga nagresulta sa pagmugna sa PCUP.

Gimugna ni Pangulong Cory Aquino ang PCUP niadtong Disyembre 18, 1986 pinaagi sa Executive Order NO. 82 aron magsilbi isip direktang langgikit sa urban poor ngadto sa gobyerno sa paghimo og polisiya ug implementasyon sa programa nga motubag sa ilang mga panginahanglanon. Niadtong Enero 30, 1989, ang Pangulong Aquino mipagawas og Proclamation No. 37 pagdeklarar sa Disyembre 2 ngadto 8 matag tuig isip Urban Poor Solidarity Week aron pagpakita og kahiusahan, paghisgot-hisgot ug kooperasyon sa matag mga ahensya sa gobyerno, non-government entities ug urban poor communities kalabot na sa mga programa ug mga proyekto alang sa pag-alibyo sa kapobrehon. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)