City dad grateful to state workers for receiving DILG’s Seal of Good Housekeeping
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- After receiving the Seal of Good Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. acknowledged the city hall employees and those who are responsible in the implementation of internal reforms in his administration.
According to Mayor Amante, the latest recognition the city government has received from the DILG is a manifestation that all the efforts extended by everybody who supported his administration in implementing the internal reforms were recognized.
Amante said all the sacrifices extended by the chiefs of offices in the city hall as well as the employees paid off.
The city’s chief executive admitted that when they started implementing internal reforms, they really find difficult in doing such because of the resistance of some workers.
“Maybe they are afraid to follow new instructions and directives because they did not understand what will be the outcome of such reforms… but as we go on further, they realized that what we are doing is for the good of the people… and as we continue to exercise these reforms, we found out that those who resisted before are already supporting our cause,” Amante said.
With the latest fete they received, Mayor Amante is encouraged to continue implementing such reforms as “this will lead to total transformation that will benefit not only the present generation but as well as the future leaders of this city and the future generations, in general.”
Amante also extended his gratitude to the regional offices of the government based in this city for always inspiring his administration to move forward, following the “tuwid na daan” (straight path) which is also the battlecry of the Aquino administration.
In a memorandum of DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo dated December 28, 2011, the department chief directed Caraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos to inform the city government of Butuan to submit a one-page project brief since they passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping and therefore, qualified as recipient of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), amounting to some P60 million. (PIA-Caraga)
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Butuan City gov’t awarded Seal of Good Housekeeping
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The city government here has been awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department of Interior and Local Government, and qualified as recipient of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).
In a memorandum issued by DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to Caraga Regional Director Atty. Rene Burdeos, the region’s DILG chief was directed to inform the city government of Butuan to submit a one-page project brief based on the corresponding amount of LGSF share that may be released to them.
As LGSF recipient, the city government will receive some P60 million, Sec. Robredo said in a memorandum.
Robredo further said the fund shall be utilized as capital expenditures and used to augment their approved 2012 Annual Investment Plan for implementation of any or combination of the following projects, namely: 1) rural electrification; 2) local roads connecting national roads; 3) arterial farm-to-market roads and bridges; 4) local economic enterprises and; 5) flood control and drainage.
Also, the DILG chief said the fund will also be used to support the priority projects of the national government such as the 1) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); 2) Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010; 3) Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
However, DILG emphasized that the release of the LGSF shall be subject to the evaluation or approval of the project by the concerned DILG Regional Office, based on the above-stated requirements.
Once the concerned DILG Regional Office has determined the soundness of the project, it shall then be endorsed to its counterpart regional office of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for fund processing.
This development shows that the internal reforms which were implemented in the city government here through the leadership of Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. were recognized by the national government.
The city government of Butuan is among the local government units of the region that complied and adhered to the flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III on transparency and accountability governance as highlighted in the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016. (PIA-Caraga)
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Surigao City, Surigao Norte join nationwide 115th Rizal Day rites
by FEAbkilan
SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The city government of Surigao and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte will once again join the nationwide commemoration of the 115th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero, in front of the city hall tomorrow, December 30.
City Mayor Ernesto Matugas and Gov. Sol Matugas will lead the commemorative activities, which will start at exactly 7:00 a.m. followed by the raising of the city and provincial flags by the city and provincial officials.
Mayor Matugas, Gov. Matugas, 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas and 2nd District Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. are set to deliver their commemorative messages respectively.
Right after the short program, a short play on the life of Dr. Rizal will be held at the Luneta Park, spearheaded by the Department of Education - Surigao City Division.
Still at the Luneta Park, the 30th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will execute a 21 gun salute while national, provincial and city officials, department heads, chief of offices, socio-civic organizations and other groups will collectively offer a wreath before the hero’s monument.
The activity will close with a community singing of “Ang Aking Bayan” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” to be led by the City Chorale Ensemble. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Red Cross Local Chapter, Surigao del Sur-LGU conduct 2-day relief operations
by Greg Tataro Jr.
SURIGAO DEL SUR, December 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) local chapter along with the Provincial Government here conducted a joint two-day relief operations in "Sendong"-hit areas in the province.
A total of 547 families whose houses were totally damaged benefited from this endeavor.
Abel de Guzman, PRC Chapter Administrator said PRC is going to give each family a package of non-food items which include mat, blanket, mosquito net, bat and laundry soaps, and cauldron.
The Provincial Government, for its part, has sent 35 sacks of rice.
According to de Guzman, target families are broken down as follows: Lingig-108; Tagbina- 118; Brgy Cabuyao, Bislig City- 107; and the worst-affected Hinatuan- 214, all of 2nd District. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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DSWD hosts Adoptive and Foster Parents Congress
by Stella Maris V. Barcelon
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -– The Social Welfare Department in Caraga Region recently hosted the Adoptive and Foster Parents Congress at Goat2Geder Hotel and Restaurant, this city.
The adoptive and foster parents together with their children and individuals or couples who are about to adopt a child attended the said event.
Atty. Jose Fe Sorrera-Ty, DSWD’s retainer lawyer, oriented the participants on R.A. 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998. She encouraged the participants, who wants to adopt a child to have it done legally.
“The government does not immediately give a child to anybody because a child needs special care,” said Ty as she explained why adoption is a long procedure.
“The road to adoption is challenging, but I tell you, it is very fulfilling.” he added.
There was also a sharing of experience from adoptive parents.
“It took us five (5) months to do it,” said Evaliza as she started to share her experience of being an adoptive mother.
Evaliza and her husband decided to legally adopt the child that they fostered for 5 months after the child got sick could not avail Philhealth assistance because they do not have documents to prove that the baby is their child.
“Though kuti kaayo, pero worth it ang tanan (though the process is tedious, it is all worth it)," said Evaliza.
Before she ended her testimony, Evaliza encouraged the participants to accept whatever is the behavior of the child they are about to adopt. The teary-eyed Evaliza said, "no matter how the child behaves, we have to accept him/her because with our acceptance, we also show our love to the child.”
Meanwhile, Aldie Mae A. Andoy, Social Officer III of DSWD Caraga gave inputs on Foster Care and presented the checklist of requirements for certification per RA 9253 “Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption.”
In the afternoon, children enjoyed their social gathering as they were entertained by clowns from McDonald and enjoyed the games with prizes prepared for them. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries join Walk for Peace
by Stella Maris V. Barcelon
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -– In line with the celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace, some 100 participants composed of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries here and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office employees joined the Walk for Peace held recently.
The DSWD Caraga was a co-organizer of the said activity together with People Power Volunteer for Reform (PPVR).
With the theme “Yes to Peace Now, Not Total War," the activity aspired to encourage people to join and raise the call for warring groups to mend the conflict by way of upholding peace.
As a government agency that implements various social protection programs, DSWD supports this peace building effort and advocacy.
Aside from walk for peace, other activities such as arts, essay and oratorical contests among children, youth, students and masses were conducted. (PIA-Caraga)
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11, 768 families affected by flash floods in Caraga region
by MUC
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- At least 11,768 families or about 57, 874 individuals were severely affected when heavy rains brought about by Low Pressure Area (LPA) on Monday flooded almost all areas in the 5 provinces and 6 cities in the Caraga region.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-Caraga Region 13) reported that the flooding in 50 barangays in the Caraga region made roads impassable in the following areas: Talacogon-Sta Josefa road section; Los Arcos section in Agusan del Sur; Awa-Aspetia (Agusan del Sur)-Lianga road (Surigao del Sur); Magsaysay road; Talacogon-Loreto-Veruela-Sta. Josefa section; Daang Maharlika (Rosario section, Agusan del Sur; damage of Sta. Maria bridge; Nuevo Trabajo and Laminga section in San Luis town, Agusan del Sur; Bayugan-Calaitan (Agusan del Suir)-Tandag City Section; Asuncion-San Isidro-Laak (ComVal, Davao del Norte-Veruela (Agusan del Sur) section; and parts of Surigao-Davao Coastal road.
PIA Northeastern and Northern Mindanao Cluster head and Region Xlll Regional Director Abner M. Caga said that based on partial reports, at least 104 families or 334 persons evacuated to the gymnasium and other evacuation centers in San Francisco town, Agusan del Sur. There were 488 evacuees in Bayugan City.
The approach of the bridge in Sta. Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur going to Bislig City in Surigao del Sur was damaged, and DPWH has already posted a notice that the bridge is no longer passable.
In an emergency meeting, Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza called on Vice Gov. Santiago Cane to give order to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development to have enough stocks of relief goods especially food stuffs ready for distribution anytime to affected areas.
The PDRRMC are presently on alert status while monitoring the situation and consolidating reports coming from the MDRRMC for submission to RDRRMC and the NDRRMC, added Director Caga, whose personnel in the two regions are in round-the-clock operation disseminating alert and information guide to the people through electronic and print media.
During a briefing conducted by the PDRRMC Tuesday, it said that the parameter fence of the provincial jail in Agusan del Sur was damaged due to strong current of flood waters. The Provincial Correctional and Security Office needed immediate repair for fear that prisoners may take the opportunity to escape. Vice Gov. Cane ordered the Provincial Engineering Office for immediate action.
In Baranagay Taglatawan, Bayugan City, also in Agusan del Sur, elements of Bayugan City Police Station together with City Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis, Search and Rescue of Agusan del Sur (SARAS) and other local officials conducted search and rescue operations to the residents of Purok 2-C, 9 and 10 and rescued 42 families composed of 228 individuals who were immediately evacuated to Bayugan East Central Elementary School of that same city.
The OCD also initially reported of 4 damage houses in the municipality of Lianga and 1 in Cortes town, both in Surigao del Sur.
The hardest hit by flash floods are in Agusan del Sur where 8, 207 families or 40, 946 persons were affected then followed by Surigao del Sur where 2, 309 families or 13, 551 individuals were affected, said Region Xlll OCD Regional Director Blanche T. Gobenciong.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) of Bayugan in Agusan del Sur province already started the distribution of relief assistance to affected families.
Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. on Tuesday night already gave the order for evacuation units to be deployed to flooded barangays and enforce selective evacuation as water level of the giant Agusan river continues to rise.
Initially, 100 families from the 6 flooded barangays in Butuan City were evacuated at designated evacuation centers in the city.
Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT) of the province of Agusan del Norte was also deployed to Lake Mainit area to conduct round-the-clock close monitoring of the lake’s water level and provide warning/ information to the community.
The provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands lifted Alert Level 2 upon recommendation by PAGASA Surigao Station Tuesday while relief operations to evacuees also took place at various evacuation centers.
PDRRMC Surigao del Norte and CDRRMC Surigao were convened to preposition their resources and activate response mechanisms. Local DRRM Operation Centers closely monitored the situation and coordinated with concerned agencies for appropriate action.
Surigao del Norte social welfare office released family packs and distributed to families inside the evacuation centers.
The PDRRMO Surigao del Norte also conducted ocular survey of swollen river situation in Barangay Jubgan, in Malimono town, Surigao del Norte province.
The Active Local Emergency Response Team (ALERT) of Surigao del Norte, Quick Action Response Team (QART) of Surigao City and Dinagat Island Search and Rescue Team (DISART) was deployed to conduct response operations in affected areas.
As of press time, QART continue search and rescue to a missing child of Barangay San Roque, Surigao City since Monday, after being swept away by flash flood.
On the other hand, the PDRRMC Surigao del Sur already activated to establish a 24/7 monitoring on the current situation of the province.
Maintenance Point Persons (MPPs) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-Region 13) were already dispatched in their designated areas to provide assistance to the travelling public. Disaster Preparedness Team and equipment are also deployed for repair and clearing of roads hit by flash floods.
The RDRRMC Operation Center here continues to maintain 24/7 monitoring and undertakes coordination with the local DRRMC’s for situational update.
Meanwhile, some disaster councils spread in the Caraga region reported that some evacuees on Monday started to go back home on Wednesday as heavy rains stopped and flood waters begin to subside. (PIA-Caraga)
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State Hospital in Surigao del Sur joins intensified campaign against firecracker; all set for New Year’s celebration
by Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 29 (PIA) – The Adela Serra-Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) in Surigao del Sur has joined the DOH’s intensified campaign against the use of firecrackers and similar products for an injury-free holiday season.
Dr. Andres, Chief of Hospital here said, however, that they are always ready to give medical attention to whoever will be victims of firecracker-related incident especially until after New Year.
Meanwhile, ASTMMC has already posted five (5) firecracker-related injuries caused by “Piccollo” alone since Code White Alert has been raised on December 20 under Aksiyon: Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR).
Except for a 17 year-old , most victims were children with ages ranging from five to 11 years old.
The said report is a stark contrast of last year’s “clean slate” according to the hospital management. (Radyo ng BayanTandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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Cebuano news: Aquino miingon ang gobyerno naglihok alang sa pag eksport sa bag-ong produkto gikan sa dagat aron maabagan ang paghinay sa pangkalibutanhong ekonomiya
ni Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 29 (PIA) -– Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III miingon ang gobyerno molihok alang sa pag-eksport sa mga produkto gikan sa dagat isip parte sa programa niini nga mangita og bag-ong mga merkado alang sa eksport sa nasod isip tubag sa hinay nga kalibotanhon nga ekonomiya.
Sa iyang pagpakita didto sa ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) Television niadtong Martes sa gabii, ang Pangulo miingon ang iyang administrasyon kasamtangang nag pokos sa pagpangita og bag-ong mga merkado alang sa mga produkto sa Pilipinas aron maabagan ang hinay nga kita sa semiconductor ug mga produktong electronics, nga maoy pinakadakong income generating sa nasod.
“I was showed this aquatic product exported by a country in North America and it sells for quite an expensive amount. I am told now that we have the same thing. It’s a very simple canning process and we have the resource,” ang Pangulo miingon.
“It’s really just a question of doing the processing aspect, inculcating a certain behavioral attitude in the people in that area. It’s a new export product that I’m very keen to start working on,” siya midugang.
Ang Pangulo miingon si Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala mihimo og kaseguradohan nga ang eksport sa maong produkto possible ug nga siya molihok alang sa local nga pag proseso ug pagbaligya sa maong produkto gawas sa nasod.
Ang Pangulo miadmitar nga adunay mga posibleng mga kausaban sa growth target sa gobyerno labi na ang kalit nga mga kausaban sa global economic landscape sa dihang iyang gipasabot ang paghinay sa US, European Union ug ang kadaot nga epekto sa kalamidad sa kinaiyahan ngadto sa ekonomiya sa Japan.
Aron maabagan kining mga kausaban sa 2012, siya miingon ang iyang administrasyon miarisgar dugang agresibo sa paggasto partikularmente sa imprastruktura lakip usab ang destinasyon sa turismo sa nas
Adunay dugang duha ka mga proyekto ubos sa PPP nga unta mahatag karong unang kwarter, ang Pangulo miingon.
Lain pang dakong mga proyekto sa imprastruktura mao ang programa sa eskuylahan, mao ang build-lease-transfer and operation alang sa Department of Education (DepEd), siya miingon.
“We’re targeting at least 20,000 for PPP school classrooms. So we might… with a little bit of luck, baka by 2013 tapos ‘yung 66,000 classroom needs,” siya miingon
Ang gobyerno usab naga pokos sa agrikultura, siya miingon, dugang pa nga ang iyang administrasyon namuhunan dugang og mokabat 50 porsyento alang sa mga programa sa rice self-sufficiency aron mousbaw ang produksyon sa bugas. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
