(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 22 August 2025) Southwest Monsoon affecting the western section of Luzon. TC Information TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTSIDE PAR AS OF 3:00 AM TODAY SEVERE TROPICAL STORM PODUL (2511) LOCATION: 1,875 KM EAST OF EXTREME NORTHERN LUZON (21.5°N, 139.9°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 110 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 135 KM/H MOVEMENT: WESTWARD AT 15 KM/H. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to South will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Saturday, September 10, 2011

Butuan dad leads implementation of the “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” Program

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. strongly push for a Clean Ground, Zero Waste city through the implementaton of proper Solid Waste Management Program. The city shall impose a “No Segregation, No Collection” policy in barangays to ensure that trash will be segregated at source.

According to Mr. Bong Alcala, Technical Consultant/External Resources Technical Working Group of the City Mayor’s Office bared that the volume of waste in Butuan is estimated at 95 tons per day. The highest percentage of this waste is biodegradable.

“The financial burden of waste for the city government here is roughly P80 million annually, he said. (This includes) the cost of the construction of the sanitary landfill...the maintenance cost and the annual operations cost of garbage collection (P.37 cents per kilo or P13M per year)."

Alcala added that this amount could have been spent on basic social and economic services such as "more health care providers and medicines, more teachers, more livelihood programs, more welfare assistance, more seedlings and trees, and the like.”

The Clean Ground, Zero Waste Program was initiated to: 1) Facilitate social transformation processes among residents to manifest the desired behavior of segregating waste at source, cleaning the surroundings and converting wastes into money; and 2) Massive conversion of waste into organic fertilizers (biodegradables) by the organic fertilizer production facilities and useful materials (non-biodegradables).

The program elements elements and approaches include: a) Awarding of Clean Seals as a behavior change strategy to households, puroks, barangay, classrooms, stall, business establishments; b) Deployment of Eco Marshalls to barangays; c) Mobilization of existing community volunteers and employ CD strategies; d) Waste conversion to organic fertilizers (with national, regional and local policy and financial back-up). Setting up of CB Organic Fertilizer Production Facilities and Faith gardens; e) Convergence and multi-sector mobilization; f) Integration with other community “felt” concerns (dengue, anti-rabies campaign); and g) Meaningful community participation and massive community actions.

With this development, Mayor Amante hoped for the full support and cooperation from the general public. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Reg’l Cooperative Dev’t Council to celebrate Cooperative Month

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- The Cooperative Month celebration in kick off on October 1 with a simultaneous Tree Planting activity in the provinces of Caraga.

Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga Regional Director Manuela Pelaez said the project aims to plant 3,333 seedlings (666 persons will plant at least five seedlings per person).

On the same date, cooperatives in Surigao del Norte will have their Thanksgiving Mass while cooperatives in San Jose, Dinagat Islands will kick-off with a parade and short program and followed with a coastal clean-up.

The thanksgiving mass by cooperatives in Butuan is set on October 3 at the St. Joseph Cathedral, to be followed with the Motorcade going to the City Hall, where the program proper will be held with Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr.

Right after the program, officials of the council will face the media through a Press Conference to give updates, issues and concerns on the cooperatives in Caraga.

On October 12, the Provincial Cooperative Summit is set to be conducted by the cooperatives in San Jose, Dinagat Islands while they will also be conducting the Trade Exhibits in the whole month of October.

Also, members of the RCDC in Butuan will also be conducting the educational contest such as Poster-making and Quiz Bee on October 28 with elementary and high school students as participants. This will also serve as culmination activity for cooperatives in Butuan.

Meanwhile, cooperatives in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur will culminate on October 28 with a short program; cooperatives in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur on October 29; and cooperatives in Trento, Agusan del Sur on October 30.

With this, RCDC is encouraging coop members in the provinces of Caraga to witness and participate in the said activities for the month-long celebration. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


BCPO to launch “Basura Ko, Buhat Ko”

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Living up to its commitment to protect the environment as “maka-kalikasan,” the local police office here will launch the “Basura ko, Buhat ko” Project on September 11, 2011.

The “Basura Ko, Buhat Ko” is a component of the Discipline Zone which emphasizes the enforcement of laws and ordinances in the sidewalks and city streets of Butuan particularly along A.D. Curato Street and JC Aquino Avenue.

The project will enforce the anti-littering ordinances of Butuan City to be predominated by massive cleanliness and information drive focusing only on the city streets thru close coordination with the stakeholders, and with Butuan City Police Office in the lead role.

Police Senior Superintendent Jose V. Carillo, City Director of BCPO and an advocate of said project is confident on the success of this endeavor.

“As the City Director of Butuan City Police Office, I intend to support all environmental protection initiatives of the national and local government by way of initiating and implementing a cleanliness drive along the Discipline Zone areas to instill discipline and environmental concern to the people of Butuan the importance of a clean environment and a healthy community and vibrant society,” Carillo stressed.

BCPO is calling on to public to participate and help the PNP in this campaign. (BCPO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Crocodile trappers, mihimo na og bag-ong trap alang sa lain pang buwaya

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Ukupado karon ang mga crocodile trappers gikan sa Palawan Wildlife Conservation sa paghimo og bag-ong trap alang sa lain pang higanteng buaya samtang nagpahulay pa sila sa pagdakop sa ka-uban ni 'Lolong' (ang bag-ohay pa lamang nadakpang buwaya nga mao usab ang gikatahong pinakadakong buwaya nga nadakpan sa tibuok kalibotan) sa pagputol sa ulo sa usa ka 2-anyos nga kabaw ning mi-aging buwan.

Sigon sa mga trappers, seguraduhon nilang mas lig-on pa sa trap nga gigamit nila kang 'Lolong' ang ilang mahimo aron dili kini maguba kung mas dako pa kang Lolong ang target nilang buwaya.
Una nang gipadayag ni Bunawan, Agusan del Sur Mayor Edwin Elorde nga kinahanglan pa nilang iplastar ang proseso alang sa paghatag og pagtugot sa mga trappers aron mahimong legal ang pagdakop sa buwaya.

Samtang si 'Lolong' wala pa mikaon sa manok nga gibutang sa iyang holding pin og kini posibleng tungod gihapon sa trauma nga iyang gibati human nadakpan hinungdan nga pursigido ang lokal nga kagamhanan nga ipatuman sa hingpit ang ban sa public viewing kay Lolong. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: 1st Siargao Adventure Race, ilusad sa sunod buwan

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) - Subay sa tinguha ni Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas pag-promote sa Siargao isip usa ka Sports Tourism destination, ang munisipyo sa Santa Monica, mag-host sa 1st Siargao Adventure Race karong Oktubre 4 hangtud 6.

Sigon ni Santa Monica Mayor Rosalinda Penera, ang maong lumba usa ka adlaw nga racing series sa nagkada-iyang disciplines sama sa mountain biking, off road kon trail running, trekking og boat paddling nga apilan sa mga mananagat.

Ang gibana-banang 60 ka mga partisipante, dad-on ngadto sa managlahing tourist spots aron ilang ma-enjoy ang nindot nga mga talan-awon sa maong lungsod ilabina nga malabyan nila ang mga coastala reas, mangrove forests, mga bungtod, langob ug white sand beaches.

Mamahimong highlight sa pagsa-ulog sa "Araw ng Santa Monica," ang lumba nga nagtumong pag-promote sa maong lungsod isip alternatibong tourist destination sa Siargao island.

Ang ubang highlights sa tulo ka adlaw nga kalihukan naglakip sa Budol fight, Sapao-Sapao festival, Agri-Aqua Fair, Coastal Clean-up, mangrove planting, paglusad sa Life Saving Games og Santa Monica Discovery Tour.

Ang mga mudaog sa lumba makadawat og kinatibuk-ang siete-mil pesos og medalya samtang ang mga dili makadaug nga partisipante, makadawat usab og Finisher's medals. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: 2 ka miyembro sa Lupong Tagapamayapa sa Caraga, nat'l finalist sa LTIA National awards

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Duha ka Lupong Tagapamaya sa rehiyun sa Caraga ang napiling finalist sa Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards kon LTIA National Awards.

Ang maong Lupong Tagapamayapa gikan sa Brgy, Poblacion Barobo Surigao del Sur ug Brgy. Quezon Mainit Surigao del Norte ang gipili sa LTIA National Awards Committee kon NAC isip national finalist alang sa 1st ngadto na sa 3rd class municipalities category ug 4th ngadto na sa 6th class municipalities category.

Ang maong national finalist nga wala pa gikabutyag ang pangalan ang top three lupons sa maong kategorya.

Ang national finalist ang segurado nang mananaug sa Presidential and Cash Awards nga ihatag sa Malakanyang karong Oktobre 2011.

Ang Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards ang giestablisar sukad niadtong tuig 1997.

Kahibaluan nga ang validation visits sa maong mga lupons ang gihimo sa mga miyembro sa LTIA National Board of Judges ug National Secretarial niadtong Agosto 24, 2011 ug Setyembre 6,2011.

Ang validating team nga mibisita sa Lupong Tagapamayapa sa Brgy, Poblacion Barobo Surigao Del Sur ang gilangkauban naila Hon. Bernardo Abesamis kanhi Justice of the Court of Appeals ug karon chairman sa Board of Career Service Executive Board kon CESB, Assistant Director Mariano Gabito ug Celso Batalla ang parehong gikan sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) BLGS.

Samtang ang team nga mibisita saa Lupong Tagapamayapa sa Brgy. Quezon Mainit Surigao del Norte ang gilangkuban nila Fiscal Rosalina P. Aquino sa Department of Justice (DOJ), Dir. Myrna Medina sa National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) ug Ms. Estelita Brondial sa DILG-BLGS. (BR/PIA-Caraga)


PIA News Service - Friday, September 9, 2011

HR practioners - partners in development

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - Human Resource Practioners in Caraga region will convene to be updated on their area of expertise.

The Caraga Regional Council of Human Resource Managers, Incorporated (CRCHRMI) with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Caraga regional office will conduct this year’s 8th Regional Convention of Human Resource Practitioners with the theme: “Transforming HR Practitioners as Strategic Partner for Good Governance” on September 27-28, 2011 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

CSC Caraga regional director Adams D. Torres said the convention aims to provide a continuing education to the CRCHRMI members and to promote among the government HR practitioners the need to transform its roles from personnelling to a more strategic role as partners in the development in their respective institutions.

Participants to the convention include: administrative officers, human resoure management officers, HRM assistants, HRM aides and those who are involved in personnel management administration from the different government agencies of the region.

The convention is a live-out activity with a registration fee of P2,400 inclusive of snacks and meals, kit, a lifetime membership fee to the Council of One Hundred pesos and other miscellaneous expenses.

The members of the Council have agreed that participants are to observe the color of attire of every chapter during the convention as follows: Agusan del Norte should wear blue; Agusan del Sur - black; Surigao del Norte – red; and Surigao del Sur – yellow.

Said convention is in line with the month-long celebration of the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary with this year’s theme: “Championing R.A.C.E. (Responsive, Accessible, Courteous, and Effective): Excellent Public Service at Full Speed.” (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao City not to join in Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival 2012, tourism official says

by Robert E. Roperos

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - Senior Tourism Operations Officer Roselyn Merlin today said the famous Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw contingent of this city will not participate in the 2012 Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.

In an interview at the city hall here, Merlin said joining in the prestigious Sinulog Festival in Cebu City next year is not practical considering the financial aspect the city and province will incur to organize a contingent.

Merlin said it was in 2004 where Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Contingent from Surigao City was last seen in the Sinulog Festival.

It can be recalled that the contingent from the Caraga Region has gain prestigious awards in the history of Sinulog Festival. They became champion for consecutive years in the 1980s and 1990s, thus bringing honor not only to the city but to the region, as well.

Meanwhile, in time with the fiesta celebration of the city today, ten contingents coming from the neighboring municipalities and barangays will vie for the top prize in the Bonok-Bonok based and Free Interpretation categories, as the city will once again stage this afternoon the 2011 Bonok-bonok Festival.

The tourism officer of the city said prizes last year were doubled to invite more contingents. She also said local government units in as far as Visayas were invited to the festival but unfortunately, only the neighboring municipalities have confirmed their participation aside from the contingents in the barangays.

Prizes for the free interpretation category are as follows: P200,000 plus trophy for the 1st prize; P150,000 plus trophy for the 2nd prize; P100,000 plus trophy for the 3rd prize; and P20,000 each for the consolation prize.

Special awards for Best in Street Dancing is P50,000 plus trophy; Best Choreographer is P20,000 plus trophy; and Best in Musicality is P20,000 plus trophy.

Winners in the Bonok-Bonok based category will receive the following prizes: P100,000 plus trophy for the 1st prize; P75,000 plus trophy for the 2nd prize; P50,000 plus trophy for the 3rd prize; and P20,000 each for the consolation prize. Special awards for Best in Street Dancing is P50,000 plus trophy; Best Choreographer is P20,000 plus trophy; and Best in Costume is P20,000 plus trophy. (PIA-Caraga)


Mindanao immigration bureau monitoring illegal aliens

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - Retired Col. Ace Guro, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Technical Assistant for Mindanao said foreign nationals in Mindanao are being monitored, and cases of illegal entry are being adressed.

He said their record showed that the immigration offices in all regions in Mindanao have already advised foreigners whose visas are already expired to apply for an extension. "For those who did not follow, they were advised to be deported," he said.

During the taping of Caraga in Focus Wednesday at the Regional Office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here, Guro also said the personnel of the bureau has already improved as they see to it that all issues and concerns are given proper action.

“Sinisiguro kasi ng bagong pamunuan ng BI na ang mga issues and concerns ay natutugunan base na rin sa direktiba ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III” (The new administraton of BI want to ensure that all issues and concerns are addressed based on the directive of President Benigno S. Aquino III), Guro said.

Guro also said that the agency received information from civilians that led to the resolution of cases involving foreign nationals.

With this, Guro urged the public to continuously support the bureau in an effort to uphold the thrusts and mandates of the agency. (PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City readies for “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” launching

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- The city government headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. with the working committees composed of regional and national line agencies including business sector and youth organizations have stepped up its preparations for the launching of the “Clean Ground, Zero Waste” Program on September 11, 2011.

Chief of offices of the city government with the representatives of the regional line agencies convened Thursday and finalized the preparations and sequence of activities during the said launching.

Ms. Ruth Jugao, City Economic Enterprise and Development Office (CEEDO) Manager and the over-all coordinator for the "Clean Ground, Zero Waste" Program stressed that the city government is serious in implementing the Solid Waste Management Program.

“The launching is not only the activity of the city government but also of its citizenry, this is why we should all do our part for this is everybody’s responsibility,” said Jugao.

Jugao further bared that attendance is a must for all government employees during the simultaneous clean-up which will start at 5:00 a.m. in the 38 barangays of the city and main streets, to be followed with the Caravan and program proper at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gym.

Also, City Administrator Leah Mendoza said that each employee should bring their own cleaning materials for it will complete their attendance. Thus, failure to bring said materials is considered absent while participants are also preferred to wear something colored-green.

“Let’s take the initiative. As government employees, let’s all serve as model to the people in our community,” Mendoza said.

Meanwhile, at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, a loud sound of siren will signal the start of the simultaneous clean-up by the expected 7,000 to 10,000 participants. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Philippine Army urges applicants to take Officer Candidate Course

by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- The Army Recruitment Office for Mindanao is now accepting applicants to fill-up the quota of Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 40 C.Y. 2012.

Successful applicants will undergo one full year of leadership training at Officer Candidate School, TRADOC, PA based in Camp O’Donnel, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac with a gross monthly compensation of P27,506 while on training. After graduation, they will be commissioned by the President as Second Lieutenant in the Regular Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

To qualify, an applicant must be a natural born Filipino citizen, between 21 and 24 years old on the date of admission; a baccalaureate degree holder; single, never been married, and has no legal obligation to support a child; must have no pending case in any court of law, must be at least 152.4 cm (5 feet) tall for both male and female, and lastly, must be physically, mentally, and psychologically fit for training.

Before undergoing Physical Fitness Test, Physical/Medical Examination, and Philippine Army Officer Selection and Admission Board (PAOSAB) interview, applicants must be able to pass first the required written examination for OCC to be conducted by the Army Testing Office.

The date and venue of the examination will be as follows: on Sept. 12-13 at Hqs 1003rd CDC, 10th RCDG, ARESCOM, PA, Camp Bahian, Impalambong, Malaybalay City, on Sept. 14-15 at Hqs Division Support Area, 4ID, PA, Bancasi, Butuan City, Sept. 16-17 at Surigao State College and Technology, Surigao City, and every Monday to Wednesday at Hqs Army Recruitment Office for Mindanao Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Upon taking the examination, the applicants must bring their NSO copy of Birth Certificate, Transcript of Records (TOR) or their College Diploma, 1pc of 2x2 colored ID picture with white background and Identification card (ID) for registration purposes.

Successful applicants will receive leadership and other skills trainings, opportunity for career advancement based on performance, opportunity for Post-graduate studies (both within the country and abroad), and an opportunity to lead in the Army. (MRA/Army Personnel Management Center, Philippine Army/PIA-Caraga)


Meat vendors assure sufficient supply for Surigao fiesta

by Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Surigao City Public Vendors Association Meat Section President Susan “Tata” G. Galinea confirmed today that supply of meat in the city are sufficient enough for the city’s fiesta celebration on September 10.

“Our meat supply here is sufficient. The public has nothing to worry about it,” Galinea said.

Galinea said meat prices are still at their normal range as of press time. “Prices of carabao meat range from P220-P240 while P270-P280 for beef meat,” Galinea added.

Galinea, however, said that she cannot give assurance whether or not there will be a price increase. “But if a shortage of meat will happen in the local market, our vendors will import meats coming from nearby cities like Butuan City, Gingoog City, Davao City and Bukidnon,” she added.

Meantime, the City Veterinarian Office along with Public Market Vendors urged the public to only buy in the registered meat vendors with complete license and documents to avoid double dead or unsafe meat. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Sur Gov sees “Dano Abduction” used in peace talks

by Greg Tataro Jr

TANDAG CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel, chair of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee and Task Force Dano, believes that handlers of Lingig Mayor Henry Dano are using the abduction issue as leverage on peace talks.

According to Gov. Pimentel, despite the negotiations made through short messaging systems (SMS) with his contact, whom he referred to as “legitimate emissary”, promises have not been kept.

Recently, he said, demands sought are getting harder and harder in exchange for Dano’s safe release citing the cessation of military operations in Davao Oriental, Compostella Valley province and even up to Bukidnon area, practically in almost half of Mindanao.

Earlier, Pimentel disclosed, they gave in to the demand to stop military operations, with the consent of Army 4th Infantry Division Commander Gen. Victor Felix, in the vicinity of Davao Oriental and Caraga where Dano, CPL. Alrey Desamparado, and PFC Rolan Saban where believed to be holed up.

It will be recalled that Dano and company were abducted in his residence by about 30 armed NPA men on board three (3) passenger vans on August 6. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tagalog News: Agusan del Sur pinarangalan sa programang donasyon ng dugo

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Tatlong matataas na parangal ang tinamo mga nagpapatupad ng mga programang may kinalaman sa dugo bilang pagkilala sa kanilang pagsisikap na mapabuti pang lalo ang kalusugan ng mga Agusanon, pagtutulak ng mga repormang pangkalusugan, pagbutihing segurado ang kalidad ng serbisyo at mura at abot kayang gamutan para sa lahat.

Isang plake ng papuri na nilagdaan ni Dr. Leonita Gorgolon, Regional Director ng Department of Health sa Caraga Region a iginawad kay Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza sa kanyang lubosang suporta para sa “National Voluntary Blood Program” habang iginawad naman kay Julie Lapides, isang medical technologist ng Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) ang parangal sa pagkilala sa kanyang lubos na pagpapatupad sa programang “Regular Mobile Blood Donations” sa buong lalawigan. Ang administrador ng PRC-AdS) na si Cristyll Basan naman ay tumanggap ng plake ng papuri para sa “Best Blood Station 2010 at Good Networking with Other Facilities”.

Kakaiba ang pagpatupad ng Agusan del Sur sa programang may kaugnayan sa dugo kung ikumpara sa ibang lalawigan sa buong bansa. Noong nakaraang taon, naglaan ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng P1.5 Milyon na dinagdagan pa ng isa pang P1.5 Milyon galing sa supplementary funds para sagutin ang perang kinakailangang pambili ng re-agents na nagkakahalaga ng P1,500 bawat pagsusuri para masegurong ligtas ang mga nakolektang dugo sa ano mang sakit. Noong nakaraang taon, gumastos ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng P2.3 Milyon para sa re-agents lamang, hindi pa kasali ang iba pang gastosin. Ang 13 bayan naman at ang nag-iisang lungsod ng Bayugan ay nagbibigay din ng tig P50,000 bawat taon na siya naming ginagastos para sa gasoline at langis ng mga sasakyan at iba pang gastos sa mga byahe ng grupong nangugulekta ng dugo sa buong lalawigan.

Para sa kasalukuyang taon, naglaan ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng P2.3 Milyon para sa re-agents ng dugo. Noong Hulyo, nakapag-bill na ang PRC-AdS sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ng halagang P2.18 Million. Nagpulong din ang Provincial Blood Coordinating Council (PBCC) kamakailan para humingi ng karagdagang pundo para sa re-agents hanggang sa katapusan ng taong ito.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang PBCC, sa pamamagitan ng PRC-AdS at ng Provincial Health Office ay nakakolekta na ng 1,563 na supot ng dugo na naglalaman ng 500 cc, at ito ay 67 porsyento na kung ikompara sa taonang target na 2,300 bags. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Pangulong Aquino mitudlo kang Bartolome isip bag-ong hepe sa PNP



SURIGAO CITY, September 9 (PIA) --
Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III mitudlo kang Deputy Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome kagahapon Huwebes isip bag-ong hepe sa Philippine National Police (PNP).

Si Bartolome mo asumir sa iyang bag-ong posisyon human si Director General Raul M. Bacalzo mobiya sa mando sa PNP karong adlawa Biyernes, una sa iyang kinahanglan nga pagretiro karong Septyembre 15, 2011, sa iyang ika 56th nga adlawng natawhan, nga motaklob sa iyang 38 anyos nga karera sa serbisyo sa pulisya.

Si Bacalzo miawhag sa officer corps ug rank-and-file mga miyembro sa PNP nga suportahan ang liderato sa PNP aron segurohon ang pagpadayon sa mando ug epektibo nga pagdumala sa 140,000- malig-on nga puwersa sa pulisya.

Si Bacalzo gusto nga siya mahinumdoman isip usa ka lider nga tigmatuto nga mipaila sa malungtaron ug malig-on nga mga inisyatibong reporma sa organisasyon aron magpadayon ang PNP nga mas makahimo, epektibo ug katuohan sa tanang higayon hangtod nga siya mipug-aw sa hilom ngadto sa pagretiro.

Usa ka tang-an nga abogado-imbestigador nga adunay ,limpyo ug impresibo nga kaagi ug nakakuha sa ika 12th nga puwesto sa 1984 Bar examinations, si Bacalzo maoy mimugna sa Eight Foundation Initiatives sa PNP nga naglangkob sa Training in the Basics, Procurement Review, Enhancement of Equipage, Police-Community Partnership, Doctrine Development, Reward and Punishment, Human Rights and Mentoring Leadership, lakip usab ang operational imperatives on the continuing campaign against street crimes, loose firearms, wanted persons, and enhancement of disaster-preparedness capability.

Si Bacalzo nagserbisyo isip ika 16th nga hepe sa PNP atol sa dihang ang organisasyon atoa sa taas sa ilang kaugalingong Integrated Tranformation Program, usa ka proseso sa reporma nga nagtinguha pag tul-id sa mga depekto sa sistema sa institusyon ug mga paagi nga mogiya sa pagkaplag sa tino nga dili epektibo nga paningkamot sa PNP, sistema sa recruitment ug pension, fiscal policy ug policy sa placement ug promotion.

Si Bacalzo nga maoy nagdumala, ang PNP nakahimo pagbalit-ad sa urog sa krimen sa 2011 nga mokabat sa 24 porsyento sa miaging tuig nga crime rate. Maoy labing mahinungdanong pag-usbaw nga natala sa kampanya sa pulisya batok carjacking, kidnapping ug illegal drugs.

Komo si Bacalzo mobiya na sa taas nga posisyon sa PNP, si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III opisyal nga mo estalar kang Bartolome isip ika 17th nga hepe sa PNP karong adlawa Biyernes, Septyembre 9, 2011. (Susil Ragas, PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Pilipinas mimarka og pag-uswag sa competitiveness ranking ngadto sa 75 gikan sa 85

by Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Ang competitiveness sa nasod uban ang 142 ka mga laing nasod mitala ug usa ka mahinungdanong pag-uswag ngadto sa 75, mitaas sa ika 10 nga puwesto gikan sa ika 85 sa niaging tuig, maoy pinakadakong pag-uswag sa karon nga tuiga nga paghan-ay sa Global Competitivenes Report nga gihimo sa World Economic Forum (WEF).

“Up 10 places to 75th, the Philippines posts one of the largest improvements in this year’s rankings. The vast majority of individual indicators composing the GCI (Global Competitiveness Index) improved, sometimes markedly,” ang WEF miingon.

Ang wala damha nga pagkaayo sa overall competitiveness ranking sa nasod nahimo tungod sa mga mosunod nga kategorya: institutions (misaka sa ika 8 nga puwesto), macroeconomic environment (misaka sa ika 14 nga puwesto), higher education and training (misaka sa 2 nga puwesto), goods market efficiency (misaka sa 12 nga puwesto), market size (misaka sa 1 ka puwesto), business sophistication (misaka sa 3 nga puwesto), ug innovation (misaka sa 3 nga puwesto).

Ang maong asoy naglista usab og 17 gawas sa 111 ka indicators isip competitive nga bentaha sa Pilipinas: available airline seat (No. 28), interest rate spread (No. 50), HIV prevalence (No. 1), extent of staff training (No. 34), intensify of local competition (No. 47), trade tariffs (No. 47), degree of customer orientation (No. 46), reliance on professional management (No. 50), availability of financial services (No. 50), affordability of financial services (No. 42), domestic market size (No. 31), foreign market size (No. 40), control of international distribution (No. 47), extent of marketing (No. 40), ug willingness to delegate authority (No. 33).

Ang nasod pwedeng mohimo niining maong mga bentaha ug paningkamot aron palapdan niini ang listahan sa mga positibong punterya.

Uban ang 12 ka mga haligi nga nag-umol sa basehan sa global competitiveness index, pero ang Makati Business Club (MBC) nagtumbok nga ang Pilipinas nalaray sa worst nga otso ka Southeast Asian nga mga nasod nga gilangkoban sa surbe kalabot na sa institutions ug labor market efficiency.

Lain pang espisipiko, ang asoy nagtumbok og dagkong eryas sa competitiveness nga kinahanglan atubangon sa Pilipinas, lakip na ang corruption (No. 127), physical security (No. 117), quality of seaport (No. 123), quality of airport infrastructure (No.115), inefficient labor market (No. 113), ug ang quality of primary education (No. 110).

Ang MBC ug ang WEF, miingon nga ilang giila ang kasamtangang mga programa sa National Competitiveness Council nga tumong ug tinguha niini nga maatubang kining mga hinungdanan sa maong mga problema. Uban ang dagkong komunidad sa negosyo, kami mikomiter na ug magpadayon sa pagsuporta sa tinguha sa NCC aron mahimo ang nasod nga globally competitive.
Si Makati Business Club chairman Ramon del Rosario Jr. nagbutyag sa mga paningkamot sa gobyerno aron wagtangon ang korupsyon ug atubangon ang mga isyu sa pagdumala isip maoy punoan sa hinungdan alang sa pag-uswag sa hanay. Ang MBC maoy partner sa WEF niining maong surbe.

“We are on track with our targets,” ingon ni National Competitiveness Council co-chairman Guillermo Luz, dugang pamahayag nga ang target niini makuha ang top 30 nga posisyon sa Global Competitiveness ranking sa mosunod nga lima ka tuig.

“Nobody stands still in this competition because everyone is working hard to keep their ranking,” ingon ni Luz.

“Notwithstanding these challenges, we are pleased with the progress made thus far and the significant jump in our ranking to No. 75. We have reorganized and revitalized 10 working groups or task forces who are concentrating on finding solutions to the challenges and we are confident that solutions can be delivered in our time,” si Luz miingon.

Ang maong survey gi-plano aron pagkuha sa halapad nga han-ay sa mga hinungdan nga maka-apektar sa klima sa ekonomiya sa negosyo.

Gawas sa 14,000 ka mga business leaders nga mipili tibuok kalibotan karon tuiga, mokabat sa 90 ka mga respondents nga miapil gikan sa Pilipinas.

Ang sample surbe sa nasod gikuha gikan sa mga miyembro sa Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Business Processing Association of the Philippines ug ang Semiconductor ug Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. gikan niadtong Marso hangtod Abril 2011. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


PIA News Service - Thursday, September 8, 2011

Agusan del Sur education program reap another success

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Two new doctors paid a courtesy call and thanked Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza for the invaluable help they have received from the provincial government. Recently passing the doctor of medicine board examination, they are now rendering medical services at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The two were recipients of the scholarship grant of Agusan del Sur provincial government.

Dr. Heide Mondejar from the municipality of Talacogon graduated from the Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine – Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan while Dr. Kenneth Sagrado from Prosperidad graduated from the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City.

“I am very glad and proud that we reap another fruit of our struggles and dreams. Aside from having another two new doctors, I feel very elated because our time and efforts and the resources of the government were not wasted. We can now fill up the need of doctors in the DOPMH who will address one of our thrust in government service which is the delivery of quality health services,” Gov. Plaza said.

Dr. Joel Esparagoza, chief of the DOPMH was also glad that the two passed the doctor’s board. He said the two doctors will be a big help to DOPMH, the lone tertiary hospital in the province. Dr. Esparagoza said he already passed requests for the position of Medical Officers for the two new doctors.

The two new doctors also signed contract of service in front of Gov. Plaza, signifying their sincere willingness to serve the people of Agusan del Sur by working at the DOPMH for eight years.

At present, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur has 234 scholars for the school year 2011-2012. Under resolution No. 465 series of 2011, authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Cesar Alonde, 207 scholars were confirmed and approved for the first semester of school year 2011- 2012. The budget will be taken from non-office appropriations in the approved annual budget for the year 2011. Of the 207 scholars, 97 are full blooded indigenous students who will avail of free, full tuition fee, free board and lodging with allowances and they must be enrolled in Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, and the Philippine Normal University. These 97 scholars came from all over the province, with two scholars per municipality.

Non-natives 70 scholars will have the same privileges as that of the 97 indigenous scholars. Another 12 are taking medicine enrolled in different medicine schools all of their choice all over the country. Another ten are nursing scholars, eight are persons with disability, five are taking up doctorate degree and another five, masteral degree.

In order to complete the 234 scholars, Resolution No. 433 authored by SP member Cesar Alonde was passed. It is a resolution confirming the 27 scholarship grantees of the Agusan del Sur distance learning scholarship program at the University of the Philippines Open University (UP-OU) effective school year 2011-2012 whose budget will also be taken from non-office appropriations in the approved annual budget for 2011. Courses for the distance learning ranges from Master of Development Communication, Master of Arts in Education, Diploma in Mathematics Teaching, Master of Arts in Nursing, Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Science Teaching, Diploma in Language and Literature Education, Diploma in Social Work and Master in Social Work, to Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


DepED Caraga celebrates Teacher’s Month Campaign

by Maria Rebecca Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- In line with the celebration of the World Teacher’s Day (WTD) on October 5, the Department of Education (DepED) Caraga fetes the Teacher’s Month Campaign (TMC) starting September until October 5.

The campaign with the theme “My Teacher, My Hero,” aims to show the important role of teachers and the service and commitment they render to the students and to the community.

In addition, the activity also promotes respect for the teachers by letting the people know the significance of educators in the country.

TMC activity also aims to call the attention of the students to take a teaching course so that they could add up in the workforce and help in giving quality education to the youth.(MRA with reports from DepED-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


1st Siargao Adventure Race set

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- It’s more than a race, it’s an adventure!

In line with Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas' thrust to promote Siargao as a Sports Tourism destination, the municipality of Santa Monica will be hosting the 1st Siargao Adventure Race on October 4 to 6.

According to Santa Monica Mayor Rosalinda Penera, the race will be a one-day racing series of various disciplines such as mountain biking, off-road/trail running, trekking and fishermen’s boat paddling which will take the participants to the different tourist spots of the town.

The race is expected to gather 60 competitors. They will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic view of the town, passing through its coastal areas, mangrove forest, hills, caves, and white sand beaches.

Also according to Mayor Penera, as a highlight of this year’s ‘Araw ng Santa Monica” celebration, the race aims to promote Santa Monica as an alternative tourist destination in Siargao Island. It also aims to develop responsible ethics among outdoor enthusiasts and cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Conservation of the coastal environment is also given emphasis through a unified effort of coastal clean-up and mangrove planting, Penera added.

Winners of the race will receive a total prize of Php100,000 and medals while non-winning participants who clock-in before the designated cut-off time for each category (beginner/master’s) will also receive Finisher’s medals for conquering the race course.

It will be a 3-man team with a registration fee of P1,000, inclusive of full-board meals, events shirts, and transfers within the island.

The race will start from the town’s port area and end at Alegria white beach.

Other highlights of the 3-day event also include Budols Fight, Sapao-Sapao Festival, Agri-Aqua Fair, Coastal Clean-Up, mangrove Planting, Launching of Life Saving Games, and Santa Monica Discovery Tour.

The event is organized by the municipality of Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte, provincial government of Surigao del Norte, First district of Surigao del Norte, Philippine Surfing Federation in partnership with the Department of Tourism and sponsored by the San Miguel Corporation. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


First batch of OFWs from Libya receives NRCO livelihood grant

by Ritchel M. Molero

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Twelve OFWs repatriated from Libya, and four distressed OFWs from Middle East received checks worth 10,000 pesos each as a livelihood grant of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs. This was done in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Department of Labor and Employment and was held September 5 at the OWWA-Caraga Training Hall.

To date, OWWA-Caraga had released a total of 160,000 pesos to 16 Caraganon OFWs under the NRCO Livelihood Grant. By the coming months the agency is expected to release another 240,000 pesos for the remaining 15 Repatriated OFWs from Libya and 9 distressed workers from Middle East.

OWWA-Caraga OIC Marieta A. Lumawag said the 10,000 livelihood grant will allow the OFWs to finance their preferred business enterprise and will augment their income.

Prior to the awarding of the check, Regional Welfare Office- Caraga in partnership with TESDA, DTI, DA-ATI, and with full support from DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo, conducted series of Enterprise Development Training and Business Livelihood Skills Training such as Mushroom Culture, Lemon Grass Farming, Pangasius Production, Modern Swine and Native Chicken Raising, etc. for the recipients of the grant.

Technological Demonstration on Cologne and Perfume Making, Detergent Powder Making, Dishwashing Liquid, Fabric Softener Making and others were also conducted to produce well-informed and well-equipped OFWs before starting a business.

The first batch of the NRCO Livelihood Grant was thankful to the Philippine Government for its continuous support for the OFWs. One of them was Mr. Oliver T. Plaza, who expressed his deep gratitude to DOLE & OWWA for the help he received during his repatriation and even in his struggle to establish his construction business.

“This ten thousand will be of great help in my endeavor of raising bigger capital for my newly established construction business,” Plaza said.

OWWA-Caraga also distributed Certificate of Participation to 42 OFWs who successfully completed the 3-day Entrepreneurial Development Training on August 10. The Certificate of Participation is one of the primary requirements of the Landbank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines in processing the 2 Billion Reintegration Loan Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao to celebrate Bonok-Bonok Festival 2011

by Fryan E. Abkilan

SURIGAO CITY, Sep. 8 (PIA) -- Tourists, neighboring townsfolk and covering journalists will once again be treated to a cultural festivity as Surigaonons will showcase not only their rich culture but also their unique rhythm through the staging of the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2011 on Friday, Sep. 9.

The Bonok-Bonok is a ritual dance originated from the Mamanwa tribe which has passed down through the generations and still being practiced today in honor of their patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino.

Ten contingents from various barangays, schools and towns in the province have confirmed their participation in the two categories- the Bonok-Bonok based and Free Interpretation.

The participants confirmed to join the Bonok-Bonok based category include R.C. Ouano Memorial Elementary School-Barangay Cagniog, Barangay Washington, Barangay Mat-I, Barangay Manjagao, and Barangay Rizal in cooperation with B. Vasquez Central Elementary School and Rizal National High School. For the Free Interpretation category, the participants include Surigao Norte National High School, Municipality of Tagana-an, Municipality of Alegria, Barangay Lipata, and Barangay Buenavista.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., the event guest speaker, is expected to grace the opening rites of the festival along with other local officials headed by City Mayor Ernesto Matugas and Gov. Sol Matugas. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Immigration monitors foreign nationals in Caraga

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, September 8 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) assured that foreign nationals residing in Caraga Region are monitored, not only to make sure they are following the laws of the country but also to ensure their protection.

During Wednesday’s airing of Caraga in Focus, a regular TV program of PIA-Caraga, Pastor Oran, Jr., Alien Control Officer of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said his office is monitoring the activities of these foreign nationals to ensure that everything is placed in order.

Hundreds of Chinese nationals are in Caraga Region at present and they have been extending their visas monthly, while few Indian nationals are recorded because most of them are already having a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV), Oran said.

He said a foreign national can be a holder of a TRV if they have married to Filipino or Filipina.

Like the American, Japanese and other foreign nationals, if they are married to a Filipino national, they can also apply for a permanent residence. “We call them immigrant… Non-quota immigrant by marriage, that’s the precise visa name of these kinds of nationals,” Oran said.

However, the immigration official of the city said those who are extending their visas can only apply for a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months. “Thus, if their visas are already expired and they were not able to apply for an extension, they will be considered as illegal stay or unauthorized stay… but I believe that most of the foreigners here especially the Chinese are coming to our office to extend their visas,” Oran said.

Meanwhile, Col. Efraim Oropel, BI Technical Assistant for Intelligence said the immigration bureau is strengthening its information and advocacy campaign addressed to foreign nationals telling them of their responsibilities while they are in the country. “We are not scaring them but we are just telling them these things for their own protection,” Oropel said. (PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: KANAMI Health Insurance program planong ipatuman sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte

ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Gikatakdang ipatuman sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Government sa pagpanguna ni Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante, ang KANAMI Health Insurance Program, kon diin una kini nga gipatuman sa Bislig City Government nga gidumala sa City Health Office.

Gibutyag ni Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante nga ubos sa maong programa mas mapalapdan pa ang paghatag ug tukmang serbisyo sa maayong panglawas ang katawhang Agusanon.

Kahinumduman nga una ng gipatuman sa Proivincial Govermnet ang Multi-Payors Scheme sa Philhealth, kon diin ang lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte lamang ang bugtong probinsya sa tibook nasud ang nagpatuman niini nga programa, aron mahatagan ug libreng Philhealth Card ang mga kabus nga mga residente sa tibook probinsya.

Ang KANAMI Health Insurance Program usa kini ka alternatibong programa sa maayong panglawas nga adunay susama nga benipisyo nga gitanyag sa Philhealth, apan walay limitasyon sa bout mopamyembro niini.

Ubos sa maong programa kinahanglan nga mo-contribute lamang ang matag pamilya ug P200 matag tuig aron kini mamahimong myembro ug mamahimo na dayon kini nga maka-avail sa nagkalain-laing tanyag alang sa maayong panglawas, sama sa hospitalization, operation, transplant ug uban pa nga dili na kinahanglan pangitaan pa ug usa ka quarter nga contribution adiser maka-avail niini.

Sa kasamtangan gitun-an na pag-ayo ang sistema sa maong programa sa mga kadagkuang opisyal sa probinsya aron hingpit kini nga mapatuman dinhi na sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte. (Agusan del Norte-PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Cebuano News: Aquino gitakda ug duha pa ka biyahe sa gawas sa nasod

ni Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III gikatakda ug duha pa ka biyahe pagawas sa nasod nga Pilipinas karon umaabot na mga semana nga nag-laom sa pagpausbaw sa atong nasod para sa posibilidad nga bag-ong investments nga mutabang sa pagpaningkamot sa atong gobyerno sa pag-bag-o ug pagpalambo sa atong nasod ug sa Pilipinhong katawhan.

Sa usa ka ambush nga pakighinabi pagkatapos sa seremonyas sa pagpanumpa sa mga newly-appointed government officials, generals, ug flag officers ng Armadong Kusog sa Pilipinas sa Rizal Ceremonial Hall ng MalacaΓ±ang Palace, Lunes, gekumpirma ni Presidente Aquino ang iyang skedyul na biyahe sa United States ug Japan sa dihang sya naglaom sa katawhan sa pagdala ug lain usab nga grupo sa “maayong balita” na may kalabotan sa pagpalambo sa ekonomiya sa atong nasod.

Ang Chief Executive miasoy nga una sa lista sa iyang itineraryo mao ang biyahe sa Washington ug New York kalabot sa pag-imbitar ni US Presidente Barrack Obama para sa pakigtambayayong sa open governance.

“Naay duha, Amerika ug Japan. Una ang Amerika…Sa Washington ug New York. Muadto kami sa imbitason ni Presidente Obama para sa pakigtambayayong sa open governance. Seguro, mamulong usab ako didto atubangan sa World Bank,” dugang sa President.

Gipamulong usab ni Presidente Aquino na ang kalihokan sa US may kalabot usab ang sa12 ka participante nga mga nasod sa nagkalain-lain nga parte sa kalibotan ug duha mag-gikan sa Asya – Indonesia u gang Pilipinas.
Sa dihang gepangutana siya bahin sa Japan trip, miingon ang Presidente na kini usa ka opisyal na pag-bisita.

Si Presidente Aquino miuli kaniadtong Sabado na gabie gikan sa malamposon na lima ka adlaw na State Visit didto sa People’s Republic of China nga nagdala sa ubay-ubay nga bilyones ka dolyares nga kantidad sa bag-o na mga investments, bag-o nga penermahan kabahin sa developmental agreements tali sa duha ka nasod ug ang resolusyon nga malinawon kalabot sa mga isyu sa West Philippine Sea. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Tagalog News: Gawad sa Kaunlaran ipinagkaloob ng AFP kay Gob. Plaza

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Ipinagkaloob kay Agusan del Sur Gob. Adolph Edward Plaza ang pangalawang pinakamataas na parangal sa pagtataguyod ng kaunlaran o Gawad sa Kaunlaran Award ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas (AFP) para sa mga sibilyan at opisyal ng pamahalaan ng bansa.

Ibinigay ni Col. Rodrigo Diapana, Brigade Commander ng 402nd Infantry Brigade, na tumanggap din ng parangal kamakailan bilang pinaka magaling na hukbo ng 4th Infantry Division kay Gob. Plaza ang plake ng parangal bilang pagkilala sa kanyang mga natatanging programa para maiangat ang kabuhayan ng mga tao sa Agusan del Sur.

“Ang aming batayan na bigyan ng parangal si Gob. Plaza ay ang kanyang mga taos-pusong pagsisikap sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang pantao ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Agusan del Sur gaya ng “Baka alang sa Kalambuan sa Agusan del Sur (BAKAS) ang kambingan sa Agusan (AGP) ISAD, PRUTAS, ang tinatawag na Boosted Utilization of Grains in Agusan del Sur (BUGAS) at iba pang pangkabuhayang programa na siyang pinakikinabangan ngayon ng mga mamamayan ng Agusan del Sur,” sabi ni Diapana.

Dagdag ni Col. Diapana na ang mga pagsisikap ni Gob. Plaza sa pagpagawa ng daan mula ng Hawilian, Esperanza papuntang Bukidnon na siyang naging daan para maibyahe ng mga magsasaka sa mga naturang lugar ang kanilang produkto ng mas madali at matipid ay isang makabuluhang gawain ng opisyal ng lalawigan.

Ayon sa opisyal ng AFP, ang pagpapagawa ng Agusan-Davao Maharlika highway, at ang suportang ibinigay sa mga kasundaluhan sa kanilang pinag-isang pagsisikap para makamit ang kapayapaan ay nagpapatunay ng walang humpay na suporta ng opisyal ng probinsiya.

Inisa-isa rin ni Col. Diapana ang iba’t-ibang pagsasanay ng mga civilian auxiliary forces geographical units (CAFGU) na ginawa ng kanyang mga tauhan na ngayon ay nakatalaga na sa mga bayan ng Agusan del Sur kung saan ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ang gumastos para sa pagkain at iba pang gastusin ng mga ito.

“Gusto rin naming ipaalam ang mga tulong na binigay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, hindi lamang sa mga biktimang sibilyan na tinatamaan kapag may labanan kundi pati na rin sa mga miyembro ng militar na nasusugatan at namatay. Maliban diyan, hindi rin nagkulang sa pagtulong ang pamahalaang panlalawigan kapag gumawa kami ng mga medical outreach kasama ang ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno sa tuwina,” dagdag pa ni Col. Diapana.

Kung matatandaan, noong kaarawan ni Gob. Plaza,nagkaisa at bumuo ng grupo ang iba’t ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan kasama na ang Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter at nagsagawa ng medical outreach sa mga bayan ng San Francisco at lungsod ng Bayugan kung saan daan-daang mamamayan ang napagsilbihan. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Tagalog News: Panlalawigang tanggapan ng kalusugan sa Agusan del Sur, pinagkalooban ng mga parangal

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Nakamit ng Agusan del Sur Provincial Health Office (PHO-AdS) ang matataas na parangal na iginawad ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (DOH).

Napag-alamang tinanggap ni Dr. Joel Esparagoza, hepe ng pangkalusugang tanggapan ng lalawigan at ng D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital ang pagkilala sa kanyang tanggapan na siyang may pinakamataas na naabot sa pagbakuna sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga sa Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) para sa taong 2011 na may 98.12 porsyento.

Bago ang pagkilalang iyon, ang Caraga Center for Health and Development ay kinilala muna na nangunguna sa buong bansa, at ang Agusan del Sur ay siyang probinsiya na may pinakamaraming nabigyan ng bakuna sa buong rehiyon.

Kinilala rin ang PHO Agusan del Sur na siyang may pinakamataas na parangal na iyan mula pa noong taong 2004 sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng serbisyong pangkalusugan.

Isa pang parangal na natanggap ng PHO ay ang plake ng pagkilala ng kanilang mahusay na pamamahala ng pondo na kung tawagin ay revolving trust fund na sinimulan noong taong 2003 na kung tawagin ay local health system development fund o LHSD.

Pinundohan ng inter-local health zone ng DOH ang sector ng pangkalusugang reporma (HRS) at ng pangkalusugan tanggapan ng lalawigan na pinundohan naman ng pamahalaang probinsiyal.

Ang LSD ay nabuo sa pamamagitan ng District Health Board Resolution Blg. 01, serye ng 2002, na humiling ng limang miyembrong mga pamahalaang bayan para magbigay ng pundo para sa mga gamot at kagamitan ng mga miyembro ng Philhealth, kasama na ang tinatawag na medicare sa masa na na-hospital sa D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital.

Ang naturang seed capital ay umabot sa P1.8 milyon kung saan P205,000 ang inabot ng perang ibinigay ng lokal na mga pamahalaang bayan, P100,000 ang galing sa Center for Health and Development share, P1 milyon ang galing sa HRS at P500,000 galing sa pamahalaang probinsya ng Agusan del Sur.

Ang P500,000 ay kukunin galing sa kita ng hospital taon-taon pagkatapos magbigay ang pamahalaang probinsya ng seed money.

Isa pang parangal na natanggap ng tanggapan ay ang halagang P997,400 na ibinigay kay Dr. Esparagoza galing sa DOH-Caraga at ito ay para sa pagpa miyembro ng 1,629 na mga kapos palad na mga pamilya na kinilala sa pamamagitan ng Community-based Management System (CBMS). Kinilala rin DOH ang PHO-AdS na nangunguna sa Renal Disease implementers kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang Agusan del Sur ay kinilala na siyang umabot ng universal coverage na kinakailangan ng Philhealth kung saan malaki ang nagawang tulong ng programang Philhealth Sabado. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: 246 ka mga residente sa RTR nakaphimulos sa medical ug dental mission

ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Mokabat sa 246 ka mga pasyente ang nakapahimulos sa libre nga Medical ug Dental Mission nga gilusad sa lungsod sa RTR Agusan del Norte kagahapong adlawa, Setyembre 7, 2011 nga gipasiugdahan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office ug Provincial Health Office.

Gibutyag ni SB Member Guia F. Paeste ang Chairman sa Committee On Health sa Sanggunian Bayan sa RTR nga daku ang iyang pagpasalamat sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Government sa pagpanguna ni Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante, nga nagmugna ug maayong programa alang sa Health Services sama sa Medical ug Dental Mission alang sa katawhang Agusanon.

Alayon niini napahimuslan sa mga residente sa mga nagkadaiyang barangay sa RTR ang libre nga ibot sa ngipon, medical check-up ug libre nga mga tambal.

Mipaabot usab si SB Member Paeste sa iyang pasalamat ngadto na sa mga Barangay Captains sa ilang lungsod nga mipaabot usab sa maong kasayuran ngadto na sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay aron makapahimulos kini sa libre nga tanyag atol sa gipahigayon nga Medical ug Dental Mission. (Agusan del Norte PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Cebuano News: Tawotawo Festival sa RTR gilusad

ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Gisaulog sa lungsod sa Remedios T Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte ang Tawotawo Festival karong adlawa, Setyember 8.

Gibutyag ni Sanggunian Bayan Member Guia F. Paeste nga kagahapong adlawa gisugdan ang ilang Agro Fair kon diin indigay kini kon kinsa ang mamahimong mananaug.

Gidugang pa ni SB Member Paeste nga karong adlawa adunay ipahigayon nga thanks giving mass sa buntag, ug pagasundan kini sa usa ka parade dayon ang usa ka hamubong programa, ug pagka-gabii mao ang Barangay Night nga pagatambungan sa tanang mga Barangay Officials sa lungsod sa RTR, Agusan del Norte. (Agusan del Norte PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Nurse from Agusan del Sur to join 38th SSEAYP

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA)
-- A nurse from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur will join the 28 other Filipino youth leaders in the country to the 38th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP).

Ed Anthony P. Lapay is a registered nurse and the lone representative of Caraga Region who qualified in the rigid screening of applicants throughout the country. He will join other youth leaders from the different regions in the Philippines.

Lapay is currently working as medical-surgical ward nurse, emergency room nurse, pediatric nurse, and Outpatient Department (OPD) nurse of Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Agusan del Sur. He is also a part-time clinical instructor of Southway College of Technology (SCT) Nursing Department in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

His leadership skill was honed starting in his basic education where he graduated class salutatorian in elementary at Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Agusan del Sur Campus and class valedictorian of Patin-ay National High School.

Among the recognitions he received were the PGMA Academic Excellence Award, Community Extension Service Award, PGMA Leadership Award, and Gerry Roxas Leadership Award, among others.

On top of it, he graduated Magna Cum Laude at San Pedro College with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing on March 2009

SSEAYP is a diplomatic and cultural exchange program among and between emerging youth leaders in Asia sponsored by the Government of Japan. 

More than 300 young delegates from Japan and the ten ASEAN member states are expected to participate in this program to promote and strengthen friendship and cultural understanding. 

For 52 days, the delegates will be on board the cruise liner MS Fuji Maru from October 26 to December 16, 2011, visiting Japan, Philippines (Manila), Brunei Darussalam (Muara), Indonesia (Jakarta), Malaysia (Port Klang) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh). 

This year’s SSEAYP itinerary is exceptional since the Philippines will be one of the ports of call and venue of the first Country Programme, presenting the Philippine contingent, “PintigPinoy,” with the unique opportunity of exemplifying the best of our Filipino values and showcasing our rich culture and heritage as well as by showing to the world especially our ASEAN neighbors the various Filipino individuals as well as corporations and institutions that have achieved global success.

In order to ensure that the Filipino participants are adequately prepared to participate and represent the country in this international undertaking, PintigPinoy is set to undergo a month-long series of seminars, trainings and preparatory activities focusing on diplomatic affairs, youth leadership, personal development and social decorum, culture and the arts. 

PintigPinoy will also prepare country papers to feature the best local practices in education, youth development and traditional culture, among other activities.

Official delegates of the Philippines, along with their National Leader, were selected by the Office of the President, through the National Youth Commission. (PIA-Caraga)

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AFP, PNP coordination, advantage vs. insurgency, says 4ID chief

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA)
-- Major General Victor A. Felix, the 4ID “Diamond” Division chief said during a press conference on Monday afternoon, that the smooth coordination between the military and the Philippine National Police has given the government an upper hand in its anti-insurgency campaign in the region.

Maj. Gen. Felix recently visited Camp Bancasi, the Division Support Area (DSA) on Monday to assess the ongoing military operations at the hinterlands of Agusan del Norte province.

Col. Jupiter Ando, Camp Bancasi , DSA 4ID PA OIC and Maj. Noli P. Kanashiro, 4ID spokesperson were also present during the forum.

He pointed out that a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) was signed by him and the highest PNP Officer in the region Chief Superintendent Reynaldo S. Rafal, which was also replicated to the lower units between the military and the PNP counterparts in their respective areas of responsibility.

“We have a close coordination between the military and the Philippine National Police. In fact, we have signed a joint peace and security coordinating council, both at the regional level, down to the lower units,” Gen. Felix said.

According to him, the recent success of the government troops in its campaign against the insurgents here in this region is a clear manifestation that the joint peace and security agreement is working well. 

Maj. Kanashiro said that an encounter ensued at 3:00 P.M. on Friday between a company of Philippine Army Scout Rangers on their test mission and communist guerillas numbering more or less 30 at Kamalig, Sitio Lusong, Brgy. Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City.
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An NPA guerilla was slain and the government troopers also recovered three (3) M16 Armalite Rifles, an M14 Rifle, an AK47 Assault Rifle, a Caliber .45 Pistol, two (2) improvised, anti-tank landmines, detonating cords, assorted bullets, a handheld radio, a transistor radio, a telescope, assorted medicines, chalks, wallet containing some coins and residence certificate issued to a certain resident of Brgy. Calamba, Cabadbaran City and other personal belongings at the encounter site.

Another encounter, according to Kanashiro, occured at 10:00 A.M. the next day at Brgy. Zapanta Valley, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, when the elements of the Division Reconnaissance Company met a group of an undetermined number of CPP/NPA guerillas in the area.

Government troopers aided by helicopter gunships are now hotly pursuing the fleeing enemies in the area. Gen. Felix confirmed that a military operation in the area is still ongoing. (PIA Caraga)
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Two lupons in Caraga chosen as nat’l finalists to the LTIA 2011

by Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA)
-- Two Lupong Tagapamayapa in the region were chosen finalists to the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) National Awards.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur and Brgy. Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte were selected by the LTIA National Awards Committee (NAC) as national finalists for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities category and 4th to 6th class municipalities category, respectively.

The national finalists were the top three lupons in their respective categories. 

“The national finalists will be sure winners of a Presidential and Cash Awards to be awarded in MalacaΓ±ang come October 2011,” said Justice Abesamis.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) was established since 1997 as a means to institutionalize a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to the Lupong Tagapamayapa that demonstrates exemplary performance in settling disputes at the grassroots level. The assessment period for this year’s search covered the 3rd and 4th Quarters of CY 2009 and 1st to 4th Quarters of CY 2011.

On site validation visits to the said lupons were conducted by members of the LTIA National Board of Judges (NBOJ) and National Secretariat conducted on August 24, 2011 and September 6, 2011. 

The validating team that visited the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur were composed of Hon. Bernardo P. Abesamis, former Justice of the Court of Appeals and now Chairman of the Board of the Career Service Executive Board (CESB), Asst. Director Mariano A. Gabito and Mr. Celso Batalla, both from DILG-BLGS. While the team that visited the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte were composed of Fiscal Rosalina P. Aquino of DOJ, Dir. Myrna Medina of NAPOLCOM and Ms. Estelita Brondial of DILG-BLGS. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Climate Change Commission inks MOA with Surigao Norte LGU for Ecotown Project

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 7 (PIA)
-- Climate Change Commission Secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Governor Sol Matugas recently initiating the demonstration of the Ecotown Framework in Siargao Island in the Province of Surigao del Norte.

The Commission will assist Local Government Units to roll out the Ecotown framework, which is an ecosystem – based approach where the Mangroves in Siargao will be protected by the communities through payment for ecological services. 

Vulnerability Assessment will also be conducted to incorporate not only disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) but also anticipatory adaptation that is based on climate projections. Possible impacts to the communities, their environment and the socio-economic development of Siargao due to climate change will also be identified. (Climate Change Commission/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Aquino nanumpa sa bag-ong Tourism secretary, generals ug flag officers sa AFP

ni Dandy Lapura

SURIGAO CITY, September 7 (PIA)
-- Si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III nangulo sa pagpanumpa sa maong grupo sa mga newly-appointed government officials nga gipangunahan ni Tourism Secretary Ramon Reyes Jimenez Jr. ug pipila ka mga Heneral ug Flag Officers sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Usa ka simple nga ceremonya ang nahitabo sa Rizal Ceremonial Hall ng MalacaΓ±ang Palace niadtong buntag sa lunes diin si Secretary Jimenez nanumpa atubangan sa Presidente isip acting Secretary sa Department of Tourism (DOT) gesundan usab kini sa pipila ka newly-appointed nga opisyales sa gobyerno.

Lain usab nga mga opisyales ang nanumpa lakip sila Ambassador Leslie Gatan, Philippine Ambassador sa Canada-Department of Foreign Affairs; Eduardo Batac, Undersecretary ng Department of National Defense; Ibarra Gutierrez III, Undersecretary para sa Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs; Jose Mari Oquinena, Undersecretary para sa Special Concern-Presidential Communications Operations Office; Ernesto Ramel Jr., Assistant Secretary para sa Office of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs; Atty. Lesley Jeanne Cordero, Assistant Secretary- Presidential Communications Operations Office; Christian Robert Lim, Commissioner-Commission on Elections; Ma. Josefina dela Cruz, Postmaster General-Philpost; Ramon Liwag, Admiral, Philippine Coastguard-Department of Transportation and Communications; Gregorio Ramon Tingson, Commissioner-at-large-National Youth Commission under the Office of the President; Jennifer Lagbas, Commissioner representante sa Business and Industry Sector-Philippine Commission para sa Kababayenhan ubos sa Opisina sa Presidente; Atty. Abdullah Mangotara, Deputy Commissioner sa Bureau of Immigration-Department of Justice ug si Robert Nomar Leyretana, Acting Deputy Administrator, Land Registration Authority-Department of Justice.

Ang mga Generals ug Flag Officers nga nanumpa sa atubangan sa Chief Executive mao sila MGen. Anthony Alcantara, Lieutenant General; Commodore Honorio Balanon Jr., Rear Admiral; Commodore Armando Guzman, Rear Admiral; BGen. Joel Marayag, MajorGeneral; BGen. Noel Coballes, Major General; Col. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, Brigadier General; Col. Danilo Fabian, Brigadier General; Col. Reynaldo Torres, Brigadier General; Col. Teodoro Cirilo Torralba, Brigadier General; Capt. Jose Renan Suarez, Commodore; Capt. Jesus Millan, Commodore; Col. Edgar Fallorina, Brigadier General; Capt. Romeo Santiago Nebres, Commodore; Col. AugustoTolentino, Brigadier General; Col. Leonido Bongcawil, Brigadier General; Col.Leo Cresente Ferrer, Brigadier General and Capt. Rufino Tiangco, Commodore. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: MalacaΓ±ang miingon Malaysian mediator moanhi sa nasod aron motabang sa peace process nga negosasyon tali gobyerno ug MILF

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 7 (PIA) -
– Ang MalacaΓ±ang mianunsyo kagahapon Martes nga usa ka Malaysian mediator (tigpataliwala) ang moabot sa Pilipinas aron motabang sa gobyerno sa negosasyon niini tali sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) malaumon nga maabot gyud ang usa ka kasabotan tali sa grupong Muslim.

“We’re confident that with the arrival of the Malaysian mediator, these issues can be resolved and we can both go back to the negotiating table,” si Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang miingon atol sa press briefing didto sa Malacanang kagahapon Martes.

Samtang ang negosyador sa gobyerno mihatag na sa ilang tanyag ngadto sa MILF, ang panid sa MILF miingon sa ilang abiso ngadtro sa central committee nga kini isalikway.

Bisan pa niining maong panghitabo, si Carandang miingon ang gobyerno mopadayon gihapon pagduso sa proseso sa kalinaw ngadto sa unahan.

“This issue is not going to be resolved overnight. It will not be resolved because of one meeting -— it’s a long process,” si Carandang miingon, dugang pa nga “what’s important is that both sides are committed to pursuing these peace talks.”

Niadtong Katapusan sa Agosto, si Pangulong Aquino III nakigkita kang MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim didto sa Tokyo isip pagpakita sa sinseridad sa gobyerno aron paglihok sa proseso sa kalinaw padulong ngadto sa unahan.

Ang Pangulo ug si Murad nagkauyon nga ipadali ang negosasyon aron makab-ot ang patas ug malungtaron nga kalinaw sa Mindanao.

“We believe in the goodwill of the MILF Chairman Murad, when he met with the President. He also expressed their desire to come up with a peace agreement and we are going to pursue that despite the issues that have arisen,” si Carandang miingon. (Susil Ragas, PIA-Surigao del Norte)


PIA News Service - Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Crime prevention: Everybody’s responsibility

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said crime prevention is everybody’s concern during a live radio discussion at the height of the celebration of the crime prevention week.

PInsp Nemesio Saronhilo Jr., provincial investigation officer said, with the ratio of a police personnel against the number of people in the community they will be serving, it is almost impossible for the police to cover the safety and order of a place if not for the cooperation of the people.

“Our ratio is suppose to be around 800 people to one policeman, but it turns out to be 2,000 to one. Even in imagination, it is almost impossible for us to keep the peace and order to its proper place but we are doing our best to implement our duties and responsibilities, by gaining people’s cooperation so that we can maintain the peace and order expected from us. Aside from police visibility therefore, it is very important that people will cooperate because crime prevention is everybody’s responsibility,” P/insp. Saronhilo said.

On the part of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, JO3 Bernardino Palen said the jails all over the country are congested because of criminality and other violations of the law. “If only the people can control themselves and live a peaceful and orderly life, congestion in jails will not be a problem and government’s expenditures will be reduced. What we are trying to program now is for every municipality to have separate cells for the youth offender so that reforms for the youth will be assured, and that they become productive and responsible citizens upon their release. We also have activities in jails for the inmates so that after serving their sentence, they will have something to start with,” JO3 Palen said.

For the Bureau of Fire Protection, S/Insp. Augusto Cesar Kinazo said, their concern is more on fire prevention rather that protection. “We are therefore conducting orientation every now and then especially to business establishment and industry because these establishments usually catch fire and millions of pesos and even lives are lost. We also determine, during the fire, the causes so that arson will totally be stopped, including negligence. During the fire, automatically, the PNP will assist us so that looting and thief can be avoided,” S/Insp. Kinazo said.

DILG Provincial Director Arlene Ann Sanchez also enumerated the different activities that the DILG has lined up during the celebration of the Crime Prevention Week. These activities include motorcade during the opening day last September 1, 2011 from the provincial capitol ground to the municipality of Prosperidad and back, symposium, provincial jail visitation with inputs on moral recovery and values formation and distribution of goods to inmates, radio guesting, mass feeding of malnourished children and the clean-up drive in San Francisco and blood-letting at the PNP provincial office on the last day, September 7, 2011. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


AFP scored anew in recent encounters

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Troops from the 4th Infantry Division, particularly the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army gained another victory in a series of encounters held Friday and Saturday.

In an interview Monday with MGen Victor Felix, 4ID Commanding General, he said, the government troops conducted offensive operations in Northern portion of Agusan del Norte, particularly in Purok Kamalig, Sitio Lusong, Brgy. Putingbato, Cabadbaran City on Friday, September 2, and a follow-up operation in Surigao del Norte on Saturday, September 3.

He said the troops were able to hit a group, suspected to be members of Guerilla Front 21-C, resulting to the recovery of firearms, explosive devices and personal belongings of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Gen Felix also said an NPA member was killed during the encounter on Friday, hitting his chest, while a government soldier was injured during Saturday’s encounter.

The body of the killed NPA was already turned-over to officials of the said barangay, Felix said.
Meanwhile, Maj Noli Kanashiro of the Army’s Public Affairs Office of 4ID said the encounter happened at around 3:00 p.m. in the said area, after report from civilians reached the Army saying the rebel group is visible in the area. He said among the recovered items include: three M-16 rifles, one M-14 rifle, one AK-47.

Kanashiro added aside from the arms and ammunitions, two homemade landmines were also left by the enemies during the encounter. “The government troops also recovered subversive documents and devices used by the rebels such as handheld radios, radio monitors and wires,” he said.

With the latest development, it really showed that the civilians in the area are already tired of the activities conducted by the leftists which greatly affect their lives.

Kanashiro said the support given by the community to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is an indication that the government troops have been always be victorious in their quest to uphold peace and security in the country.

“Even in the previous encounters, we are victorious in our quest to fight the NPAs because the people are with us… they have been supporting our efforts in the fight against insurgencies,” Kanashiro said. (PIA-Caraga)


AFP grateful to civilians’ support in war vs NPAs

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army on Monday expressed thanks and gratitude to the civilian community for the unending support to government troops in the war against the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to MGen Victor Felix, Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division, the recent encounters that the troops conducted have been successful because of the information given by the community to the Philippine Army, an indication that the people are tired of insurgencies.

Also, in a separate interview with Maj Noli Kanashiro of the 4ID Public Affairs Office, he said the community already knew who are their enemies. He added it’s about time for the civilians to ask what is due for them – peace and development… “This can only be attained if they will support and cooperate with the thrusts and programs of the national government,” Kanashiro said.

Kanashiro further said the success of the security operations conducted by the government troops is also because of the support of the local government units in the area.

With these developments, Kanashiro urged the local communities to continue giving correct information to the AFP so that the government troops could be able to respond immediately, thus attaining peace and security in their areas.

It can be recalled that on Friday and Saturday, series of security operations were conducted at Purok Kamalig, Sitio Lusong, Brgy. Putingbato, Cabadbaran City, and a follow-up operation was also conducted in Surigao del Norte, respectively. (PIA-Caraga)


PDEA honors Surigao del Sur Gov for anti-drug campaign

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel received a Plaque of Recognition from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Usec. Jose Gutierrez during the “JYes Kontra Droga”
program launching held recently here.

It can be recalled that early this year, suspected pushers of Shabu were reportedly seized by the Provincial Police operatives thru a coordination raid in the municipality of Madrid and around P420,000 worth of Shabu was confiscated during the raid in Barobo.

Aside from this, suspected small dealers and users of shabu and other illegal drugs were seized after series of checkpoints were conducted by the PNP here.

With the series of alarming incident, Gov. Pimentel decided to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs thru re-organizing the The re-organization of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) down to the barangay level and through the launching the “JYes Kontra Droga” program thru the support of the chair committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs Hon Vicente Pimentel, III, in partnership with the PDEA, Pimentel hoped that drug-related problems will be minimized, if not, be totally eliminated.

According to USec. Gutierrez, Surigao del Sur is the first province to activate the PADAC. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


RMN, PRC, PIA hold bloodletting activity, medical mission in Surigao

by Dandy Lapura


SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- A total of 12,600cc of blood was collected in a half-day bloodletting activity cum medical-dental mission service held recently in Surigao City. The event was conducted in partnership with Philippine Information Agency - Surigao del Norte Information Center, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Surigao from 8:00am to 12:00nn.

PRC Surigao del Norte Chapter Administrator Marilou Talingting revealed that 28 bags were collected from 28 blood donors composed of soldiers, police personnel, members of local fraternity, and civilian volunteers.

Aside from bloodletting service, feeding program, legal counseling, medical and dental check-up are the other services availed by the Surigaonons.

RMN Surigao Station Manager Gay Tiu said more than 300 participants have registered for the medical mission surpassing the number of participants in last year’s medical mission. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Butuan City gov’t to launch ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- To fully implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, the city government here through Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr, together with the regional and national line agencies will launch the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ on September 11, 2011.

The launching will start with a simultaneous Clean-up in the 38 barangays by the residents and barangay officials, and at the main city streets by the government employees at from 5:00-6:30 in the morning.

Mayor Amante will lead the ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ Caravan at 6:30-7:30am in the Clean Zones from Brgy. Ampayon going to Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gym to personally give a short background of the program as well as to thank the residents and other participants while Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun will lead the Caravan from Brgy. Libertad going to FSUU Gym.

The following activities will also be held inside the FSUU Gym at around 7:30 am: 1) Commitment of support from the 38 barangays thru a covenant signing; 2) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with the CBOFP Operators; 3) Introduction of the Eco Martials; 4) MOU signing with the Media for Clean Airwaves; 5) Photo Exhibits; 6) Clean Seal Exhibit; 7) MOU with the Department of Education (DepEd); and 8) Covenant signing by stakeholders.

Right after the proper program at the FSUU Gym, Mayor Amante and other officials and employees will proceed to Brgys. Antongalon and Taguibo for the dumping of bio-degradable wastes to organic fertilizer.

Also, 172 campus photojournalists from different schools identified by the over-all coordinator Ms. Ma. Ruth Jugao will document the simultaneous clean-up, for which photos will be exhibited inside the FSUU Gym. Top ten best photos will be chosen, it was learned.

Meanwhile, Business establishments in the city are enjoined to show their support by hanging streamers and also to participate during the clean-up activity.

Participants of said event are also advised to wear colored-Green t-shirt and shall bring their own cleaning materials in their respective areas. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Beneficiaries say Pantawid Pamilya help Strengthen family relationship

by Stella Maris V. Barcelon

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya here said the program has helped in strengthening family relationships.

In two separate interviews, the beneficiaries proudly shared what they have learned during their Family Development Sessions.

“Dako og tabang ang programa sa amo, dili lang sa pinansyal nga bahin kay aduna man kami FDS o Family Development Sessions, diha among mas nakat-unan unsaon nga mahimo kaming mas maayo nga ginikanan sa among mga anak ug unsaon ang sakto nga pagdala sa pamilya (The program is a big help to us, not only in the financial aspect because we have this FDS where we learn how to become a more responsible parents to our children),” Remely Salazar said.

Another beneficiary, Rose Gregay also expressed that the grants they get from the program help their children get basic education.

Other beneficiaries who also shared the same experiences with Salazar and Gregay were Francisca Carbonila, Papias Josol, and Ligaya Casindac.

The radio guesting also became a venue in addressing and clarifying issues and concerns from the listeners through calls and texts.

Queries about inclusion and exclusion, varied amount received and other issues were answered by the Regional Program Coordinator, Alma Patron; Regional Information Officer, Leah T. Quintana; Information Officer, Stella Maris V. Barcelon; Social Welfare Officer III for Agusan del Norte Hazel Castillo; and City Link Officer Leila Perez. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


DSWD Workers attend roll-out training on social marketing

by Stella Maris V. Barcelon

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Link Officers (MLOs), SEA-K Project Development Officers (PDOs), and Convergence PDOs assigned in Agusan provinces attended the 3-day roll-out training on social case management held recently in one of the local hotels here.

In the light of the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program where the improvement of the living conditions of the beneficiaries are slowly seen, there is really the need to have a thorough case management.

The said activity was conducted in order for the field workers to familiarize on the Social Welfare Indicator (SWI), a tool that will help them identify their client’s needs, which will be the basis for intervention planning.

The activity also trained the field workers as case managers on how to establish relationships, assess complex problems, and select problem-solving interventions and help clients function effectively.

Part of the training is the participants’ exposure to the field to administer SWI in Barangays Obrero and Doongan here.

“The activity is very significant to us; it help us understand the interviewing process and shows us the different techniques to effectively conduct the SWI,” says Jay Tejada, Pantawid Pamilya MLO of San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

Earlier, the workers assigned in Surigao provinces and Dinagat Islands also underwent the same training at Almont Beach Resort Hotel in Surigao City. In her message, Director Mercedita P. Jabagat emphasized that all workers must be knowledgeable about all the systems employed by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program – Beneficiary Update System, Grievance Redress System, and Compliance Verification System.

Director Jabagat also encouraged the workers to be committed and competent in carrying out their responsibilities to be able to serve the people efficiently and effectively. A total number of 123 participants attended the activity. (DSWD-Social Marketing Unit/PIA-Caraga)


Agusan del Sur kicks-off 17th Crime Prevention Week observance

by Rena L. Naguita

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- With colorful balloons and huge streamers and tarpaulins containing words “PiNoy Ako, Crime Prevention Misyon Ko! Knock Out Crime!”, vehicles of government and private sectors paraded from the Provincial Capitol Ground to the Municipal Gymnasium of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur to kick-off the weeklong observance of the 17th Crime Prevention Week.

Engr. Francisco Arada, Municipal Administrator of Prosperidad, welcomed all the participants of the motorcade and the selected students and teachers of the Philippine Normal University, Prosperidad National High School, Father Urios High School, and Monato Institute of Technology who were invited to the opening program at the Gymnasium of the said municipality.

In his message, PSupt Leo Ajero of the PNP said tCrime Prevention is everybody’s concern since it is everybody’s dream. He added that the PNP members are now more determined to meet the challenges that will come along the way.

“The celebration of the 17th Annual Crime Prevention Week is a celebration of a new hope and renewed dynamism for all Agusanons who dreamt of a sustainable, peaceful and people-oriented development”, said DILG Provincial Director Arleen Ann R. Sanchez in her message.

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Nestor L. Corvera encouraged all sectors to work hand in hand to knock out crime to fully achieve socio-economic development in the whole province.

The PNP provided the teachers and students with inputs on RA 9208 or Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act, Elements of a Crime and Illegal drugs. The advocacy aims to provide awareness so that nobody from the audience will become victim of trafficking or any other crimes and illegal drugs.

Each participating school presented dance intermission number which added flavor of fun to the program.

Mrs. Virginia Cuizon of the DepEd, in her closing remarks expressed her appreciation to the different technical working offices and agencies of the 17th NCPW which worked hard in making the opening ceremony successful and for involving students to the event and providing them vital information especially on matters relative to crime prevention. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Soldier killed in firefight

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Sept 6 (PIA) -- A soldier under Bravo Company of the 29th Infantry Battalion was killed in a clash with members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, National Democratic Front at Barangay Buhisan, San Agustin, this province last Sunday afternoon, September 04, 2011, the military reported.

According to Col. Henry A Robinson Jr., Commanding Officer of 29IB, while his troops were moving towards their objective within the vicinity of Andap Valley, encountered more or less 14 communist rebels, which resulted in the death of one of their troops (identity withheld prior for the information of his immediate family) due to serious injury. The number of rebel casualties could not be determined.

The firefight lasted for 10 minutes after which the rebels withdrew toward west direction from the encounter site.

Col Romeo G Gan, Commander of 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said “We, the officers and men of the 401st Brigade are saddened with the loss of our troop. This soldier had offered his life to the service and had performed his duty with valor and dignity.”

Col Romeo Gan directed his troops to conduct pursuit operation against the communist insurgents. (401st Brigade, 4ID, Phil Army/PIA Surigao del Sur)


Prov'l Vet in Surigao del Sur awaits advisory on Bird Flu

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Provincial Veterinary Office in Surigao del Sur is waiting for an official advisory on Avian Influenza from higher authorities citing the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Offices in Caraga.

According to Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Gervacio Yparraguirre, his office is likewise expecting instruction on the reactivation of all Bird Flu Task Forces from the Provincial down to the Barangay levels.

Meantime, Dr. Yparraguirre assured, there is yet no case of Bird Flu, also known as H5N1, recorded, in local soil.


However, he warned citizens to avoid going to places being frequented by migratory birds.

In Surigao del Sur, only Bislig City was identified. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)