by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- The Agusan del Sur Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) has identified durian, mangosteen, rambutan, lansones and banana as high value crops which will be considered for investment in the Program on Reform and Utilization of Trees in Agusan del Sur or PRUTAS.
For durian alone, the agricultural office targeted 1,462 hectares for this year with 1,047.6 hectares planted as of August 31. For areas already planted with durian, PAO targeted 1,218 hectares but maintaining 1,416.3 hectares, exceeding its target by 198.3 hectares. PAO had targeted to harvest some 500 hectares planted with durian for 2011 and to date, have harvested some 250 hectares but some hectares are ready for harvest to cover the deficit.
For mangosteen, the target area for this year to be planted will reach up to 300 hectares but as of August 31, farmers have only planted 54 hectares, with a deficit of 256 hectares. For areas already planted, some 250 hectares are targeted areas for maintenance and to date, PAO have maintained 229.5 hectares. Some 30 hectares are targeted this year and to date, mangosteen farmers have harvested only 7.5 hectares.
For rambutan, PAO have targeted 442 hectares to be planted with rambutan and to date, only 51 hectares have been planted, a difference of 391 hectares. “Next year, we will intensify our advocacy for farmers to plant rambutan so that we will hit our target, and I am sure, many farmers will benefit the program,” Lagumbay said.
PAO is disappointed over the lukewarm reception of farmers to plant lansones. Of the targeted 579 hectares to be planted this year, only 9.3 hectares were planted. However, the area planted with lansones and are presently maintained by farmers already reached more than 500 hectares where 482 were targeted to be maintained for bearing, and farmers have already exceed in maintenance, covering 488.3 hectares being maintained.
For the establishment of PRUTAS plantation, the provincial government have set aside some P500,000 for this year and another P500,000 for Banana plantation.
For banana, PAO’s record shows that the target area for banana plantation this year reached 9,741 hectares but due to recent floods, only 316 hectares were planted. Farmers target to maintain some 8,118 hectares and have already maintained 8,024.6 hectares, while harvesting some 6,500 hectares. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Regional disaster council TWG members to discuss issues, concerns on risk reduction
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 10 (PIA) -- Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Technical Working Group (TWG) members will meet on October 12 to discuss several issues and concerns related to disaster risk reduction at the Charles Function Hall, Prince Hotel, Montilla Boulevard, this city, according to RDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong.
Up for discussion are 1) brief presentation of national disaster risk reduction and management framework; 2) conceptualization of regional DRRM planning workshop; and 3) inventory of available resources by the RDRRMC member-agencies in preparation for the rainy season.
Dir. Gobenciong is confident that TWG members can come up with an improved planning strategies to continuously achieve a zero-casualty in times of disaster. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
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Classes suspended in Surigao City, other areas due to Typhoon ‘Ramon’
by FEAbkilan
SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- Classes in the pre-school and elementary levels in Surigao City and the rest of Surigao del Norte were ordered suspended Tuesday by acting Governor Board Member Mamerto Galanida after storm signal number one was hoisted over the province due to typhoon “Ramon”.
In a radio interview, Galanida immediately issued an advisory to all its municipal units and raised an alert over municipalities with low-lying areas to prepare against possible flashfloods and landslides during the next few hours of typhoon ‘Ramon’ approaching Surigao City.
Also, the PDRRMC of Dinagat Islands through Provincial Administrator Benglen Ecleo declared no classes to pre-schools and elementary in the whole province.
“All municipal DRRMCs are alerted to take precautionary measures to prevent untoward inicidents,” Ecleo said.
The weather bureau raised public storm signal number one over the provinces of Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte Provinces, Bohol, Biliran, Camotes Island, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Group of Islands and Camiguin Island.
As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, Ramon was 360 km East Southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour near the center, moving west northwest at 17 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Gov’t cited for the release of kidnapped mayor, 2 escorts
LIANGA, Surigao del Sur , Oct. 11 (PIA) -– The Army's 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade expressed their appreciation to the Local Government Units, Local Crisis Management Committee (LCMC), and other sectors who worked for the safe release of Mayor Henry Dano and the two soldiers at Barangay New Visayas, Trento Agusan del sur on October 09, 2011, at about 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
“We deeply value and acknowledge the untiring efforts of the LGUs, LCMC, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), religious and other sectors in facilitating the negotiation of the hostage crisis and we are happy to note that the captives are back to their normal lives with their families,” said Col Romeo G Gan, Commander of 401st Brigade.
The investigation revealed that Lingig Mayor Henry Dano with escorts Corporal Alrey Desamparado and Private First Class Alan Saban were freed by members of Guerilla Front 20, Southern Mindanao Regional Command and turned over to Governor Johnny T Pimentel of SDS and Caroline Moorehead of ICRC.
According to LtCol Danilo D Benavides, Commanding Officer of 75th Infantry Battalion that the captives were immediately given medical attention to check their health condition and debriefed for proper disposition. The two soldiers were turned over to Col Gan together with LtCol Benavides at 75th Bn Headquarters, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig, City on the same day.
Col. Gan directed LtCol Benavides to conduct an inquiry into what had transpired leading to the abduction and if there are some security violations that were committed by the personnel and the unit to come up with appropriate recommendations.
Meanwhile, Col Romeo Gan condemned the crime committed by the CNN, “The release of Mayor Dano and the soldiers will certainly not absolve the NPAs from their criminal liability. The CNN only justifies their capability to terrorize the community in order to create the impression of fear which hampers our goal for peace and development”.
“But then again, security is every one’s responsibility. This hostility could have been prevented if the entire community is united, vigilant and will cooperate with the right authorities to report malicious and violent activities,” Col Gan added.
In the meantime, the army pursues military operations to seek justice for the said captives. (401st IB/PIA-Caraga)
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“We are ready for Tropical Depression ‘Ramon’,” Surigao del Sur gov says
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) -– “The local Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) in the Province of Surigao del Sur is all set for the coming of tropical depression “Ramon” as expected to hit Northeastern Mindanao tomorrow, Oct. 12,” said Gov. Johnny Pimentel in a phone-patch radio interview Tuesday morning.
According to Gov. Pimentel, all stakeholders and members of the provincial DRRMC is on full alert as the tropical depression is getting nearer.
With this, Pimentel said, they have been constantly monitoring the water level in all the rivers, streams, and other bodies of water in the area so that they can immediately issue advisories and warnings to the public in case water overflows.
Pimentel also said landslide prone areas in the province are also monitored to ensure a “zero-casualty” in the province.
Meanwhile, Pimentel said residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are already alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.
Aside from Surigao del Sur, other provinces in Caraga Region declared storm signal number 1 are Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island; Agusan del Norte and Sur, Dinagat Islands and Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao.
In a report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), storm signal number 1 brings winds of about 45 to 60 kph that is expected to occur within the next 36 hours. (PIA-Caraga)
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AFP’s 402nd top execs visit Claver mine sites
by 1LT Joe Patrick Martinez
CLAVER, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 11 (PIA) -– To properly address the current security situation in the area, officials of the 402nd Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) visited on Sunday two mining companies which were attacked recently by the armed rebels.
402nd Brigade Commander Col. James V Jacob and 30th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Vincent Iringan along with the President of Taganito High Pressure Acid Leaching (THPAL) Corp., Mr Takamori Fujimura, and President of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) Gerard Brimo visited the two mining companies located in Brgy. Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
“The reason of our visit is to address the current security situation of the two companies,” said Col. Jacob.
Col Jacob is proposing to put up a Special CAFGU Active Auxilliary (SCAA) inside their companies to strengthen the security not only inside the companies but also to its perimeters.
Further, said SCAA will undergo a military training so as to be equipped with high powered firearms which is enough to secure the area against any threat group, specially the NPA.
Meantime, 4th Infantry Division Commander Major General Victor A Felix said “We can easily contain the area if we add another troops specially the SCAA who will secure all vital installations while the Infantry Battalions will be concentrating on combat operations in our Area of Responsibility (AOR).”
“With this, we can assure the people and the investors that the recent atrocities will never happen again,” MGen Felix added. (4CMOBn, 4ID, PA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Freed Surigao del Sur mayor, set to hold office today; retracts admission of guilt
by Greg. Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) -– Freed Lingig, Surigao del Sur Mayor Henry Dano is set to be back to office today after two months in captivity in the hands of New People’s Army (NPA) along with two army bodyguards.
According to Mayor Dano, in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan, a lot of work is already waiting for him.
Dano, Cpl Alrey Desamparado & PFC Rolan Saban were safely released on Sunday, October 9, in Sitio New Visayas, Brgy Pulang Lupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur after a successful negotiations headed by Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel Chair of the Task Force Dano & Provincial Crisis Management Committee.
Yesterday, Army Cpl. Desamparao and PFC Sabban already returned to Military Control both soldiers, who belonged to the 75IB Infantry Battalion based in Bislig City, this province, were welcomed by no less than Col Romeo Gan, commanding Officer of the Army 401st Infantry Brigade.
Meanwhile, Mayor Dano retracted his admission of guilt to the alleged “sins” slapped by his captors. He was linked to maintaining a private army, killing of a Purok leader, and getting involved in illegal logging.
The Mayor said, he had no choice but to admit all the accusations against him because of the difficult situation he was in. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA- Surigao del Sur)
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Agencies monitor areas prone to flashfloods, landslides due to Tropical Depression “Ramon”
by Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- The Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) with the City DRRMC members continues to monitor areas which are prone to possible flashfloods and landslides due to the present tropical depression "RAMON" that will hit Caraga region.
According to Ms. Ana Semacio, Focal Person for Disaster Risk Reduction of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, they have a standby of 2000 family packs to augment LGUs who will be asking for assistance. A P500,000.00 standby fund is also ready for replenishment when the 2000 family packs will be released.
The Cebu Pacific Airlines in Butuan City bared that their 1st flight scheduled at 9:30am today, Oct. 11 from Butuan to Manila is cancelled due to bad weather while flight scheduled at 2:00 p.m. from Butuan to Manila as well as 2:30 p.m. flight from Butuan to Cebu City were cancelled due to bad weather.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga Information Officer Connie Calo also bared that their Disaster Risk Reduction Teams were already deployed to areas which are prone to floods and landslides. Thus, monitoring in the provinces by the teams is on-going. Equipment like backhoe, dump trucks, and others are also ready.
The Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that as of 8:00 a.m., the water level in Agusan River is 1.0 meter. Thus, it is still on its normal water level. CDRRMO is continuously monitoring the status of water level in Agusan River from time to time. At 10:00 a.m., the water level in Agusan River reached to 1.3 meters.
Also, SPO3 George Galdiano of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) bared that as of 9:00 a.m., their office has not yet received any report from their lower units any untoward incidents related to Tropical Depression "Ramon". Policemen are continuously monitoring the areas which are prone to floods and landslides.
Mr. Ted Cairo, Administrator of the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter bared that as of press time, their office has not yet received any report from the different barangays asking for any assistance. Red Cross 143 Volunteers in the barangays composed of 1 leader and 43 members are also intact and ready to respond in their respective barangays anytime.
Department of Health (DOH) Caraga also bared that at 8:00 a.m., Signal No. 1 Advisory or 'Code White Alert' for Health Emergency to its field offices and retained hospitals was raised due to the Tropical Depression "Ramon". With the 'Code White' Alert, DOH sees to it that medicines needed are ready to dispatch to the affected areas. Field Response Teams are also intact & ready to respond anytime while the DOH's OPCEN has been activated.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong pointed out that the RDRRMC is now ready for the coming of tropical depression "Ramon". She said as of press time, no report of any floodings, landslides, and the like have been made by the local DRRMCs in respective LGUs in the entire region.
Meanwhile, Prof. Israel Reveche, spokesperson of the Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division said that classes in the elementary level is suspended as storm signal no. 1 is declared in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. However, teachers are directed to report to their respective schools. (PIA-Caraga)
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Agusan del Sur to strengthen fresh water fish production
by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur has released almost half a million pesos and will be spending more this year to strengthen fresh fish production.
According to a report from Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), the fund set aside for the Intensified and Sustainable Development of Aquaculture (ISDA) from the 20 percent provincial development fund (PDF) is P786,000 for this year.
“We are targeting to produce 2 million fingerlings for this year but because of unstable weather condition, we have only produced 613,000 fingerlings and distributed to 308 fish farmers province-wide. We also established eight fish cages and have already harvested some 550 kilos as trial production. We will turn over the cages to LOGUFAMCO for best maintenance and production,” PAO chief Armando Lagumbay said.
According to Lagumbay, the PAO also established fishpond techno-demo worth P300,000, using delayed feeding strategy in Esperanza and Sta. Josefa.
“To date, while the project is on-going, we have already spent P287,400. This project will reduce the cost of feeds for the tilapia, without affecting their growth,” Lagumbay added. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Tagalog news: PNoy itinakda ang bagong “Barangay Assembly Days”
ni Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton
BUTUAN CITY, Oktubre 11 (PIA) -– Itinakda ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kamakailan lamang na ipagdiriwang bawat taon ang “Barangay Assembly Days” sa huling Sabado ng Mayo at sa ikalawang Linggo ng Oktubre.
Naglabas ang Pangulo ng Proclammation No. 260 noong ika-30 ng Setymbre 2011 at binago ang Proclamation No. 342 na nailabas sa taong 2003 na may pamagat na “Declaring the last Saturday of March 2003 and third Saturday of October 2003 and every year thereafter as Barangay Assembly Days”.
Samanatala, nakasaad sa Section 397 at 398 ng Local Government Code of 1991 o R.A. 7160 na ang pagpupulong ng mga opisyal sa barangay ay kinakialangang isagawa dalawang beses sa isang taon upang madinig at matalakay ang semestral na ulat ng Sanguniang Barangay patungkol sa mga gawain, usaping pinansyal kalakip na ang mga problema na nakakaapekto sa barangay.
Sa pagbago ng Proclamation 342, ipinagbigay-diin ng Pangulo na tiyakin na ang pagdiriwang ng “Baragangay Assembly Day” sa ikalawang semester ay hindi mapabilang sa panahon ng kampanya para sa Synchronized Barangay at halalan ng Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) sa ilalim ng Batas Pambansa (BP) Bilang 881 o ang tinatawag na “Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
Ayon kay Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., na ang pagpapatupad ng “Barangay Assembly Day” sa buong bansa ay isa sa mga pangunahing bahagi ng programa ng “Biyaheng Pinoy: Tapat na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad” na inilunsad kahapon, Oktubre 10, 2011 ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Nais ng Pangulo na sumali ang lahat ng mga alkalde ma lungsod man o munisipyo upang maisiguro ang pagsunod at paglahok sa nasabing Barangay Assembly. (MRA/PCOO/PIA-Caraga)
