PIA News Service - Saturday, December 3, 2011

Butuan City hall employees to receive Christmas bonus next week

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Employees of the city hall here will receive their Christmas bonus next week.

Mayor Ferdinand Amante announced this Friday during the “Light Up Butuan” ceremonial switch-on held at the city hall ground.

According to Amante, all regular employees will receive cash bonus equivalent to a one month salary.

The official further said contractual and job order employees will also be receiving P5,000 cash bonus.

Amante, however said, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has yet to sign for the approval of the release of the cash bonus but he assured the employees that said budget will be approved and will be released next week. (PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga DRRMC, warns public to take caution in celebrating Yuletide Season

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The chairperson of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) called its partners and members to take pre-emptive actions to avert any potential disaster during the celebration of this year’s yuletide season.

RDRRMC chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong warned the public to take caution on the use of Christmas lights and buying of toys with toxic chemicals.

She cited the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) issuance of notice to the public to purchase and use only products especially sets of Christmas lights that bear the import commodity clearance (ICC) mark for proper performance of the product and safe celebration of the season.

Christmas lights or any products without the ICC mark are products that pose danger to its users, she said.

Gobenciong also said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) in coordination with the local government units would provide security coverage and undertake related administrative and operational activities especially on the traditional practice of firecrackers/fireworks or “paputok” and other pyrotechnic devices in celebrating Christmas Eve and in welcoming the New Year.

The RDRRMC Operations Center manned by the OCD would maintain its 24/7 operation to closely monitor incidents arising during the celebration of the yuletide season, which may result, to exposure of people to various hazards that can contribute more vulnerability to disasters. (PIA-Caraga)

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“Light Up Butuan” ceremonial switch-on held

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The city government here has conducted the “Light Up Butuan” ceremonial switch-on Friday night.

In his speech, Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. said the activity is just a kick-off to the world’s longest Christmas celebration. He added the longest Christmas celebration is in the Philippines.

“We have experienced trials in our lives… and may these trials will turn into challenges, hope and inspiration as we jointly celebrate the birth of our Savior,” Mayor Amante said.

The local chief executive pointed out that in the spirit of Christmas, we should not lose hope because there is always a star that brightens the darkest night.

Amante further calls on every Butuanon to take part and join with the government in an effort to achieve progress and development in the city.

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Panlungsod members led by Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun led the flying of sky lanterns and participated by chiefs of offices of the local government and regional directors of national line agencies.

The new attraction of the city hall will run until eve of January 1, 2012 as the whole world meet the coming of the New Year. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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New PNP Agusan del Sur chief assumes office

by Alexis Cabardo

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- New PNP Provincial Director for Agusan del Sur P/SSupt. Rodolfo Dasmarinas has formally assumed office right after taking his oath on November 28, 2011 at the PNP provincial headquarters.

Dasmarinas replaced P/SSupt. Jerome Baxinela.

The provincial director was chief of police in the municipalities of Trento and San Francisco in the late 1990’s, before he became assistant provincial PNP director in Agusan del Sur.

P/SSupt. Dasmarinas also served as PDEA Regional Director of Caraga Region, and PNP provincial director in the province of Dinagat.

Upon his assumption to office, Dasmarinas said he will strictly enforce the police mandate, especially the police visibility in order to curb criminality in the entire province of Agusan del Sur. Dasmarinas said, one of his priority is to install one police personnel in every barangay to supervise the barangay tanods in order ensure the peace and order in the community.

P/SSupt. Dasmarinas also enforce the literal meaning of “Oplan Walis”, saying the PNP should first clean their quarters and its surroundings so that they can effectively clean the violators of the law in the society. He also stressed that criminality can only be stopped and unsolved crimes can be solved if the police and the community will work together to obtain genuine peace and order. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PIA News Service - Friday, December 2, 2011

Esperanza town: Hope lies in consistent environmental protection efforts

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- Esparanza town continues to gain recognition for its environmental protection efforts, this time from an international development aid organization.

In June this year, Oxfam Great Britain cited the town’s disaster risk management plan which included a flood prevention component.

“This initiative from the town of Esperanza is truly one of the laudable initiatives and truly one of the first around the world,” said Barbara Stocking, chief executive officer of Oxfam, who oversees the operation of Oxfam in 60 countries.

Apart from these latest feat, the municipality of Esperanza as received various awards over the years.

According to records presented by municipal administrator Pauline Jaramillo, Esperanza has been recognized as 1st Prize Winner during the search for Most Orderly Municipality (2003-2004) Provincial Level, and 2nd Prize Winner during the search for Cleanest and Greenest Municipality (2003-2004) Provincial Level. Esperanza also pocketed the first prize award for the cleanest inland body of water in the same year.

“Since then, we, in Esperanza, have dreamed of maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of our municipality by strengthening the local laws that protect our environment. All these efforts have paid-off because we maintained the same prestigious awards from the year 2003 to 2007 when we grab the award as the first prize winner on the Kaunlaran ng Pamahalaang Lokal sa Kalinisan from DENR and DILG in 2007,” Jaramillo said.

Being the hall of famer in the search for the cleanest and greenest municipality, Esperanza became the national entry for the search for model community eco-waste management system- (segregation, composting and recycling of wastes) in 2008, while grabbing the award as the regional winner in the Zero “Basura” Olympics’ Most innovative and effective in the implementation of environmental sanitation and waste management on November 2009. In the same year, Esperanza, also bagged the platinum award from DENR-EMB, DOH, DTI, DILG and PIA as the Ecological Sustainability Garbology Grand Master.

“In 2010, we really felt that more efforts must be done in order to make our share bigger for the global protection of environment thus we became the national Finalist of Zero Basura Olympics (Garbology Marathon) in the year 2010, while receiving a plaque of recognition in the implementation of Ecological Sustainability of the Solid Waste Management Program. On the same year, an ordinance was also passed that banned smoking in the entire municipality, where anybody caught violating the ordinance will be penalized by fines of not less than P500.00,” Esperanza Mayor Manpatilan said.

“The year 2011 will almost end. We hope we could do more for next year so that even in our own little way, we know we have contributed in the global issue of climate change,” Mayor Manpatilan said.

The recognition received by the municipality is a proof that the provincial government is supporting the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan of President Benigno S. Aquino III, specifically on Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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NSO Caraga to disseminate reg'l data on December 22

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- The Caraga Regional Office of the National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct the Regional Data Dissemination in one of the local convention centers here on December 22.

According to NSO Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda C. Celeste, the Regional Data Dissemination forum will include the 2009 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and the 2009 Survey on Information and Communication (SICT).

The forum aims to raise awareness of the stakeholders and data users on the importance and relevance of the survey, Celeste said.

Also, the forum is a venue where provincial and city planners, representatives from national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the academe and owners of business establishments are enjoined to participate and take part of the agency’s undertaking, she added. (PIA-Caraga)

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Agusan del Sur, main source of carabeef in Caraga Region

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- The province of Agusan del Sur is now the main source of carabeef (carabao meat) in Caraga Region, said Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Joriz Elevazo.

In an interview with a local radio station here, Dr. Elevazo said this could be attributed to the fact that most residents in the province do not eating carabeef.

Elevazo said, however, that more Agusanons are into carabao raising to supply carabeef to other provinces in the region as a source of livelihood.

The official said that the total number of carabao heads recorded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Agusan del Sur reached more than 40,000 while other provinces only posted 10,000.

Because of this, Elevazo said more local businessmen and entrepreneurs in all the provinces in the region are getting their carabeef supply from Agusan del Sur. (PIA-Caraga)

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PDEA-Caraga intensifies campaign against illegal drugs

by Jerylle Anne O. Rivera

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Caraga is intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs.

According to Mr. Joel Plaza, PDEA-Caraga OIC-Regional Director, they are now focusing on social networking sites used by drug pushers and traffickers in transacting with their prospective customers and victims.

Plaza said that drug case posted this year has decreased as compared to the previous year, based on PDEA records. (PIA-Caraga)

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City gov’t to give early Christmas presents to poorest Butuanons

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- To celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, the city government here announced recently that packed grocery items are now ready for distribution to "the poorest of the poor" Butuanons.

City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. said that this is the city government’s way helping poor families celebrate Christmas through a “salu-salo” (partaking of food).

The city government also said the “Pamaskong Handog ng City Government” is the same program initiated by the previous administration through the late former Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II.

“Ang pamaskong handog ng city government usa sa mga programa ni kanhi Mayor Boy Daku Plaza ug ato lang kining gipadayon aron mahatagan usab og kahigayunan ang ga kabus nato nga mga kaigsuonan nga maka-saulog sa pasko nga adunay pagkaon sa ilang lamesa (The ‘pamaskong handog ng city government’ is among the programs of former Mayor Boy Daku Plaza and we are just continuing the program to give our poor brothers and sisters to celebrate Christmas with foods on their table),” Mayor Amante said.

The chief executive of the city also stressed the gift-giving is among the activities lined-
up by the city government in celebration of Yuletide Season.

Some 19,000 packed grocery items were already prepared by city hall employees.

Meanwhile, Mayor Amante said that aside from the gift-giving, a Christmas Bazaar will also add color to the city’s celebration of Yuletide Season. The bazaar will be participated in by local business entrepreneurs here where selected items are sold in low prices. (PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga DRRMC calls on public to prepare for wet Yuletide season

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga region through its chairperson called on the public to be prepared for a possibly wet yuletide season.

Caraga DRRMC Chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director Dr. Blanche Gobenciong said Filipinos may experience a wet Christmas season this year based on PAGASA’s forecast.

Gobenciong said that from December 2011 to January 2012, there is a strong chance of above normal rainfall in the tropical western Pacific, including the Philippines.

Thus, Gobenciong said that this year’s observance of Christmas season requires pre-emptive actions on the part of the RDRRMC to avert any potential disaster in order to ensure peaceful celebration of this yuletide season. (PIA-Caraga)

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Paje pushes for reforms in mining industry

by Eric F. Gallego

SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje announced Tuesday that reforms are being worked out by the DENR to improve revenue collections of the local government from mining operations.

This was in support of the Philippine Development Plan of the Aquino Administration specifically on the Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the

“We will start the mining reforms in Zambonga del Norte,” Paje told the local newsmen shortly after the conclusion of the Environment Summit initiated by the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Norte Sol F. Matugas in this mining capital of the Philippines.

He said the local government must get a good share of income from the mining companies particularly in areas where they have active operations. “It has to be remitted directly to the LGU,” he said, adding that he is “personally campaigning for that with the Department of Budget and Management , the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue for the implementation of this policy reforms in tax remittances.”

“I am proposing that the government must get additional 5 percent from the mining companies of which 40 percent of that goes to the LGU,” he said.

“We expect an additional revenues of P 16 billion pesos to the government coming from all the mining companies actively operating in the country.” the DENR Secretary said. “Imagine this revenues that will be used by the LGU for building roads, school buildings, government hospitals, water systems and other infrastructure projects,” Paje said.

Secretary Paje was the keynote speaker of the one-day Environment Summit held at the Provincial Convention Center, Provincial Capitol in Surigao City. This was the second Environment Summit held this month in Caraga Region aimed at strengthening the social mobilization and awareness of the people on the need to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources in the country.

Before going to the summit, Secretary Paje made a brief aerial inspection of the Taganito Mining operation in Claver, Surigao del Norte where he saw some siltation along the coastal areas. He nevertheless expressed satisfaction of the forest condition in the area. “I have been in many parts of the country and I can say that Caraga is still the greenest,” he said.

In his speech, Secretary Paje challenged everyone to do his or her part in environment protection. He said that the Philippine is the 6th among countries most vulnerable to climate change.

“We must prove to the world that in this part of the country, development and conservation go hand-in-hand.”

Surigao del Norte, Paje said, can become a laboratory of “Green Mining."

“We can show the world that the sustainable development principle can work out in this part of the country,” he said.

Secretary Paje later witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Agreement among the DENR, DAR, DA, DepEd, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the City Government of Surigao City that seeks to harmonize all greening efforts in rehabilitating the environment.

Secretary Paje also distributed more that 700 free patents under the Handog Titulo Program of President Aquino to the different beneficiaries through their respective Mayors. Most of these beneficiaries are from the Dinagat Island province.

The DENR chief was met at the airport by his field officers headed by Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca,and his staff including the Regional Technical Directors of Forestry Musa Saruang, Atty. Paquito S. Rosal of Land Management, Mario Eludo of the Protected Areas and Wildlife, Coastal Zone Management and Virgilio dela Cruz of the Ecosystems Research and Development, Director Alilo Ensomo of the Mines and Geo Sciences Regional Office and Ester Olavides, director of the Environment Management Bureau regional office. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: Hepe ng PNP-Caraga binalaan ang publiko laban sa krimen sa kalye

ni Jerylle Anne O. Rivera

BUTUAN CITY, Dis 2 (PIA) -- Nagbigay-babala si Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Regional Director Reynaldo Rafal sa publiko laban sa “budol-budol” gang at sa iba pang uri ng krimen na laganap tuwing kapaskuhan.

Ayon kay Dir. Rafal ang PRO-13 ay patuloy na nagpapadala ng mga tauhan na nakatalaga sa mga Regional Headquarters simula sa buwan ng Oktubre upang gampanan ang police visibility patrol upang hadlangin ang anumang uri ng mga krimen sa mga lansangan.

Ang nasabing estratehiya ay ipinapatupad din sa lahat ng Provincial Police Offices sa rehiyon, dagdag ng opisyal.

Hiling din ni Rafal sa publiko na tulungan ang Philippine National Police sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa mga kahina-hinalang mga tao sa kapaligiran.

Ang ginawang kilos ng PNP-Caraga ay sumusuporta sa Regional Development Plan (RDP) ng rehiyon lalung-lalo na sa pangkapayapaan at seguridad.

Ayon sa RDP, ang operasyon ng pulisya ay napapalooban ng hanay na mga kaganapan, lalung-lalo na sa pagpapatrolya at operasyon sa trapiko, pagpapatupad ng mga espesyal na batas, utos at kontrol, civil disturbance at pamamahala sa panahon ng kalamidad at sakuna. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

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Surigaonon News: Pipila ka mga kalihukan gibutyag sa City General Services

ni Annette P. Villaces

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 2 (PIA) -- Pipila ka mga kalihukan ang malampusong gihimo sa buhatan sa City General Services ni'ng dakbayan.

Mao kini ang gipamahayag ni G. Armando Elumba, hepe sa City General Services Office sa ilang gihimo nga accomplishment report bag-ohay pa lamang.

Matud pa sugod kadtong bulan sa Enero hangtod karong bulana ni'ng tuiga, sila aduna nay na-canvass nga 3,486 ka mga Purchased Request; 2,983 ka mga Purchased Order; lakip usab ang pagpantaud sa mukabat sa 1,155 ka mga streets lights nga gepangawat ug may depekto; samtang adunay usab 98 ka sumbong o reklamo ang ilang nataga-an ug pagtagad bahin sa problema sa kuryente gikan sa naglain-laing opisina sa gobyerno og sa mga ka-barangayan.

Sa pagkakaron, sila nagpadayon sa pagpangbutang ug mga Christmas lights diha sa Luneta Park para na sa epahigayon nga Light-up a Tree “switch-on” karong adlawa, Dec. 2.

Samtang mukabat usab sa 0.38 sq. km. nga mga dalan sa syudad og national roads ang ila kada-adlaw nga gehinluan lakip niini ang pagmentinar sa kahinlo sa mga park kon plaza; og mukabat sa 320 Hours electric power ang ilang na-generate para sa pinili nga mga opisina dinhe sa city hall compound panahon na sa brownout.

Dugang usab ni Mr. Elumba nga ilang gepadayon ang ilang pag-instalar sa duha ka bag-o nga 250KVA electric generator sa syudad. (Surigao City PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Pilipinas mikuha sa world record nga longest line of single dominated coins

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 2 (PIA) -- Ang pagkugi sa Pilipinas aron balion ang world record of longest line of single-denominated coin naangkon niadtong Miyerkules human sa mokabat 3.65 milyon ka buok nga P0.25 sentabos ang gilinya atubangan sa Qurino Grandstand didto sa Manila.

Ang abogado nga si Greg Suarez, ang Pangulo sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Officers Club, miingon nga sila nakahimo og 73.02 kilometros sa nasangpit nga denominasyon ug kini nagkantidad mokabat sa P912,500.

Matag kilometro nagkinahanglan og 50,000 kabuok nga tag P.025 nga sensilyo ug matag kilometro nga sensilyo mokantidad og P12,500.

Ang kasamtangang naghupot niining maong titulo mao ang Amerika, nga nakahimo paglinya og 64.8 kilometros nga sensilyo gamit ang 3,406,234 kabuok nga 1 ka dolyar nga sensilyo.

“We’ll do the final measurement tonight and submit all the necessary data (to Guinness) in a few days,” si Suarez miingon.

Ang opisyales sa central bank miingon nga siya wala pa masayod kanus-a ang ipagawas ang sertipiko niining maong kadaogan.

“Maybe three to four weeks. I really don’t know since we need to submit records like video and other reports including that of the media,” siya miingon.

Ang central bank, nga maoy nangulo sa maong pagsulay nga may temang “Mahalaga Ako – Barya ng mga Bayani: The Power of Small Change Campaign,” uban ang Kabayanihan Foundation, nga miimbitar kang Engr. Erick Medrano, usa ka independent geodetic enginer, aron maoy mosukod sa linya sa mga sensilyo.

Adunay tulo ka mga klasrom ang gikatakdang pagatukoron didto sa La Union, Cebu ug Davao gikan sa maong kwarta nga gilinya didto sa Qurino Grandstand.

Uban niini, si Suarez miingon ang maong kalihukan nag target usab sa pagpakanat pagbalik sa mga sensilyo nga gitago lamang sa mga banko o gipasagdan lang sa mga drawers.

Ang maong kadaugan gikatakdang makasalbar sa gobyerno sa mokabat P3.5 milyon s

a paghulma og P0.25 nga sentabo nga mokantidad og P1 piso matag usa. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Thursday, December 1, 2011

DOH Sec to keynote health workers convention in Surigao Norte

by FEAbkilan

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona will keynote the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Provincial Convention today in Surigao City.

Upon his arrival, he will be welcomed by Gov. Sol Matugas and other local officials of the province.

Gov. Matugas revealed that the summit is expected to bring together public health workers and health advocates in the entire province.

This year’s convention carries the theme, “Empowered BHWs: Facing the Challenges in Attaining Millennium Development Goals thru Health initiatives.”

Other officials who are expected to grace the event are 1st district Rep. Francisco Matugas and 2nd district Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr.

During the summit, Gov. Matugas will lead the oath-taking of the new Provincial BHW Federated Officers. There will also be a "commitment signing" the province's congressmen, provincial governor and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and municipal officials in support to the BHW’s cause. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Butuan City gov’t intensifies security this Yuletide Season

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- With the coming of the Yuletide Season, the city government here has intensified security to ensure public safety, which is also embodied in the Caraga Regional Development Plan .

In an interview with a local radio station here, City Councilor Ryan Anthony Culima, chairman of the committee on peace and security said the city government is organizing a Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (SCAA) to augment the police force in an effort to achieve peace and security in the city.

Culima said the city government has coordinated with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to jointly train the newly-recruited SCAAs.

The official added the city government will shoulder their wages while the AFP and PNP is in-charge of the training. “This is to ensure that our newly-recruited SCAAs are ready to face their responsibilities as peacekeeper multipliers of our city,” Culima said.

Councilor Culima further said the newly-recruited SCAAs will be deployed to strategic areas in the city where the people used to go especially this Yuletide Season.

The organization of SCAAs came on the heels of a series of crime incidents in the city these past days. “We should ensure the public especially local and foreign tourists alike of their safety while they are here in our city. In this way, our local entrepreneurs will have good income this Yuletide Season,” he said.

The Caraga Regional Development Plan stated that the region continues to be challenged with continuing concerns on increasing crime incidence, unstable peace and order and the lack of education or knowledge of the people in the communities, which made them more vulnerable to conflict situations. The resolutions of these concerns are essential to allow the affected groups to be able to participate more fully to or benefit from the programs of government. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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UP Open University to host 1st Int’l Confab on Open, Distance e-Learning

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- The 1st International Conference on Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) will be held on Ferbuary 22-24, 2012 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila Philippines.

The event will be hosted by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), UPOU Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI) and the Philippine Society of Distance Learning (PSDL) in support of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the Aquino administration.

The conference is anchored on the theme “Creating Spaces and Possibilities.” It aims to provide a forum for distance education and e-learning scholars, practitioners and policy makers to share and reflect on experiences, and collaboratively create and explore spaces and possibilities for open, distance and e-learning for development.

The activity also focuses on the convergence of philosophies, pedagogies and technologies in ODeL, as well as the issues and challenges arising from practice of ODeL in various contexts, including among others, public service and development.

Interested participants may contact the secretariat at +63 49 536-6001 to 06 local 420, 220 and 710 or email at icodelsecretariat@upou.edu.ph.

The country aims to attain its education targets under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to improve quality, access and efficiency of education. The country has been cited as a “particularly striking example of under-performance” in educational reforms in the 2010 Education For All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, November 30, 2011

PNP Chief to visit Caraga

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -– Thorough preparations are underway at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez in Brgy. Libertad, this city for the scheduled visit of Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome on Friday, in an effort to uphold the transparency and good governance as pointed out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the Aquino administration.

This will be the first visit here in the region of the nation’s police chief after he assumed office on September, this year.

PDGen. Bartolome will be accorded with an arrival honors upon his arrival at the camp to be led by Caraga PNP chief PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal and the other top regional police officials.

Police Superintendent Martin M. Gamba, PRO 13 chief information officer said that PDGen. Bartolome will attend to some eight major activities outlined among his itineraries of his first regional visit here which includes : 1) The turn-over by the Department of Health, Caraga Regional Office of its recently accomplished project – the P10-Million peso Police Regional Office 13 Hospital and its facilities to the management of the Philippine National Police, 2) The launching of the Regional Tactical Operations Center (RTOC), 3) The launching of the Electronic Blotter or (E-Blotter), 4) The send off ceremony of the Special Action Force (SAF), 5) the blessings of the additional vehicles for the PNP, 6) The launching of the Task Force Surigao, 7) Giving of awards to some meritorious PNP personnel and 8) The reception of some rebel returnees.

Meanwhile, a press conference is scheduled in the afternoon of that same day at PRO 13 Conference Room to be attended by the Chief PNP and the other top regional police officials.

Meanwhile, Dr. Noemina Bartolome, better-half of the PNP chief will conduct a Hepa B Vaccination on Thursday, at the PRO 13 Grandstand.

The vaccination will benefit the PNP dependents from 0-11 years old. The project is initiated by the Ladies Officers Club of PRO 13, led by the wife of Caraga PNP chief and Ms. Ivy Boquiren. (PIA Caraga)

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Agusan Norte gov't approves P5-M budget for public market rehab

by Roselyn G. Exaure and Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -– In support to the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan (RDP) of Caraga on infrastructure support, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte has recently approved the five million pesos financial support for the rehabilitation of the public market of the municipality of Nasipit.

Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante pointed out that the said fund is included in the 20% budget wherein the said project will be implemented in the first quarter of 2012.

The official also said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has deliberated and is ready to release the fund by next year.

It can be recalled that many vendors of the said public market were complaining because of its wrecked building but the current administration of Nasipit wasn’t able to attend to the problem because the local government of Nasipit has insufficient fund. (PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: National Greening Program ni PNoy inilunsad sa Butuan City

ni Jerylle Anne O. Rivera

BUTUAN CITY, Nob. 30 (PIA) -– Inilunsad dito kamakailan ang isinisulong ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na National Greening Program (NGP) sa pangunguna ng Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Dinaluhan ng mga matataas na ospisyal sa lokal na pamahalaan sa rehiyon ng Caraga, ang paglulunsad ay naglalayong mas mapahigpit ang pagpapatupad ng “Plant A Billion Tree” na inaasahang lalago bago matapos ang kanyang termino lalung-lalo na sa mga forest reservation areas.

Ayon kay DENR-Caraga regional information officer Eric Gallego, aabot sa 2,071 ektarya ng lupa ang kanilang palalawakin at sa nagyon, nasa 605.92-ektarya na ang kanilang napalawak na nasa community-based forest management (CBFM) areas.

Ang “Plant A Billion Tree” ay isang programa ng pamahalaan na maipalaganap sa buong sambayanan ang kahalagahan ng pagtatanim ng puno upang maibsan ang negatibong epekto dulot ng climate change.

Ito ay naaayon sa Philipine Development Plan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon at napapaloob sa Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation program. (PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog news: Butuan City, negatibo sa sakit na malaria ayon sa city health

ni Erma Dabalos

BUTUAN CITY, Nob. 30 (PIA) –- Ipinahayag kamakailan ng pamunuan ng City Health na negatibo sa sakit na Malaria ang lungsod ng Butuan simula pa sa buwan ng Enero hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Ayon kay Orenda, Milloria, Malaria Coordinator ng City Health Office, ito ang naging resulta sa matagumpay na ginawang information drive sa mga barangay, mga paaralan, establisyemento at iba pa.

Maliban sa malaria, tinutukan din ng monitoring team ng City Health dito ang sakit na filariasis na naging sanhi sa pagkaka-deform ng katawan ng taong nakagat ng nasabing lamok na nagdadala ng nasabing karamdaman.

Inamin naman ng opisyal na meron silang karampatang stock ng mga gamot para sa nasabing sakit.

Ang nasabing paghahanda ng city health ay naaayon sa Regional Development Plan (RDP) ng Caraga Region kung saan binigyang-diin dito ang kahalagahan ng wastong pangangatawan at nutrisyon. (PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Aquino gidayeg ang 2nd Asia-Pacific Community-Based Congress

Ni: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Nob. 30 (PIA) – Gidayeg ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kagahapong adlawa Martes ang mga partisepante sa 2nd Asia-Pacific Community –Based Rehabilitation Congress sa pagpakita ngadto sa kalibutan nga ang matag usa katawo importante ngadto sa pagkab-ot sa kalamboan ug kauswagan.

“Through this Congress, we are showing the world that we recognize the right of every person to be part of growth, but more importantly, that we recognize every person’s capacity to contribute in a meaningful way to moving the country forward,” ang Pangulo miingon sa iyang keynote speech didto sa Sofitel Plaza Hotel, Pasay City.

Ang kongreso nagtumong sa pagpasiugda og multi-sectoral partnership aron pagkab-ot sa epektibo ug haom nga mga sumbanan alang sa mga tawong adunay diperensya nga makabaton og tiunay nga kagawasan, full physical, mental, social ug vocational ability ug partisipasyon sa tanang mga aspeto sa kinabuhi nga naglangkob sa United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD).

Ang Pangulo mihagit sa 640 ka mga delegado nga gikan sa 63 ka mga nasod nga mitambong sa tulo ka adlaw nga kalihukan nga maghiusa lakip na kadtong person with disabilities (PWDs).

“And even in a day as important as this one, we recognize that this is not the culmination of our work; rather, we reinvigorate ourselves to face the challenges that remain,” ang Pangulo miingon.

“Despite the positive developments, we must not allow ourselves to be complacent. This is the attitude that all of us must adopt, not merely in improving the lives of persons with disabilities, but in improving the lives of people,” siya midugang.

Siya misaad sa suporta sa gobyerno sa tumong ug katuyoan sa Community-Based Rehabilitation Congress –“…so long as there are children who deserve an education but cannot get one, so long as there are Filipinos who want to work and provide for their families but cannot do so through no fault of their own, and so long as there are persons with disabilities that are prevented from living full and meaningful lives.

“My message of today is clear: if we work hard, if we work together, if we work in the name of justice, if we do not stray from the straight and righteous path – we will arrive at the destination we have all aspired for from the very beginning: a Philippines, an Asia, and a world that prospers under the clear light of day,” ang Pangulo miingon. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Aquino nakigpulong sa congressional wives aron pagtuki sa pakigtambayayungay

SURIGAO CITY, Nob. 30 (PIA) – Si Pangulong Benigno S Aquino III nakigpulong sa mga miyenbro sa Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc.(CSFI) didto sa Malacanang kagahapon Martes ug mituki sa umaabot nga pakigtambayayungay sa maong grupo sa ilang mga nagkadaiyang mga proyekto.

Atol sa ilang pulong, ang Pangulo ug ang mga asawa sa mga kongressman mituki sa mga proyekto sa foundation. Siya miingon ang iyang administrasyon abli alang sa pag kooperar sa halapad nga kahimoan ug ang gobyerno andam kanunay sa pagtabang.

Ang maong pagtuki nag pokus sa edukasyon, livelihood ug uban pang mga isyu. Apan ang Pangulo miingon ang iyang administrasyon interesado partikularmente sa agriculture sector ug andam makigtambayayong sa uban pang mga organisasyon sama sa CSFI aron makatabang sa sector.

Ang sector sa agrikultura maoy unang prayoridad sa gobyerno human ang mga bagyo midaot sa dakong mga erya sa kaumahan nga maoy hinungdan usab nga daghang mga mag-uuma ang nawad-an og panginabuhian, ang Pangulo miingon.

Matud pa sa Pangulo, ang departamento sa agrikultura naghatag na og mga certified seeds aron pagtabang sa mga mag-uuma.

Ang CSFI, nga adunay adbokasiya sa health, livelihood, social services, violence against children, ug women’s rights, gimugna aron pag-ambag sa inisyatibo sa mga miyembro sa House of Representatives pinaagi sa nagkadaiyang mga socio-civic actions.

Ang maong organisasyon partikularmente nag pokus sa adbokasiya niini sa anti-violence against women and children. Ang kasamtangang mga proyekto niini naglakip sa paghatag og kapuy-an sa mga abused ug battered women lakip usab ang street children. (Susil D. Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: Taguibo Watershed Green Summit ipahigayon

ni Jerylle Anne O. Rivera

BUTUAN CITY, Nob. 30 (PIA) -– Gitakdang tapukon ang mga partners ug stakeholders sa Save Taguibo Watershed alang sa usa ka Green Summit karong umaabot Disyembre 2 dinhi sa siyudad tumong nga maprotektahan ug ma-preserba ang kinaiyahan.

Matud pa ni Fr. John Christian U. Young, nanguna sa nasangpit panagtigum sa ug kasamtangang lider sa Save Taguibo Watershed Network (STWN), tumong usab sa maong panagtigum mao ang paghatag sa mga programa nga pang kinaiyahan, ingon man proyekto ug kalihukan sa mga nagkadaiyang ahensya, organisasyon, ug institusyon aron sa pagkolekta og mga resources alang sa proteksyon ug preserbasyon sa suba sa Taguibo Watershed.

Dugang pa ni Young, ang maong panagtigum usa ka pamaagi sa mga stakeholders nga makapaambit ug mga angay nga mga istorya ug kasinatian sa pagpa-implementa sa maong mga programa nga adunay kapareha sa Taguibo River Watershed alang sa mas maayong paghatag og bili sa mga maayong binuhatan ug stratehiya.

Atol sa maong kalihukanm maga-presenta usab og konsepto sa proposed pilot comprehensive nga proyekto sa dapit sa Taguibo River Watershed ug pagahatag og sugo sa mga stakeholders sa pagbahin sa katumanan sa pangandoy o tinguha.

Ang Save Taguibo Watershed Network nahimugso sa tuig 2009 alang sa pagprotekta sa Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve batok sa mg ilegal nga pagpamutol og kahoy ug pagmina aron sa pagtabang sa naguba na nga kalasangan ug ang kinaiyahan. (PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: “Light up Capitol” ipahigayon

ni Roselyn G. Exaure

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Nob. 30 (PIA) -– Gikatakdang ilusad karong December Bieyrnes ang “Light-up Capitol”, kung diin kabahin kini sa “Christmas Capitol” Program sa lokal nga panggamhanan ni’ng probinsiya.

Gibutyag ni Gov. Erlpe John Amante nga masaksihan sa katawhang Agusanon ug Butuanon ang kaanindot sa mga christmas lights nga gidayan-dayan libot na sa Capitol Building, kon diin gi-replicate sa probinsya ang gihimo sa lungsod sa Carmen sa ilang Municipal Building.

Subay niini nanawagan ang opisyal sa katawhang Agusanon ug Butuanon sa pagsuroy panahon sa kagabhion aron ilang masaksihan ang kaanindot sa mga dayan-dayan sa pasko libot na sa Capitol Building ingon man usab ang mga nagkadaiya nga mga kalingawan.

Ang “Christmas Capitol” usa ka bulan nga kasaulogan uban ang nagkadaiya’ng mga kalihukan sama sa variety show, Agusan got talent, Concert at the Park ug uban pa. (Agusan del Norte PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, November 29, 2011

IACAT to spearhead Anti-Trafficking Campaign on Dec. 5-12

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- In observance of the weeklong trafficking in persons (TIP) awareness program of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on December 5-12, 2011, the IACAT will be spearheading the Anti-Trafficking Campaign in schools with the theme “Laban Kontra Human Trafficking, Laban Nating Lahat.”

Chaired by Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, said campaign aims to inform the community on the modus operandi of traffickers and to commemorate the accomplishments of the survivors of trafficking.

Also, part of the prevention campaign is to educate young students on the issue because of their vulnerability to traffickers.

The main strategy is through film viewing on a 40-minute film which can be shown during MAKABAYAN (Social Studies) lessons or any equivalent subject.

Meanwhile, the IACAT has identified selected schools to participate in this campaign which will involve Grades 5-6 and high school students on Dec. 5-12, 2011.

It was also learned that IACAT representatives nationwide will be coordinating directly with the schools for their visit and information awareness campaign on TIP situation in the country. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Surigao Norte to hold 1st Environment Summit

by FEAbkilan

SURIGAO CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The Surigao del Norte provincial government is all set to host its first ever Environment Summit today at the provincial convention center, with the theme “Building a Green Surigao: An Urgent Call”.

Provincial Environment and Management Office chief Ivonnie Dumadag said the summit will start with an inter-school literary/musical competition with the Department of Education (DepEd) spearheading the event.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Ramon Paje will be guest speaker during the summit

Paje and Gov. Sol Matugas will lead the inauguration of the Provincial Eco-Park at the Provincial Governor’s Mansion.

Gov. Matugas has called for the full participation of non-government organizations, barangay leaders, sectoral advocates and political leaders of the province, according to Dumagdag.

“During the summit, Gov. Matugas will present to Sec. Paje the province’s environment roadmap towards sustainable development,” Dumadag said.

Dumadag further said that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) will also be conducted for the Surigao del Norte Integrated Greening Program and Surigao Green – a province’s Public-Private Partnership program in support to R.A. 9003 also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Other significant activities to highlight the event include: the presentation of manifesto of commitment towards environmental protection, the province’s recognition of Small Scale Miners (Nagkahiusang Gagmay’ng Minero – NAGAMI) and the ceremonial turn-over of land titles dubbed as “Handog Titulo” to the identified beneficiaries of the province. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Surigao del Norte malampuson nga mipahigayon sa Women’s Summit

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Nob. 29 (PIA) -- Ang pangagamhanan sa probinsya sa Surigao del Norte malampuson nga mipahigayon sa Women’s Summit niadtong Biyernes, Nobyembre 25 didto sa Provincial Convention Center, ning dakbayan.

Uban sa tema nga “Panginabuhi sa Kababainhan, Yawe sa Kalambuan” , ang maong summit gisugdan sa pag-abli sa women’s livelihood exhibit, nga gipasiugdahan sa mga nagkalain-laing organisasyon sa mga kababainhan ug ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Human sa maong pag-abli, si DOLE Undersecretary Lourdes Transmonte mihatag sa iyang keynote speech samtang si DOLE Caraga Regional Director Ofelia Domingo mituki sa katuyoan ug tumong sa ilang ahensya paghatag og Livelihood Project/Assistance.

Ang paglusad sa E-Bamboo Livelihood Project ug pagtuki sa Entrepreneurship Development and Livelihood Opportunities maoy mga pipila ka mga aktibedades nga gihimo sa maong kalihukan.

Ang maong summit gitak-opan sa usa ka Turn-over of Certificate of Availment of Livelihood Assistance ngadto sa mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo sa probinsya ug mga livelihood opportunity lectures. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: National Greening Program ni PNoy, gilusad sa Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY, Nob. 29 (PIA) -- Pormal nang gilusad bag-ohay pa lamang dinhi sa dakbayan sa Butuan ang gihingusgan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III nga National Greening Program kon NGP sa pagpanguna sa mga line-agencies sa gobyerno sama sa Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) ug Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR).

Gitambungan kini sa mga tag-as nga opisyales sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa nagkada-iyang probinsya ning rehiyon sa Caraga.

Tumong niini nga mas hugot nga mapatuman ang programa ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ang Plant A Billion Tree nga gipuntiryang mulambo adiser matapos ang iyang termino ilabina diha sa mga forest reservation areas.

Sigon usab ni DENR-Caraga regional information officer Eric Gallego, dinhi sa rehiyon mukabat sa 2,071 ka ektaryang luna ang ilang i-develop og sa pagkakaron, mi-abot na sa 605.92-ektaryas ang ilang na-develop nga nasulod sa community-based forest management kon CBFM areas. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Clean Ground Zero Waste sa Butuan City-LGU, pahugtan ka-uban ang media entities

BUTUAN CITY, Nob. 29 (PIA) -- Malampuson ang gipasi-ugdahang pagpakigtagbo sa lokal nga panggamhanan ning siyudad uban sa mga local media entities subay sa gihingusgang ‘Clean Ground, Zero Waste’ program ni Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr.

Sigon ni Philippine Information Agency kon PIA-Caraga regional director Abner Caga, gituyo kini tungod kay gi-ila sa mga stakeholders sa maong programa ang mga media entities nga duna'y dakong papel aron mapa-abot ngadto sa katawhan og mapasabot og maayo ang kaayuhang angayang masayran kalabot sa saktong paglabay sa basura.

Gawas pa kini sa tinguha nga mabatunan dinhi sa Butuan ang limpyong kahanginan og kini masabtan lamang pinaagi sa pag-abag sa mga tigbalita nga maoy mupakaylap sa saktong impormasyon ngadto sa katawhan. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Kampanya batuk sa druga, gipahugtan sa PDEA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, Nob. 29 (PIA) -- Gipahugtan pa karon sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency kon PDEA-Caraga ang kampanya batuk sa gidiling druga.

Sumala ni PDEA-Caraga Regional Director Joel Plaza, gitutukan nila karon ang mga social networking sites nga maoy nahimong dalan sa mga drug pushers ug trafficker aron lang makapalusot og mga ilegal nga transaksyon nga adunay kalambigitan sa druga.

Gani gipaniguro pa sa opisyal nga dili mohunong ang ilang ahensya sa pagsikop sa mga nagapayuhot og druga hangtod nga hingpit ng matapos ang kaylap nga paggamit sa druga ning rehiyon.

Una niini, gipanghinambog ni Director Plaza ang pagkunhod sa kasong druga sa Caraga ning tuiga. (BR/PIA-Caraga)