PIA News Service - Saturday, December 24, 2011

Operation of Bachelor Bus in Butuan still normal – Management

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) -- The management of the premier “Bachelor Bus” here today said their operations remain normal, a day before the celebration of Christmas Day.

According to Mr. Melchor Labrador, operations manager of Bachelor Bus, they have added trips to their operations since last week to cater the riding public who are going to other places in Northern, Northeastern and Southern Mindanao Regions.

Labrador added with the coming of the Yuletide Season, the management of Bachelor Bus is anticipating for more passengers as this is the time where people will go to their respective hometowns to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their family.

“This is the reason why we are adding trips to the usual number of trips… In this way, we could be able to help the riding public’s convenience in their way home,” Labrador said.

However, Labrador said this New Year, they are giving their employees time to go to their respective places and to also celebrate New Year with their families and loved ones. “Thus, there might be less number of trips during that time but we will still do everything so that the public will still have that convenience in going back here,” Labrador said.

Bachelor Express is owned by Vallacar Transit Corporation and is operating in Northern Mindanao particularly in Cagayan de Oro City; Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga Region), and Southern Mindanao, particularly in Davao Region. It is also operating in some portions of the Visayas Region. (PIA-Caraga)

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DA-Caraga calls on livestock producers to export products to other countries

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 25 (PIA) – With the declaration that the Philippines is now a “Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free country,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Caraga Region is calling all livestock producers to export their products to other countries.

According to Dr. Isidro Lagumbay, DA-Caraga Chief Quarantine Officer and Regulatory Division Chief, livestock producers may now export their products especially to countries which are not yet free from the FMD.

Lagumbay said because the advisory was already lifted, livestock products such as pork, beef, carabeef and other forms of animal meats may now be exported, since this is one of the requirements set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for countries exporting such products.

Lagumbay added this is already an opportunity for every Caraganon to earn for a living, thus, people from the region should take this opportunity.

“We now have freedom to export livestock products to other countries because we are now an FMD-free country. Since this is an opportunity for us here in Caraga Region to earn, we have to take this opportunity,” Lagumbay said.

On June 2, 2011, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the World Organization for Animal Health has certified the Philippines to be free from FMD at a regular press briefing in Malacañang Palace. (PIA-Caraga)

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City gov’t backs PPA projects in Butuan City

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) -- Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Port Manager Renato Tolinero recently said the city government here is regularly supporting their projects, particularly in the development of the Masao Port in Brgy. Masao here.

According to Tolinero, the local government through Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. supports the development of Masao Port that will help boost the economic condition of the city.

Tolinero said since the city is the regional center of Caraga Region, there must be a stable port here and not to be dependent in the Nasipit Port in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

The official added this is because the Nasipit Port is already congested. “Thus, decongestion must be made in the said port in Agusan del Norte,” Tolinero said.

The PPA manager here added the Nasipit Port is considered the only passenger port where major shipping lines are docked and serving the passengers in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, as well as nearby provinces in Caraga Region and in Northern Mindanao.

The development of the port of Masao was planned out during the previous administration through the late former City Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II and is set to be continued in the present administration through Mayor Amante. (PIA-Caraga)

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PRO-13 steps up measures for a peaceful Christmas, New Year celebrations

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) – To ensure a peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year, Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 stepped up measures that will give protection to the public.

According to PRO-13 Regional Director CSupt. Reynaldo Rafal said, in an interview with a local radio station here, that he has directed all the PNP provincial, city and municipal directors to heighten the security in their respective areas of responsibilities.

Rafal also said he has also directed the PNP officials of the region to maintain police visibility at all times so that the public has to turn to in case of any untoward incidents happened.

The official stressed criminals are taking the advantage especially this time that more people are going to supermarkets to buy for their “noche buena” and other stuff. “Thus, we are also calling the attention of the public to be alert and watchful at all times,” Rafal said.

The PNP chief of the region also said massive checkpoints are being conducted in all the entry and exit points of the region for security reasons.

He also said barangay tanods in every barangay are deployed to augment the security forces in their areas.

Meanwhile, Gen. Rafal urged the public to contact the nearest police stations should they meet suspicious persons roaming around their areas. (PIA-Caraga)

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Brgy. Kauswagan residents in CdO thanks Butuanons, Agusanons

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) -- Residents of Barangay Kauswagan in Cagayan de Oro City thanked the people of Butuan and the Agusanons for the relief extended to them after typhoon “Sendong” devastated the area last week.

The relief operations, spearheaded by Bombo Radyo in Butuan, have gain positive response from people of Butuan and the neighboring municipalities and provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, and were able to collect used clothings and other relief goods such as noodles, canned goods, rice, etc.

The distribution was made in Barangay Kauswagan on Friday morning with two of Bombo Radyo anchormen/reporters leading the event: Bombo Roniel Cinco and Bombo Steb Paican, in cooperation with their sister-station Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro through Assistant Station Manager Mark Alvarez.

With this development, the management of Bombo Radyo Butuan and Cagayan de Oro also extended their heartfelt thanks to those who responded to the call of their stations to help the flashflood victims in the area.

In a related development, the city government here is also conducting relief operations as Mayor Amante and Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun are appealing to all Butuanons to extend help to the people in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities by donating relief goods, items and other things that can still be used.

The officials further reiterated that they are still accepting donations from all sectors of society.

Furthermore, the officials said those who wish to donate may bring their donations to the city hall here, as this will be brought to the affected areas as soon as possible.

Also, it was learned that local government units in Caraga Region are conducting relief operations in their areas of responsibilities to help the victims. (PIA-Caraga)

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“Sendong” destroys P20-M agricultural products in Hinatuan – DANA Team

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Dec. 24 (PIA) – A partial report of the Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) Team in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur revealed that as of December 21, damages to agriculture caused by tropical storm Sendong in the area was estimated at P20,997,407.00.

Accordingly, damages in crops reached P10,746,789; livestocks - P124,500; and fisheries- P10,126,1180.

For infrastructure, damages was estimated at more than P4 million.

DANA team thru their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Josephine Laciperos clarified that this data was partially assessed based on 75 percent population in Hinatuan wherein all barangays in the municipality were affected by tropical storm “Sendong” last Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the local government unit here has already conducted relief operations and assistance to the most affected families from the municipal down to the barangays.

Also, Philippine Red Cross chapter administrator Abel de Guzman said that they are set to conduct a relief operation on Dec 28-29. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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BCPO to implement maximum security this Christmas eve

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 24 (PIA) -- Hours before Christmas Eve celebrations, Butuan City Police Director PSupt. Pedro Obaldo assured the public that the police force is ready to maintain peace and order here.

In an interview with a local radio station this morning, Obaldo said the entire police force here will provide security especially to strategic areas like churches and supermarkets to ensure public safety.

“Ang Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) ay kailangang magbigay ng proteksyon sa mga pupunta sa misa mamaya. So, sisiguraduhin po natin na maximum ang ating security sa pag-celebrate po natin ng pasko mamayang gabi,” Obaldo said.

(BCPO must protect the people who are attending evening masses tonight. So, we will see to it that we will be implementing maximum security as we celebrate Christmas tonight.)

As of press time, police personnel are visible in city streets and in major thoroughfares of the city. (PIA-Caraga)

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Agusan del Norte lights-up capitol park

by Brian Jay Ceballos

Christmas celebrations in the provincial capitol this year will be significant in that this will be the last year that the seat of local governmnet will be based here.

Next year, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte will be transfered soon to Sanghan, Cabadbaran City.

Thus, Governor of Agusan del Norte, Erlpe John M. Amante, wanted this year's celebrations to be much more beautiful and colorful than in the past.

People from all walks of life can come and bring their family to this beautiful place to view the wonderful spectacle and experience the joyful feeling of the glowing yuletide season that happens only once-a-year.

The planning stage was started as early as the middle of the year. Lights and decors were emphasized coupled with renovations and landscaping.

The fountain, located in the middle of the park, has not been working for several years now. But the Provincial Government went through great lengths just to bring it back to life and was, for the first time, finally turned on last December 2, 2011. The sight was epic.

The lighting was also simultaneous to the lighting done at the City Government of Butuan. After the city’s lighting, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante graced the lighting in the Capitol Park which showed unity between Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, a sight never seen for quite a long time between the province and the city.

Schedule to be switched-on at sundown, the sights and scenes at the park and its peripheries started to literally shine with multi-color, mini-lights and colorful decors, creating the special aura of the Christmas holidays.

Even the old Capitol Building enhanced the delightful ambiance with its ever changing color that glows.

The rooftop of the historic Building was also placed with Santa, the Reindeers and the popular sleigh from both sides of the roof.

Another spectacle to behold at night is the nearby Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office (SPO), the office of the Vice Governor of Agusan del Norte. It is adorned with a Belen that symbolizes the birth of our savior Jesus Christ which, in the first place, is the reason why we celebrate the Christmas Season. The SP Building is also enhanced by well-decorated and beautifully lighted decors with glowing lights to cover its whole premises.

The Governor did the honors of pushing the turn-on button to light the whole Park and the Capitol Building together with a number of municipal Mayors and Government Officials of Agusan del Norte.

The program ended with a grandiose fireworks display which lighted the sky for minutes leaving the provincial employees and spectators mesmerized in awe. They were then treated by a live band (the EJ Band of Agusan del Norte) until the park closed.

PIA News Service - Friday, December 23, 2011

Cost of damages due to “Sendong” nears P1.1B

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) today damages wrought by tropical storm Sendong has been estimated at P1,033,131,515.

Today’s update given by NDRRMC Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City revealed that infrastructure damages reached P1,031,195,100 while damages in agriculture was P1,936,415.

Damages to roads, bridges, and other structures was recorded at P946,950,000.

For health facilities, damages was estimated at P24,300,000, while damages to school building and facilities totaled P59,945,100.

Region 10 in Northern Mindanao incurred the highest damage to infrastructure at P1,015,759,100, which comprises, to wit: roads and bridges, P946,950,000; health facilities, P24,300,000; and school buildings and facilities, P44,509,100.

Further, agriculture damages in the Bicol Region was recorded at P385,015.

Total damages in Caraga Region was estimated at P16,987,400. These include damage in six schools amounting to P15,436,000 and in agriculture amounting to P1,551,400. (PIA-Caraga)

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28,049 houses in Ph damaged due to typhoon “Sendong”

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) – Tropical storm “Sendong” left at least 28,049 damaged houses in the Philippines particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.

In their update at 6:00 a.m. today (Dec. 23), 9,433 houses nationwide were totally damaged while 18,616 were damaged partially.

For Negros Oriental in Region 7, totally damaged houses reached 1,131 and 3,744 were recorded to be partially damaged.

Region 9 Western Mindanao is recorded to have nine totally damaged houses: two in Polanco and seven in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Meanwhile, NDRRMC recorded 8,068 totally damaged and 12,221 partially damaged houses in Region 10 Northern Mindanao, where the province of Bukidnon with 207 – 56 total-partially damaged houses; Misamis Oriental with 5,081 total and 9,420 partially-damaged houses; Lanao del Norte – 2780 totally damaged and 2,745 partially-damaged houses.

In Southern Mindanao Region, the municipality of Monkayo in Compostella Valley province recorded 16 totally damaged houses and 2 partially-damaged.

For Caraga Region, totally damaged houses is recorded at 150 while partially-damaged reaches to 2,502. In Agusan del Sur 15 houses in Talacogon were reported to have been totally damaged.

In Lanao del Sur of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), 44 houses were listed as totally-damaged and 147 were damaged partially. (PIA-Caraga)

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PRO-Caraga sends food & non-food items to Iligan City

by PSUPT Martin M Gamba

CAMP RAFAEL C RODRIGUEZ, LIBERTAD, BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) – As way of help to the Typhoon Sendong victims in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the Police Regional Office in CARAGA transported relief items, to wit: 30 sacks of used clothings; 20 boxes of noodles; 10 boxes canned sardines; 20 boxes of mineral water; 100 pieces of assorted school supplies for Grade 1 to Grade 6 pupils; slippers/shoes and six (6) sacks of rice intended for the victims of tropical storm Sendong at Iligan City.

Relief goods were donated by the PRO 13 Regional Headquarter, Agusan del Sur PPO, Surigao del Sur PPO, Surigao del Norte PPO, Dinagat Islands PPO, Butuan City Police Office and from civilian sectors.

Said items were brought to PRO 13 Caraga Task Group “TABANG-ILIGAN” headed by PSSUPT Eugenio Paguirigan, Provincial Director of Agusan de Norte stationed at Orchid Subdivision, Purok 13, Santiago, Iligan City.

Aid was then turned-over to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office of Iligan City for proper disposition.

Police Regional Office 13 is continuously receiving relief goods in kind or in cash for the said purpose. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

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Coast Guard rescues 1,722 survivors; retrieves 34 cadavers

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Northern Mindanao District has rescued 1,722 survivors and retrieved 34 cadavers as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.

The country’s risk reduction management council reported that the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao (CGDNM) immediately deployed two teams from Special Operations Unit (SOU)-Northern Mindanao together with CGDNM and Coast Guard Station (CGS) Cagayan de Oro personnel to conduct search and rescue operations at Brgys. Macasandig, Mabini, Burgos and Isla de Oro.

Team A and Team B, each of which is composed of eight personnel, have rescued 200 and 50 survivors, respectively. The other team comprising three personnel on board M/V Maria Stella was able to rescue 1 survivor.

Also, MV Solid Gold, MV Snoppy, MV Super Shuttle Ferry 3, MV Maria Stella 1 and MT Tagoloan successfully rescued 121 survivors.

All survivors were assisted by CGSNM and were brought to City Central School evacuation center. The cadavers were brought to Bulusog Funeral Parlor in Bulua, this city.

Meanwhile, four SOU-Northern Mindanao personnel onboard PG371 of the Philippine Navy conducted joint search and rescue mission in Macalajar Bay, Cagayan de Oro and successfully recovered two survivors.

Bapor ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Davao del Norte departed Port of CDO en route to Camiguin Island and retrieved eight cadavers and brought to funeral parlor for proper disposition and identification. Further, a total of 255 survivors were rescued and 14 cadavers retrieved.

Elements of BRP Davao del Norte (SARV-3504) and MCS 3004 conducted search and rescue operations in Macajalar Bay, CdO and retrieved 12 cadavers (4 cadavers by SARV-3504; 8 cadavers by MCS 3004) and in Iligan City (49 survivor rescued and 5 cadavers retrieved).

The Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) stations/detachments also conducted monitoring and security to stranded passengers in ports in their respective areas of responsibility.

The Quick Reaction Team composed of PCG personnel, auxiliary and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) volunteers on board MT Seaborne, QRT team and PG-390 rescued 23 survivors who were turned over to LGUs of Iligan and four cadavers brought to Cavin funeral homes.

Coast Guard Detachment in Lugait, Misamis Oriental coordinated with Holcim Philippines to direct anchored vessel to conduct maritime Search and rescue at vicinity of Manticao, Lugait and Gitagum areas. MV Alai Capricorn 3, MV Lorenzo and PG390 of Philippine navy conducted search and rescue operations covering 20 Sq miles of surface area, and was able to rescue 10 survivors.

MCS 3004 with two rubber boats on board departed port of Iligan and conducted search, rescue and retrieval operations together with Jibe medical evacuation for possible victims reported to be isolated at Brgy Santiago, Hinaplanon and Bayug island. The team rescued 16 survivors and retrieved one cadaver. (PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Christmas Party sa PDW’s ug Senior Citizens Day Malamposon nga gipahigayon

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 23 (PIA) -- Malamposon nga gipahigayon ang Cristmas Party sa Person’s with Disabilities (PWD) ug Senior Citizens sa mga nagkadaiyang munisipyo sa probinsya niadtong miaging adlaw didto sa Surigao City Cultural Center ning dakbayan.

Ang maong kalihukan gitambongan ni Gov. Sol Matugas, ug kini nahimong Santa Claus tungod sa mga regalo ug cash gift nga gipang-apod-apod niini sa mga senior citizen ug PWD.

Sa pamahayag sa Gobernador, dili madayon ang pasko kung dili niya mahalubilo kining maong sektor sama usab sa gibuhat niya paghatag og Christmas Party sa Daycare Children. Sila gihatagan sa gobernador og importansya kay sila parte man sa pagpalambo sa probinsya.

Ang Gobernador misaad sa pagtukod og Women’s Center sa matag munisipyo aron duna silay lugar sa paghisgot-hisgot alang sa kalamboan sa ilang organisasyon ug sa probinsya.

Samtang ang mga PWD’s ug mga Senior Citizen nagpasalamaton gayod og dako sa Gobernador sa paggahin og oras kanila ug sa mga pinaskohan nga ilang nadawat ilabina na ang mga gisaad sa gobernador nga tabang kanila. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: Aquino gisugat ang mga nagsingabot nga mga OFWs atol sa tinuig nga ‘Presidential Salubong’

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 23 (PIA) –- Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III personal nga gikumusta kagahapon Huwebes ang manguli nga mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) didto sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 alang sa bakasyon sa Christmas.

Ang tinuig nga “Presidential Salubong 2011” usa ka paagi sa pag-ila sa mga sakripisyo sa mga Filipino nga nagtrabaho sa abrod nga mobiya sa nasod ug malayo sa ilang mga pamilya. Kini nga kalihukan karong tuiga adunay tema nga: “Paskong Puno ng Pag-asa para sa Bayan at Pamilya.”

Asked by reporters how he felt about personally greeting arriving OFWs, the President said: “Siyempre yung galak na nakabalik sa sariling bayan damang-dama mo sa kanila -- pagod, mahaba yung mga biyahe, pero nasasabik na makita yung mga pamilya. Meron tayong nararamdaman doon sa kaligayahan nila.”

Sa dihang gipangutana sa mga reporters kon usay iyang gibati sa iyang personal nga pagkumusta sa mga nagsingabot nga mga OFWs, ang Pangulo miingon: “Siyempre yung galak na nakabalik sa sariling bayan damang-dama mo sa kanila—pagod, mahaba yung mga biyahe, pero nasasabik na makita yung mga pamilya. Meron tayong nararamdaman don sa kaligayan nila.”

Ang Pangulo usab miingon kini usa ka pahimangno sa gobyerno nga dugang pangmaningkamot aron makahimo og maayong mga oportunidad dinhi sulod sa nasod aron ang mga Filipino dili kinahanglan pa nga mobiya sa ilang mga pamilya aron mangita og maayong trabaho gawas sa nasod.

Ang tradisyunal nga Presidential Salubong, nga ginahimo sulod sa milabay’ng 18 ka tuig, usa ka parte sa tinuig nga progama sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) nga “Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs.”

Ang mga OFWs nga nakadaog og mga premyo gikan sa DOLE ug OWWA nakadawat sa cash lakip usab ang uban pang mga premyo.

Ang tulo ka mga mananaog nga gianunsyo sa OWWA mao sila Edward Tezon, Menchie Eliseo ug Carol Pangasian. Si Tezon, 44-anyos gikan sa Leyte nga nagpuyo na karon sa Pasig City. Siya nagtrabaho isip consultant sa United Arab Emirates sulod sa 14 ka tuig.

Si Eliseo, 28-anyos nagtrabaho sa Kuwait sa pipila ka mga tuig. Ang 44-anyos nga si Pangasian usab nagtrabaho sa Kuwait mipauli sa nasod alang sa bakasyon sa Christmas.

Ang mga mananaog, nga miabot sakay sa lain-laing mga biyahe, nakadawat og mga premyo gikan sa gobyerno. Matag usa kanila adunay premyo cash P200,000, gift certificate mokabat $1,500, ug lain pang gift certificate mokabat P25,000 lakip usab ang usa ka cellular phone.

Ang mga organisasyon nga mitabang sa DOLE ug OWWA aron mahimo ang maong programa mao ang Duty Free Philippines, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, Banco de Oro, SM Supermalls, Landbank of the Philippines ug Microsoft.

Ang mga opisyales sa gobyerno nga miuban kang Pangulong Aquino kagahapon mao sila Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Administrator Carmelita Dimzon, ug airport General Manager Jose Angel Honrado. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: CARSISA ARC gilunsad sa Surigao del Sur

by Myra Q. Yu

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Dis. 23 (PIA) -- Usa ka malampusong launching program sa Carromata-Siagao-Sagbayan (CARSISA) Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) ang gipahigayon dili pa lang dugay didto sa Barangay Sagbayan gym, sa munisipyo sa San Miguel, niining probinsiya.

Sa maong okasyon, gitambungan kadto sa mga personahe gikan sa DAR ug representante gikan sa non-government organizations ug nagkalain-laing partner agencies sa DAR sama sa Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Provincial Agrarian Reform Coordinating Committee (PARCCOM) ug mga opisyales sa LGU San Miguel.

Tumang kalipay ang nabati sa mga nitambung sa maong okasyon tungod sa mga presensya sa mga personahe gikan sa national ug local nga panggamhanan.

Ang CARSISA ARC mao ang ika 41 nga ARC sa tibuok probinsya sa Surigao del Sur ug nahimong ika-lima (5) sa munisipyo sa San Miguel. Dili matukib ang kalipay ilabina sa mga mag-uuma kon Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) nga ang ilang barangay karon nahimo ng ARC nga diin kon adunay mga proyekto sa DAR pinaagi sa Foreign Assisted Projects (FAPs) ug uban pa diin madali ra nga makakuha o makasulod ang mga proyekto sa ilang barangay.

Ang CARSISA ARC ge-compose ug tulo (3) ka barangay sama sa Carromata, Siagao ug Sagbayan. Adunay 356 ka farmer beneficiaries nga CLOA holders ug 230 ka leaseholders agi sa programa sa Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. Ubay-ubay ang gipangsaysay nga mga proposed projects nga kulang sa ilang komunidad sama sa farm-to-market road, livelihood project (swine, goat raising), potable water system, health center facilities.

Nanghinaot ang mga residente nga mahimong ma-realize ang tanang proyektong ilang gipangandoy sa dugay na nga panahon. (DAR-SDS, PIO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PIA News Service - Thursday, December 22, 2011

Affected families of TS “Sendong” is now 92,964, NDRRMC reported

by Robert E. Roperos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) –- Following the flashfloods that hit the country last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported today that the number of affected families now reached to 92,964 or an equivalent to 641,098 persons.

As of 6:00 a.m. today, NDRRMC reported that 739 barangays, 50 municipalities, 8 cities in the 13 provinces of Regions VI, VII, IX, X, XI, Caraga and ARMM are among the areas that are greatly affected due to massive flashfloods caused by tropical storm “Sendong”.

The report also revealed that there are 58,849 families or 309,669 persons are currently served inside and outside the evacuation centers. The 51 evacuation centers house some 9,929 families or 43,633 persons, while 48,920 families or 266,006 persons are served outside the evacuation centers.

NDRRMC also reported that there are 1,010 persons dead; 1,603 persons injured; 51 missing; and 432 rescued/survivors.

Also, a total of 28,030 houses were damaged for which, 9,193 are totally damaged and 18,873 partially damaged. The estimated cost of damages to infrastructure, agriculture and school buildings now reached P999,946,415, the NDRRMC reported.

In Agusan del Sur, four schools were damaged. Two classrooms of Gomburza Elementary School were damaged as well as the roofing, windows, and walls. Also reported damaged are the two classrooms of Sta. Cruz Elementary School, and two classrooms of Sta. Irene Elementary School.

Meanwhile, two classrooms of D. Osmeña Elementary School were ripped apart while four classrooms of Lapinigan Central Elementary School were also damaged. The Bunawan Brookside School’s four classrooms were also reported damaged.

In Cagayan de Oro City (Region X), four schools namely Consolacion Elementary School, Angeles Sisters National High School; Balulang West 1 Elementary School and Bonbon North 2 Elementary School were totally submerged with more or less 5 ft floodwater level.

Also reported damaged are infrastructure buildings of Sambolawan Elementary School, Dilabayan Elementry School and Riric Elementary School in Taraka, Batangan Central Elementary School, Rogero Elementary School, and Alambas Elementary School in Bubong II, all in Lanao del Norte of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), while 12 schools and 136 classrooms were also reported damaged in the Iligan City Division.

NDRRMC also said three bridges and three road sections in Regions VII, X and XI remain impassable as of press time. (PIA-Caraga)

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City officials urged Butuanons to help flashflood victims

by Robert E. Roperos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) -– Butuan City government, through Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. and Vice-Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun, called on Butuanons to help flashflood victims here and in Iligan City.

In a text message sent to PIA-Caraga Regional Director and concurrent Head of PIA Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Abner Caga, the officials reiterated their call to the constituents of Butuan City to extend assistance to the victims of the neighboring cities Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

The officials said the city government will be collecting slightly-used clothings, food items, blankets, and anything of valuable use for the flashflood victims in the two cities in Northern Mindanao.

They added the collection point will be at the Butuan City Hall starting Thursday, Dec. 22. “So please start bringing items so we can send them by Wednesday next week,” the officials said.

Amante and Fortun also enjoined the private and public offices in Butuan City to do the same.

The officials further stressed canned food items are better than those that are easily get spoiled. “Cash donations are also accepted,” they added.

Meanwhile, Amante has deployed the Butuan Search and Rescue Team (BuSART) here to help in the on-going search and retrieval operations.

In a related development, four dumptrucks loaded with dry goods and used clothings were sent by the city government of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte. The local government unit through Vice Mayor Harris Glenn Puyot also handed-in cash donation to the city government here. (PIA-Caraga)

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PIA-6 employees extends financial aid to PIA-10 employees flashflood victims

by Robert E. Roperos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) –- Employees from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VI through Regional Director, Atty. Janet Mesa extended financial assistance to employees of PIA Region X who are among the victims of flashflood that recently hit Northern Mindanao due to typhoon “Sendong”.

According to Dir. Abner M. Caga, Northeastern Mindanao Information Cluster Head and concurrent Regional Director of PIA-Caraga and Northern Mindanao, Mesa called and informed him that employees of PIA-VI unanimously decided to give financial assistance to affected employees of PIA Northern Mindanao who were victims of flashflood, whose houses were now covered by mud.

Caga added the move of PIA VI employees is commendable considering that they feel the burden experienced by victims of the deadly and destructive flashflood in Northern Mindanao.

“What the employees of PIA Region VI did showed that they have that golden hearts who feel for the victims of the flashflood,” Caga said.

On Wednesday evening, the financial assistance was officially handed to the victims at the Regional Office of PIA Northern Mindanao, this city, witnessed by PIA Central Office personnel headed by Staff Director Nilo Mamaclay of the Regional Operations Division and employees of PIA Caraga who were deployed here to augment the personnel complement of PIA Northern Mindanao in time with the visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III here and in Iligan City on Tuesday. (PIA-Caraga)

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CDRRM Bislig reported more than 6M on infra damage after Sendong devastated the city

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

BISLIG CITY, December 22 (PIA) -- Estimated damages for infrastructure and equipment in Bislig City reached P6,137,400 after the Topical “Sendong” devastated the City, according to the report received from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) Office.

In a phone patch interview with City Administrator Cha Lerog, he said all barangays was affected by the typhoon due to strong winds with rainshowers in the area.

As of today, the city government under Mayor Librado Navarro is conducting relief distribution to the affected families in different barangays. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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DOH-CHD Caraga rates No. 1 in performance in the country

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga regional office bested the other 16 regional offices in the implementation of DOH’s program and projects implementation this year.

This was disclosed by DOH-CHD Caraga regional director Leonita P. Gorgolon, in a recently held press conference in her office. Gorgolon said their office bagged the P2-million peso prize as this year’s top performer.

The criteria for choosing this year’s top national performing region includes: the dissemination of their national office health and program advocacy; the enabling of their staff as well as the local government unit health workers, and the thorough and proper documentations of their programs, projects, and activities.

The documentation, she said, is the most critical phase of the evaluation as their Manila office did not base their ratings only on written reports. Their national office really validated what was contained in the reports.

And as it came out, Caraga was rated as the number one in performance over 16 other regions (except ARMM).

With this achievement, the regional director thanked the local media as well as the local government units in the region for being their partner in achieving such accomplishment.

The DOH-CHD Caraga will also hold their annual giving of recognition and awards to the local governments, the provincial and municipal health units as well as the barangays who had contributed so much in this year’s health program thrust. (PIA-Caraga)

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70% of health facilities due for 2012 completion to be constructed early next year - DOH 13

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) - Sixty-five or 70 percent of the 80 health facilities scheduled for completion by 2012 will be started by January 2012.

This was announced by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in a recently held press conference.

According to DOH-CHD Caraga Regional Director Leonita P. Gorgolon, a “Grand Contract Signing” was done between the DOH and the 10 contractors who won the bidding.

Gorgolon said they called up proprietors of the winning bids to inform them that the DOH will constantly monitor the status, the development as well as the progress of the said projects and that the officials of the department will be in constant meeting with their project engineers.

Most of the projects due for completion by 2012 according to Gorgolon, are located mostly in the provinces. The projects are mostly upgrading of some existing government medical centers and district hospitals, rural health units and construction of more birthing facilities, especially in remote and hard to be reached places.

This, according to the director, is in line with this administration under Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III and the health department’s vision under Sec. Ona, that by 2013, all service delivery networks of all regions will be completed and that each of the family’s expecting mothers will have an access to a birthing facility.

She said this is the rationale of the “Kalusugang Pangkalahatan” which is to give a quality access of health services and also a qualitative care for all families.

These health and birthing facilities, she said, will be located at the most strategic places in the region which can be easily accessed by anyone.

Gorgolon also said that the AECID of the Spanish government will also do their share of implementing similar projects in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and other key places in the region. (PIA Caraga)

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Surigao Sur Gov assures more efficient local tax collection next year

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel assured that local tax collection will be more effective and efficient next year upon completion of computerization program installation here.

Pimentel said, the system installation on real property tax collection has already been 80 percent completed.

Earlier, Pimentel confirmed that recently, the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) in Caraga has awarded Surigao del Sur for topping the local tax collection in the entire region for calendar year 2010.

Such feat has already been done by the province in 2008 according to the governor. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Cebuano news: Aquino gilusad ang P10-billion housing program alang sa mga impormal setlers sa Metro Manila

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 22 (PIA) –- Gipangulohan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kagahapon Miyerkules ang groundbreaking sa usa ka housing project didto sa Pasay City gituyo alang sa relokasyon sa mga impormal setler nga nanimuyo sa delikadong mga lugar sa maong syudad.

Ang Pasay City housing projet usa ka parte sa P10-bilyon nga programa sa pabalay nga gilusad sa administrasyong Aquino alang sa National Capital Region aron mahatagan og desenteng pabalay ang ma pobreng nanimuyo sa syudad.

“Ang groundbreaking pong ito ay isang konkretong hakbang sa pagsusumikap nating maisakatuparan ang ating mga pangarap. Isa itong patunay na nasa tamang landas ang ating tinatahak. Alinsunod po sa ating shelter program para sa informal settler families, ito ay para sa mga housing units na ipatatayo sa Lungsod ng Pasay, Quezon at Maynila,” ang Pangulo miingon.

People will be moved from danger areas in the cities of Metro Manila and will be given in-city houses as well as the option to go back to the provinces under the government’s Balik-Probinsya program.

Malayo ang katawhan sa mga delikadong mga lugar sa syudad sa Metro Manila ug hatagan og balay sulod sa syudad lakip usab ang kapilian sa pagbalik ngadto sa mga probinsya ubos sa Balik-Probinsya nga programa sa gobyerno.

Samtang gipangulohan sa Pangulo ang maong kalihukan, susama usab nga mga kalihukan ang gipahigayon didto sa Manila ug Quezon City aron masugdan na dayon ang konstruksyon sa housing proyekto didto.

Ang Pangulo dili palang dugay mi-organisa sa inter-agency technical working group sa informal settlers uban ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) nga maoy pangulong ahensya.

Matud sa DILG, Pasay City, Manila ug Quezon City maoy napili tungod sa ilang ready shelter program ug sa ilang interes nga mohimo og in-city housing projects.

Ang DILG miingon mokabat sa 19,000 ka mga pamilya ang nanimuyo sa mga delikadong lugar sa tulo ka mga syudad ang makabenipisyo gikan sa P10 milyon nga housing fund isip pasiunang pagpagawas sa budget department ubos sa disbursement accelerated program ni Pangulong Aquino.

Atol sa maong kalihukan, ang Pangulo mapasalamaton kang Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto ug sa tibuok pangagamhanan sa syudad tungod sa paningkamot niini aron makab-ot ang housing projects alang sa mga impormal setler sa Pasay City.

Ang Pasay City adunay ikatulo sa pinakadakong ihap sa impormal setlers sa Metro Manila. Ang Quezon City ug Manila usab adunay dakong ihap sa mga pobre nga nanimuyo sa syudad mao nga sila usab giprayoridad alang sa paglusad sa maong proyekto.

Bisan pa sa higanteng tahas aron masulbad ang problema sa impormal setlers, ang Pangulo miingon ang iyang pangagamhanan magpadayon sa pagtrabaho uban ang mga partner nga non-government organizations (NGO) aron mangita og mga solusyon.

“Oras po na matapos ang proyektong ito at maipatayo ang mga gusali at bahay totoong bagong umaga na ang naghinihintay sa mga boss natin sa Quezon City, Maynila at dito po sa Pasay,” siya miingon.

Ang Pangulo miapila usab sa katawhan sa pagpalig-on sa diwa sa Bayanihan aron makatabang sa ilang isigkatawo nga nanginahanglan.

“Alalahanin po natin na bilang mga Pilipino ay nasa ilalim lamang tayo ng iisang bubong. Patuloy nawa tayong magkapit-kamay at magtulong-tulong sa iisang direksyon kung saan naghihintay ang kinabukasang mas matiwasay at mas maunlad,” ang Pangulo miingon.

Luyo sa inisyal nga gipagawas nga P10 bilyon karong tuiga, ang gobyerno maggahin og P50 bilyon matag tuig hangtod 2016 alang sa mga housing project sa Metro Manila, ang DILG miingon. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

“Sendong” death toll reaches 976 – NDRRMC

by Robert E. Roperos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said death toll due to tropical storm “Sendong” now reached 976, as search and retrieval operations are being conducted here and the neighboring city – Iligan.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said that based on their latest record, 46 people are still missing while 65,067 families were affected, which is equivalent to 348,749 individual.

Ramos further admitted that as of press time, NDRRMC has stopped counting those who are missing because even the local government units find it difficult.

"Walang matino na figures, hindi natin alam kung ilan ang missing exactly, pati 'yung local government hindi nila alam ang eksakto kung ilan ang bilang ng mga nawawala" said Ramos.

(The LGUs cannot give exact figures, thus, we do not have the exact number of victims who are still missing as of this time.)

The official said the government is still conducting search and retrieval operations especially in most affected areas. (PIA-Caraga)

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Iligan City flashflood caused partly by illegal logging, says PNoy

by Robert E. Roperos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday said illegal logging activities partly caused the recent flashflood in Iligan City, which left at least 283 people dead and 406 missing according to a report from the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).

In his speech during the ceremonial distribution of relief goods at the Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) auditorium, Pres. Aquino said illegal activities must be stopped so that the disaster will not happen again.

He also directed the officials in Mindanao to take action against illegal logging activities in Iligan and nearby areas.

The President and his party arrived at ICNHS grounds at around 11 a.m. to distribute relief goods to flood victims. He was also briefed by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Undersecretary Benito Ramos.

After the engagement, the Presidential party went back to Cagayan de Oro and visited the flashflood victims housed in the evacuation center at Cagayan de Oro City Central School. The group then headed to Dumaguete City to assess the damages and extend financial assistance to the victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong.”

In a related development, the Iligan City information office revealed that some 330 relief packs comprising blankets, mats, 3 kilos rice, noodles, coffees, sardines, and corned beefs from the Office of the President were distributed at the school’s auditorium.

Meanwhile, data from the CSWD showed that as of December 19, 2011, 28 barangays were affected by the disaster. Families affected already reached 11,396 while houses totally damaged were 2,780 and 2,745 houses were partially damaged. Also, the estimated cost of damage is P195,833,856.

Rain started to pour in at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011. Heavy rains coupled with strong winds occurred at 10:00 p.m. of the same day, and on or about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, Mandulog River overflowed which caused massive flashfloods. (PIA-Caraga)

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DAR project to boost economy of Jabonga barangay

by Joie L. Ceballos

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Dec. 21 (PIA) -– Jabonga Mayor Glicerio Monton expressed optimism that the road project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will boost the economy of Barangay Baleguian in Jabonga, this province.

“This is a rich barangay, with rice as the major crop, and will prosper with this road”, said Monton during the recently held turn over ceremony of the NRJ Baleguian – Bagang Farm-to-Market Road.

DAR-Regional Director Faisar Mambuay and Agusan Norte PARO Andre Atega handed pertinent documents to Mayor Monton during said activity.

Mambuay said that the 1.9 km road will benefit 250 agrarian reform beneficiaries and many other farmers and settlers in the barangay and its neighboring areas, and is expected to help them in their daily life.

For Barangay Kagawad Losantos Edilo, the project is an answer to a long dire dream and thanked DAR for its continuing effort of providing development for the farmers.

Also, Engr. Marybeth Burgos, representing Regional Director Danilo Versola of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), cited that the realization of the project speaks of the good relationship of the national and local government offices, particularly DAR and DPWH and the LGU-Jabonga.

The project is funded by the agrarian reform infrastructure support project phase 3 (ARISP-III) and is being implemented by the DPWH-Regional Office. (DAR-13/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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GSIS approves grant of emergency loan to eligible members

MANILA, Dec. 21 (PIA) –- In light of the damages brought by Tropical Storm Sendong, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Management has approved the grant of an Emergency Loan to eligible members working and/or residing in the following areas: Provinces (entire) - Misamis Oriental and Negros Oriental.

For the cities and municipalities: Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Polanco, Zamboanga Del Norte, Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental, Clarin, Misamis Occidental, Asuncion, Davao Del Norte, Tagbina, Surigao Del Sur, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur, Lingig, Surigao Del Sur, Talacogon, Agusan Del Sur, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley, Montevista, Compostela Valley, Compostela, Compostela Valley, New Bataan, Compostela Valley, Monkayo, Compostela Valley, Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, Bubong, Lanao Del Sur, Kapai, Lanao Del Sur.

Loanable amount is P20,000, payable in three years with interest at 6 percent per annum. Availment period is from 21 December 2011 to 20 January 2012.

For members with eCard Plus or UMID eCard, the proceeds of their loan shall be credited to their eCard account.

Members who do not have an eCard Plus or UMID eCard but who are eligible to apply for the loan can apply over-the-counter (OTC) at any GSIS office. The proceeds of their loan shall be credited to a temporary eCard which the GSIS has begun to issue.

Member-borrowers with outstanding emergency loans shall be allowed to renew their loan if they have paid at least 12 monthly installments, but not earlier than the anniversary date of the previous loan.

Any outstanding balance of previous Emergency Loans and a loan redemption insurance (LRI) of 1.2 percent of the gross loan amount shall be deducted from the proceeds of the loan.

The following GSIS members are eligible to apply for the loan: bona fide employees of the agency located in the areas listed; in active service and not on leave of absence without pay; have no pending criminal or administrative charges; have no arrearages in the payment of mandatory social insurance contributions; and have no loan that has been declared in default.

The employer-agency of the member-applicant must not also be suspended because of non-payment and non-remittance of premiums and loans.

In approving the loan applications, AAOs should be reminded that members must have at least P3,000 net take home pay as required by the General Appropriations Act.

For more details or queries, please contact the GSIS hotline (02)4793649 or your respective Regional or Branch Office. (GSIS/PIA-Caraga)

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P5-B GSIS housing fund now available for members and pensioners thru Pag-IBIG

MANILA, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- Members and pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) may now apply for a housing loan through the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).

The GSIS said the Pag-IBIG Fund drew down the entire P5 billion last Wednesday which will be used to augment the funds available for housing loans of the pension fund’s members and pensioners.

This, after GSIS President and General Manager Robert Vergara and Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Darlene Berberabe signed a P5 billion credit facility agreement on November 14.

The facility was made available to Pag-IBIG in line with the GSIS’s decision to wind down its direct lending program last April in favor of forging partnerships with key shelter agencies (KSAs).

“We engaged with Pag-IBIG because of its proven expertise and housing infrastructure,” Vergara said.

In 2010, the GSIS extended only P600 million in housing loans to its more than 500 members against Pag-IBIG Fund’s P5.5 billion to over 11,000 government employees, ten times more what GSIS lent for housing to twenty times more government employees.

“This home lending program affirms our institution’s commitment to helping our stakeholders realize their dream of home ownership.”

“We invite all our members and pensioners, who want to avail of a housing loan to go to our partner Pag-IBIG. The GSIS has given Pag-IBIG more than enough funds to accommodate their housing needs,” Vergara said. (GSIS/PIA-Caraga)


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Tagalog news: 18,000 pampaaralang silya inihanda para sa proyektong P-Noy Bayanihan

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dis. 21 (PIA) -- Mahigit 18,000 na mga silyang pampaaralan ang sa kasalukuyan inihahanda sa Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) sa Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur at ito ay ipamimigay sa mga paaralan sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga para matugunan ang kakulangan ng silya at bilang tugon sa tinatawag na proyektong P-Noy Bayanihan.

Ang proyektong P-Noy Bayanihan ay isang kasunduan ng Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ng Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCor) at ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa paggawa ng mga muwebles na ang pangunahing konsentrsyon ay ang mga pampaaralang silya para sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga kung saan, ang ASSAT ay siyang naatasang pagawaan.

Si President Benigno Aquino III mismo ang naka-isip ng proyektong ito para matugunan ang kakulangan ng mga silya at iba pang mga gamit sa loob ng mga paaralan sa buong bansa.

Ang mga materyales na ginawang mga silya ay galing sa mga kompiskadong mga troso ng DENR at ito ay ibinigay sa DepEd at ginawang mga tabla gamit ang mga makina na galing naman sa PAGCOR para gawing mga silya.

“Sa loob ng tatlong linggo, sinanay namin ang mga out-of-school youth at iyong mga walang trabaho doon sa ASSAT upang magkaroon ng 50 hanggang 100 na mga karpentero at trabahador na siyang gumawa ng mga silya. Ang pundo inilaan sa proyektong ito ay umabot sa P10 milyon kasali na ang bayad sa mga manggagawa,” sabi ni Norberto Dorado ng TESDA.

Ayon kay Dorado, may mga troso pang hindi nagawang tabla at nasa ASSAT ngayon na kung gagawing silya, ay aabot pa sa 2,000 silya.

Maalaalang ilang taon pa lamang ang nakaraan, ang mga kumpiskadong mga troso ay ibinigay din ng DENR sa panlalawigang pamahalaan ng Agusan del Sur at ang mga iyon ay ginawa ring mga silyang pampaaralan at ipinamigay sa mga paaralan sa buong lalawigan na nagging parte ng programang “Pagtoon Alang sa Masanag nga Kaugmaon” ng panlalawigang pamahalaan ng Agusan del Sur. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


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Cebuano news: Gobyerno modeklara sa state of national calamity sa mga lugar sa Bisayas ug Mindanao nga apektado sa bagyong Sendong

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 21 (PIA) –- Ang gobyerno mideklara sa state of national calamity sa mga lugar sa Visayas ug Mindanao nga apektado sa bagyong Sendong, si Pangulong Aquino III miingon kagahapon Martes.

Ang Pangulo mibisita didto sa Cagayan de Oro aron tan-awon ang mga kundisyon sa mga residente didto ug direktang pagresponde sa gobyerno sa maong kalamidad human sa Bagyong Sendong niadtong Sabado.

Ang maong kalamidad mipatay sa liboan ka mga katawhan ug daghan pang walang igkita.

Liboan ang nagpuyo sa temporaryong mga evauation centers. Ang mga lokal nga opisyales sa Cagayan de Oro City mipaabot na sa ilang mga mulo ngadto sa Pangulo atol sa briefing nga gipahigayon didto sa Philippine Airforce base sa Lumbia airport. Ang Pangulo misaad kanila nga adunay igong mga pundo ang gobyerno alang sa relief assistance ug rehabilitasyon aron matabangan ang kahimtang sa mga biktima.

Luyo sa mga pundo nga magagikan sa gobyernong nasyunal, ang Pangulo miingon adunay mga suporta gikan sa langyaw nga mga donor, pipila niini mao ang mga loans ug ang uban mohatag og ekwipo ug expertise.

Human sa pakigtagbo sa mga opisyales sa Cagayan de Oro, ang Pangulo miadto sa Iligan City, aron usab matan-aw ang sitwasyon didto. Siya usab gikatakda nga manguna sa pagpanghatag og relief goods didto sa Iligan Ciy nga naigo usab og dako sa Bagyong Sendong.

Human sa pagbisita sa Ilian City, ang Pangulo mobalik didto sa Cagayan de Oro aron moapod-apod sa hinabang sa mga apektadong mga residente. Pagkahapon, ang Pangulo mobiya sa Cagayan de Oro paingon ngadto sa Dumaguete City. Lain pang lugar nga naigo usab sa bagyo.

Matud sa National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), ang ihap sa mga namatay didto sa Region 10 moabot na karon sa 800 ka mga tawo. Uban ang daghan pang nagpabiling wala pa igkita. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Butuan City-LGU, muhatag og ayudang pinansyal sa Cagayan de Oro og Iligan City

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 21 (PIA) -- Muhatag og tag P200 mil nga financial assistance ang lokal nga kagamhanan ning siyudad ngadto sa city governments sa mga siyudad sa Cagayan de Oro ug Iligan nga maoy na-grabehan sa pagbaha nga miresulta sa kamatayon sa gatusang mga tawo.

Sigon ni Butuan City Mayor Dr. Ferdinand Amante Jr., aprubado na sa konseho ang resolusyon alang niini nga katuyu-an.

Gawas niini, gi-deploy na usab nila ang usa ka grupo sa Butuan Search and Rescue Team kon BUSART nga duna'y 14 ka mga membro aron mutabang sa search and retrieval operations nga gihimo sa mga rescuers sa Cagayan de Oro City samtang ang Gawad Kalinga, nagpadala usab og mga personahe ngadto sa Iligan City aron mutabang pagpabarog pag-usab sa mga nangagubang kabalayan.

Mihangyo usab ang mayor sa Habitat Pure nga gamiton ang ilang sakyanan aron masakyan sa ihatud nga tubig ma-inom ug hangyuon niini ang regional director sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources kon DENR-Caraga aron makadonar og kahoy nga magamit sa paggama og lungon.

Gawas niini, nanawagan usab ang mayor ngadto sa tanang Butuanon nga ihatud lang sa City Hall lobby ang ilang hinabang sama sa used clothing, canned goods, habol, banig, unlan og uban pa nga mahatag alang sa mga biktima sa baha sa nasangpit nga mga siyudad. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, December 20, 2011

PNoy to visit CDO, Iligan today

by FE Abkilan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) –- President Benigno S. Aquino III will visit today, Tuesday, Dec. 20, the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to lead the distribution of relief goods and assess the extent of damage brought by Typhoon Sendong.

Accompanying the President are Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Luwalhati Antonino.

He will be welcomed by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano, EASTMINCOM Commanding General MGen. Arthur Tabaquero, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) MGen. Victor Felix, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations Dir. P/CSupt. Victorino Panganiban Jr., PNP-10 regional Director P/CSupt. Jufel Adriatico, Tactical Operations Group (TOG) Commander LTC Elpidio Talja Jr., and Civil Aviation Authority Area Manager Naga Rascal at Lumbia Airport.

National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council executive director Usec. Benito Ramos will brief the President on the effects of Typhoon Sendong in the city, including the status of relief operations, the immediate needs of the affected families, and the recommended short and long term solutions to the flooding in the city.

Right after the briefing, the President will proceed immediately to Iligan City to personally see the on-going relief efforts at Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) auditorium and assess the damages wrought by the disaster in the area via aerial inspection. He will be joined by DND Sec. Gazmin and Usec Ramos.

Afterwards, the president will be brought back to Cagayan de Oro City to visit the evacuees at the City Central School and lead the distribution of relief goods and interact with the evacuees.

PNoy will then motored to Lumbia Airport to proceed to Dumaguete City for another presidential engagement. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Feature: Christmas 2011 – The Agusan del Sur way

by David M. Suyao

As early as 8:00 a.m, people started to gather at the Agusan del Sur Government Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur to celebrate Chirstmas with the provincial government officials and employees.

As highlight of the Christmas celebration, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, with Cong. Maria Valentina Plaza of District I and Cong. Evelyn Plaza-Mellana of District II have joined their resources in order to conduct a medical mission and Christmas celebration festivity dubbed as “Kapaskohan sa Kapitolyo” for anybody who wish to spend their Christmas with the provincial government.

Tables and single sized beds were arranged inside the reception area of the executive building while chairs were also arranged outside, covered by tents for those who will wait for their turns to come.

After the Holy Mass, the activities began. Gov. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza, joined by his mother, former Gov. Valentina Plaza lead the reception in receiving the people who want to avail of the

free medical and dental check-up and the distribution of free medicines.

The first to form the line in order to enroll for the blood-letting are the members of the Philippine army and the police. They were examined by the doctors led by the Provincial Health Officer Joel Esparagoza

and were taken samples of their blood by the medtechs from the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and the Philippine Red Cross, Agusan del Sur Chapter. Outside, people also lined up to be listed in order to avail of the medical check-up and free medicines.

On the second floor of the executive building, bags of groceries were piled, while the Governor’s staffs are busy distributing the goods. Also while people happily come and go, smiles and laughter filled the atmosphere at the provincial capitol. Music filled the air from the national offices who are also celebrating their Christmas party. Children carrying balloons clinging on the arms of their parents wearing colourful new dresses are the happiest creatures that people can see while celebrating the Kapaskohan sa Kapitolyo.

The celebration will last until this evening with dinner in front of the provincial capitol with songs and dances and other merry making activities. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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DILG raises initial P4M for typhoon victims in Mindanao

MANILA, Dec. 20 (PIA) –- The Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo on Tuesday said the department’s fund raising campaign for the victims of Typhoon Sendong, particularly in Mindanao has already reached around P4-million.

“This is just an initial figure. We are expecting more pledges and contribution from the regional offices and local governments,” said Robredo.

The DILG Secretary said the funds came from the voluntary contribution of officials and employees of the DILG central office and regional offices, as well as from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) and Local Government Academy (LGA), all attached agencies of the DILG.

He also received pledges from the National Police Commission (Napolcom), and PNP Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome of around P1.5 million.

Likewise, the Police Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Inc, (PNOA), headed by SPO4 Antonio Dawagan, also gave assurance to Robredo of financial assistance to the victims as the organization will collect P100 pesos from each of their 123,000-strong members nationwide.

The DILG Secretary also thanked Dawagan for his effort in encouraging the non-commissioned officers of the PNP to extend their voluntary assistance to the typhoon victims.

Robredo is optimistic that financial assistance and support from other sectors especially from local government units will pour in for the Sendong victims in the next few days.

He said he has received a text message from the Surigao del Norte provincial government that the LGU will give P100,000 each to Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City as emergency assistance to the flood victims.

On the other hand, Zamboanga City passed a resolution to provide P1M each to the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

Other pledges received by the DILG Secretary are from Sta. Rosa City, Butuan City and Naga City.

Earlier, Robredo called on all chiefs of bureaus and offices under the Department, as well as members of the Union of Local Authorities of eth Philippines (ULAP) to conduct voluntary fund-raising campaign from their personnel and members to provide relief and support funds to Typhoon Sendong-ravaged areas in Mindanao.

As of today, reports from the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that about 957 persons were confirmed dead, while 1,582 were injured and 49 others are still missing after Sendong battered Mindanao provinces with heavy rains and flash floods. The affected population reached 63,079 families or 338,415 persons in 13 provinces, mostly in Mindanao. (DILG Public Affairs Office/PIA-Caraga)

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Hydropower plants up in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) -– The effort of the city government here and the local business group on public-private-partnership finally bared fruit when a Japanese firm and three local business firms recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct run-to-river mini-hydropower plants in this region’s frontier and capital city in the Caraga Region.

The setting up of multi-million-peso run-to-river hydropower plants in this city will be a big boost to the national government’s Mindanao power generation program for 2012 and beyond, business analysts here said.

The signing of MoU at a hotel and convention center was witnessed by city officials led by Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. and Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun; Yuji Munehiro, general manager of business planning division/business promotion group Toe (traffic operations engineer) of the CHODAI, Co., Ltd.; Satoshi Kato, manager, business planning and development division; Motohide Takano, vice-president of the Twinpeak Hydro Resources Corporation (THRC); Hendrick R. Menegdeg, president of the Hydro Resources Management and Consultancy, Inc.; and other local business leaders.

Signatories of the MOU include Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, chief operating officer of the Equi-Parco Construction (EPC) Company, and Director Akinori Ido P.E. Jp. of CHODAI, Co. Ltd., a “Kabushiki Kaisha” group based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Under the MoU, the EPC, CHODAI, and THRC agreed to initially establish run-to-river mini hydropower plants in the Taguibo and Asiga rivers here.

The Japanese and local partners also agreed to help one another to establish two power plants producing 2.4 megawatts and 2.6 megawatts in Taguibo River, and another eight megawatts in Asiga River.

Under the MoU, the parties agreed for the grant of an exclusive right to explore, develop, operate, manage, and utilize hydro power resources in the said rivers.

“This power project in Butuan is a big help to Butuanons, and also a plus factor to the growing industries in this part of Mindanao. This is also a big support to our national government’s power generation in Mindanao,” said businessman Ronnie Vic Lagnada.

“We are looking forward for the realization of these projects here in the Philippines,” also said Ido, along with his interpreter, during the signing of the agreement.

Last month, the EPC and CHODAI already entered into certain non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for the realization of the said project.

Also, the public-private-partnership (PPP) projects with the Japanese group was strengthened after city officials led by Amante presented more than 10,000 hectares of investment possibilities for co-management project here during the Tokyo business and investment forum last month, where the Research Center for PPP Toyo University also presented PPP possibilities for the future of this city.

“The signing of this hydro power projects in Butuan City is a big breakthrough where the Japanese group responded to our business opportunities here and we are expecting more foreign investors with PPP projects in the coming years,” stressed Amante.

He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Lagnada group for initiating the PPP program between the governments of Japan and Butuan. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog news: Para sa mga taga Tagbalili: Mapasa inyo na sa di magtagal ang inyong CADT- Gov. Plaza

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dis. 20 (PIA) -- Sinabi kamakailan ni Gob. Adolph Edward Plaza ng Agusan del Sur sa mga pinuno ng mga tribu sa Batangay Tagbalili na di magtatagal, mapapasakanila na ang inaasam-asam na Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) na matagal na nilang inaasam-asam dahil malapit ng matapos ang pag proseso nito.

Ito ay nangyari noong si Plaza at ang mga miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan, kasama ang ipa pang mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan ng lalawigan at mga boluntaryo ay nagsagawa ng tinatawag na Cross Country Tour na pinamagatan ng “Malungon Mountain Trail” na ang ruta ay dadaan sa mga barangay ng Hawilian, Milagros, Bunaguit, Tagbalili, Segunda at Nato, na matatagpuan sa bayan ng Esparanza, Agusan del Sur.

“Ang layunin ng tour na ito ay para ipadama ang mesahe ng kapayapaan sa buong lalawigan ng Agusan del Sut at para na rin maihatid ang magandang balita sa mga lumad (katutubo) na di magtatagal, mapasa kanila na ang matagal na nilang inaasam-asam na CADT. Gusto kong ipaalam sa inyo rito na gumastos ang panlalawigan pamahaan ng P5 milyon para mapabilis ang pagproseso nito,” Sabi ni Plaza.

Sa Barangay Tagbalili pa lamang, ang naitalang CADT ng tribung Higaonon ay aabot na sa 104,000 hektarya na lupa, at ang CADT na ito ay siyang huli sa siyam na cluster na naiproseso ng National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) sa lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur.

“An gaming pangarap ay maibigay sa amin ang lubos na pamamahala para sa mga lupang naiwan ng aming mga ninuno kung saan kami kumukuha n gaming kabuhayan. Dahil sa mga sinabi ni Gob. Plaza, hindi mailarawan an gaming kasiyahan at nadarama dahil ito ay napakalaking tulong para sa kunabukasan n gaming tribung Higaonon,” sabi ni Tagbalili Barangay Kapitan Erick Dumaguing.

Sinabi Adelaida Buyog na siyang kumakatawan ng NCIP ng bumisita si Gob. Plaza na pagkatapos ng pagprosesong ito na kanilang ginawa, ang mga dokumento ay ipapadala sa kanilang punong tanggapan sa Manila para maisagawa ang pag bigay ng CADT.

Noong bumisita ang mga miyembro ng German Bundestag kamakailan sa Esperanza, ipinakita ni Plaza sa kanila ang pagsisikap na ginawa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at ng bayan ng Esperanza para maproseso ang mga natural CADT para magkaroon ng kasegurohan na walang sinuman ang makapagpaalis sa mga katutubo sa kanilang lupang minana sa kanilang mga ninuno. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Cebuano news: Aquino mobisita sa Cagayan de Oro, Iligan ug Dumaguete karong adlawa

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 20 (PIA) –- Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III gikatakdang mobisita karong adlawa Martes, Disyembre 20 didto sa Cagayan de Oro, Iligan ug Dumaguete aron personal nga bisitahon ang nagpadayon nga relief operations sa gobyerno ug susihon ang mga kadaot sa maong kalamidad, ang Malacañang miingon.

Si Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda misulti sa mga reporter atol sa news briefing kagahapon Lunes didto sa Malacañang, kini mikumpirma nga ang Pangulo nakigpulong sa mga opisyales sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa maong mga lugar.

“He (President Aquino) will be briefed also by the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) there in Cagayan de Oro and he will fly to Iligan and then to Dumaguete to inspect the damages and also to provide relief efforts as well,” siya midugang.

Si Lacierda miingon ang Pangulo gusto na mobisita niadto pang Domingo apan ang Presidential Security Group lakip usab ang Department of National Defense mitambag kaniya nga sa adlawng Martes na lamang kini mobisita tungod sa rason sa dili maayong panahon.

Human siya gipahibalo sa mga kadaot nga nahimo sa bagyong “Sendong” sa gobyerno ug sa mga katawhan sa Aminahang bahin saMindanao, ang Pangulong Aquino kanunayng nagamonitor sa iyang mga opisyales sa Kabinete nga atoa na didto sa maong lugar.

Si Lacierda miingon ang Pangulo sagad nga nagahatag og mga mando ug nagadawat og mga updates gikan kang Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, ug National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos nga atoa na didto sa maong lugar.

“The President was very much aware of what was going on and he made sure that all relief efforts and all necessary efforts insofar as search and rescue are given to the people affected,” sa iyang pamahayag, kontra sa mga hungihong nga ang Pangulo wala na usab magpakita panahon sa mga krisis sama niini.

Sa dugang pang pamahayag ,si Lacierda miingon nga ang Pangulo mimando na sa mga hintungdang mga opisyales sa gobyerno ug mga ahensya sa pagpagawas og “comprehensive report” sa ilang mga nahimo sa nakalabayng tulo ka mga adlaw “to see if adequate service was provided for the people of Mindanao.”

Sa laing bahin usab si Pangulong Aquino, atol sa iyang pakighinabi didto sa NDRRMC headquarters niadtong Sabado mimando na kang Robredo ug Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo sa pagrepaso sa sistema sa weather forecasting sa nasod.

“We recognize that there have been a lot of deaths in Mindanao and therefore that (weather forecasting system) is something that we should really look into and the President wants that looked into,” siya miingon. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Monday, December 19, 2011

PNoy to visit CDO, Iligan on Tuesday

by FE Abkilan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to visit on Tuesday, Dec. 20 the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to lead the distribution of relief goods and assess the extent of damage brought by Typhoon Sendong.

Accompanying the president are Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Luwalhati Antonino.

He will be welcomed by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano, EASTMINCOM Commanding General MGen. Arthur Tabaquero, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) MGen. Victor Felix, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations Dir. P/CSupt. Victorino Panganiban, Jr., PNP-10 Regional Director P/CSupt. Jufel Adriatico, Tactical Operations Group (TOG) Commander LTC Elpidio Talja, Jr., and Civil Aviation Authority Area Manager Naga Rascal at Lumbia Airport.

The president is also set to visit Dumaguete City. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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PNP-Caraga deploys search, rescue & retrieval contingent to PRO-10

by PSUPT Martin M Gamba

Camp Rafael C Rodriguez, Libertad, BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) – Police Regional Office 13 Regional Director Police Chief Supt Reynaldo S Rafal, CEO VI, PhD, recently sent one hundred fifty (150) personnel composed of four (4) Platoons of 13th RPSB, a team from Regional Health Service 13 and Regional Crime Laboratory Office 13 headed by PSSUPT Eugenio Paguirigan, Provincial Director of Agusan de Norte

Police Provincial Office to PRO-10, Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City around 5:00 O ‘clock in the afternoon of December 18, 2011 to augment the said PRO for the Search, Rescue and Retrieval Operations in the area stricken by Typhoon Sendong.

It can be recalled that on the evening of December 16, 2011, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City were simultaneously hit by flashfloods claiming numerous lives and damaged infrastructures.

The residents were caught unaware and in dire need of potable water supply and other non food items.

Police Chief Supt RAFAL said that the PNP personnel from this region will help in the rescue operation.

Dir. Rafal also extended an initial amount P50,000 cash donation. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

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Butuan City govt distributes Christmas gift packs to 17,000 Butuanon families

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) --The local government here recently distributed packed Christmas gifts for the 86 barangays of the city having 17,000 Butuanon families.

The traditional gift-giving activity kicked off recently in Barangay Tungao. Other areas visited on the first day of “Gasa Hong Pasko 2011” included far-flung barangays like San Mateo, Dulag, MJ Santos, and Manila de Bugabos.

Around 200 families belonging to the marginalized sector were targeted and identified to receive early Christmas gifts in every barangay of the 86 barangays in the city.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Dennie Tahil, in coordination with the Liga ng mga Barangay led the said program, with the assistance of the Butuan Search and Rescue Team (BUSART).

This undertaking is part of the priority aid assistance of the local government under the leadership of Mayor Ferdinand "Jun" Amante, Jr., with an allocation of P3-Million to ensure sustainability of the program. (CMO-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Aquino gusto nga repasohon ang disaster response manual sa gobyerno human sa katalagmang bagyo sa Mindanao

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 19 (PIA) -- Gusto ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III nga ripasohon ang disaster response manual sa gobyerno aron mapugngan ang pagkalas sa mga kinabuhi human sa Bagyong Sendong sa Mindanao.

Ang Pangulo gipahibalo sa mga pipila ka mga ahensya sa gobyerno didto sa Camp Aguinaldo niadtong Sabado kalabot na sa ilang aksyon sa kadaot nga dala ni Bagyong Sendong, nga mipatay sa libo-an ka mga tawo ug libo-an usab nga wala Makita.

Tinguha usab sa Pangulo ang dugang tukma ug epektibo nga typhoon tracking system aron ang mga komunidad duol sa agianan sa bagyo adunay igong oras aron makapreparar sa dili pa moigo ang maong bagyo.

Ang mga lugar nga kanunay mabahaan kinahanglan maila aron ang gobyerno maka-isyu dayon og mga abiso kon adunay dakong pag-ulan ug mga bagyo, ang Pangulo miingon.

Sa samang higayon, ang Pangulo mimando sa mga hintungdan mga ahensya sa gobyerno sa paghimo sa mga gikinahanglan mga preparasyon alang sa pagsulod sa Bagyong Sendong didto sa Palawan, ang sunod nga lugar nga gikatakdang maigo sa bagyo base sa bag-ong banabana.

Atol sa maong briefing sa Pangulo, ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) miingon nga ang ihap sa mga namatay moabot na sa 130 niadtong Sabado sa hapon. Ang maong ihap motaas pa, kini miingon.

Mokabat sa 260 ka mga tawo ang wala pa makita didto sa Iligan City, matud pa sa NDRRMC.

Sa report niini ngadto sa Pangulo, ang Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD) miingon mitabang na kini sila sa liboan ka mga katawhan didto sa Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City ug uban pang mga lugar. Kini nakapanghatag na og mga pagkaon niadtong Sabado sa buntag. Kini nagplano pa pagpanghatag dugang pang mga pagkaon.

Kalabot sa kasamtangang search and rescue efforts, ang mga opisyales sa pulisya ug military gisultihan ang Pangulo mahitungod sa pagkinahanglan niini og dugang rubber boats alang sa ilang mga misyon.

Sila miingon nga ang search and rescue operations nagpadayon pa. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Task Force Drug Courier, tutukan sa PDEA-Caraga sa 2012

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 19 (PIA) -- Tutukan karong tuig 2012 sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency kon PDEA-Caraga ang kamanduan ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino nga magmugna og Task Force Drug Courier aron matabangan ang mga overseas Filipino workers kon OFWs nga dili mulambigit sa mga ilegal nga kalihukan ilabina sa ginadiling druga.

Sigon ni PDEA-Caraga acting regional director Joel Plaza, mutabang ang ilang ahensya sa mugnaong task force pinaagi sa pagpakusog sa information drive ngadto sa mga OFWs prospects aron dili sila madani paglambigit sa pagpayuhot og ginadiling druga.

Kini subay na usab sa nagkadaghang ihap sa mga OFWs nga gihukman og silot-kamatayon sa langyaw'ng kanasuran tungod sa paglambigit sa maong ilegal nga kalihukan. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Gideklarang ceasefire sa gobyerno nagpakita sa sinsiridad niini nga makab-ot ang kalinaw, matud sa Palasyo

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 19 (PIA) - Ang Malacañang nanghinaut nga ang komunistang New People’s Army (NPA) mosanong sa deklarasyon sa gobyerno nga 18-ka adlaw nga walay giyera alang sa diwa sa pagsaulog sa kapaskohan.

Atol sa press briefing didto sa Malacañang niadtong Biyernes, si Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda miingon nga ang pagdeklara sa ceasefire o walay giyera tali sa mga komunista niadtong Huwebes nagapakita nga ang administrasyong Aquino sinsero sa pagpadayon sa kalinaw sa nasod.

“It shows our sincerity for the pursuit of peace that however doesn’t stop us from defending ourselves,” Lacierda told reporters. “If the soldiers are attacked they will defend themselves. This is a declaration of ceasefire and we would expect in the spirit of the season for the other side to also declare a ceasefire to allow the rebels to be with their families at this time,” siya miingon.

Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III mideklara sa ceasefire nga nagsugod niadtong Biyernes, Disyembre 16 hangtod Enero 2 sunod tuig. Ang Pangulo mianunsyo niini atol sa interbyu human sa seremonya sa pagpirma niini sa 2012 Badyet didto sa Aguinaldo State Dining Room sa Malacañang niadtong Huwebes.

"There will be suspension of military operations starting Friday until January 2, on the advice of both the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Department of National Defense," ang Pangulo mingon.

Gimandoan ni Pangulo ang military sa pagsuspende sa ilang mga operasyon sulod sa panahon sa ceasefire ug magmatyag lamang ug moresponde lamang kung hagiton. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Sunday, December 18, 2011

DPWH allots P15.3-M road maintenance budget for Butuan City in 2012

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA) -– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Butuan City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) has allotted P15,307,000 for the road maintenance of this city in 2012.

The announcement was made by BCDEO Planning Engr. Rey Canlas in an interview with a local broadcaster here recently, saying roads in the city must be well-maintained so that this will last for a long period of time.

“Naa ta’y budget nga P15,307,000 for the whole year para sa atong maintenance sa kalsada sa national highway sa Butuan City area,” Canlas said.

(We have a budget allocation amounting to P15,307,000 for the whole year for the maintenance of roads in the national highway in Butuan City area.)

Engr. Canlas said aside from developing farm-to-market and barangay roads, DPWH is also focusing on the maintenance of the roads. “Through this, the local government could be able to save money,” he added.

The BCDEO official also said part of the budget will go to the wages of the workers who will maintain the said infrastructure project.

He added these workers are under the “Kalsada Natin, Alagaan Natin” program of the national government.

The nationwide program aimed to implement maintenance and infrastructure development particularly on road projects. (PIA-Caraga)

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DILG directs LGUs to exercise transparency, accountability governance

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA) -– The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Local Government Units (LGUs) to exercise transparency and accountability governance in support to the flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

According to DILG Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Clementino Pontillo, the local chief executives and officials of every LGU should at all times, exercise and implement transparency and accountability governance so that their constituents will know all the transactions that have been made.

Pontillo also said the constituents must also know the financial transactions that have been undertaken by the LGU.

In this way, Pontillo said, graft and corruption will be minimized, if not, be totally eliminated.

The official said one way of doing this is to post all their transactions especially matters that involved financial aspect in their websites. He also said if the LGUs don’t have website, they can post it in the website of DILG.

Pontillo added this is one of the mandates of DILG as advocated by Secretary Jesse Robrero. (PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: Pagtaas ng krimen sa Butuan, pag-aaralan ng bagong BCPO chief

ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 18 (PIA) -– Pag-aaralan ng bagong hepe ng Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) ang pagtaas ng krimen na nangyayari ngayon sa siyudad.

Ito ang sinabi kamakailaan lang ng bagong nahirang na hepe ng BCPO na si PSupt. Pedro Ubaldo.

Sa pakikipanayam sa opisyal, inamin nito na dahil bago pa lamang siya dito, kailangan niya munang pag-aralan kung ano ang puno’t dahilan ng pagtaas ng krimen.

“Pag-aaralan ko po ‘yan kung ano ang dahilan ng pagtaas ng krimen natin… Alamin natin kung ano ang puno’t dulo nito… Alamin din natin kung paano ito matutugunan upang hindi na ito lalong tumaas pa,” ani Ubaldo.

Samantala, kumbinsado naman ang opisyal na maaaring ang mga hakbanging ginagawa ng kapulisan dito ay hindi naaayon sa pangangailangan ng komunidad o dili kaya’y ang maluwang na pagpapatupad ng batas ang isa sa naging dahilan ng pagtaas ng krimen.

Dahil dito, sinabi ni Ubaldo na nararapat lamang na pag-aaralan muna ng pamunuan niya at nang sa gayon ay makakagawa ng mabuting hakbang upang malutas ang nasabing problema.

Nakiusap din ang opisyal sa mga tao na sana maging mahinahon upang maiwasan ang kahit na anong hindi pagkakaunawaan at nang sa gano’n, hindi hahantong sa anumang uri ng krimen.

Bago ito nahirang noong bilang hepe ng BCPO noong Huwebes, si PSUpt Ubaldo ay dating naka-assign sa probinsiya ng Pampanga. (PIA-Caraga)