(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Sunday, 01 December 2024) Northeast Monsoon affecting Eastern section of Northern Luzon. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Wednesday, May 23, 2012


DTI-Caraga spearheads 1st Reg’l Consumer Assembly

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) –- In support of Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines,” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga spearheaded the 1st Regional Consumer Assembly held Tuesday at the Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos Hall, this city.

Some 50 representatives in the consumer organizations (COs) from different local government units in the region and member-agencies of the Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) participated in the said activity.

According to Elmer Natad of DTI-Caraga, the assembly aims to gather issues and concerns from the COs and be able to upgrade their knowledge as consumers.

“Participants will also undertake workshop on the challenges, best practices of consumers and establishments, and barriers to effective consumer participation during this whole-day activity which will upgrade their knowledge and capabilities as consumers,” said Natad.

Among the priority consumer issues are as follows: 1) the improvement of public utilities; 2) the vigilant and strict enforcement of the deceptive, unfair and neglectful sales act; 3) the enhancement of public health and safety through identification of product hazards; and 4) the creation of healthy competition to lower the cost of goods and services.

Natad reiterated that R.A. 7394 is to protect the interests of the consumers, promote general welfare and establish standards of conduct for business and industry.

With this, participants will come up with a unified action plan to address said issues and concerns with the help of DTI and partner implementing agencies. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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CSC-Caraga urges state officials, workers to be honest

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres called on government officials and workers to be honest.

Dir. Torres said “dishonesty” is the most common case against government officials or employees.

Among the cases filed against government employees in Caraga region are tampering their personnel documents, specifically their credentials such as transcript of records, diplomas, and other certifications.

Torres added these are employees who are applying for promotions and yet, the credentials submitted are fake or not authenticated. He also said there were already employees in the region who were already dismissed from their position as they are found guilty.

The regional CSC chief said cleaning bureaucracy is part of the flagship program of the Aquino administration. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

EMB-Caraga to assess 6 towns on RA 9003 implementation

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Caraga is set to assess/evaluate the six municipalities in the region on the implementation of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Forester Jay Managad, EMB-Caraga technical staff said on July 2012, EMB-Caraga will be evaluating how the municipalities of Carrascal and Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, municipalities of Esperanza, Veruela and Trento in Agusan del Sur, and the municipality of Socorro in Surigao del Norte have implemented the ecological solid waste management.

Managad said result of the assessment will lead to the giving of recognition to those municipalities who have shown exemplary performance in terms of managing ecological solid waste to be slated in August 2012, in time with the staging of Solid Waste Management Service here in the region.

The official said among the criteria to be used in the evaluation include the segregation of waste, creation of material recovery facilities, and crafting of policies and ordinances on the implementation of solid waste management program in their respective areas.

The ecological solid waste management act ensures the protection of the public health and environment. It also utilized environmentally-sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage resource conservation and recovery.

The law also sets guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures, including composting, recycling, re-use, recovery, green charcoal process, and others, before collection, treatment and disposal in appropriate and environmentally sound solid waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable development principles.

It also ensures the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practice in ecological waste management excluding incineration.

Also, the law promotes national research and development programs for improved solid waste management and resource conservation techniques, more effective institutional arrangement and indigenous and improved methods of waste reduction, collection, separation and recovery, as well as to encourage greater private sector participation in solid waste management.

Further, it retains primary enforcement and responsibility of solid waste management with local government units while establishing a cooperative effort among the national government, other local government units, non- government organizations, and the private sector.

Furthermore, the law encourages cooperation and self-regulation among waste generators through the application of market-based instruments; institutionalize public participation in the development and implementation of national and local integrated, comprehensive, and ecological waste management programs; and strengthens the integration of ecological solid waste management and resource conservation and recovery topics into the academic curricula of formal and non-formal education in order to promote environmental awareness and action among the citizenry. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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DTI-Caraga intensifies implementation of Bagwis Program

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- To continuously give due recognition to establishments that practice fair business and uphold the rights and welfare of consumers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga intensified its Bagwis Program and the "Promo Diskwento."

The Bagwis Program is formerly known as the DTI Certified Establishment Program which was launched on July 26, 2006.

According to DTI-Caraga Customer Welfare Desk (CWD) Chief Billy General, the Bagwis Program aims to give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business where consumers get value for money.

“With the Bagwis Program, this will result to increasing profits. When employers treat well their employees, employees in return will work hard for the business. With that, it will also give good impact to consumers,” General said.

It also includes setting up of Consumer Welfare Desks in business places aimed at providing accessible and speedy resolution of complaints to consumers.

Meanwhile, General also emphasized that DTI is also implementing its Promo Diskwento in partnership with other business establishments in the region.

“Promo Diskwento is a flagship project of DTI wherein school supplies and basic commodities are being sold in a discounted price,” General said.

With this development, DTI encourages business establishments in the region to give its best products and services to consumers so their business will grow and will help the nation progress. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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CENRO-Nasipit to conduct coastal cleanup, tree planting

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- With the celebration of Ocean month, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte will conduct a coastal cleanup and mangrove tree planting on Friday, May 25.

According to Joanne Daguplo of CENRO-Nasipit, the activities area among the highlights to be conducted by their office during the month-long celebration, which is anchored on the theme “Buhay Dagat, Buhay Natin (Ocean Life, Our Life)."

Daguplo said residents of coastal barangays of the municipality are expected to participate in this undertaking which supports the environmental preservation and climate change mitigation program of the Aquino administration.

The official also said that on May 22, the country celebrated the National Month of the Ocean where with the International Day of Biological Diversity (Biodiversity) was also simultaneously commemorated.

Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada declared the month of May as National Month of the Ocean under Presidential Proclamation No. 57 signed on January 9, 1999, emphasizing that the Philippines supports global initiatives towards environmental management and protection by adopting and developing a Philippine Agenda 21 in response to Agenda 21 of the United Nations, and by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The law also pointed out that the country is committed to the sustainable use and management of ocean and coastal resources which are vital life-support systems and economic assets where benefits should accrue to both present and future generations of Filipinos.

Government agencies that are tasked to lead the conduct of the month-long activities include: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

This is also in collaboration with relevant government agencies, all local government units, state colleges and universities, government-owned or controlled corporations whose operations are directly or indirectly relevant to the development and management of the country’s ocean resources.

Meanwhile, non-governmental organizations, people's organizations, and the private sector, shall spearhead the observance of "The Month of the Ocean" of each year through the conduct of activities that highlight the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of Philippine coastal and ocean resources. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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DTI-Caraga orients consumers on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) –- Serving as mediator between two disagreeing parties (complainant and respondent), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga briefed consumer organizations on the overview of the Republic Act No. 9285 or the “Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004.”

This was held Tuesday at the Bishop Juan de dios Pueblos Hall here during the 1st Regional Consumer Assembly and was attended by some 50 representatives of consumer organizations in different local government units in Caraga region and member-agencies of Consumer Network (ConsumerNet).

Atty. Ma. Aurora Curaza-Maquiling bared that the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) includes dispute resolution processes and techniques that act as a means for disagreeing parties to come to an agreement short of litigation.

"ADR System means any process or procedure used to resolve a dispute or controversy, other than by adjudication of a presiding judge of a court or an officer of a government agency, as defined in this Act, in which a neutral third party participates to assist in the resolution of issues, which includes arbitration, mediation, conciliation, early neutral evaluation, mini-trial, or any combination thereof,” Maquiling reiterated.

Maquiling further said that the "ADR Provider" means institutions or persons accredited as mediator, conciliator, arbitrator, neutral evaluator, or any person exercising similar functions in any Alternative Dispute Resolution system. This is without prejudice to the rights of the parties to choose non-accredited individuals to act as mediator, conciliator, arbitrator, or neutral evaluator of their dispute.

“Mediation is a voluntary process in which a mediator, selected by the disputing parties, facilitates communication and negotiation, and assists the parties in reaching out a settlement or agreement…” said Maquiling.

Maquiling also stressed that the mediator's primary role is to act as a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between the parties. The mediator can also contribute to the process ensuring that all necessary preparations are complete.

DTI also emphasizes that as much as possible, any conflict between the two parties must be settled in the mediation stage through amicable settlement since filing a case in court will take much time and cost.

Thus, participants of said training commended the efforts of the DTI for being effective mediator and for providing fair services to both consumers and business establishments. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao del Sur Red tide toxin-free - BFAR

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -– Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is negative from Red Tide Toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

Based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued by the bureau the coastal waters of Bislig City is negative from this toxin.

However, BFAR said all types of shellfish especially "alamang” that comes from the coastal waters of Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur, Murchelagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Bataan coastal waters specifically Mariveles, limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay, and Samal is not yet safe to consume.

Also, BFAR announced that Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar is now positive from the said toxin.

With these developments, BFAR reminded the people to beware from consuming shellfish from the infected areas. They also emphasized that fish, squid, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat but must be properly prepared and provided that the fish is fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs, gills and its intestines must also be removed before cooking.

The country's fish bureau also said that people must be vigilant in buying seafoods in the market to avoid any complications. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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All set for the 2nd Balangay Football Festival

By Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) -- More than 100 teams coming from different football associations in Mindanao and the Visayas regions have already confirmed participation to the 2nd Balangay Football Festival slated on May 26-27 at the Butuan City Sports Complex in Barangay Libertad, this city.

The football festival, which is part of the Silver Year celebration of the Balangay Festival and already on its second year, will feature the following categories based on the Grassroots Development Program of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF): Under eight years old (mixed), under 10 (boys), under 15 (boys), under 17 (girls), under 19 (boys), under 23 (boys), women’s open, men’s open and 35 up. Among the favorites which are expected to figure prominently in the tournament are teams from Davao and Iligan City.

The football teams in the said areas made it to the top position in the Suzuki Cup U23 Football tournament simultaneously held nationwide.

According to Vice Mayor Law Fortun, who is the current President of the Butuan-Agusan Norte Football Association (BANFA) which is hosting the festival, this is a very good opportunity for the players to be exposed to competitive tournaments which is in support to the grassroots development program now being implemented by the PFF. (NCLM/BC-VMO/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog news: Tauhan ng PIA-Caraga sumailalim sa briefing ng incident command system

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Mayo 22 (PIA) –- Sumailalim kamakailan ang mga tauhan ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga Region sa briefing hinggil sa tungkulin ng ahensya sa incident command system, isang sistematikong proseso sa pagtugon sa anumang sakuna.

Nilinaw ng PIA-Caraga monitoring officer at assistant focal person ng ahensya sa Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) na si Jennifer Gaitano na layunin ng incident command system ang magbigay ng isang sistematiko at maayos na pagtugon sa oras ng kalamidad.

Idinagdag din nito na sa panahon ng kalamidad, ang lahat ng ahensya na kasali sa RDRRMC ay mayroong kaniya-kaniyang responsibilidad na nakaatas dito.

Sa parte ng PIA, sinabi ni Gaitano na responsibilidad ng ahensya na sumuporta sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng kaukulang komunikasyon, na higit na kinakailangan sa panahon ng kalamidad.

“Kaya, ang mga tauhan ng PIA ay kailangang nandoon mismo sa pinangyarihan ng kalamidad,” aniya.

Idinagdag din ni Gaitano na ang ahensya ay naatasan sa pagkontrol sa daloy ng komunikasyon na pagmumulan ng impormasyon nga mga lokal tri-media.

Bukod dito, sinabi din niya na sa ilalim ng incident command system, responsibilidad ng ahensiya ang paghahatid ng lahat na impormasyon na gagawin ng incident command team sa pang-rehiyon na antas.

“Ang mga tauhan ng PIA ay magiging opisyal na tagapagsalita ng grupo sa rehiyonal na antas ngunit ito'y nangangailangan ng pagsang-ayon ng mga local chief executives sa lugar kung saan nangyari ang kalamidad,” dagdag ni Gaitano.

Sinabi rin ng opisyal na maaari ring piliin ng local chief executives ang kanilang local public information officers na maging tagapagsalita nito sa halip na ang PIA.

Dinaluhan ni Gaitano ang Basic/Intermediate Course on Incident Command System na ginanap sa Lipata, Surigao City noong nakaraang Mayo 7-11, 2012.

Ang Incident Command System ay ipinakilala sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng ASEAN-US Cooperation on Disaster Management. Ang Phase 1 ay ginanap noong 2004-2006 at Phase 2 naman noong 2009-2012. Ang sistema ay naging posible sa pamamagitan ng US Department of Agriculture – Forest Service (US DA-FS) at USAID bilang pondohang ahensya. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: DILG Tapatan road show sa Caraga itatampok ang disaster preparedness

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 23 (PIA) -- Matapos ang isang taong paglulunsad ng Tapatan Roadshow sa rehiyon ng Caraga, pangungunahan muli ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang pamamahala ng roadshow ngayong Hunyo 12 dito.

Tatalakayin ng roadshow ang kahandaan sa mga sakuna o disaster preparedness program ng iba't-ibang pampubliko at pribadong ahensya sa rehiyon.

Sinabi ni DILG-Caraga information officer Florian Faith Bayawa na ang aktibidad ay tatalakay sa preparasyon ng iba't-ibang lokal na pamahalaan at ilang ahensya ng pamahalaan upang bawasan ang epekto ng mga kalamidad buhat ng palapit na panahon ng tag-ulan.

Sinabi din ni Bayawa na tulad ng naunang paglulunsad ng programa kung saan itinampok nito ang programang transparency at accountability ng administrasyong Aquino, dadaluhan ulit ito ni DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo at ipipresenta rin ng mga ahensya ang kanilang mga plano at programa para sa disaster preparedness.

Ang “Seal of Disaster Preparedness” ay ilulunsad rin dito kasabay ng aktibidad na may layuning ihanda ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagresponde sa oras ng kalamidad.

Dagdag din ni Bayawa na nararapat lamang na ang lokal na pamahalaan ay maglalagay ng early warning system sa kani-kanilang mga lugar upang maiwasan ang pagkawala ng mga buhay at ari-arian sa tuwing may sakuna.

Bilang parte sa preparasyon ng mga miyembrong ahensya sa disaster risk reduction and management council ng rehiyon para sa nasabing kaganapan, isang basic/intermediate course sa incident command system ang sinimulan.

Inaasahan na ang mga resulta sa limang araw na training-workshop ay mabibilang sa mga bagay na ipe-prepresenta kay Sec. Robredo sa panahon ng aktibidad kung saan ang miyembro ay nanggaling sa lokal na pamahalaan, regional line agencies, at mga pribadong ahensya.

Ang training ay naglalayon na maitayo ang isang typical na incident command system na organisasyon sa bawat rehiyon, kung saan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno ay susunod sa sistematikong daloy ng operasyon sa panahon ng kalamidad. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: “No collection policy" ipapatupad pa rin ngayong enrollment - DepEd

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Mayo 23 (PIA) -- Sinabi ngayon ng Department of Education (DepEd) na ipapatupad pa rin ng ahensiya ang "no collection policy" ngayong enrollment.

Ito'y matapos makatanggap ng ulat ang tanggapan ng DepEd-Caraga noong nakaraang taon, na pinapayagan diumano ng mga principal ang mga guro na mangolekta ng miscellaneous fees noong nakaraang enrollment.

Sinabi ni Arnold Solen ng DepEd-Agusan del Norte na ang mga guro at school administrators ay hindi pinapayagan na mangulekta ng kahit anumang bayarin sa mga magulang habang sila ay nagpapaenrol sa kanilang mga anak. Ito'y ayon na rin sa direktiba ni Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro upang himukin ang mga magulang sa pagpapaaral ng kanilang mga anak upang makumpleto nito ang basic education.

Sa DepEd press release, binigyang diin ni Luistro ang kaniyang pagtawag sa mga pampublikong paaralan na sumunod sa “no collection” policy dahil ito ay nakalagay sa konstitusyon. Sinisiguro din ng DepEd na ang mga kabataan ay makapag-aral ng mabuti.

Nilinaw din ni Luistro na layunin ng national government na maibsan ang pag-aalala ng mga magulang sa mga bayarin sa eskwelahan na isa rin sa mga rason kung bakit maraming kabataan ang hindi makapag-aral o tumigil sa kalagitnaan ng kanilang pag-aaral.

Samantala, sinabi ni Jeaneth Obejas ng Libertad Central Elementary School (LCES) na ang miscellaneous fees ay kokolektahin buwan-buwan matapos magsimula ang klase. Nilinaw din nito na ito ay kokolektahin kada termino at boluntaryo. “Ang ibig sabihin po nito ay hindi po pipilitin ang mga magulang na bayaran ang ang nasabing bayarin,” dagdag nito.

Ang DepEd din ay nagbigay impormasyon sa publiko na lagpas grade 4, walang kolektahan na mangyayari habang nagsasagawa ng enrollment hanggang sa unang buwan ng klase. Ito ay kontribusyon at hindi sapilitan, na maaaring kolektahin simula sa pangalawang buwan ng bawat taon. Kalakip dito ang kontribusyon sa Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Red Cross, Anti-Tuberculosis Fund, at Parents-Teachers Association.

Ang "no collection policy" ay isa lang sa mga hakbang ng pamahalaan bilang isa sa mga anti-poverty measures. Sa ganitong paraan, magagamit ng mga magulang ang kanilang pera sa mga mas importanteng pangangailangan kagaya ng pagkain, at transportasyon, ayon sa DepEd. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: DAR pinamahagi ang mga proyekto sa mga benepisyaryo ng ARC

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 23 (PIA) -- Sa pamamagitan ng Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III (ARISP III), pormal na isinalin ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) ang dalawang proyekto noong Mayo 9, 2012. Ang mga proyektong ito ay ang Dakutan Purok 5, Sta. Fe farm to market road (FMR) at ang potable water system (PWS) level II sa Catmonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur kung saan ang Barangay Sta. Fe, Catmonon at Dacutan ang siyang makikinabang.

Ang dalawang proyektong ito ay pinunduhan ng pamahalaan ng Hapon sa pamamagitan ng Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) kasama si Yukihiro kawahara bilang lider ng kasangguning koponan, ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at ang pamahalaang bayan ng Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Ang ginastos ng FMR galing ng Dakutan papunta ng Sta. Fe na FMR ay umabot ng P36,272,163 na may habang 5.135-kilometrong kongkretong daan kung saan 5, 578 na magsasaka ang makikinabang. Kabilang dito ang 443 na agrarian reform beneficiaries ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Ang nasabing FMR ay sinimulan noon pang Hunyo 16, 2011. Sa isang banda, ang paggawa ng potable water system level II ay sinimulan din noong Hulyo 11, 2011 na nagkahalaga ng P4,482,630 at makapagbigay ng maiinom na tubig sa 187 pamilya.

Si Agusan del Sur Gob. Adolph Edward G. Plaza at Congresswoman Ma. Valentina G. Plaza ng unang distrito ng lalawigan kasama si Esperanza Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan ang binigyan ng dangal na siyang magputol ng laso sa naturang okasyon..
Sa kanyang mensahe, binigyang diin ni Gob. Plaza na dapat ay magtulong-tulong ang sambayanan para lalong umunlad ang kanilang komunidad.

“Ang mga proyektong ito ay resulta ng inyong pagkakaisa at kooperasyon ng mga residente ng SACADA-ARC. Kaya dapat lang na ipag patuloy ninyo ang pag alaga sa proyektong ito, at gamitin ng lubosan para makapag ani ng matataas na kalidad na mga produkto,” sabi no Gob. Plaza.

Masayang tinanggap ni Mayor Manpatilan ang mga naturang mga proyekto sabay sasabi na “ Sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong ito, dapat nating doblehin ang ating pagsisikap para makamit natin ang karangalang maging bayong ng bigas sa buong lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur. Ang mga proyektong ito ay may napakalaking tulong sa ikinabubuhay ng mga magsasaka rito.” Nagpasalamat din sya sa DAR at sa ARISP III sa ginawang tulong upng mapaunlad ang buhay ng mga benepisaryo ng agraryo.

Consultant team leader Yukihiro Kawahara of JICA also said they are glad to have extended their share and added that they are ready to assist the government and the farmers to the best possible way they could.

Sinabi rin ni Yukihiro Kawahara ng JICA na Masaya siya na nakapgabigay sila ng tulong sa mga magsasaka at nangako rin siya na handa silang tumulong sa pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at sa mga magsasaka sa higit ng kanilang makakaya.

“Ito ay simula pa lamang. Ang pinakamahalaga ngayon ay kung paano ninyo gamitin ang mga naturang mga proyekto at gawing mas produktibong ang inyong mga lupain para sa ika bubuti at de kalidad na pamumuhay,” sabi ni Kawahara.

"Sa labing dalawang taong paghihintay, sa wakas ang mga proyektong ito ay naisakatuparan din. Higit sa lahat, tayo ay mag pasalamat sa ating Panginoon sa lahat ng kanyang biyaya at sa lahat ng mga nasa likod at kasamang mga ahensiya na naging instrumento para makamit ang aming mga pangarap,” sabi ni Cong. Ma. Valentina G. Plaza sa kanyang mensahe.

Dahil sa naturang mga proyekto, ang mga taga SACADA-ARC ay maari ng makapag byahe ng kanikanilang mga produkto sa mga pamilihan. Hindi na rin sila maglalakad ng kung ilang kilometro para lamang makaka igib ng tubig na inumin at higit sa lahat, mailayo na sila sa sakit na dulot ng maruming tubig. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Cebuano news: People’s Republic of China gitugotan na ang pagsulod sa export nga mga saging gikan sa Pilipinas

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Mayo 23 (PIA) -– Ang opisyales sa Quarantine sa People’s Republic of China (PROC) mitugot na nga makasulod sa ilang merkado ang mga saging gikan sa Pilipinas human kini nagpahamtang og estriktong sumbanan sa mga produktong saging gikan sa Pilipinas.

“I can tell you that we have a bit of good news. We have progressed in resolving the phytosanitary issue. We received word today that 30 to 40 containers have been allowed to pass in China. So that’s a little bit of good news for us,” si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte mianunsyo atol sa press conference didto sa MalacaΓ±ang kagahapon Martes.

Matud ni Valte nga nasabotan nga ang Department of Agriculture mohimo og double check sa tanang mga banana exports adisir kini dalhon ngadto sa PROC ug sa pag-abot niini didto ang susamang ahensya didto mo double check usab niini.

“It will be subjected to a joint inspection to resolve quickly any phytosanitary issues,” matud pa ni Valte.

Aron matabangan ang local banana producers nga apektado sa maong problema tali sa PROC, matud ni Valte ang Pangulo mimando nga tun-an ang posibleng mga tabang nga mahatag kanila.

Bisan pa nga ang PROC mitugot na sa pagsulod sa maong mga produkto, ang gobyerno padayon gihapon pagpangita og lain pang mga alternatibong merkado alang sa maong mga produkto, matud pa niya.

Ang secretary sa Department of Agriculture nag-organisar og usa ka grupo gikan sa Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) nga moadto sa China aron sutaon ang mga natanggong nga mga saging aron matubag ang giangkon sa PROC nga ang mga saging gikan sa Pilipinas adunay mga peste. Ug giimbitar usab ang mga opisyales sa Chinese quarantine sa pag-inspeksyon sa mga plantasyon ug mga dunggoanan dinhi sa nasod.

Ang Pilipinas maoy usa sa nag-unang banana exporters sa intero kalibotan nga adunay daghang mga prutas nagagikan sa Mindanao. Pipila sa mga dagkong merkado niini naglakip sa Japan, South Korea, PROC ug New Zealand. Niadtong 2012, ang kinatibuk-ang kita sa export gikan sa presko nga Cavendish banana mokabat ngadto sa $720 milyon.

Ang PROC maoy ikaduhang pinakadakong merkado sa mga saging sunod sa Japan. Sumala sa datos kini nagpakita nga sugod niadtong Pebrero 2012, ang banana exports sa Pilipinas ngadto sa China adunay 19 porsyento sa kinatibuk-ang export sulod sa unang duha ka mga bulan karong tuiga. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)