(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


PIA News Service - Wednesday, October 31, 2012


DTI intensifies campaign on motorcycle helmet act

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying the information and education campaign on the implementation of the use of certified motorcycle helmets by all motorcycle drivers and their passenger when traveling on national highways and main thoroughfares.

 They opened their offices all over the country to accommodate the posting of stickers to all recognized and accredited helmets, imported or locally made said Cerila Inson, DTI senior economic specialist.

“On November and December, we will devote our time mostly on calls on companies and establishments who use motorcycles mostly as their mobility service. As of the moment, we have already scheduled to inspect the motorcycle helmets of one of the biggest mining firms here and many other companies in order to make sure that the helmets they are using are in accordance with the DTI standard and pass the quality requirements of the Philippine National Standard/United Nations Economic Commission for Europe,” Inson said.

Inson also said they have lists of motorcycle helmets producers and suppliers with corresponding brand of helmets that are accredited or recognized by the DTI. For those whose helmets are not listed in the accredited and recognized brands and producers, Inson still advised them to bring their helmets to the DTI office so that these will be included in the list of not yet accredited or recognized helmets at present.

On the other hand, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Representative Solaiman Pacasirang said they had no problems on the implementation of the no helmet-no travel policy. All that the LTO is asking for is the cooperation of local residents, the PNP, and the deputized officers of the LTO for the smooth and convenient travel.

“If everybody will just abide by the traffic laws, peace will be everywhere, while travel will be smooth and easy. Let us therefore follow the law because they were made to protect us and for our own good and safety,” Pacasirang said.

On January 1, 2013, LTO, the PNP and other offices deputized by the LTO will be strictly implementing the no helmet-no travel policy. Violators, LTO and DTI said, will be dealt with accordingly. (RER/DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


DTI holds 7th ConsumerNet & Cellphone Sellers’ dialogue cum workshop

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga conducted today the ConsumerNet & Cellphone Sellers’ Dialogue cum Workshop at the Barangay Imadejas Hall here, as part of the culmination activity for the Consumer Welfare Month celebration.

Atty. Ma. Aurora Curaza-Maquiling of DTI-Caraga said the activity is aimed to raise awareness among consumers and cellphone sellers on breach of warranty, resolution of complaints at the store level, and establishment of consumer welfare desks.

In her discussion on breach of warranty, Maquiling explained that a warranty is an assurance by one party to the other party that specific facts or conditions are true or will happen; the other party is permitted to rely on that assurance and seek some type of remedy if it is not true or followed.

“The retailer shall be subsidiarily liable under the warranty in case of failure of both the manufacturer and distributor to honor the warranty,” Maquiling said.

When asked if secondhand consumer products also cover a warranty, Maquiling clarified that as a general rule, there is no implied warranty in the sale of secondhand articles. However, there are exceptions such as when the goods are sold to raise an implied warranty, and the seller has given an express written warranty.

Also, Elmer Natad of DTI-Caraga pointed out that the "No Return, No Exchange" Policy as per Republic Act 7394 only covers defective products bought by the customers. It should only be the main reason for replacement of new product, while merely change of mind by the customer to buy the product should not be considered. This is also to protect the store owner.

Natad further said putting up a consumer welfare desk (CWD) in an establishment is very important.

“With the information gathered through the CWDs, it can help the sellers evaluate the quality of their products as well as the kind of service and public relations of their personnel,” said Natad.

During the workshop proper, participants were divided into groups and were given situations of complaints wherein they have to discuss it among themselves and give solutions.

Meanwhile, representatives from different cellphone stores in the city elected among them the officers of their association. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


PhilHealth’s Moves launched in Tandag City

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The PhilHealth’s Moves (Mobile Orientation, Validation and Enrollment Scheme) was successfully launched October 29 in Tandag City Gymnasium.

PhilHealth Tandag City Chief Ethel Yuchitcho said 4,236 beneficiaries were identified by the Department of Social Worker and Development (DSWD) through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) from the 21 barangays of this city.

MOVES is a program initiated by PhilHealth in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), DSWD & other partner agencies including local government units.

PhilHealth-Caraga Field Division Operation Chief Angelina Luta bared that the partner agencies have individual tasks for the program implementation. She said the DOH will ensure the fund for the universal health care of each members, the DSWD will validate the qualified members thru NHTS-PR while PhilHealth is tasked to ensure that all Filipinos can avail and will be enrolled in the program.

Meanwhile, during the launching of the PhilHealth MOVES yesterday, Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel expressed his support and commitment to the program. Governor also said that under his administration, most of the community hospitals in the province were already upgraded and improved with health facilities. (RER/NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DTI-Caraga to hold 8th Regional Consumer Quiz Bowl

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- Winners of the Division Consumer Quiz Bowl from participating schools will compete in the 8th Regional Consumer Quiz Bowl on October 31 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Conference Hall, 4/F D&V Plaza Building, J.C. Aquino Ave, this city.

The quiz bowl is part of the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month hosted by the DTI-Caraga office.

The participants are fourth year high school students from public schools within the division.

Prizes of the Regional Consumer Quiz Bowl are listed as follows: 1st Prize - P5,000 and plaque; 2nd Prize - P4,000 and plaque; and 3rd Prize - P3,000 and plaque.

DTI-Caraga will also be giving consolation prizes of P1,000 each for all non-winning regional contestants are also provided with a P500 honorarium for one coach of each participant. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)


DTI-Caraga gears for the ConsumerNet & Cellphone Sellers’ dialogue cum workshop

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga stepped up its preparations for the conduct of dialogue cum workshop among members of the Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) and Cellphone Sellers in the city today, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

The dialogue will be conducted between cellphone dealers and retailers in order to evaluate the degree of the problem/issues involving the cellphone industry in Caraga Region.

Said activity will be held at the Barangay Imadejas Function Hall, Imadejas Subdivison, Butuan City.

Numerous consumer complaints since the year 2007 have reached the DTI-Caraga Regional Office, prompting the organization of this activity.

The dialogue com workshop aims to educate cellphone sellers on the breach of warranty under the Consumer Act and the Civil Code of the Philippines. It also aims for the resolution of consumer complaints at store level with the establishment of consumer welfare desks at their store. (RER/NCLM/DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)


LGRRC-DILG Caraga initiates Regional Knowledge Management Audit

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga region in partnership with the Local Government Academy (LGA) has conducted the Knowledge Management Audit for External Stakeholders in the region held at the Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, this city.

The Knowledge Management (KM) Audit has determined the level of organizational KM readiness of the different sectors in the region through the KM Mapping Assessment Tool. Results showed that Caraga region has already achieved a refinement of the implementation of knowledge management, which was continually evaluated for improvement. This means that the region has already good to excellent organizational performance results and has achieved sustained trends over time. This result was generated through the answers of participating institutions such as regional line agencies, civil society organizations, academe and other private sectors in the region.

The KM Audit was also aimed at reactivating the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MSAC), the governing body of the LGRRC which was organized last November 12, 2007. The MSAC is a network of institutions collaborating together to leverage and share internal and external knowledge for local governance capacity building and performance excellence. With MSAC, there will be a convergence of agencies and institutions in the region with different programs that could be useful in the sharing of knowledge and expertise towards the road of more responsive local governance.

The LGRRC established at the DILG Regional Office has anchored capacity development, linkages, multimedia, information and knowledge, public education and citizenship development in the region. With LGRRC as a dynamic and interactive program, the DILG has become a knowledge centric organization providing communities and local government units excellence in good governance through knowledge sharing and innovation.

“This Knowledge Management Audit is a tool to assess and at the same time measure the level of knowledge of your organization so that we will know what we already have, what we need, what we do not have yet and consequently addressing those gaps so that we will be guided with where we are in our knowledge management readiness”, said DILG Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion.

“Good governance is not a monopoly of DILG. It is now high time to move from being a provider to an enabler because we believe other institutions or agencies can also capacitate local government units,” remarked DILG Asst. Regional Director Donald A. Seronay. He said the formation of a community of practice or network with other sectors in the region will collaborate their efforts towards a common direction for good governance. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


7th ConsumerNet Meets the Public set in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The 7th “Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) Meets the Public” is set today, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Barangay Imadejas Function Hall, Imadejas Subdivison, this city.

Said activity will mark the culmination of the month-long celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month.

The forum will be hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga Regional Office headed by Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran.

Pagaran said the activity aims to inform the public on the recent updates on matters affecting consumers such as water, electricity and the helmet act implementation.

It will also be the venue for the awarding of DTI Certified Establishment Seal or Bagwis to business establishments that uphold the rights and welfare of the consumers as well as the awarding of winners of the 8th Regional Consumer Quiz Bowl. (DTI-Caraga/RER/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog news: Caraga execs isasagawa ang kanilang 11th Executive Conference

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Okt. 31 (PIA) -- Idaraos ng Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) ang kanilang 11th Annual Career Executive Service Conference ngayong Nobyembre 14-16 sa Grand Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City.

Ang tema ng conference sa taong ito ay “Going 4G! Good to Great, Green Governance.”

Ang ACE ay isang organisasyon ng mga puno ng mga tanggapan ng iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sa rehiyong Caraga, na naglalayong itaguyod ang propesyonalismo ng Career Executive Service Officers (CESOs) at Career Executive Service Eligibles (CESEs).

Ang mga miyembro ng ACE ay hindi lang nagbibigay ng tulong pinansyal sa pamamagitan ng mga kontribusyon ng mga miyembro para sa kanilang mga programa kundi pati na rin ang pagsasagawa ng mga programang tutulong sa mga mahihirap.

Ayon sa pangulo ng ACE na si Atty. Francisco Pobe, lahat ng mga partisipante ay sasailalim sa 16 oras na pagsasanay ng Caraga Executive Service Board.

Sinabi rin ng opisyal na lahat ng CESOs at CESEs ay inaanyayahang dumalo sa conference.

Dahil dito, ang Tanggapan ng Pangulo ay nagpalabas ng isang Memorandum Circular No. 37, pinetsahan Setyembre 11, 2012 na may titulong “Authorizing Participation in the 11th Annual Career Executive Service Conference.” (RER/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Malacanang mipaabot og simpatiya, suporta ngadto sa mga Americans ug Filipino-American communities nga apektado sa Hurricane “Sandy” sa Eastern Seaboard sa United States

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) – Ang Malacañang mipahayag na pagsimpatiya ug mipaabot na pagsuporta ngadto sa katawhan sa Amerika labi na gyud ang Filipino-American communities, nga naapektuhan sa hurricane “Sandy” uban ang paglaom nga masagubang ra gihapon ang maong kataladman pinaagi sa mga pag-ampo ug pagtoo sa langitnong pagbantay.

Sa iyang pamahayag atol sa regular press briefing didto sa Malacañang kagahapon, matud ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte nga ang katawhang Filipino naghiusa pag-ampo alang sa kaluwasan niadtong mga naapektuhan sa kasamtangang kalamidad.

“As Hurricane Sandy batters the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, we extend our sympathies and support to all those affected by this calamity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who are facing these difficult times, among them the Filipino-American community,” matud pa ni Valte.

“The devastation caused by the storm continues to unfold, but we are confident that the resolve of the American people to overcome this catastrophe remains steadfast, strong, and unbending,” dugang pa niya.

Matud pa sa taho nga ang Hurricane Sandy maoy usa sa pinakadakong unos nga miigo sukad sa Estados Unidos. Kini una ng nabantay nga moigo sa gambling resort sa Atlantic City didto sa New Jersey uban ang makusog nga hangin ug dagkong ulan.

Mokabat sa tulo ka milyon katawo ang nawad-an og suplay sa kuryente tungod sa pagtaas sa tubig baha sa pipila ka mga lugar.

Matud sa embahada sa Pilipinas nga walay naapektuhang mga Filipino sa maong kalamidad. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)