PIA News Service - Friday, February 10, 2012

BCPO launches “I-text mo sa Hepe” program

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- Citing the importance of short messaging system (SMS) as one of the fastest means of communication that is available at present, officials and personnel of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) on Wednesday launched the “I-text mo sa Hepe” program in one of the local convention centers here.

During the Barangay Peace and Order Consultation, BCPO chief PSupt Pedro Obaldo said this initiative was undertaken to strengthen the relationship between policemen and the general public, which may lead to proper coordination that is useful in solving crimes quickly.

“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, magkakaroon ng magandang ugnayan ang ating mga kapulisan sa mga mamamayan upang mapadali ang paglutas ng anumang klaseng krimen na nangyayari sa ating komunidad,” Obaldo said.

(Through this program, police officers will have good relationship with the public in the immediate solving of all kinds of crimes that are happening in our community).

Obaldo further said after the launching, the entire police force in the city is hoping that the public will now have the courage to report everything they know so that crimes will be solved.

The official is also optimistic that with the use of the latest technology in electronic communication, police officers can immediately respond to any untoward incidents that may happen.

Through this, Obaldo said officials of BCPO can also monitor their personnel and whenever crimes happened, police officers can be immediately called to respond to such incidents.

The official said to date police hotline numbers are still on the process of finalization to ensure successful implementation of the program.

It has been noted that majority of the government agencies in the region are started to use the SMS as a platform of communication news and information exchange between the government officials and personnel to the public.

The adoption of this technology was already implemented by Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga Region years ago, through the PIA Text Blast where news and information about the region are sent to significant number of recipients in different sectors of society. (PIA-Caraga)

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Red Cross conducts bloodletting activities in schools in Butuan City

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter is set to conduct bloodletting activities in selected schools in Caraga Region.

According to Solgen Robles, one of the medical technologists of PRC local chapter, simultaneous bloodletting activities are to be conducted today at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in this city, and in Northeastern Agusan Colleges (NAC) at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

On Valentine’s Day, the official said same activity will be conducted at Saint Michael College of Caraga (SMCC), also in Nasipit.

Meanwhile, the newest radio station here – Radyo Trumpeta will also be conducting its first bloodletting activity on the afternoon of February 14, Robles said.

Robles added membership for the Red Cross Fun Drive is still open for those who are interested. According to him, regular members will enjoy benefits of a free identification card as well as an insurance benefit.

The official further said this is not the first time that a radio station has sponsored such activity. He added during the previous years, dxBC RMN Butuan and dxBR Bombo Radyo Butuan have also conducted bloodletting activity annually in response to the call of PRC in an effort to collect more bags of blood.

When PRC Governor and Philippine Senator Richard Gordon visited the city early last year for an invitation with the local government, he urged both the public and private organizations and agencies to help PRC in its quest to collect blood as the country is experiencing shortage of blood donors.

In other developments, following the typhoon “Sendong” which has devastated some areas in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities on December 17, 2011, according to PRC website, they have maintained strict 24-hour monitoring of all situations in affected municipalities, with nearly 1,000 PRC staff and volunteers deployed in the field conducting detailed assessments along with relief operations, welfare and first aid services.

PRC also reported that meals have been served to 2,333 persons, food items to 27,896 persons, and non-food items (sleeping mats, mosquito nets, blankets, water, hygiene kits, body bags, dinnerware, slippers and clothing to 18,871 persons. Total cash donations as of December 28, 2011 reached P98,771,839.05. (PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: Students affected by Sendong gets education aid

By Danny Escabarte

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- Compassion and generosity moves people to continue helping survivors as they to go back living normal lives after the tragedy. It may take longer time to heal the wounds and trauma brought by tropical storm Sendong, but the survivors have shown strong determination to start anew.

Despite the difficulties, Jasmin Pagador, 6; and two of her elder siblings still go to school with just few sheets of pad paper on hand. The flood inundated their village and washed away their meager belongings including schoolbags and uniforms. None of their family members perished during the incident as they were able to climb over the rooftop of a neighbor's house.

Like the rest of the survivors, their determination encouraged compassionate individuals and organizations to help. Humanitarian aid continues to pour for students affected by the deluge, this time the aid comes in the form of educational assistance consisting of assorted school supplies, T-shirts and skirts for uniforms, slippers instead of shoes and books among others.

Jasmin Pagador was happy to have received the education starter package. She was one of the 471 school children of Cabili Village Elementary School benefited recently from the assistance facilitated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Their school is among those badly hit by flashflood when Sendong passed over the area last December. Jasmin's classroom was damaged forcing her teacher to find another place where to conduct temporary classes.

Rafael Lopa, head of PBSP, visited flood-damaged schools in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to see where the Foundation and its corporate partners could channel available resources to help ease the burden of Sendong survivors.

During the early stage of relief operations, PBSP helped mobilized member companies to donate basic survival necessities for flood-stricken families. Filipinos here and abroad responded with great compassion. The corporate foundation facilitated the visit to Cagayan de Oro of Filipino-American hip-hop artist of the Black Eyed Peas apl.de.ap.

Touched by the condition of survivors, Apl.de.Ap extended his share to help his kababayans. His leaving Cagayan de Oro after coming face to face with suffering kids and families might have moved him so much, that he sent his managers to do a deeper follow up visit to areas in Cagayan and Iligan to assess other possible needs of survivors.

Jennifer Belle, one of his managers cried when she met Jasmin at Cabili Village Elementary School in Iligan. She doesn’t know how to speak Bisayan dialect but she understood Jasmin's feelings as she tried to talk to the little girl during the visit. Both of them were speechless as they viewed the damaged classroom of Jasmin.

From relief operations, PBSP now helps mobilize resources to be able to participate in the more challenging and costly rehabilitation efforts. With local partners like Goodwill Mindanao Philippines, Inc. (GMPI), projects and initiatives still in the pipeline will be implemented to sustain its engagement with those affected by Sendong and corporate partners. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Collaboration boosts creation of Agusan Norte Tourism Master Plan

By Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- In a bid to hasten the development and expansion of the tourism industry in the Province of Agusan del Norte, planning and tourism officers both from the municipal and provincial government units, including stakeholders from the Provincial Tourism Council, Department of Tourism and TESDA have had been converging for several intensive sessions to map out strategies for a workable and encompassing Provincial Tourism Master Plan.

Daniel Calo, provincial tourism officer of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, projected that the result of their collaborative efforts will see fruition 30 to 45 days from the time of this writing. Once fully hatched, he foresaw that the master plan will play a pivotal role and will shape the upcoming programs, projects, and activities of the provincial tourism sector.

He said the move is in synch with the desire of President Benigno Aquino III to make tourism as one of the main economic drivers under his watch, with the expressed directive of ushering in at least 10 million tourist arrivals in the country by year 2016. As of now, the country is lagging behind compared to other Asian players with tourist arrivals hitting less than four million, Calo added.

Jean Camarin, supervising tourism officer of DOT Caraga, revealed that her agency pitched in at least P150,000 to facilitate the holding of planning-workshop sessions in order to fast track the Provincial Tourism Master Plan and in a way rejuvenate the emerging provincial tourism industry.

She disclosed that the provincial government’s initiative of coming up with the master plan is in line with the directives under RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, which is “an act declaring a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development and strengthening the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies to effectively and efficiently implement that policy, and appropriating funds therefor.”

The master plan has at least five components namely: (a) Infrastructure; (b) Facilities and Services; (c) Marketing and Promotion; (d) Product Development; and (e) Institution and Governance.

TESDA has come in as a stakeholder with specific emphasis on the component Facilities and Services. To clarify matters, the collaborative body agreed that Facilities is the investors’ or employers’ side, while Services is the workers’ side – both of whom are working in tandem to propel the tourism industry.

Provincial Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of TESDA Agusan del Norte said, "It is hard to imagine developing the Tourism Sector without good services. And when we talk about services, we are talking about human resource development, which is part of the forte and mandate of TESDA.”

He contended the need to professionalize the tourism sector services, because “for all we know, TESDA, being the Authority, is tasked to cultivate and enhance the promotion and advancement of the middle level manpower sector through technical education and skills development. Part of doing this is that we need to certify our skilled workers under TESDA.”

He went on to share that TESDA has lots of qualifications that are within the domain of tourism industry such as but not limited to Bartending, Commercial Cooking, Food and Beverage Services, Food Processing, Housekeeping, Household Services, Massage Therapy, Tour Guiding, Tourism Management, etc.

As a tandem collaborating and facilitating the need of the provincial government to come up with a sensible master plan, DOT looks at the macro level of things, while TESDA delves into the finer points of educating, training and certifying the front-liners in the arena of services.

Greg Hontiveros, a known local historian, was hired by the provincial government as consultant to arrange and package the whole master plan. In the process, he has inputted critical development points, which were incorporated in drafting the master plan. (TESDA-Agusan del Norte/NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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DAR successfully turns over 13.7M farm-to-market-toad with box culvert to Carrascal, Surigao Del Sur

By Myra Q. Yu

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) successfully turned over 13.7-million farm-to-market road with box culvert to the municipality of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, recently.

Said project was funded by Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support project (ARISP III) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in association with Local Government Unit of Carrascal involving 1.702 kilometers rehabilitation/improvement of Barangay Adlay farm-to-market-road with box culvert.

In his message, Carrascal Vice Mayor Alfred Arreza expressed his gratitude to DAR through ARISP for the realization of the project and announced that LGU-Carrascal made a resolution in view of its commitment on their counterpart for the maintenance of the FMR project.

Likewise, Regional Dir. Faisar Mambuay was happy for the early completion of the project and encouraged all the recipients to be responsible in maintaining the project.

This accomplishment is another milestone for DAR-Caraga being the lead agency of this project, in partnership with the DPWH as the implementing agency.

With this partnership, the government was able to help boast the economic development of Adlay ARC (Agrarian Reform Community) and also provided convenience and comfort for the residents and the local farmers especially in the delivery of their farm products to the nearby barangays and municipalities.

Mambuay led the turnover ceremony together with Vice Mayor Arreza, Asst. Regional Director Alejandro S. Otacan, PARO Benjamin M. Mataksil, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) representative Engr. Maribeth Burgos, DAR officials, DPWH staff, and Barangay Adlay officials. (DAR-PIO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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P35M-worth of agri projects benefit Caraga

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The government has poured around P35 million worth of farm inputs and implements to boost production and recover the losses brought by calamities to thousands of farmers in Caraga Region last year.

Inputs and implements included farm tractors, green houses, irrigation equipment, power sprayers, farm animals, planting materials, coffee de-huller, fish fingerlings and fishing paraphernalia, fertilizers, and other farming materials.

Recipient farmers were from the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, and in the cities of Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, Butuan, Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte, Surigao, Tandag in Surigao del Sur, and Bislig, also in Surigao del Sur.

The agricultural assistance had been turned over by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his recent regional engagement here.

The agriculture official also handed over these farm inputs and implements to other local government unit (LGU) officials during the farmers’ forum in Surigao City, Remedios T. Romualdez in Agusan del Norte, and during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council Congress (AFC) in Butuan City.

Also included are funding support for farm-to-market roads, diversion dam, potable water system, various livelihood projects under the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), counterpart fund for the establishment of liquid nitrogen plant, and computer with accessories. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

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Massive Caraga tree planting set

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The National Greening Program (NGP) in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) is stepping up its activities and targeting the planting of 1.4 million seedlings of fruit trees, both indigenous and premium species, this year.

Members of non-government organizations, the academe, schools, various youth organizations, various church organizations, local government units, all line agencies of the government and private companies have been tapped in the effort to green all watershed areas and vacant lands in the five provinces and six cities in the Caraga region.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-Caraga Region 13), along with private tree seed growers, will produce the targeted tree seeds, in an objective to hit the target.

Per instruction of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, Region XIII DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca has already mobilized senior forest officials, the four provincial and 13 community environment and natural resources officers (PENROs, CENROs), in the five provinces and six cities of Caraga region to prepare large-scale seedling production for massive tree planting this year.

During a meeting here held recently, Regional Technical Director of the Ecosystem Research and Development (ERDS) Virgilio dela Cruz at the DENR Training Center in Butuan City was tasked to handle the procurement and production of seedlings for the NGP. He also has submitted a detailed program on the production and procurement of quality planting materials for 2012 with a total cost of P22.5 million.

Sibbaluca said there are about 13,290 hectares of denuded forest lands and tree parks that were identified and prepared as potential sites for tree-planting activities in the different areas this year.

He said the production of seedlings will likewise be initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is expected to contribute about 2 million pieces of fruit tree seedlings.

Among the kind of tree species that will be planted are bamboo, banaba, bangkal, coffee, cacao, dao, ilang-ilang, ipil, kamagong, lanipao, lauan, mahogany, molave, rubber, and some of the vanishing species like bitaog, balat-buaya, bitanghol, sagimsim, agoho and lanutan.

Last year, the DENR 13 has planted fruit tree and indigenous tree seedlings on a 5,000-hectare unproductive forest land spread over the different areas of the region. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog news: PBCC/PRC nalampasan ang target sa pagpangulekta ng dugo

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Peb. 10 (PIA) -- Naalampasan ng Provincial Blood Coordinating Council (PBCC) sa pamamagitan ng pagkipag-alyansa sa Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) at ng Provincial Health Office (PHO) ng Agusan del Sur ang kanilang target sa pagkolekta ng dugo na kinakailangan ng lalawigan at ng mga karatig probinsya at ito ay naitalang sumobra ng 133 bags.

Hindi rin nagpabaya ang pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pagbibigay suporta na siyang sumasagot sa pagbili ng re-agents na ginagamit sa pag susuri ng mga nakolektang dugo.

Nang magtapos ang taong 2011, ang PBBB ay naka kolekta ng 2,633 ng 450 ml. na preskong dugo sa pamamagitan ng mga donasyon galing sa pangungolekta ng mga miyembro ng PBCC, PRC-AdS at PHO sa mga bayan, galing sa mga boluntaryong pumupunta sa tanggapan ng PRC, at mga pasyenteng direktang sinasabihang palitan ang nagamit na dugo at ito ay umabot sa 60 bags, na may konting kababaan kung ikumpara sa taong 2010, na umabot ng 2,693.

Ang pinakamataas na pagpangolekta ng dugo ay nanggaling sa field donation kung saan ang grupo ng mga medical technologists na galing sa D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) at PRC Agusan del Sur ay pumunta sa iba’t-ibang bayan sa Agusan del Sur at gumawa ng buwanang pangungolekta ng dugo.

Sa talaan, ang field donations ay umabot sa 2,538 bags habang ang mga ipinalit ng mga pasyenteng nakagamit ng dugo ay 38 at ang mga boluntaryong nagpapakuha sa tanggapan ng PRC ay 27, at ang mga nanggaling naman sa mga pasyenteng direktang pinapayuhan na maghanap ng donor ay 30 bags.

Hindi lamang mga pasyenteng galing sa lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur ang napagsilbihan ng mga dugo na galing sa Agusan del Sur kung hindi pati na ang mga pasyenteng taga-Agusan del Sur na na-hospital sa Kidapawan City kung saan, dalawang bags ang ipinadala roon.

Ang DOPMH, na kilala na na may mga modernong kagamitan at mga mahuhusay na manggagamot ay siyang may pinakamataas ng bilang ng mga nagamit na dugo na umabot sa 2,008 bags ng magtapos ang taong 2011. Ang pumapangalawa ay ang Bunawan District Hospital na may 146 bags. Ang mga nalalabi ay napunta sa mga hospital sa Lungsod ng Butuan, Lungsod ng Surigao at Surigao del Norte.

Ayon pa sa talaan ng PBCC, mas marami ang mga donors na lalake kaysa mga babae. Marami rin ang mga positibo sa Hepa B na may 145 samples, syphilis na may 28, Hepa C na may 13 kaso at kasong HIV na umabot sa apat. Anim napu’t dalawang bags ang nag expire habang anim naman ang spoiled chylous.

Ang pamahalang panlalawigan ng Agusan del Sur ay naglaan ng P1.5 milyong pundo para sa reagents pero dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng reagents, ang lalawigan ay nagbigay ng supplementary budget na P1.6 milyon at ito ay ibinigay noong fourth quarter ng taong 2011. Ang 13 bayan at ang lungsod ng Bayugan naman ay taunan din kung magbigay ng kani-kanilang tulong na P50,000 na siyang ginagamit para sa gasolina, langis at iba pang mga gastusin kung ang grupo ng mga medical technologist ay pupunta sa mga kabayanan para mangolekta ng dugo.

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Cebuano news: 5-year plan sa Agusan del Norte PDRRMC, mas gipalambo

BUTUAN CITY, Peb. 10 (PIA) -- Mas gipalambo pa sa mga stakeholders sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) sa pagpanguna ni Gov. Erlpe John Amante isip chairman, ang ilang 5-year PDRMMC Plan alang sa tuig 2012 hangtud 2017.

Kini human nakab-ot atol sa ilang tigom ang pag-organisa og DRMM plan alang sa probinsya kansang tumong mao ang pagmugna og pagpatuman og mga lakang og mekanismo aron epektibong makunhuran ang mga risgo ug impacts sa mga kalamidad ug climate change alang sa masustiner pang paglambo, pagkunhod sa kapobrehon ug balanseng palibot.

Sigon ni PDRRMC officer Erma Suyo, gilantaw nila nga kinahanglang preparado ang probinsya og mutubag gilayon sa kabag-uhang mahatud sa climate change ngadto sa komunidad.

Nag-organisa na usab sila og DRM teams sa tanang levels diha sa lokal nga kagamhanan sa barangay, munisipyo o kaha siyudad.

Ang maong teams gibansay kalabot sa pagplano, program implementation, monitoring ingon man early warnings og alert systems.

Ipa-ilalom usa sila sa simulation drills ug exercises alang sa luwas nga paghikling panahon sa sunog, baha, bagyo, linog ug storm surge.

Uban sa lima ka tuig nga plano, mala-umon ang PDRRMC nga ilang makab-ot ang ilang tinguha ug makunhuran ang mga risgo panahon sa mga kalamidad. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Aquino minganlan kang Escudero isip miyembro sa U.P. Board of Regents ug bag-ong mga opisyales sa hudikatura

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Peb. 10 (PIA) -- Gitudlo ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III si Evelina Buencamino Guevara-Escudero isip bag-ong miyembro sa Universidad sa Pilipinas-Board of Regents, ang opisyales sa Palasyo mibutyag kagahapon Huwebes.

Atol sa regular press briefing didto sa Malacañang kagahapon Huwebes, si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda miingon nga si Escudero maoy mohulip kang Magdaleno B. Albarracin Jr. Ang termino ni Escudero moluntad hangtod Pebrero 18, 2014.

Si Lacierda usab mianunsyo sa lain pang mga katudloan ngadto sa hudikatura.

Si Pangulong Aquino mitudlo kang Judge Marlo B. Campanilla isip presiding judge sa Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 83 sa Caloocan City. Sayo sa iyang pagkatudlo, si Campanilla nagserbisyo isip 4thManila Assistant City Prosecutor sukad niadtong tuig 2002.

Si Lacierda miingon nga si Judge Dennis J. Rafa natudlo ngadto sa MTC Branch 84 sa Caloocan City. Usa ka gradwado sa Bachelor of Laws gikan sa Manuel Luis Quezon University (MLQU), si Rafa nagserbisyo isip Makati Prosecutor II sukad niadtong tuig 20017 hangtod sa iyang pagkatudlo ngadto sa MTC Branch 84.Si Judge Michael V. Francisco gitahasan isip presiding judge sa MTC Branch 85 sa Caloocan City. Siya migradwar sa Bachelor of Laws gikan sa University of the Philippines ug nag praktis og law sa pipila ka pribadong mga law firms.

Si Judge Lourdes Grace Barrientos-Sasondoncillo natudlo ngadto sa MTC Branch 86 sa Caloocan City. Sayo sa iyang pagkatudlo, siya nagtrabaho isip Graft Investigator ug Prosecution Officer didto sa Opisina sa Ombudsman. Siya nagtrabaho usab sa nagkalain-laing mga bangko ug isip usa ka part-time faculty law professor sa mga nagkalain-laing mga eskuylahan. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: Aquino miselebrar sa iyang 52nd birthday sa pagduaw didto sa mga lugar nga apektado sa linog

SURIGAO CITY, Peb. 10 (PIA) -- Ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III misaulog sa iyang ika 52nd nga adlawng natawhan kagahapon Miyerkules sa pagduaw sa mga apektadong lugar didto sa Guihulngan City ug La Libertad sa Negros Oriental human miigo ang 6.9 magnitude nga linog sa Visayas niadtong Lunes.

Gisusi sa Pangulo ang nadaot nga mga lugar ug nakigkita sa mga residente nga apektado sa maong linog. Gipangunahan usab niya ang relief operatios sa gobyerno didto sa apektadong mga lugar.
Sa interbyu human sa iyang mga pagbisita didto sa Guihulngan City ug La Libertad, ang Pangulo miseguro nga adunay igong pundo ang gobyerno aron motabang sa apektadong mga komunidad nga makarekober gikan sa kalamidad ug mabalik ang tanan sa normal.

“Siguro more than anything, kanina yung nakita nating problema sa isang bagay na medyo nakakasakit sa damdamin lalo na yung nawalan ng buhay. Pero on the other hand, talaga namang maraming kakayanan ang gobyerno ngayon para maibalik sila as much as possible sa normal na sitwasyon,” ang Pangulo miingon.

“So yung maraming kawani ng gobyerno, local, national, may mga NGOs (non-government organizations) rin tumutulong na nagdamay-damay dito para mabawasan nga ‘yung paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan doon.”

Ang Pangulo miingon iyang nakita ang gidak-on sa nadaot partikularmente didto sa syudad sa Guihulngan ug La Libertad, nga matud pa niya pwede nga mograbe pa tungod sa padayon nga mga aftershocks nga matud pa sa mga awtoridad nga molungtad og pipila ka mga semana. Siya usab mitumbok nga adunay dakong panginahanglanon sa ilimnong tubig ang mga residente.

Ang mga miyembro sa kabinete nga miuban sa Pangulo atol sa briefing mahitungod sa disaster miingon nga relief ug reconstruction padayon aron matabangan ang apektadong mga komunidad.

Ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) miingon mokabat sa 6,000 food packs ang gikatakdang ipang apod-apod kagahapon Miyerkules lakip usab ang bottled water, tulda, habol, ug mga moskitero.

Si DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman miingon, usa ka cash-for-work nga program ang ihatag ngadto sa mga apektado aron pagtabang kanila nga makarekober gikan sa kalamidad.

Ang Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ug ang Department of Energy (DOE) miingon sila nagtambayayong alang sa dinaliang konstruksyon sa nagubang mga dalan ug mga tulay lakip ang mga linya sa kuryente nga giguba sa maong linog.

Ang Department of Agriculture (DA) ug ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), sa laing bahin, mipasalig sa Pangulo sa makanunayon nga suplay sa mga nag-unang mga palaliton lakip usab ang pagseguro nga magpabilin sa normal nga lebel ang mga presyo.

Sa ilang parte, ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) miingon sila mipadala sa public safety battalion aron eseguro ang kalinaw ug hapsay ug matabangan ang laing mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga mabiyehe ang mga gikinahanglang mga pagkaon ug gamit alang sa apektadong mga residente. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Thursday, February 9, 2012

Butuan City bags the highest number of medals on the 2nd day of CRAM

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- Butuan City bagged the highest number of medals on Tueday, the second day of the Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM), held at the D.O. Plaza Sports Complex, with a total of 99 medals, followed by Surigao del Sur with 73, Agusan del Norte with 60, and Agusan del Sur with 56 medals.

According to report by games secretariat chairperson Ellen Divinagracia Detalo , Butuan City also got the highest number of gold medals totalling to 40, followed by Agusan del Sur with 25, then Surigao del Sur with 19 gold medals.

Team standing as of Tuesday showed that the other four that followed Agusan del Sur are Surigao City with 42 medals, Surigao del Norte with 29, Siargao with 15, and Bislig City with 13 medals.

Butuan City is still on top regarding silver medals with 32, followed by Surigao del Sur with with 30, then Agusan del Sur with 17 silver medals. But the contingent that gathered the highest number of bronze medals is Agusan del Norte, with 35.

Games played during yesterday’s event were triple jump, long jump, dash run, sipa, badminton javelin throw, shot put, gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics lawn tennis, table tennis, and swimming.

The 15th CRAM is participated by more than 3,000 athletes and members of the delegations from all provinces and cities in Caraga Region. The regional athletic competition will end today, where awarding of prizes and medals will take place. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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OWWA ready to assist families of OFWs in Caraga, official says

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- An official of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Caraga Region said the agency is always ready to assist the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

According to Ritchel Molero, OWWA-Caraga Labor Communications officer, their office is regularly supporting the families of OFWs who are experiencing financial constraints.

Molero explained majority of these families came to their office to complaint that their OFW relative is not remitting money anymore.

She added some even said they were not able to contact their OFW relative abroad and they don’t know their whereabouts.

The official said these are among the problems of majority of the families of OFWs from the region that were brought to their office.

Molero however, said the office was able to extend help to these families through coordination with the Philippine embassies abroad.

With these developments, the official is optimistic that families and relatives of these OFWs will resolve any problems concerning their loved ones who are working abroad. (PIA-Caraga)

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City housing to evacuate residents in danger zone

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The city’s housing office here will evacuate residents living in danger zone, as per Executive Order 53 issued by Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., prohibiting residents to construct houses in areas considered as danger zones in the city.

Lorden Vismanos, chief of the City Housing Office said they are urging residents who are living in danger zones to immediately evacuate.

He added that those who are applying for a housing permit will not be granted in danger zone areas.

The official said considered danger zone are areas where the Cotabato-Agusan River Basin Development Project (CARBDP) is constructed.

Particularly, these areas are along the riverbanks of Agusan River which are inside the CARBDP dikes that have been constructed in mid-1990s.

Aside from these areas, the officials said owners of those houses built without building permits and are situated in the danger zones are likely to be affected with this new executive order of Amante.

Vismanos further said the local government is just providing security to these residents especially during calamities and disasters.

The official also said this is one of the measures of the local government to mitigate the impact during disasters and calamities. (PIA-Caraga)

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CSC-Caraga establishes testing centers in the region

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) here in Caraga Region has established testing centers in the region to accommodate examinees of CSC career examinations in other provinces.

According to CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres that aside from the testing centers in this city, other testing centers are already established in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur and in Surigao City.

Torres said those who wished to take the sub-professional and professional examinations from these places may now take the said examinations in the designated testing centers.

Torres added in Butuan City, sub-professional testing center is established in Butuan City School of Arts and Trades (BCSAT) in J. Rosales Avenue, while the professional testing center is located inside the campuses of Caraga State University (CSU) in Barangay Ampayon, and in Libertad National High School (LNHS) in Barangay Libertad here.

In a related development, the official informed applicants of the upcoming professional and sub-professional examinations to read the new guidelines stipulated in their application forms as new requirements to be followed.

Among those is the requirement of bigger size ID picture to be attached or pasted at the application form.

Torres said the next career service examination is scheduled on May 27, 2012 on the said testing centers. (PIA-Caraga)

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DTI-Agusan del Norte to conduct awareness, education seminar to customers, businessmen

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Norte is set to conduct awareness and education seminar to customers and businessmen in the province this year.

According to Win Palma, Consumer Welfare Division chief of DTI-Agusan del Norte, this advocacy campaign aimed to inform the consumers of their rights.

Palma added businessmen are also invited to attend these series of seminars that will be conducted in some primary and secondary schools in the province so that they will also know the consumer and customers’ rights therefore, they will be warned if they have violated such rights.

“Aduna kita’y ubay-ubay nga mga awareness ug education seminars nga gina-conduct sa mga nagkadaiyang eskwelahan sa probinsiya tumong nga mahatagan og igong kahibalo ang mga konsumador sa ilang mga katungod ug ingon man mahibal-an usab sa mga negosyante ang mga nagkadaiyang katungod sa ilang mga customers,” Palma said.

(We have conducted awareness and education seminars conducted in different schools in the province to inform consumers of their rights, as well as businessmen will also know the rights of their customers.)

The official said this activity was realized after some complaints on the behavior of workers and alleged defective products sold by some establishments in the province were received.

Meanwhile, officials and personnel of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Caraga Region have stepped-up preparations for the conduct of Caraga Business Week which is slated on Feb. 23 to 28.

Highlighting the celebration is the conduct of a Business Opportunity Forum where interested would-be entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to know the perspective in establishing or investing business.

Participants of the forum will also be given tips and strategies on how to start their business, as well as on how to sustain it. (PIA-Caraga)

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Surigao del Sur joins 8th National Dental Health Month celebration

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The province of Surigao del Sur joined the 8th National Dental Health month celebration.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), a fitting program was held at the Captiol Seminar Hall, this city on Tuesday with the theme, “Ngiping matatamis, ngiping malilinis, dala ay pag-asa, tunay na ligaya."

Dentists coming from both the public and private sectors, especially members of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) headed by Dr. Juanto Manigo came to grace the occasion.

The search for orally fit child program, poster-making and slogan contests also highlighted the event.

A free dental clinic at the Barangay Hall of Telaje here concluded the celebration. (Radyo ng Bayan Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Surigao Norte holds municipal treasurers, assessors assembly

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Surigao del Norte spearheaded recently a Municipal Treasurers and Assessors Assembly at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas graced the opening of the one-day assembly aimed to discussed plans, strategies and solutions to increase tax collection in the municipalities.

In her speech, Matugas encouraged all municipal treasurers and assessors to implement some means and strategies that would help improve and increase tax collection, “so that you will not only depend in your Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).”

She also encouraged them to coordinate and join forces with barangay treasurers in organizing a barangay tax coordinators. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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“Panambay sa Barangay” goes to Brgy. Balibayon, Day-asan

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The “Panambay sa Barangay” of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Government was successfully held recently at Barangay Balibayon and Barangay Day-asan, Surigao City.

During the said event, Gov. Sol Matugas led the ceremonial turn-over of educational materials to pre-school children and Day Care Center worth P400,000 which will be constructed inside the school premises of the said barangays.

At the same time, Matugas encouraged all women to organize their own barangay livelihood cooperative that would help increase their income.

The governor also encouraged everyone, especially the barangay officials to help and actively participate in the development of their barangay.

Barangay Balibayon Captain Ruben Catarman and Barangay Day-asan Captain Lani Erezo were thankful to Gov. Matugas that they were able to avail the free medical check up, dental, papsmear, tuli and free medicine and vitamins. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Surigao Norte gov leads training center groundbreaking

By Eugenio Lira Jr.

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Governor Sol Matugas led on Friday the groundbreaking ceremony for the Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center inside the Provincial Sports Complex along the Surigao del Norte National High school road attended by local officials and officials from national line agencies.

The lady governor was joined by Rep. Francisco Matugas, City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Board Member Margarito Longos, League of Municipalities President Mayor Sheila May Orquina-Cebedo, Dapa Mayor Peter “Boy” Ruaya, Placer Mayor Felimon Napule, Malimono Mayor Teodoro Senaca, Claver Mayor Rosemarie Gokiangkee, Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II, Burgoz Mayor Rolito Nogaliza, Taganaan Mayor Cesar Diaz, San Francisco Mayor Simplicia Bacol, Gigaquit Mayor Carlos Egay, Sr. and Sison Mayor Leicester Fetalvero.

Also attending were Prov’l. Engineer Alwin Puno, Prov’l. Manpower Training Officer Emilio Pantejo, Prov’l. Attorney Primolito Plaza, Prov’l. Tourism Officer Yvonne Beltran, Prov’l. Budget Officer Gay Cotiangco, Prov’l. Treasurer Daisy Hubilla, Caraga Tri-Media President Roberto Parada, DepEd Superintendent Evelyn Fetalvero, Prov’l. Philhealth Officer Rodrigo Ariar and Ass’t. Prov’l Agriculturist Rebecca Bagnol.

In her speech, Matugas said the establishment of the training center is part of the economic enterprise agenda to boost income generation for the provincial government.

“We will only charge minimal fees to agencies that would like to conduct training-workshops and avail of the outstanding facilities of the training center. This is our way of helping them in their austerity measures but avail of our quality service in the process,” Matugas said.

Engr. Puno disclosed that P10 million from the DILG-Local Government Support Fund will be earmarked for Phase 1 construction of the 1,200-square meter two-storey training facility which will start next month. This will include the administration building, a library equipped with computers, a 150-person capacity air-conditioned seminar room, an 86-bed capacity air-conditioned dormitory, a kitchen, a prayer room and a spacious parking lot, the provincial engineer added.

“Gov. Sol Matugas and Rep. Francisco Matugas have committed to allocate at least P5 million for Phase 2 construction of the training center. The amount will be used to purchase the necessary equipments and install additional features to the facility to make it competitive with other leading training hubs in Mindanao,” Puno said. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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City vet to finalize sked for animal vaccination this year

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The city veterinarian office here has yet to finalize schedule for animal vaccination this year in support to the program of the national government to provide health care to animals.

According to Dr. Danilo Mancio Alegado, city veterinarian said this program is regularly undertaken by his office to ensure that people will be safe from any illnesses that these animals bring that will endanger health.

Because of this, Alegado said regular vaccination is conducted against hog cholera, anemia, and rabies, among others.

The official also said they are continuously impounding street dogs that may cause the public harm.

“Amo usab gipadayon ang pag impound sa mga iro nga naglatagaw sa atong mga kadalanan aron masiguro ang kaluwasan sa atong mga katawhan sa dakbayan,” Alegado said. (We also continued impounding street dogs to ensure that people here in the city will be safe).

He added most of these dogs have high risk of having rabies that is dangerous to humans.

“Kasagaran man gud ani nga mga klase nga iro taas kaayo ang risgo sa rabies nga mamahimong delikado sa mga panglawas sa katawhan,” Alegado said.(Most of these dogs have high risk of having rabies that may be dangerous to people’s health).

With these developments, Alegado said during their recent meeting, schedules for this activity are set for finalization but the official assured that the activity will start as soon as possible. (PIA-Caraga)

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BJMP-Caraga installs CCTV cameras in all jails in the region

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Officials of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) - Caraga are installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to all provincial jails in the region.

BJMP assistant regional director Jail Inspector Dario Campos said that to date, CCTV cameras have already been installed in three out of five provincial jails in the region.

Campos said that with the successful installation of these cameras in three provinces, they will see to it that the remaining two provincial jails will be installed with the same monitoring device within the year.

The official said they have already coordinated with the concerned local government units for their financial support so that installation will be completed as scheduled.

Campos said installation of said cameras will help jail officers monitor what is happening within and around the jail premises. Other than the monitoring function the CCTV provides, it also gives the inmates a sense of security, as jail officers can immediately respond if any untoward incident happens. (PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: 5-year plan sa Agusan del Norte PDRRMC, mas gipalambo

BUTUAN CITY, Peb. 8 (PIA) -- Mas gipalambo pa sa mga stakeholders sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) sa pagpanguna ni Gov. Erlpe John Amante isip chairman, ang ilang 5-year PDRMMC Plan alang sa tuig 2012 hangtud 2017.

Kini human nakab-ot atol sa ilang tigom ang pag-organisa og DRMM plan alang sa probinsya kansang tumong mao ang pagmugna og pagpatuman og mga lakang og mekanismo aron epektibong makunhuran ang mga risgo ug impacts sa mga kalamidad ug climate change alang sa masustiner pang paglambo, pagkunhod sa kapobrehon ug balanseng palibot.

Sigon ni PDRRMC officer Erma Suyo, gilantaw nila nga kinahanglang preparado ang probinsya og mutubag gilayon sa kabag-uhang mahatud sa climate change ngadto sa komunidad.

Nag-organisa na usab sila og DRM teams sa tanang levels diha sa lokal nga kagamhanan sa barangay, munisipyo o kaha siyudad.

Ang maong teams gibansay kalabot sa pagplano, program implementation, monitoring ingon man early warnings og alert systems.

Ipa-ilalom usa sila sa simulation drills ug exercises alang sa luwas nga paghikling panahon sa sunog, baha, bagyo, linog ug storm surge.

Uban sa lima ka tuig nga plano, mala-umon ang PDRRMC nga ilang makab-ot ang ilang tinguha ug makunhuran ang mga risgo panahon sa mga kalamidad. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Panambay sa Barangay sa Brgy. Balibayon, Day-asan malamposon

By Fryan E. Abkilan

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Peb. 8 (PIA) – Malamposon nga gipahigayon niadtong milabayng adlaw ang Panambay sa Barangay didto sa Barangay Balibayon ug Day-asan syudad sa Surigao.

Unang giduaw nila Governor Sol Matugas, Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas , Congressman Francisco Matugas ug DepEd Surigao City Division Superintendent Fidela Rosas ang Brgy. Day-asan misunod ang Brgy. Balibayon.

Atol sa maong okasyon gipahigayon usab ang pag turn-over sa mga dulaan alang sa mga pre-school children nga makatabang sa ilang pagtoon, gihatagan usab ni Governor Matugas og Day Care Center kantidad P400,000 ang matag barangay nga ipahimutang sa sulod sa eskwelahan sa elementary.

Giawhagan sa Goberbador ang mga kababayenhan nga mag-organisa og kooperatiba nga maoy makuhaan sa ilang panginabuhian ug aron usab sila malingaw ug makatabang sa ilang pang-adlaw nga galastuhan.

Giawhag usab sa Gobernador ang mga opisyales sa barangay nga magtinabangay sa pagpauswag sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay labi na gyud ang Barangay Day-asan kay kini usa ka tourist attraction sa syudad.

Mapasalamaton ug mapasigarbohon kaayo og dako sila Punong Barangay Ruben Catarman sa Day-asan ug si Punong Barangay Lani Erezo sa brgy. Balibayon, nga nahidangat sa ilang barangay si Gobernador Matugas ug uban pang mga opisyales labi na gyud na sila nakatagamtam sa mga libreng serbisyo sa panambay sa barangay. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, February 7, 2012

CDA-Caraga urged coop owners to register

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Despite reports of closure of some cooperatives, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) urged those who are planning to establish cooperatives to have it registered.

CDA-Caraga Regional Director Manuela Pelaez recently said closure of some cooperatives is due to mismanagement.

However, Pelaez said coop owners should register to CDA so that they can be assisted on how to improve the transactions undertaken by the cooperative.

“Bisan og aduna’y mga cooperatives nga na-dissolve niadtong miaging tuig tungod sa sayop nga pag-manage, mas maayo guihapon nga magpa-rehistro ang mga nanag-iya’g cooperative sa buhatan sa CDA aron mahatagan sila og giya ug estratehiya kung unsaon pag-palambo og pag-sustiner sa maong kooperatiba,” Pelaez said.

(Although there are cooperatives that were dissolved or closed last year because of mismanagement, it is still advised that owners of cooperatives must register in CDA so that they will be given guides and strategies how to develop and sustain their cooperative.)

Pelaez said if coop owners are registered, CDA will teach them strategies on how to run and sustain the cooperative.

The official added, to date, some 80 cooperatives in the region have already registered in CDA this year. (PIA-Caraga)

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BJMP to strengthen management strategy

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Caraga is strengthening management strategy to improve their services.

BJMP-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Dario Campos said through this, they can find ways to increase its budget particularly in the improvement of facilities in the jails here in the region.

Specifically, ARD Campos said basic necessities of inmates such as foods and medicines are among that are given priority in allocating budget.

The official further said aside from improving their services to the inmates, they must also strengthen their manpower complement, through skills enhancement trainings and seminars.

Campos further admitted that in terms of security inside the jails, there is still a need for improvement. “With this, our personnel must undergo series of trainings for this matter,” Campos said. (PIA-Caraga)

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POPCOM urges youth to make responsible decisions

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Officials of Caraga Region’s Commission on Population (POPCOM) recently urged teenagers to decide responsibly on the matter of going into serious relationships.

Through their advocacy program dubbed “Pag-aaral ay para sa hinaharap, huwag ipagpalit sa sandaling sarap,” POPCOM-Caraga Information Officer Angie Antonio said.

Antonio said this program was conceptualized after it was observed that more families are experiencing poverty because of the untimely marriage brought about by early teenage pregnancy.

The official added that at present, going into serious relationships is not that easy if both or even one of the party is not yet ready to take any responsibilities.

Because of this, Antonio said some will resort to abortion that will put the health of the mother at risk.

She added building a family must be properly planned first, so that it will result to successful marriage. In this way, it is also assured that the health of all members of the family is properly taken cared of. (PIA-Caraga)

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TESDA to conduct massive trainings of tech-voc courses in Caraga schools

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Caraga Region is set to conduct massive trainings of technical-vocational courses in public and private schools in Caraga Region this year.

TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Edwin Gatinao recently said in a radio interview that they are focusing on giving trainings to personnel and faculty members in schools in the region as this can be of help to students who are enrolled in tech-voc courses.

The region’s TESDA chief also said that aside from the massive training, they are strictly regulating and supervising the schools to pass in the competency level accreditation for which all TESDA-accredited schools are required to undergo.

Gatinao added through this, they are helping the schools to uplift quality education especially in TESDA-accredited technical vocational courses and students will pass in any competency examinations set by TESDA national office. (PIA-Caraga)

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FEATURE: Regional Police 13 fetes “21st PNP Foundation Day”

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The early morning rain and the threatening thick dark clouds did not dampen down the festive ambiance as the Police Regional Office 13 feted its “21st PNP Foundation Day” at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, this city.

The activities started with a Mass at 6:30 a.m. with PCInsp (Fr.) Marlou N. Labares the PRO 13 regional Chaplain as the celebrant. It was followed with foyer honors an hour later.

A wreath-laying rite at the monument of Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez and a 21-gun salute followed, led by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. as the guest of honor and speaker of the occasion, assisted by PRO 13 Regional Director CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal. Attending the activity were the regional and provincial police dignitaries and personnel.

The peak of the celebration was held synchronously with the camp’s traditional Monday flag-raising ceremony highlighted by the recognition and pinning of medals to this year’s celebration awardees. Recipients of this year’s award were the150-strong composite disaster, rescue, retrieval and rehabilitation contingent of the “Task Force Tabang Iligan” which was sent by the police regional office here to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City to assist the residents during the heights of fury and flash floods brought about by Typhoon Sendong on December 2011.

The awardees pursuant to General Orders No. 2, dated January 4, 2012 and No. 33 dated January 19, 2012 were pinned the “Medalya Ng Ugnayang Pampulisiya” and “Medalya Ng Pagtulong Sa Nasasalanta” which was awarded to the entire task force and to PSSupt. Eugenio B. Paguirigan, who led the contingent.

The awards, Rafal said, are in line with the CPNP’s policy and ten-point program, part of which is to award the deserving and to duly sanction the non-performers.

In his message, Mayor Amante congratulated the regional PNP and commended them for their accomplishments and for keeping the city as well as the region peaceful and orderly. He reminded the police force be true always to their vision statement.

He pointed out though that act of protecting life and property against bad elements is an obligation which must be shared by every citizen. He said that the LGU cannot do it by itself. The citizenry and the police must also do their share.

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2011 Surigao Sur TSP accomplishment report for release

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, 7 Feb. (PIA) -- The official release of 2011 accomplishment report of the Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (TSP) of Surigao del Sur will depend on the schedule of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Governor Johnny Pimentel.

According to Reynilda Cosare, Provincial Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the entire accomplishment report of the legislative body headed by Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. is now ready.

In fact, during the TSP hosting of flag ceremony program recently, Cosare has already made a capsulized report of it.

Cosare bared, their office got an “above average” adjectival rating.

However, Governor Johnny Pimentel is toying with the idea of resetting the schedule of SOPA in time for the start of the fiscal year instead of the calendar year as normally practiced here. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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Surigao Sur gets Agri-Pinoy Award; P4M reward

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, 7 Feb. (PIA) -- Surigao del Sur is one of the top 10 provinces in the country that will receive P4,000,000 reward being an Agri-Pinoy Awardee on Friday, February 10, at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

According to Governor Johnny Pimentel, this was due to the “good performance” through the implementation of programs and projects that contributed to the increase in rice production in the province.

Pimentel told Capitol employees during the flag ceremony program on Monday, 40 provinces were nominated for the Agri-Pinoy Award but only 10 among the 16 finalists have made it — one of which is Surigao del Sur.

He stressed, he is set to leave along with Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico for said occasion of which Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala will give the award.

He clarified the financial reward will be allocated for projects that will enhance rice productivity such as dryer, multi-purpose pavement, sprayers, and the like.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Regional Director Edna Mabesa already congratulated the province for yet another feat. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)

PIA News Service - Monday, February 6, 2012

PESO-Butuan conducts 2-day jobs fair

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of this city recently conducted two-day jobs fair in support to the jobs generation program of the national government.

Dubbed “Oportunidad Pantrabaho sa Butuan,” (Employment Opportunity for Butuan) the program is aimed to assist Butuanons in their quest to get employed in local and foreign companies.

In a radio interview, PESO-Butuan Manager Ronnie Azura said this move of the city government is in response to the increasing number of unemployment in the city especially that this coming March, another batch of college students are expected to graduate, “thus, adding to the unemployment rate of the country,” he added.

Azura further said the activity was a rare opportunity for big companies and agencies as they came here to recruit employees.

With this, Azura urged Butuanons to keep in touch with their office as more jobs fair activities are set to be conducted this year, in line with the jobs generation program of the local government here. (PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: More than 3,000 athletes to compete for 15th Caraga Reg'l. Athletic Meet

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- More than 3,000 athletes in colourful uniforms gathered yesterday at the D.O. Plaza Sports Complex for the opening of the 15th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) that will last for four days.

In spite of heavy rains the whole day, the weather condition did not reduce the eagerness of the delegation who proudly lined up in front of the main grand stand, bringing along their respective colourful banners and waving to the spectators that witnessed the opening of the biggest sports event in the entire Caraga Region.

“I am very proud and elated seeing all the delegation very eager to compete and display their skills in any sport events that they will compete. Looking at your faces even with the challenge of the rain, I can see that you display the greatness of sportsmanship, strong and determined to compete. Because of that, I can say that you are all winners by participating alone in this biggest sports event in the entire region. With this, I welcome you all in the province of Agusan del Sur and I pray, this event will end up successfully and with dignity,” Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said when he delivered his welcome greetings.

Keynote speaker Atty. Roni Esguerra from the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education said, sports is the best way the schools can see development in a child. In sports, Esguerra said, a child can develop his mental, physical and emotional values that a person need in order to become a productive citizen of the country. And athletes are trained to have these values in order to win the game, and the challenge of life.

“In this event, the regional athletic meet, you were chosen as among the best from your respective municipalities and provinces, in order to compete here. As I see your faces, you are willing to give your best and to sacrifice and to bring honor to your respective places. The best players out of this event will represent your region to the National Athletic Meet in Lingayen and I know, you will bring back the colors of success,” Esguerra said.

As symbol that Agusan del Sur will be the official host for this year’s CRAM, Surigao del Norte provincial administrator representing Gov. Sol Matugas turned over the athletic banner to Gov. Plaza amidst the singing of the Caraga March by the Bayugan National Comprehensive High School, followed by the hoisting of the 2012 Caraga Regional Athletic Meet Banner. The hoisting of the delegation banners followed, then the entrance of the friendship torch and lighting of the urn by the star athletes of every delegation.

Ronn Sheina Asio, a medallist of the 2011 Palarong Pambansa from Agusan del Sur led the athletes’ oath of mateurism, while Bernard Abellana led the technical officials’ pledge.

While light rains showers on the athletes, DepEd Caraga Regional Office Officer-in-Charge Dr. Benigno formally declared the 15th CRAM open.

Making the opening ceremony merrier, students from the Agusan del Sur, clad in their colourful dresses and hats and other paraphernalia march to the ground for a mass demonstration. Then an exhibition of the drum and bugle from Bayugan National Comprehensive High School followed, while hats were thrown up in the skies by the athletes expressing their joy.

Their day to show and gauge their skills and ability began.

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3,063 delegates join in 15th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Around 3,063 delegates coming from nine divisions of Caraga Region participated in the 15th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet 2012 which opened yesterday, February 5, 2012 at the Patin-ay Grandstand, Agusan del Sur.

Surigao del Norte has 249 delegates, Surigao City - 238, Siargao - 183, Dinagat - 84, Bislig City - 250, Agusan del Norte - 391, Butuan City - 535, Surigao del Sur - 376, Agusan del Sur - 407, and officiating officials - 350.

There are 17 games for elementary level and eighteen games for high school level including arnis, basketball, volleyball, track and field, swimming, badminton, among others.

This year’s 15th Caraga Regional Meet is anchored on the theme, “Athletes in the new millennium; Building borderless partnership through sports.”

The region's sporting event will run until February 9, 2012. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Development of 8-layer waterfalls in Butuan City barangay eyed

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The city tourism is eyeing to develop the eight-layer waterfalls in Barangay Pianing to be one of the prospect tourist attractions of this city.

In an interview with a local radio station here, Joy Rojo, city tourism council officer-in-charge said the crystal water of the waterfalls invite visitors to experience the coolness and beauty of nature.

Rojo added those who were able to visit and see for themselves the nature’s gift have appreciated its scenic beauty.

To date, the official said they are coordinating with officials of the said barangay to request the city government and give them the authority to develop this one-of-a-kind gift of nature and be one of the potential tourist destinations here.

“We have already coordinated with the barangay officials and inform them that they give authority to the city government to develop the area,” Rojo said in Cebuano dialect.

The official further said one way of developing the area into a tourist destination is to create Public-Private Partnership, which is also pushed by the present administration as one of its flagship program.

“We must have a public-private partnership so that the development of the said area will be made fast… through this, we are also supporting this program of the Aquino administration,” Rojo said.

With this, the city tourism council is hoping that the tourism industry of this city will slowly develop to uplift its economic condition. (PIA-Caraga)

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PAEF announces Fulbright scholarship grants for Graduate student program

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) is calling all interested Filipino faculty members and professionals to apply for the scholarship of the 2013-2014 Fulbright graduate degree and non-degree study grants in the United States.

According to Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-Caraga website at www.chedcaraga.com, the program enables qualified Filipinos to pursue their graduate studies in their fields of interest in the United States and develop leaders who can contribute to promoting better understanding between the Philippines and the U.S.

Applications are accepted from faculty and staff of Philippine Universities and professionals from the private and government sectors.

Grants under the Philippine Student Program are for a maximum of one academic year for non-academic degree, one to two years for master’s and two years for doctoral degree studies.

The grant provides for round-trip international travel, monthly maintenance allowance, tuition and fees, book/supply allowance, as well as health and accident insurance.

Among the fields of study includes the Study of the United States. This focuses on the study of American culture, life, and society through such fields as government, education, arts and humanities, law, economics, literature, history, the multi-disciplinary field of American Studies or any other humanities social science field with significant study of the U.S. subject matter.

For the field of global issue, study include environment, human rights, civic education, governance and public administration, peace studies/conflict transformation, international relations and transnational issues, international economics, international business, international law, and information and communications technology (ICT).

Meanwhile for open grants, these are fields of study not covered by the first two fields categories with the exception of engineering, medicine, nursing, and other health-related disciplines, and applied sciences and mathematics.

Applicants must be Philippine citizenship and proficient in English. They must also have College degree with major in field of specialization for which they obtained excellent undergraduate record.

Also, applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience (after college) in their field of specialization.

Further, applicants for the degree programs must be not older than 40 years of age at the time of application. However, this age requirement is waived for non-degree study.

Furthermore, applicants must be in good health to pursue graduate work in the US, and more importantly, applicants must return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of study.

Non-degree applicants must meet the added requirements: a) Applicants for doctoral enrichment must be enrolled in a relevant study program in a Philippine university; b) Applicants for doctoral dissertation must show proof that materials required to pursue research are not available in the Philippines but are available in the United States.

Individuals holding dual citizenship, are permanent residents and/or are presently studying in the US are not eligible.

Needed requirements are as follows: 1) Official or certified transcript of records from all colleges/universities attended; 2) Certified true copy of diploma (not original); 3) Four letters of reference (forms are included with the application kit); 4) Completed seven (7)-page application form; and 5) NBI Clearance acquired in the past six (6) months.

Application period is from December 12, 2011 to March 23, 2012. Printed copy of completed applications must be received at the PAEF office on or before March 23, 2012. Grantees are expected to begin their studies in the U.S. in late August or early September of 2013.

For details, just log-on to http://www.fulbright.org.ph/ for which application forms can also be downloaded in the said website. (PIA-Caraga)

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PAGCOR, DepEd to strengthen sports dev’t in elementary division

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have expressed support to strengthen sports development in the elementary division.

PAGCOR chair Cristino Naguiat announced in his speech Friday during the ceremonial turnover of school armchairs here that they have been coordinating with DepEd to develop new generation of athletes that will bring honor to the country in the future.

According to Naguiat, plans have been ironed out between PAGCOR and DepEd through Sec. Armin Luistro on the activities to be conducted. He added this was already discussed with the Philippine Football Federation and they have agreed to conduct football festivals to ages 8 to 12 nationwide.

He said PAGCOR will take care of all the expenses that will be participated by elementary pupils in all the regions nationwide.

He added that PAGCOR’s priority project is focused on education and sports development of schoolchildren, which is also supported by President Benigno Aquino III as he believed that the future of the country is with the youths.

Further, Naguiat said this project is called “Batang Azkals” in honor of the Philippines’ national football team “Azkals”, who has been making name recently in the world football league.

With this he said PAGCOR, DepEd and other concerned agencies is strongly supporting this project of the national government to prepare the youth for the country’s future in world sports. (PIA-Caraga)

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2013 Budget Process Starts in February

By Ian G. Miculob

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Agency regional offices (AROs), state colleges and universities (SUCs) and special development authorities will prepare anew their respective annual budget for FY 2013 after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) 112 on December 29, 2011.

Under NBM 112, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Caraga as the secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC) will formulate the guidelines in budget preparation in consultation with the DBM regional office.

The budget allocated for strategic programs and projects of the AROs and SUCs in the region in 2013 must respond to and support the following: President Aquino’s five areas of priorities of the “Social Contract with the Filipino People,” Caraga Regional Development Plan 2011-2016, Millennium Development Goals, and other development frameworks.

Adopting the bottom-up budgeting approach, the AROs and SUCs are required to consult the civil society organizations and the poorest municipalities of the region in the preparation of the agency budget. The Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development identified the 44 poorest municipalities in the region.

For the 2013 budget preparation, the agency can utilize its lump sum fund, augmenting the budget for every program or project. The agency sets the budget ceiling in every program and project and may utilize the lump sum fund to maximize the scarce resources while providing more to the needy beneficiaries in the countryside.

The RDC, which serves as the venue for budget consultation, is slated to review and deliberate the agency budgets in March during its Full Council Meeting prior to endorsement to the agency’s respective central offices. Sectoral meetings are scheduled to conduct the initial budget review on the following dates: February 21 (Social Development Committee Meeting), February 22 (Economic Development Committee Meeting), and February 24 (Development Administration Committee and Infrastructure Development Committee Meeting).

Last year, the RDC endorsed the P21.8 billion 2012 budget of 20 AROs and four SUCs for the different programs and projects in Caraga Region. The Aquino administration, on the other hand, through Congress, approved a 37.9 percent increase which amounted to PhP30.2 billion budget for Caraga in 2012. (NEDA-Caraga)