PIA News Service - Saturday, April 7, 2012

DepEd to accept entries for the 2012 Nat’l Literacy Award

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga,through the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), will be conducting the 2012 National Literacy Award (NLA) and is still accepting entries until April 23 for the regional level.

This was learned during the regional orientation on the NLA held recently at the DepEd-Caraga Regional Conference Hall attended by the representatives of the member-agencies in the government, institutions, and private stakeholders.

The 2012 National Literacy Award is in consonance with the celebration of the Annual Literacy Week on September 2 to 8, as per proclamation No. 329.

According to LCC Secretariat Head Dr. Norma Salcedo of DepEd, the NLA has two categories: Outstanding Literacy Program Award, which is given to a literacy program being implemented by a civil society organization, non-government organization, private organization, or educational/academic institution which has positive impact on learners and the community; and Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) Award which is also given to LGUs (highly urbanized city, component city, component independent city, Class A municipality, and Class B municipality), which have developed and which have efficaciously made a positive impact on their barangays and the quality of life of their people.

Salcedo further said that the award aims to recognize the best practices for implementing literacy programs or projects which help alleviate poverty, provide livelihood, address welfare needs, promote freedom, and make education facilities accessible.

“With the National Literacy Award, we sustain, expand and institutionalize literacy efforts by motivating and recognizing individuals, institutions and the local government units through awards and appropriate recognition. We also encourage the development and replication of innovative, creative and indigenous literacy programs,” said Salcedo.

Nominations and selection of regional winners shall be conducted not later than April 10 to 30. Announcement of regional winners will be on May 2, 2012 and the regional entries must be submitted to the LCC Secretariat on or before May 15. Any entry not received by said date will be disqualified fro the short-listing process.

Ms. Marilyn Antiquina of DepEd-Caraga reminded the representatives of the different municipalities in the region to strictly comply with the requirements and to submit the entries on or before the deadline of submission so it will be screened and processed.

The LCC Head Secretariat, Dr. Salcedo, or DepEd-Caraga Regional Office should be contacted for more information. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Women’s groups start life-saving skills training

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, April 7 (PIA) -- Aiming to have an active participation of all sectors in the society in time of disaster, the provincial government of this province in Northern Mindanao involved women’s groups in disaster preparedness and emergency response.

The first batch of the two-day training was done last week at the Mindanao Civic Center Grand Stadium here.

The disaster preparedness and emergency response training was jointly conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Population Office, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

“We decided to expose the women’s organizations to this type of training because they are the ones often left at home and they should know how best to respond during emergencies,” said PDRRMO Head Marlyn Trozo.

Also facilitating the initial disaster response training were the members of the Provincial Emergency Response Team, provincial police force, 35th Infantry "Makamandag" Battalion and Lanao del Norte firefighters.

The Provincial Emergency Response Team is composed of provincial employees intensively trained to provide immediate assistance to victims of natural or man-made calamities.

Participants were women’s groups from the municipalities of Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan, Salvador, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo as well as members of the Lanao del Norte Producers Association.

The participants in the first batch disaster seminar and training learned the hazards during calamities and its counter measures, fire suppression, first aid training, and basic life-support.

A rescue olympics was also held to simulate emergency situations which tested the participants’ skills in extinguishing fires and in handling injured victims.

The provincial government set to widen the preparedness and disaster response training and seminars to all sectors of the society.

“This is another way of empowering our women. The vital life-saving skills that they received in this training can be of great help not only in their respective communities but in their homes as well,” stressed Lanao del Norte Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo. (MUC/RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Road projects in Agusan Sur to spur economic prosperity in far-flung village communities

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, April 7 (PIA) -- The road construction currently implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Agusan del Sur 1st District Engineering Office (ADS 1 DEO) will be completed soon.

The residents and farmers in areas of Campo, San Miguel, Batucan and Del Mote in the river town of Talacogon are grateful of this road construction project of President Benigno S. Aquino lll, which will be completed on July 28 this year, ahead of its completion target.

It is seen that this new road will improve the lives of the village community folks, as some of them will be given access to basic services like education, health, and economic opportunities.

Town and community village officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DPWH-ADS 1 DEO for the construction of this new road.

The construction of NRJ-Batucan-Campo farm-to-market road, funded under the Department of Agriculture CY 2011 program in the amount of P7 million, was started January 31, 2012.

It is being implemented by the DPWH-ADS I DEO under District Engineer (DE) Jaime T. Bernat, Sr, and under contract with Roim Builders and Construction Supply.

As of this posting, the project is still on-going.

“We are ahead of schedule and our technical personnel, project engineer and resident engineer are on the ground 24/7 to hit our objective – good quality of works and good quality materials being implemented by the contractor under its program of work,” stressed DE Bernat.

"The area is producing rubber, rice and corn, falcata and varied rootcrops. These produce were transported before only by carabao-pulled cart that will take the farmers long hours before they reached the nearest market. With the construction of this road, exchange of goods and services will be fast, easier and accessible," added DE Bernat.

In compliance with the directive of DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to engage local civil society organizations (CSOs) to enter into budget partnerships with DPWH regional offices, the DPWH Regional office 13 has recently signed a budget partnership agreement (BPA) with its CSO partner Butuan-Agusan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BACCIFI).

During the signing of the BPA, Region Xlll DPWH Regional Director Danilo E. Versola reiterated Secretary Singson’s statement that DPWH wants to enhance the quality of its budget process by involving CSO partners in the annual budget preparation.

“This agreement with BACCIFI will help enhance efficiency and effectiveness of our office. With BACCIFI monitoring our programs, projects and activities for this year and beyond, transparency and accountability will be achieved and quality of public service will be improved particularly here in Caraga region,” said Director Versola.

The signing of the BPA is part of the DPWH program to establish stronger ties with people’s organizations in the preparation and execution of the agency’s budget for FY 2013 and beyond. This is in support to the national government’s commitment to institutionalize citizen participation in the budget process as means of enhancing transparency and accountability in the preparation, allocation and utilization of public funds.

The BPA was signed at the DPWH Regional Office 13 by Director Versola, BACCIFI President Joseph Omar O. Andaya and witnessed by DPWH 13 Planning Chief Samson L. Hebra, BACCIFI Executive Director Virginia L. Rosales, Agusan del Norte District Engineer Alipio Grana and Butuan City District Engineer Nicolas Alameda.

The BPA is in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Budget and Management National Budget Circular No. 536 dated January 31, 2013 to standardize partnership program with CSOs and other concerned stakeholders. (MUC/RER-PIA Caraga)

PIA News Service - Friday, April 6, 2012

ANECO conducts Power Forum in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 6 (PIA) – To update the member-consumers of the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) on the power crisis in Mindanao, a Power Forum was conducted recently at the ANECO Multi-Purpose Hall, this city with participants from the government agencies, business sector, local tri-media, and private individuals.

During the power forum, 1st District Butuan City-Las Nieves Cong. Jose Aquino II also shared his ideas and answered some questions asked by the attendees.

Aquino said that he really want to seek solution to this power crisis being experienced in Mindanao especially in the province by getting support from other power plants that would supplement the need of the electric cooperatives. He also expressed his gratitude to ANECO for initiating the Power Forum and hoped that another forum will still be conducted so others in the different barangays will know the situation.

Cong. Aquino further said that during the Earth Hour last March 31, 2012, it contributed good impact to energy saving. According to him, 386 megawatts was saved in Luzon, 75 megawatts in Visayas, and 150 megawatts in Mindanao. He then stressed that the public must observe the Earth Hour daily for us to save more power.

Also, ANECO Gen. Manager Mr. Horacio Santos, bared that ANECO officials went to Davao City on Tuesday and had a briefing on the power crisis with officials from the Department of Energy (DOE). He further stressed that it is very important that people here would know that there is indeed a power shortage especially that the Pulangi Hydro Power Plant will shut down this month. He then asked for the public's understanding.

GM Santos also announced that after April 9 (next week), the province will experience power curtailment in different schedules until April 30. He also revealed that with the use of the power barge in Nasipit, there will be a little but due increase of the electricity rate. He then asked for the understanding of the public.

Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) Pres. Dioscoro Boco recalled that in 2010, Butuan City along with the other regions in Mindanao has experienced 3-6hours brownout because of power shortage but now - 2011 “we're fortunate that we only experience a very short time power loss. This is also because of the help of the TMI plant /barge situated in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte where we get the source of our power. We are also looking forward to get partnership with other power plant so we can sustain our power for the next coming years," said Boco.

Meanwhile, Engr. Darwin Daymiel, Account Manager of ANECO's Technical Services Department also presented the power situation in the province of Agusan del Norte. He mentioned along his discussion that the major causes of power interruption are the following: Generation deficiency due to power plant's technicall problems; Transmission system technical problems; Distribution system technical problems; & Load shedding or curtailment.

"Whatever the cause, be assured that the energy sector is doing their best to continuously improve power services," said Daymiel.

Participants were informed that ANECO will send power curtailment advisories, schedules thru text messages and with the help of the local tri-media. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Claim folders review and process is tedious but makes DAR processes easier and faster

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 6 (PIA) -- A Claim Folders Review and Process (CFRP) seminar/workshop which was was conducted on March 12-15, 2012 by the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The CFRP aimes to expedite land acquisition and distribution (LAD) process, analyze the nature of the LAD balance in the province, clear up the data base, and put things in order for easy retrieval of data and speedy processing.

The activity kicked off with a briefing facilitated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central office thru Regional Action Officer Gerardo C. Balista of Field Operations Office and Andrea Abatay of the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Information and Education (BARIE ) . Groupings followed wherein 18 teams were formed into two groups. The team was composed of a Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) who acted as a reviewer and one staff as an encoder for the inventory to be more effective.

The province of Agusan del Sur brought 458 claim folders covering 5,254 hectares. These landholdings belong to different priorities up to phase 3-A of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage, including back logs from phase 1 up to phase 2-B of Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) balance of DAR Agusan del Sur. Due to time constraint however, only 436 folders were reviewed.

“The result of the CFD is alarming as it turned out that out of 436 folders, 335 claim folders with 3,234 hectares were tagged as problematic while only 101 claim folders with 929.23 hectares were found out to be workable. These folders though are subject for further review of the MAROs concerned , ” Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project Officer (CARPO) Cristino Samputon, Chief of Operations Division said.

With the conduct of claim folder distribution (CFD), DAR personnel learned to appreciate the importance of the claim folders review as this can truly assist them to process the CFs promptly.

MARO Ruth Galvez of San Francisco also said The CFD is really beneficial as claim folders now can be traced easily, lacking documents can be readily seen and it minimize errors. Documenting the claim folders are truly tedious but we must do it to ensure quality output. We felt that every datum we put in the system is very essential including the minutes detail. As a result, we have to work harder after seeing that there are lots of lacking documents for processing of claim folders.

Galvez added that by way of CFD, hand in hand with the excel-based system that we have if fully established, we are hopeful that the claim folders processing will rush up for the benefit of all our agrarian reform beneficiaries, bringing social justice by transferring to them the lands they actually tilled, to have a security of tenure and likewise ensure just compensation to affected landowners so they may shift their capital from agriculture to industry to boost our local and national industrialization . The system is really useful because it will serve as a snap shot of a claim folder in a flick of a finger.

“The said CFD is indeed helpful as the claim folders, being classified as workable or problematic, can be worked out as early as possible. Upon examination of the folders, we will know what type of intervention is appropriately needed without much delay,” provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) Paysal B. Tumog of Agusan del Sur said.

“I would like to commend our Secretary and the rest of his staff for coming up with this monitoring tool, a nifty, valuable and very effective tool that will help us realize our target. With this and with the support of DAR personnel, we are hopeful that we will be able to deliver our piece of cake the earliest possible time,” PARO Tumog ended.

The seminar/ workshop was attended by the PAROs of Agusan Sur, CARPOs Operations and staff, PMEU personnel , all MAROs in the province with their staff and personnel from LTI Division of DAR Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Butuan City to improve water supply soon

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 6 (PIA) -- The Butuan City Water District (BCWD) will soon implement projects to improve the city's water pipeline to ensure safe water supply to consumers.

In a forum to mark the 11th Water Consciousness Month, which coincided with the BCWD’s 38th anniversary, Engr. Sang Tian of BCWD said that the agency is currently coordinating with other non-government organizations and will be orienting residents within the vicinity of the Taguibo Watershed area on how to maintain the cleanliness of the area and how they can improve it.

This year’s theme is “Water Security: Rising to the Challenge.”

Sang Tian added that projects to be implemented are construction of 200-cubic meter ground steel reservoir in Brgy. Pinamanculan; expansion line in Brgy. Dumalagan; replacement of temporary lines at New Town Village in Brgy. Ampayon; replacement of temporary lines at Cigla Village in Brgy. Pagatpatan; and construction of one unit on-line Booster in Brgy. Libertad.

“We will also continue the Water Maintenance Program to improve efficiency of the water meters. The program will include services such as withdrawal and replacement of water meters installed for the five years or more to ensure accurate reading of water consumption,” said Sang Tian.

Also, Sang Tian urged the general public to use the water wisely. He also stressed that people should always clean its water container at home to prevent contaminated water that will cause different diseases to human’s health.

“Be with us in fighting for the right of the people to secured water. Thus, I am appealing for your support and cooperation to all our programs to be undertaken this year. I also hope you will have trust and confidence in everything we do in the name of public service… These will give us more reasons to accomplish even more,” stressed Sang Tian.

Meanwhile, BCWD encourages the consuming public to report any noticed leaking pipes inside their houses, establishments especially along the roads of the city. BCWD assures the public that with they will immediately respond to the call 24 hours daily. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: PNoy mihatag og 0% nga buwis sa nakarehistro nga mga imported articles sa BoI

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 6 (PIA) -– Gihatagan og lugway ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang siro taripa sa imported nga kapital nga ekwipo, mga piyesa ug mga galamitan nga rehistrado sa Board of Investments (BoI) bag-o ug gipalapdan nga mga patigayon nga nahamutang sulod sa mga economic zones ug freeports, si Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa mianunsyo kagahapon Martes.

Si Ochoa miingon si Pangulong Aquino mipirma sa Executive Order (EO) No. 70 niadtong Marso 29, 2012 aron paubsan ang hatag-bili sa pipila ka mga butang nga nakakantar sa EO No. 528 nga gipagawas niadtong 2006, sumala sa rekomendasyon sa National Economic and Development Authority.

“The effectivity of EO No. 528 is only for five years, from 2006 or until the enactment of a law amending EO No. 226, or the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, which aims to facilitate investment in the country through a cohesive and consolidated investments incentives law. But a law enacted to amend EO No. 226 has yet to be enacted,” si Ochoa miingon.

Matud ni Ochoa, ang siro porsyento nga buwis molugway hangtod sa lima ka tuig ug kini epektibo dayon 30 diyas human sa pagpagawas niini sa mga mantalaan, o diha sa paglihok sa balaod nga nag-amendar sa EO No. 226.

Ang Executive Secretary nipasabot nga ang presidensyal nga direktiba motabang pagpagaan sa kantidad pag-angkat og kapital nga ekwipo sa mga tigpamuhunan alang sa ilang pauna nga mga operasyon ug dugang mga proyekto sulod sa Pilipinas.

“There is a need to continue providing this incentive because allowing zero percent duty importation will make our country more competitive in its efforts to lure investors amid the progressively competitive Asian market for foreign direct investments today,” si Ochoa miingon.

Base sa EO No. 70, ang siro porsyento nga buwis ihatag ngadto sa bag-o ug gipalapdan nga mga patigayon sa mga butang o ekwipo nga gihan-ay ubos sa Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines diha sa pag-isyu og certificate of authority sa BoI.

Ang maong direktiba mipadayon nga ang siro porsyento nga buwis pwede lamang sa mga butang o ekwipo nga dili ginama ug walay daghan niini sulod sa Pilipinas, nga susama og kalidad ug makatarunganon ang mga presyo, ug usab kini gikinahanglan gayud ug gamiton lamang eklusibo sa proyekto niini nga nakarehistro.

Ginadili usab niini ang pagbaligya, pagbalhin o pagpagawas sa maong mga butang nga eksemted gikan sa buwis nga walay pagtugot sa BoI sulod sa lima ka tuig gikan sa petsa sa importasyon niini. Ang molapas niini adunay multa nga doble sa kantidad sa butang nga gi-eksemted sa buwis o P500,000, bisan unsa nga mas taas, lakip usab ang lain pang mga aplikable nga mga silot ubos sa EO No. 226. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Pang. Aquino mitudlo sa 5 ka bag-ong huwes sa ubos nga kort

Ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 6 (PIA) -- Gitudlo ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III and lima ka mga bag-ong huwes sa ubos nga korte sa Makati City. Kini ang pag-anunsiyo sa opisysal sa Palasyo niadtong Miyerkules.

Gi-anunsiyo ni Deputy Presidential Abigail Valte atol sa regular nga press briefing sa Malacanang niadtong Miyerkules nga ang usa sa mga gitudlong bag-ong huwes sa Hepe Ehekutiba mao si Judge Andres B. Soriano ngadto sa Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148.

Naangkon ni Soriano ang Bachelor of Laws degree sa Ateneo de Manila University sa tuig 1983 ug mipasar gilayon kini sa Bar examination niadtong 1984.

Una siya natudlo, sir Soriano nagsilbing huwes sa Malolos, Bulacan Regional Trial Court sukad niadtong tuig 1998. Siya nagatudlo sa Bulacan State University Marcelo H. del Pilar School of Law sukad niadtong 2002 hangtud 2004 ug ingon man sa San Beda College of Law gikan 2006 hangtud sa pagkakaron.

Ang laing mga presidential appointees gilangkuban sa mga mosunod:

- Si Judge Ronald B. Moreno gihinganlan isip presiding judge sa Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 147. Siya mi-gradwar sa Bachelor of Laws sa University of Sto. Tomas niadtong 1995 ug nipasar sa Bar examination niadtong 1996.

Siya nagsilbing Ombudsman Prosecutor sa tuig 2002 hangtud 2003 ug ingon man 3rd Assistant City Prosecutor sa 2003 hagtud 2007. Siya usab nagsilbig huwes sa Makati Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) Branch 64 niadtong 2007 ug Executive Judge sukad niadtong 2009 hangtud sa iyang pagkatudlo karon.

- Si Judge Liza Marie R. Picardal-Tecson gitudlo sa Pangulo ngadto na sa Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 144. Siya nakatapos sa iyang law degree sa University of San Carlos niadtong 1996 ug nakapasar sa Bar exam pagkahuman sa usa ka tuig. Siya nagtrabaho sa Starlite Shipping Agency sa 1996 hangtud 1997; Makati Regional Trial Court Branch Clerk of Court gikan sa 1999 hangtud 2006 ug ingon man isip Huwes (Bulacan) Judge of Municipal Trial Court sukad 2006 hangtud sa iyang pagkatudlo.

- Si Judge Ethel V. Mercado-Gutay ginganlan isip presiding judge sa Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 137. Siya nitapos sa Bachelor of Laws sa Ateneo de Manila University niadtong 1998 ug nipasar sa Bar niadtong 1999. Siya nagatrabaho isip Assisting Juge sa Bacoor (Cavite) Municipal Trial Court sa 2008, ingon man Acting Presiding Judge gikan sa tuig 2008 hangtud 2010, ug nahimong cting Presiding Judge sa Muntinlupa Metropolitan Trial Court sukad niadtong 2010 hangtud sa iyang pagkatudlo niining mga panahona.

- Gitudlo usab si Judge Bonifacio S. Pascua ngadto na sa Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 56. Si Pascua inhuman sa iyang Bachelor of Laws sa Far Eastern University sa tuig 1995 ug nipasar sa Bar exam niadtong 1999. Siya nahimong Court Legal researcher I sa Pasay Municipal Trial Court sukad niadtong 1997 hangtud 1999; Clerk of Court V sa Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court gikan 1999 hangtud 2005 ug Stat Prosecutor II sa Department of Justice gikan 2005 hangtud 2006. Sa wala pa siya natudlo ni Pangulong Aquino, siya nagsilbing presiding judge sa Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court sukad niadtong 2006. (translated by RER/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Thursday, April 5, 2012

DILG urges local officials to ensure peaceful observance of Holy Week

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 5 (PIA) -- To ensure peaceful observance of this year’s Holy Week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga has directed all local officials in the region to monitor various activities during the season and ensure safety of the public.

DILG regional director Lilibeth Famacion issued the directive based on Memorandum Circular No. 2012-59 dated March 28, 2012.

Famacion reiterated that this year’s Holy Week also coincides with the start of the summer vacation of schools all over the country.

“During this period, people also take the opportunity to spend their summer holiday break and travel to the provinces for spiritual recollection and/or leisure activities. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has also raised the possibility of at least one tropical depression/storm entering the Philippine area of responsibility during this season,” said Famacion.

With this, all local chief executives (LCEs) are hereby directed to convene their respective Local Peace and Order Councils (LPOCs), and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), and formulate the proper courses of action to anticipate the expected heavy movement of people from different places, always making sure that adequate transportation and emergency medical services are available.

LCEs shall also deploy barangay tanods to assist the Philippine National Police in keeping peace and order in their own barangays, and serve as force multipliers; mobilize all necessary resources to ensure that garbage are collected and properly disposed of, and to conduct clean-up operations in all public places within their jurisdiction, especially in churches, recreation facilities, public beaches, transport terminals, markets and other places of public gatherings.

Lastly, local officials shall ensure that traffic is well managed and that the safety and security of the people are always top priority.

Meanwhile, all DILG regional and field offices are also directed to monitor various activities during this observance and submit periodic reports to the secretary of the DILG. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Aquino mipagawas sa EO No. 69 pagpalig-on sa Presidential Commission for Urban Poor

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 5 (PIA) -- Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III mipagawas sa Executive Order No. 69 aron palig-onon pa ang Preseidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).

Ang PCUP usa ka ahensya sa gobyerno nga gitahasan aron mokoordinar sa paspas nga implementasyon sa mga polisiya sa gobyerno ug mga programa alang sa urban poor.

Sa press briefing didto sa Malacañang kagahapon Miyerkules, si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte miingon ang EO No. 69 nga gipirmahan ni Pangulong Aquino niadtong Marso 29, mopakusog sa mandato sa PCUP “to achieve the strict observance of the law and the Ten-Point Covenant of the President with the urban poor.”

Ubos sa maong EO, ang PCUP, nga kanhi gibutang ubos sa Department of Agrarian Reform, karon mag-operate na ubos sa Office of the President.

Kini gitahasan nga mopahigayon og preparasyon alang sa mga actibidades kalabot na sa reporma sa kabtangan, tawhanong kalamboan, trabaho ug panginabuhian ug uban pang mga programa sa gobyerno alang sa urban poor.

Ang PCUP gimandoan usab nga representahan ang urban poor didto sa Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs) ug sa Local Housing Board meetings.

Gilakip usab niini ang HUDCC, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Justice and Interior and Local Government ug ang National Anti-Poverty Commission sa pagmugna og gikinahanglang mga operational mechanism ug mga sumbanan aron maseguro ang striktong pagsunod sa Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279).

Si Valte miingon nga aron mamonitor ang kahimtang sa pagsunod sa mga probisyon sa EO No. 69, ang PCUP gitahasan nga magsumiter og quarterly reports ngadto sa Pangulo. (PCOO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Cebuano News: Aquino mipadayag og suporta sa Asean alang sa pagsumpo batok illegal drugs

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 4 (PIA) -- Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III miapil sa mga lideres sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) sa pakigkombate niini batok sa illegal nga mga narkotiko nagkauyon pagwagtang sa hulga sa droga hangtod sa tuig 2015.

Sa iyang mensahe atol sa Plenary Session sa 20th Asean Summit didto sa Cambodia, ang Pangulo mipadayag sa iyang suporta ngadto sa Asean, lakip usab ang pakigkombate batok illegal drugs sa international community.

“We strongly support regional and multilateral efforts against the production distribution, trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs which threatens the health and well-being of our peoples,” siya miingon atol sa maong session.

“The Philippines believes that enhanced regional cooperation and information-sharing, drug profiling and the provision of more capacity building programs in areas or law enforcement, as investigation of drug-related cases is critical to achieving a drug-free Asean by 2015.”

Ang Pangulo usab miingon nga siya naglaom nga ang iyang pamahayag alang sa drug-free Asean makadugang pasiugda ug makahimo og dugang kooperasyon tali sa miyembrong mga nasod sa Asean alang sa pag-ambitay og mga maayong kalihukan, pagpalig-on sa kapasidad ug pagpadugang sa koordinasyon sa pag-ila ug pagpahinay sa international trafficking syndicates.

“All of these are crucial to achieve a drug-free Asean by 2015,” matud sa Pangulo.

Miapil sa Pangulo sa iyang baruganan batok sa illegal nga mga droga ang mga lideres sa Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, ug Thailand.

Samtang gisuportahan ang pagkombate batok sa illegal drugs, an glider sa Malaysia mipadayag og gamay’ng kabalaka nga posibleng mawagtang ang maong problema sulod lamang sa tulo ka tuig, uban sa pag-ingon nga ang maong oras hamubo alang sa regional organization aron makab-ot ang maong tumong.

Sama pananglitan, siya miingon nga, bisan ang iyang nasod nag-imposar ug mga bug-at nga mga pagsilot alang sa mga tigpayuhot og droga ug mga tighimo, wala gyud niini masulbad sa hingpit ang maong problema.

Usab atol sa maong Plenary Session, ang mga lideres sa Asean misagop sa declaration for a drug-free Asean sulod sa tulo ka mga katuigan. Ila usab gisuportahan ang pipila ka mga deklarasyon ug mga dokumento sama sa Phnom Penh declaration, Phnom Penh agenda, ug ang concept on international movement of moderates.

Luyo sa pagtambong sa Asean Summit, ang Pangulo aduna usab dialogue uban ang iyang mga counterparts didto sa 8th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit. Siya usab makigpulong sa mga miyembro sa Filipino community didto sa Cambodia sa dili pa siya mobiya paingon Manila karong adlawa. (RER/SDR-PIA 13, Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, April 3, 2012

CDA launches 2012 Gawad Parangal

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) launched nationwide the 2012 Award and Recognition Program “CDA Gawad Parangal.”

Gawad Parangal is one of the banner programs of CDA, which gives recognition for cooperatives, cooperative leaders and partner organizations for exemplary performance in motivating other cooperatives to emulate and strengthen their operational capacities that will put them in the mainstream of the development process.

The program started last year after Caraga Region produced one winner for the Outstanding Cooperative (Large Category). The Agusan del Norte Teachers, Retirees, Employees and Community Cooperative (ANTRECCO) got the third place for Mindanao area.

The awards will be given to micro, small, medium, and large scale categories, where the winner from each category of the regional level will compete next in the national level.

The following are the qualifying criteria for outstanding Cooperatives: Must be duly registered with CDA and in good standing for the past three preceding years.

Also, the cooperative must be in existence for at least five years and must be operationally gainful for the last three years (for micro and small – existing for at least three years and operationally gainful for the last two years).

It must be nominated by any one of the following: cooperative federation or union, government organization, local government units, and other non-government organizations.

Meanwhile, the qualifying criteria for the outstanding LGUs-Cooperative Development office include the following: must come from a province or chartered or independent city; formally organized, established or designated an office; with staff and budget and they should have relevant cooperation development programs.

Similar to the previous category, nominees must be endorsed by a CDA Cooperative Development specialist and at least one cooperative in the area.

For the awards for outstanding Cooperative Leaders, the nominees must be a good standing member of the cooperative for the past five years.

They must also be elected officers of the cooperative for at least one term, with no derogatory record, and with exemplary contribution to cooperative development.

Further, the nominees must have four nominations and endorsements from the following: cooperative, government organizations, local government units, private sector, and other institutions.

Qualified cooperatives will be judged as follows: 40 percent for organization, leadership and management (COOP indicators, membership, leadership and management); 35 percent for financial management and business operation (volume of business, and financial soundness); 20 percent for social relevance (provident services & other support programs, community programs); and 5 percent for awards and recognition (recognition/citation received-local international).

Acceptance of nomination will be on April 16-30, 2012 and the validation/evaluation by the regional screening committee is held be on May 1-31. (RER/DSM-PIA 12, Caraga)

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116 Surigaonons graduate from TESDA tech-voc courses

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 3 (PIA) -- At least 116 trainees from different parts of Surigao del Sur graduated recently from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial office here.

According to Allan Millan, Supervising Technical Education Skills Development Specialist (TESDS), the new batch of graduates are as follows: personal computer operations – nine; consumer electronics services – 30; housekeeping – 23; bartending – 24; and, driving – 30.

First District Congressman Philip Pichay, Governor Johnny Pimentel, and Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel, who are all TESDA benefactors, have graced the graduation ceremony held recently at the capitol seminar hall here.

The success of TESDA under Provincial Director Rey Cueva in producing graduates in the province is through the close collaboration with the local officials. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA13, Surigao del Sur)

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Tagalog news: DSWD nagdeklara ng 100% coverage sa kanilang target

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Abr. 3 (PIA) -- Idineklara ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Regional Office ang 100% coverage sa kanilang target sa programang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) sa Agusan del Sur na nakapag cover ng 317 barangay sa buong probinsiya at nagkaroon ng kabuuang 46,191 aktibong mga benepisaryo sa buong taon ng 2011.

Ayon kay Ruth Tambura, DSWD-13 4Ps program coordinator, ang kabuuang bilang ng mga benepisaryo sa Agusan del Sur ay 32.24 porsyento ng populasyon ng buong Caraga Region na may bilang na 143,266 sa taong 2011.

“Ang bayan ng Prosperidad ang nakakuha ng pinakamataas na bilang ng mga benepisaryo na may bilang na 6,327, sinundan ito ng Esperanza na may 5,003, sinundan ng San Francisco na may 3,460 benepisaryo. Ang pang apat ay ang bayan nga Talacogon na may 3,085. Ang may pinaka mababang benepisaryo sa 13 bayan ay ang La Paz na mayroon lamang 1,484. Ang nag iisang lungsod ng Bayugan ay nagkaroon ng 5,847 benepisaryo,” sabi ni Ruth Tambura.

Ayon pa rin kay Tambura, ang compliance rate ng mga benepisaryo sa edukasyon para sa taong 2011 ay nagpakita na ang pinakamataas ng percentage sa mga nagsipasok ay makikita sa buwan ng Desyembre dahil ang mga na monitor na mga bata sa mga edad mula 3 – 14 taong gulang ay tumaas din. Ang mga buwan ng Mayo at Hunyo ay walang compliance dahil walang klase sa mga buwang ito. Pero simula sa buwan ng Hulyo, nagkaroon na naman ng pagtaas sa compliance buwan-buwan hanggang Desyembre. Ang pinakamababa ay napuna sa mga buwan ng Enero at Pebrero, 2011 dahil sa set 4 na mga lugar na kinakailangang i update ang sistema.

“Dahil sa hindi pagtupad sa compliance sa edukasyon, maraming mga benepisaryo ang nag reklamo na ang kanilang benepisyo ay bumaba. Ito ay dahil kung ang mga magulang ay hindi pinapapasok ang kanilang mga anak sa paaralan na siyang kinakailangang gawin ayon sa alituntunin ng 4Ps, ang kanilang benepisyo ay dapat bumaba,” sabi ni Tambura.

Sinabi rin ni Tambura na ang compliance sa health para sa mga buwan ng Enero at Pebrero ay siyang may pinaka mababa sa compliance sa taong 2011, habang ang may pinakamataas naman ay ang buwan ng Desyembre. Dagdag pa ni Tambura, mayroon namang pagsisikap ang mga tauhan ng panlalawigan at ng mga pambayang pamahalaan para maiangat ang compliance at pagsuporta ng mga tao sa programa.

Ang kabuuang naipamigay sa probinsiya ng Agusan del Sur sa unang distrito ay umabot sa P176,791,100 kung saan ang Bayugan ang siyang may pinakamataas na umabot ng 25.48 porsyento sa kabuoang halaga ng distrito, sinundan ito ng Prosperidad at Esperanza. Para sa pangalawang congressional na distrito, ang kabuuang halaga na naipamigay para sa taong 2011 ay umabot din sa P149,205,000, kung saan ang San Francisco ang nakakuha ng pinakamataas na halaga at nagging 16.25 porsyento sa kabuoang halaga na naipamigay sa ikalawang distrito. (RER/DMS,PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Cebuano news: PWDs voter registration ipahigayon sa Caraga

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 3 (PIA) -– Ipahigayon sa Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ang voter registration alang sa mga Persons with Disabililities kon PWDs dinhi sa Caraga Region.

Sa email nga gipadala sa PIA-Caraga ni Rexie Magsano sa COMELEC, siya nagbutyag nga ang nasangpit nga kalihukan ipahigayon sa isla sa Mindanao karon nga bulan sa Abril.

Dugang ni Magsano nga sa miaging bulan sa Marso, ang pagpangrehistro gipahigayon sa Visayas region. Tungod niini, gibutyag sa maong opisyal nga ang registration kinahanglan nga mupadayon sa lima ka rehiyon sa Mindanao.

Ang buhatan sa COMELEC naghisgot usab nga usa ka kick-off event ang ipahigayon sa ground floor sa Sangguniang Panlungsod Building sa dakbayan sa Davao karong Abril 18, 2012.

Dungag pa ni niini, ang maong sa kalihukan ipahigayon usab sa tanang rehiyon sa Luzon karong Mayo 2012 apil na niini ang National Capital Region ug Cordillera Administrative Region. Samtang ang nationwide PWD voter registration ipahigayon usab karong Hulyo 2012 para sa regional nga mga kalihukan.

Sa Caraga Region, ang kalihukan mahitabo ni’ng dakbayan sa mga mosunod: Abril 9, (Brgy. Antongalon), Abril 10-11 (Brgy. Anticala), ug Abril 12-13 (Brgy. Buhangin).

Samtang ang pagpanglista magapadayon sa Abril 23 (Brgy Masao), Abril 24-25 (Brgy. Lumbocan), Abril 26-27 (Brgy. Taguibo), ug Abril 30 (Brgy. Ampayon).

Ang inter-agency ug non-government organization Network on Empowering Persons uban sa Disabilities under sa Pillar 9 sa COMSTRAT1116 (Commission on Elections’ Strategy for 2011-2016) nagpahayag nga ang voter registration direktang naghatag ug atensyon sa PWDs ug sa rehiyon kada bulan nga mo-mugna og kasayuran sa PWDs sa ilang katungod nga moboto og electoral nga reporma nga mupatigayon sa daling maduolan nga eleksyon ug ingon man sa mga kapareho niini nga kalihukan ug impormasyon.

Sa pikas bahin, ang maong kalihukan nagahatag og opotunidad sa mga PWDs sa pagsusi sa ilang mga rehistro sa lokal nga buhatan sa COMELEC o bisan man sa pili nga lokasyon para sa satellite nga pagpalista. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Pagpangandam para sa 20th Naliyagan Festival gisugdan

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 3 (PIA) -– Ang Provincial Tourism Council bag-ohay pa lang nagpatawag sa tanang stakeholders s probinsiya sa Agusan del Sur aron sa pagpangandam niini sa umaabot nga selebrasyon sa 20th Naliyagan Festival nga mahitabo karong Hunyo 12-17, 2012.

Sigun ni Provincial Tourism Officer Elizabeth Gilot, sila nagbuhat og evaluation sa niagi nga tuig nga kasaulogan aron mahibaluan nila kung unsa ang maga aktibidad nga diin malingaw ang mga bisita ug torista pag ayo.

“Mamahimong masayang lang ang kwarta kung ato kini gastuhon sa aktibidad nga dili malingaw ang mga tao kung sila mutan-aw niini. Kita obligado nga mu tanggal o pulihan ang mga aktibidad nga dili makakuha sa atensiyon sa mga tao sa lokal man nga residente ug bisita aron ang selebrasyon mamahimong magmabulukon. Sa sunod nga panagtigum, pwede na kita mag mugna og tema sa maong kalihukan,” sigon ni Gilot.

Gibutyag usab sa opisyal ang dagkong aktibidad sama sa street dancing competition, motorcross competition, ug search para sa Bae Naliyagan nga mamahimu kining magpabilin sa listahan sa mga kalihukan.

Ang Naliyagan Festival usa ka tinuig nga kalihukan nga pagabuksan atol sa tinuig nga kasumaran sa Independence Day ug pagatak-upan sa matag Hunyo 17 kung diin saulogon ang anibersaryo sa pagkamugna sa probinsiya sa Agusan del Sur. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Ikaduhang hugna sa Sports Academy sa Butuan gipahigayon sa Brgy. San Vicente

Ni Adonis B. Presillas

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 3 (PIA) – Isip pagpangandam sa nakatakdang Summer League nga pagahimuon sa ikatulong semana sa Abril, nagpahigayon bag-ohay pa lang og Sports Academy ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Barangay San Vicente ni’ng dakbayan, pinaagi sa pakig-alayon sa Barangay Sports Coordinator Federation President, Ptr. Jessie Tioaquen, SK Federation President Rauzil G. Carampatana, inabagan usab sa City Sports nga gidumalaan ni Konsehal Atty. Dodo Cembrano isip Committee Chairperson sa paugnat sa kusog.

Ang maong kalihukan nagtudlo ug nag-edukar ngadto sa mga batan-ong mahiligon sa paugnat sa kusog, aron mamahimo silang responsableng mangdudula samtang makadawat usab sila og ID, human sa maong pagbansay nga maoy ilang gamiton sa nakatakdang Summer League. Kay usa man kini sa mga rekisitos. Duha kini ka adlaw nga kalihukan nga gisugdan karong adlawa, Marso 31 hangtod na Abril 1, 2012 sa alas utso hangtod na alas singko sa kahaponon.

Samtang sa pikas nga bahin, nakapunting sa maong kalihukan mao ang pagpaangat sa dungog sa mga kabatan-onan, hilabi na katong nalolong sa druga, mga bad habits, ug ma-divert ang ilang atensyon ngadto na sa Sports.

Unang adlaw sa kalihukan nagasentro sa pagtudlo sa theory, basic additional rules ug uban pa. Samtang sa ikaduhang adlaw nagatudlo sa mga techniques ug strategies sa nagkalain-laing sports discipline. Aduna usab actual nga pagpanudlo sa dulang basketball, softball, boxing ug volleyball.

Nakatakda usab nga ipahigayon ang maong gimbuhaton karong Abril 10 ngadto sa ika-siyam nga cluster nagalangkob niining mga barangay sama sa: Barangay Lumbocan, Masao, Ambago, Doongan, Pagatpatan, Pequeño ug, Babag. (CIO/RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Aquino miawhag sa mga Filipino sa pagpamalandong sa mga sakripisyo ni Hesus ug palandongon ang pagtabang sa uban

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 3 (PIA) -– Giawhag ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga Filipino nga palandongon ug hamdumon ang pagtabang sa uban ug pagasundogon ang mga sakripisyo sa atong Ginoong Hesukristo, nga mitugyan sa iyang kaugalingong kinabuhi nga ilansang sa krus aron luwason ang katawhan.

Sa ambush interbyu didto sa Araneta Center Bus Station Super Center Building sa Cubao, Quezon City kagahapon Lunes Santo, si Pangulong Aquino mipagawas sa maong panawagan aron dasigon ang katawhan sa pagserbisyo sa ilang isig katawo ug gipasabot ang importansya sa pagkonsiderar sa mga panginahanglanon sa uban sa pagsagubang sa inadlaw-adlaw nga mga hagit.

“May pause po tayo sa ating mga araw-araw na mga problema, magnilaynilay po tayo sa kung saan tayo nanggaling, kung saan natin gustong tumungo at ano ba ang pwede natin magawa para sa kapwa natin. May Kristo pong dumating, naging tao at Siya po ang nagligtas sa atin at binigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na maisalba ang ating sarili,” matud sa Pangulo.

“Tayo naman po na nandito… may pagkakataon, ano ba ang gagawin natin sa pagkakataong ito? Sa akin pong pananaw iyong problema nating napakarami maaayos kung nakatuon po tayo sa kapakanan ng kapwa kaysa sa ating sarili… dapat po iyon ang buod kung papaano natin mapapabilis ang ating pagpunta sa paroroonan natin,” . siya midugang

Ang Pangulo miingon nga atol sa Semana Santa, ang gobyerno padayon nga imonitor ang mga sitwasyon sa nagkalain-laing mga erya aron maseguro nga luwas ug hapsay ang katawhan.

“This Holy Week, I think I only have Good Friday as my day off… we will be monitoring all of these trips ensuring that everybody is able to go where they are supposed to go in the safest, most convenient and timeliest manner possible,” matud niya.

Siya midugang nga siya makig-uban sa iyang pamilya sa ilang pagtambong sa misa sa Domingo sa Pagkabanhaw.

“I think yung religious aspect will be the mass on Easter Sunday with the family... other than that yung Friday lang talaga ang time out,” dugang pamahayag sa Pangulo.

Si Pangulong Aquino mibiyahe paingon Phnom Penh, Cambodia kagahapon Lunes sa gabii aron motambong sa pagselebrar sa ika 45th foundation sa regional bloc sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) atol sa pag-abli sa 20th Asean Summit karong adlawa Martes, Abril 3. (translated by Susil Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Monday, April 2, 2012

DAR-Caraga strengthens services in agrarian justice delivery

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, April 2 (PIA) –- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) CARAGA recently said they have strengthened services in agrarian justice delivery.

In an interview with a local radio station here, DAR-Caraga information officer Joie Ceballos said all problems that were brought to their office were addressed and resolved properly. They see to it that during the mediation, conflicts will be reduced so both parties will not go into filing of cases in the court.

Ceballos also reminded CARP beneficiaries who were not able to follow the guidelines set forth in the program may be delisted in the official list of CARP beneficiaries.

He added the privilege that were taken from the delisted beneficiaries may be given to those new and qualified farmers as beneficiaries of the program.

In report, Helen Tudlasan, DAR-Caraga human resource manager said that of February 2012, DAR-Caraga was able to resolve two judicial or court cases, 19 quasi-judicial, 387 cases related to agrarian law implementation, 17 in land transfer clearance, and 111 mediation cases.

According to DAR website, the delivery of agrarian justice has two features: the agrarian legal assistance and adjudication of cases.

Agrarian legal assistance is comprised of resolution of agrarian law implementation (ALI) cases, ARB representation before judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, and mediation and conciliation. On the other hand, Adjudication of cases involves the resolution of cases by the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB) and any of its salas.

Under RA 6657, the DAR is vested with the primary jurisdiction to determine and adjudicate agrarian reform matters and to extend free legal assistance to farmer-beneficiaries affected by agrarian cases.

There are three types of cases under this program namely: judicial or court cases, quasi-judicial, and cases related to agrarian law implementation (ALI). The first two types involve representation of farmers by DAR lawyers before the regular courts and DAR Adjudication Board, respectively. The third type involves the administrative rendering of decision on exemption, conversion and retention.

The DAR at present utilizes more aggressive alternative dispute resolution techniques in mediation to reduce conflicts maturing into court cases. The general objective is to persuade the contending parties to settle their disputes amicably or out of court before the DAR. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Workshop on Mainstreaming Peace & Dev’t program in Surigao del Sur gains support from LGUs

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 2 (PIA) -- The recent two–day training workshop on Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance in Surigao del Sur, spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and in partnership with the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has gained support from Local Government Units (LGUs) and participating agencies here.

The workshop focused on the integration of peace and conflict sensitive programming in the planning and budgeting of targeted LGUs through a series of capacity building interventions.

During the opening day on March 29, the official encouraged all local executives from 17 municipalities and two cities to support and get involved in the program implemented by the national government.

According to OPAPP Area Manager Oliver Binancilan, the program is anchored in the LGUs particularly in the conflict-affected areas (CAAs) and is linked up with the PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan (PAMANA) program.

PAMANA is the national governments’ peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction and development aims to reduce poverty, empower communities and improve governance in conflict-affected areas. (NGBT/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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DAR-SDSSU inks MOA on agrarian reform project

By Myra Q. Yu

TANDAG CITY, SURIGAO DEL SUR, April 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU) in line with the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Program, held at the university's main campus here.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Benjamin M. Mataksil and Dr. Remegita P. Olvida represented DAR and SDSSU, respectively.

The said undertaking strengthened the main agenda of DAR in seeking a business development service provider that will implement the project intended for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), particularly the project proposal on Rice Production and enhancement of LISBAR (Libas Sud & Baras) ARC at San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

SDSSU will provide technical expertise through the conduct of seminar and trainings for the ARBs on rice productivity improvement while the DAR will give pre- and post- harvest facilities.

In her message, Dr. Olvida said the SDSSU partnership with DAR is related to one of the schools program which is the extension services. She expressed her full support for the success of the project, that will commence on the second quarter of this year. (DAR-SDS/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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3 gov’t soldiers wounded on joint PNP, AFP operations vs. NPA

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 2 (PIA) -- Three government soldiers had been wounded while the number is still undetermined on the enemy side as the joint PNP, AFP forces continue its operations against the New People’ Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur recently.

PFC Elmer Calabroso and Rodulfo Bautista of the Philippine Army (PA) of the 75th Infantry Battalion and PO1 Sergio Cubillan of the 131st Regional Public Safety Command (RPSC) had been plucked out of the encounter area and brought to Butuan City hospital through a UH helicopter at around 2:45 pm of March 29, the day of the 43rd NPA anniversary.

A day earlier, the government forces recovered some rounds of assorted live ammunition empty shells after a 40-minute gunfight with undetermined number of NPA rebels as they scoured the enemy’s lair in the mountainous area of Sitio Sinai, Tambis, Barobo town, 105 kilometers south of Tandag City. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIASurigao del Sur)

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Cebuano news: Aquino mutambong sa ASEAN Summit Retreat ug BIMP-EAGA meeting

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 2 (PIA) -– Usa ka busy nga iskedyul ang nakatakda alang kang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III atol sa iyang duha ka adlaw nga pagtambong sa 20th ASEAN Summit didto sa Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Sa alas 9 sa buntag karong Miyerkules, ang Pangulong Aquino mu-apil sa iyang ASEAN counterparts sa 20th ASEAN Summit Retreat didto sa Peace Palace, ang benyu sa maong summit.

Pagka alas 12:15 sa hapon, ang Pangulo ug uban pang mga Asean leaders magtagbo atol sa panapos nga tigom sa 20th Asean Summit.

Human niini, ang Pangulo moapil sa iyang counterparts alang sa 8th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.

Lain pang mga opisyales ang gikatakdang moapil naglakip sa BIMP ministers, Asian Development Bank president, Asean secretary general, BIMP-EAGA national secretariat ug ang BIMP-EAGA Facilatation Center.

Ang Pangulo makigtagbo usab sa mga miyembro sa Filipino community didto sa Cambodia sa alas 4 sa hapon didto sa Hotel Sofitel. Si Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Noe Wong maoy mohatag sa welcome remarks ug mosunod dayon ang paghatag og mensahe sa lider sa Filipino community didto sa Cambodia.

Ang Pangulong Aquino mohatag usab sa iyang mensahe ngadto sa mga Filipino nga nagtrabaho ug nanimuyo didto Cambodia. Unya pagka alas 5:50 sa hapon, ang Pangulo mobiyahe na balik sa Manila.

Ang grupo nga mohatod kang Pangulong Aquino mao sila Ambassador Wong, Philippine Permanent Representative to the Asean Wilfrido Villacorta, Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache in Cambodia Col. Manuel M. Orduna ug pipila ka mga opisyales sa Cambodia. (translated Susil D. Ragas/PIA- Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: PhilHealth-Caraga naghatag og tseke alang sa mga benepisyaryo sa ‘PhilHealth Run’

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 2 (PIA) -- Ang Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) – Caraga, gipangunahan ni Regional Vice President Johnny Sychua, bag-ohay pa lang nagpagawas ug tseke para sa pinansiyal nga tabang alang sa mga benepisyaryo sa ‘PhilHealth Run – Mindanao Run for Hope’ nga gipasi-ugdahan sa maong ahensiya niadtong milabay'ng bulan.

Ang Presidente sa PhilHealth ug kasamtangang Chief Executive Officer nga si Dr. Eduardo Banzon uban ni VP Sychua ang personal nga mitunol sa tseke sa Por Cristo Foundation Incorporated, and Lingap Center of Butuan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), usa ka pasilidad alang sa mga gi-abandona nga mga tigulang ug mga kabataan.

Ang duha ka tseke nga gihatag nagkantidad og P170,218.14 matag usa.

Ang PhilHealth Run for Hope nagahatag usab og tabang alang sa mga bata nga adunay cancer sa Mindanao, labi na sa Southern Philippines Medical Center Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit. Kini ang una nga benepisyaryo sa Davao Children’s Cancer Fund Inc.

Si Banzon usab nagkanayon nga ang panaghiusa sa tanang sektor aron sa pagsalmot sa PhilHealth Run – Mindanao Run for Hope’ nahimong malampuson.

Samtang, nagpakita og pasalamat si Sychua sa tanang Butuanon ug Caraganon alang sa ilang suporta ug partisipasyon sa PhilHealth Run. (RER/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Civil Security Unit sa probinsya mibutyag sa ilang accomplishment report

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Apr. 2 (PIA) -– Ang Provincial Civil Security Unit mibutyag sa ilang accomplishment report atol sa Monday morning sharing nga gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.

Si Provincial Civil Security Unit Officer Bonifacio Modanza mipresentar sa ilang mga accomplishment sama sa paghatatag og kahapsay, kalinaw ug seguridad sa palibot sa kapitolyo.

Iyang gipasalamatan ang buhatan sa Land Transportation Office pinaagi kang LTO District Chief Cesario Espejon sa suporta nga gihatag niini sa traffic management sa kapitolyo pinaagi sa mga balaod ug pagmulta sa mga drayber nga malapason sa mga balaod nga gipatuman sama sa “no parking” signs ug uban pang mga balaod trapiko sa kapitolyo.

Atol usab sa maong okasyon si Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. mihatag sa iyang mensahe ug siya midayeg sa buhatan sa PCSU ug LTO sa mga paningkamot niini nga mahapsay ang dagan sa trapiko sa kapitolyo ug siya malaumon nga mamahimo kining sumbanan alang sa ubang mga probinsya ug syudad nga mopatuman usab sa susamang mga programa. (Provincial Information Center//Fryan Abkilan/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: PhilHealth nilagda og MOA tali sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa dakbayan

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 2 (PIA) -- Aron masigurong mapadayon ang health care nga benipisyo ilabi na sa mga kabus nga mga Butuanon, ang Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation nilagda og usa ka memorandum of agreement (MOA) tali na sa lokal nga panggamhanan ni'ng dakbayan.

Ang maong kasabutan gimugna aron masiguo ang panglawas nga aspeto sa mga kabus ug ubos nga kinitaan nga mga pamilya nga naila sa lokal nga panggamhanan ubos sa partial subsidy scheme, ug ingon man nagsuporta sa nasugnong programa ni Pangulong Benigno Simeon Aquino III nga mao ang universal health coverage alang sa tanan.

Ang mga hepe sa mga ahensya sa panngamhanan, tinugyanan, stakeholders ug miyembro sa media mitambong sa maong Kalihukan. Ang maong pinirmahay sa kasabutan gipanguluhan ni Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., Bise Mayor Atty. Lawrence Fortun nga nagarepresenta sa dakbayan, samtang sila PhilHealth President ug CEO Eduardo Banzon, Caraga Regional Bise Presedente Johnny Sychua, ug Area bise presidente Ramon Aristoza Jr ang mirepresentar sa PhilHealth.

Sa iyang mesahe, si Banzon nagkanayon nga ang PhilHeath Law maoy pinakanindot nga gihimong balaod sa kongreso tungod sa mensaheng gidala niini nga social solidarity.

“Gusto namo nga ang mga katawhan sa agkalain-laing sektor sa katilingban maprotektahan ug mahatagan og seguridad sa ilang health care nga benipisyo ug sa PhilHealth, amo na'ng ginatuman ang among mga tumong,” matud ni Banzon.

Ang PhilHealth nagtinguha nga mautro ang pagtuman sa universal coverage. Kini nabulag ingon sa tax-exempt government –owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) sa nasud, ug lakip niini ang Department of Health (DOH) sa paghatag og gaan nga health social insurance coverage sa tanang Filipino.

Ang programa sa social insurance kinahanglan nga mu-alagad sa pagtabang sa pagbayad sa mga masakiton ug sa mga taong dili makabayad sa ilang medical nga bayrunon. Lokal man o nasyonal nga panggamhanan nag bahin-bahin sa pundo sa tabang para sa kabos nga mga katawhan sa nasud.

Si Banzon midugang sa pag-ingon na ang Philhealth mao ang responsable sa pagtan-aw ug pagdala sa publiko sa nagkalain-laing sector insurance scheme. Gidumala sa secretarya sa Health lakip ang mga departamento sa gobyerno ingon man ang ahensya ug pribado nga sector uban sa sector sa Overseas Filipino Workers o OFWs.

Samtang, si Bise Mayor Fortun nagpadayag sa iyang pagpasalamat sa pagpaningkamot sa PhilHealth sa pag abot sa mga kabus sa nasud aron masiguro ang benepisyo sa health care.

Sa niini nga kaugmaran, ang lokal nga panggamhanan ug ang PhilHealth naglaom nga tungod sa maong pagtinabangay, mapakusog ang panaghiusa sa tanang Butuanon ug Caraganon. (RER/NCLM/PIA-CARAGA)

PIA News Service - Sunday, April 1, 2012

OPAPP-DILG spearheads PAMANA seminar-workshop in Agusan del Norte

By Brian Jay Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, April 1 (PIA) -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program – DILG Orientation and Planning Workshop last March 22 and 23 here.

The workshop was aimed in building conflict-free and safe communities, which is designed on Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance – “Defining No Boundaries for Peace and Development,” with funding support from the Spanish government.

Among the identified problem statements that were prioritized is the government’s inadequacy to provide basic social services to the people (livelihood programs) that leads to the increase in community support to the Communist Party of the Philippines/New Peoples' Army/National Democratic Front, inadequate allocation of resources to fund delivery of basic services to the people, poor quality of basic services that led to massive recruitment of CNN, and insufficient road network that leads to increase insurgency in conflict affected areas.

One of the major interventions that will be providing funds to support this reform initiative is the PAMANA Program. It aims to build the institutional capacity of LGUs for them to better implement peace and development initiatives that would address the root causes of conflict in each locality. This program is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction and development aims to reduce poverty, empower communities and improve governance in conflict-affected areas.

The Training Workshop was formally opened by Provincial Dir. Romeo A. Solis (PD) of DILG, Agusan del Norte. He presented the overview of the training workshop. According to Prov. Dir. Solis, “conflict knows no boundaries, peace and development are interrelated that is why it is very important to lower the poverty incidents that trigger these conflicts.”

He added that the PAMANA Program of the National Government will put an end to these conflicts thru strategies leaning towards a more peaceful means of battling the problem.

Further, he put emphasis on the legal basis under the Local Government Code on the powers and the need for Local Government Units to promote the welfare of its constituents as well as the establishment of appropriate local bodies and mechanisms that will further set guidelines and direction for economic and social development concentrating on community development and livelihood programs.

Mr. Rofel C. Cabaltera, head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) presented the Province’s vision, mission and goals; Ms. Rosemarie P. Mordeno of the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) presented IP situationer, issues and concerns of the province; Maj. Edgar D. Centeño of the Phil. Army and PSupt. Iluminado V. Espina Jr. of the Phil. National Police presented security updates of the province, their accomplishments and prioritization programs; Ephram S. Sumaylo, intelligence officer of PDEA Region 13 gave updates on the situation of the drug problems in the province; and Ms. Gloria L. Pabillore, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) presented the 4P’s or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program updates that is reaching and providing for 20,589 families in the province.

The seminar-workshop was also attended by representatives from the provincial, regional and national government agencies, private groups, and local officials of each municipality.

Mr. Javier Garcia, representative from Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) of the Spanish Government was also in attendance.

In the workshop proper, participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 was composed of the municipalities of Buenavista, Carmen, Nasipit, Magallanes, and Las Nieves, while Group 2 was composed of the municipalities of Kitcharao, Jabonga, RTR, Santiago, and Tubay.

Each group identified critical incidents based on the degree of violence/conflict present in their area directly affecting the lives of the community, as well as the root causes that are affecting the peace and order which slows down the development of their respective areas.

The strategies that were formulated by the groups are in a form of programs, projects and activities which is fit and suitable to address the dire needs of the problems in their area. And after the identification process, each group was asked to present each priority projects by municipality for its assessment and budget allotment.

Mr. Oliver M. Binancilan, Area Manager of OPAPP capped the workshop by highlighting the importance of coordination and organization to operationally implement the projects to mainstream peace and development to all sectors. He ended by greatly stressing the magnitude of producing results by 2012 so as to get additional resources and support for funding on projects for CY 2013. (RER/LGU-Agusan del Norte/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Ika-25 anibersaryo sa BCCCIFI, nagmalampuson

Ni: Gerry G. Gabiana

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA) – Malampusong nagasaulog sa ika 25th anibersaryo ang Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. kon BCCCIFI.

Bag-ohay pa lang nanagtagbo ang mga Board of Directors niining nga nasangpit nga hugpong pinangunahan sa sa Executive President niini nga si Joseph Omar O. Andaya ug ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Butuan pinaagi usab sa representasyon ni Executive Assistant Rouel A. Jamili sa City Hall, aron iplastar ang mga angayang tuki-on sa nasangpit nga kasaulugan.

Dungang gipahigayon usab ang 1st Quarter General Membership Meeting ug Launching of Mindanao Business Conference nga natigayon sa may Prince Hotel, South Montilla Boulevard, niining dakbayan.

Diha sa hamubong programa gipaabot ni Executive Vice President, Engr. Anselmo L. Sang Tian, ang mainitong pag-abi-abi ngadto sa mga mitambong nga magpapatigayon ug sa iyang pinasahing mensahe gipasabot niini nga sa pagkakaron, ang dakbayan sa Butuan nagmalambuon ug nahimong mabulukon tungod sa mga miyembro sa maong kahugpungan.

Gibatbat usab niini ang duha nga dagkong hisgutanan sama sa pagtuki sa power shortage sa Mindanao ug ang gihanyag nga mga trabaho pinaagi sa TESDA kon Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Gidugang sa maong opisyal nga pinaagi niini, makunhuran unya ang problema sa mga walay trabaho nga mga katawhan dili lang dinhi sa Butuan kundili sa tibook usab rehiyon sa Caraga.

Mapasigarbohong nagpahibalo usab ang nasangpit nga Executive Vice President nga karong umalabot Agosto 4-5, 2012 dinhi sa syudad sa Butuan ipahigayon ang Mindanao Business Conference ug dinapit nga mamumulong mao si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. (RER/PIO/PIA-Caraga)