PIA News Service - Friday, December 28, 2012

Tagalog News: DFA isasagawa ang 2013 Foreign Officer Examination

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Dis. 28 (PIA) --Isasagawa ng Department of Foreign Affairs sa pamamagitan ng Board of Foreign Service Examination ang eksaminasyon ng Foreign Service Officer (FSO) na gaganapin sa susunod na taon, alinsunod sa Republic Act (R.A. 7157) ng taong 1991 at ng Revised Administration Code ng 1987.

Ayon sa DFA, ang mga aplikante ay dapat na may kaalaman sa economic, political, at social na kalagayan ng bansa, at kailangan na may kapasidad sa oral at written communications, pati na sa personality traits na mahalaga sa mga tungkulin ng isang Foreign Service Officers, at maaaring mailagay sa anong assignment sa kahit anong posisyon na kinakailangan ang kanilang serbisyo.

Kinakailangan din na ang aplikante ay ipinanganak na Filipino at kasalukuyang nananatili sa bansa, at kailangan na hindi lumagpas sa edad na 35 sa araw ng Qualifying test na gaganapin sa ngayong Marso 10, 2013, at kailangan na nagtapos ng at least apat na taon sa Bachelor’s degree o mas mataas pa bago ang prescribe due date sa pagpasa ng mga requirements at kinakailangan din na mag-representa sila ng katibayan kagaya ng transcript of records o diploma. Ang aplikante din ay kailangan na dumaan na sa isang employment o nagpatuloy sa pag-aaral matapos magtapos ng kolehiyo.

Ang eksaminasyon ay binubuo ng limang parte, 1) Qualifying Test; 2) Preliminary Interview; 3) Written Test; 4) Oral Test; at 5) Psychological Test.

Para sa mga interesadong aplikante, maaari nilang i-download ang application form sa DFA website sa www.dfa.gov.ph, ang application form ay kailangan na punan ng aplikante at personal na i-pasa ngayong Disyembre 12, 2012 hanggang Enero 25, 2013 sa kahit saang Regional Consular Office ng Philippine Embassies o Consulates abroad, sa hindi paman ang Enero 31, 2013 sa 5:00 ng hapon sa Board of Foreign Service Examination (BFSE) Secretariat, 2nd Floor, DFA Main Building, 2330 Roxas Blvd., Psay City.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon maaari silang tumawag sa DFA-Caraga sa numerong (085) – 342-7822 o 342-5700. (NCLM/DSM/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog news: SARAS nakamit ang parangal bilang pinakamagaling na grupo ng boluntaryong pang-apula-sunog

Ni Edwin S. Fuentes

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- Nakamit ng Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (Saras) ang parangal bilang pinakamagaling na grupo nang pamatay-sunog sa buong bansa ng magdiwang ang Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ng kanilang ika-21 taong anibersaryo noong Oktubre 24 ng kasalukuyang taon na ginanap sa loob ng kampo ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa Kampo Aguinaldo, lungsod ng Quezon.

Si Pangulong Aquino ang nagbigay ng tropeyo ng parangal kay Gob. Adolph Edward Plaza na siya ring bumuo ng Saras. Ang tropeyong tinanggap ni Gob. Plaza ay nagsisimbolo nang pagkilala sa grupo ng Saras sa kanilang kagalingang magbigay serbisyo at pagiging palaging handa sa pagtugon anumang oras na may sunog.

Sinabi ni acting Provincial Fire Marshall S/FInsp. Augusto Kinazo na ang kanilang tanggapan ay mayroon lamang 75 na tauhan sa buong lalawigan at ang pagkakatatag ng Saras ay napakalaking bagay para maiwasan ang mga namamatay sa panahong may sakuna at mapigilan ang pagkasira ng mga ari-arian at mga pasilidad ng pamahalaan.

Ayon kay Kinazo, mula ng itinatag ang Saras limang taon na ang nakaraan, nadoble ang mga boluntaryo dahil ang mga kabayanan at kabarangayan ay nagsipag tatag din ng parehong grupo. Inilahad din ni Kinazo ang pagsisikap ni Gob. Plaza sa pagbuo ng grupo at ang di matawarang pagsuporta nito para magkaroon ng mga bomberong sasakyan at bigyan ng mga pasilidad at kapabilidad ang mga boluntaryo sa pamamagitan ng mga pagsasanay.

Naging matagumpay ang mga tulong ng Saras para tulungan ang BFP sa pag-apula ng sunog sa mga bayan ng Prosperidad, Talacogon, San Francisco, sa lungsod ng Bayugan at sa panlalawigang kulungan noong mgakaroon ng sunog sa mga lugar na ito.

Mayroong 376 na mga boluntaryong miyembro ang Saras sa buong lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur na sinanay sa pamamahala ng mga nasalanta ng iba’t ibang sakuna, at kung saan 121 sa kanila ay mayroong kakayahan para mag apula ng sunog at suportahan ang mga tauhan ng BFP.

Ang Saras ay kinikilala bilang opisyal na community disaster volunteer group at ito ay direktang pinamamahalaan ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center na pinamamahalaan ni Roberto Natividad, at itinatag noong 2011 sa pamamagitan ng Executive Order No. 7 alayon sa Republic Act No. 10121 na kinikilala rin bilang Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

Ang grupong ito ay pinamumunuan ni Gob. Plaza at binubuo ng mga sumusunod na mga miyembro: Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Health Office, Land Transportation Office, Philippine Red Cross, Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Philippine National Police, 1103 Community Defense Center, ng 402nd Brigade, 36th, at 28th IB ng Philippine Army battalion, BFP, at lahat ng water utilities, mga rescue units at mga boluntaryong sibilyan sa buong lalawigan ng Agusan del Sur. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Cebuano news: Gobyernong Aquino mihangyo sa katawhan nga likayan ang paggamit og mga pabuto ug kwitis aron malikayan ang kadaot ug pagkalas og kinabuhi

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 28 (PIA) -- Gihangyo sa gobyerno ang katawhan sa paglikay paggamit og delikado nga mga pabuto ug mga kwitis aron malikayan ang mga kadaot ug pagkamatay atol sa selabrasyon sa Bag-ong Tuig.

Sumala ni Presidential Spoksperson Edwin Lacierda ang Department of Health (DOH) mitaho nga aduna nay mga biktima sa mga pabuto bisan kon layo pa ang Bag-ong Tuig ug ang ilang buhatan gikan Disyembre 21-26 nakatala ug mokabat 71 ka mga pasyente nga naangol sa pabuto ug usa nga naigo sa nasaag nga bala.

Apan hinoon matud pa sa DOH nga ubos pa gihapon kini og 33 porsyento kumpara sa niaging tuig nga 108 ang naangol sa mga pabuto, 99 sa kwitis, samtang 8 ang nasamad sa nasaag nga bala, 1 ang nakatulon ug pabuto ug walay gitaho nga namatay.

Gibutyag usab ni Lacierda nga ang Philippine National Police (PNP) strikto ng mipatuman sa balaod sa mga pabuto ug ang gobyerno padayon nga gipanghingusgan ang kampanya batok sa delikadong mga pabuto ug kwitis alang sa kaluwasan sa katawhan ug aron usab makonhuran ang epekto niini sa kinaiyahan. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Thursday, December 27, 2012

First land transport industry Union now organized

By Fryan E. Abkilan

QUEZON CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- More than 60 unions and transport workers organizations converged for the first time for the founding convention of the Philippine Land Transport Industry Union (PLTIU) held recently at G Hotel in Manila.

The congress was jointly opened by Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP-ITUC) President and former Senator Ernesto Herrera and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Regional Secretary Noriyuki Suzuki, and Singapore’s National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) President Emeritus John De Peyva.

The event formed part of the TUCP’s 37th anniversary celebration held on December 14, 2012.

Delegates to the congress set in motion key campaign activities to fight for a stronger bargaining position and better means of protecting the rights and interests of the workers in the land transport industry.

Herrera described the celebration as historic one, “this is historic because this is the first ever convention and this is historic because we are leading the way of unifying the labor movement.”

Suzuki said the ITUC in Asia Pacific has strongly supported the action of the members of the transport sector. He also said that a unified transport union can surely help strengthen the bargaining power with the employers in the land transport industry thus build a strong national movement.

Meantime, De Peyva cited the importance of trade unionism, “that is to look after the interest of workers, to see how better realized their living conditions, their working conditions.”

The convention approved the union’s constitution and by-laws as well as the election of the new sets of officers. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DFA to hold 2013 Foreign Service Officer Examination

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Board of Foreign Service Examination will hold the Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Examination next year, pursuant to the Republic Act (R.A. 7157) of 1991 and the Revised Administration Code of 1987.

According to DFA, applicants for the examination must be knowledgeable on the economic, political and social conditions of the Philippines, and must possess not only facility in oral and written communications, but also personality traits essential to the performance of the duties of Foreign Service Officers and must also be willing and be able to accept assignments to any post where their service may be required.

Applicants must also be a natural-born Filipino citizen and concurrently permanent resident of the Philippines, and should not be more than thirty-five (35) years of age on the day of the Qualifying test on March 10, 2013, and a graduate of at least four year Bachelor’s degree course or higher on or before the prescribes due date of the submission of the requirements and shall present transcript of records or diploma, the applicants should have undergone employment or undertaken further studies after graduating from college or university (preferably at least two years).

The examination is composed of five parts, 1) Qualifying Test; 2) Preliminary Interview; 3) Written Test; 4) Oral Test; and 5) Psychological Test.

For interested applicants they can download the application form at DFA website at www.dfa,gov.ph, the application form shall be duly accomplished by the applicants and submitted in person from December 12, 2012 until January 25, 2013 at any Regional Consular Office or at Philippine Embassies or Consulates abroad, and not later than January 31, 2013 until 5:00 p.m. only at the Board of Foreign Service Examination (BFSE) Secretariat, 2nd Floor, DFA Main Building, 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

For more information, DFA-Caraga can be reached at telephone numbers: (085) 342-7822 or 342-5700. (NCLM/DSM/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog news: Pangulong Aquino mariing binabantayan ang sitwasyon sa Visayan na kasalukuyang sinasalanta ng bagyong ‘Quinta’ ayon sa Malacanang

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Dis. 27 (PIA) -- Mariing binabantayan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang sitwasyon sa Visayas na kasalukuyang sinasalanta ng bagyong Quinta, ayon sa Malacanang kamakailan.

Ayon kay Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa isinagawang press briefing sa Malacanang na bagaman, umalis ang Pangulo para sa maikling bakasyon, nananatili parin itong "in contact" sa mga opisyales ng ahensya ng pamahalaan hinggil sa bagyo at upang masiguro ang kaligtas ng mga tao.

“Updated po siya sa bagyo sa Visayas at sa lahat ng mga importanteng bagay sa ating bansa. Siya po ay na-informed. Pero, ito po ay isang magandang oportunidad sa ating Pangulo na makapagpahinga. Pero hindi po ito nangangahulugan na hindi po gumagalaw ang bansa dahil wala po ang Pangulo. Patuloy po siyang nakakatanggap ng impormasyon hinggil sa sitwasyon ng bansa," ani Lacierda.

Gusto po ng Pangulo na siguruhin ang koordinasyon ng ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pagbibigay tugon upang magkaroon ng maayos na pagresponde sa sitwasyon na kinakaharap ng bansa, diin ni Lacierda.

“Siya po ay kasalukuyang nasa break. Bagaman, sinabihan po kami na kung may mangyaring importante, siya po ay maaaring kontakin. Patuloy parin po ang pagbibigay natin sa kanya ng mga impormasyon, talaga lang na gusto po nating makapagpahinga ng mahaba-bahang oras ang Pangulo,” ani Lacierda. (NCLM/DSM/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Aquino pirmahan ang RH Bill sa dili pa matapos ang 2012

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 27 (PIA) – Gikatakdang pirmahan ni Pangulong Aquino ang RH Bill sa dili pa matapos ang tuig 2012.

Matud ni Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, mapirmahan na gyud ang RH Bill nga 13-anyos ng nakabinbin sa Kongreso nga gisertipikohan sa Pangulo isip dinalian ug giaprubahan bag-ohay pa lamang sa ikatulong pagbasa uban ang 13-8 nga boto didto sa Kongreso.

Ang maong balaodnon maghatag sa mga kababayen-an og kapilian aron madeterminar ang gidaghanon sa ilang mga anak, maghatag usab kini og kahibalo aron maproteksyunan ang mga kabatan-onan gikan sa walay plano nga pagmabdos ug mag-edukar sa mga katawhan mahitungod sa sexual health.

Matud pa ni Valte, nga gikatakda usab nga pirmahan sa Pangulo ang Anti-Enforced o Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, usa ka balaodnon nga maghatag og responsibilidad sa mga katawhan aron itaho ang mga insedente sa mga pagkahanaw. (RER/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Pagasa: ‘Quinta’ weakens into a Tropical Depression

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 26 (PIA) – Tropical Storm “Quinta” has weakened into Tropical Depression as it continues to move across Western Visayas.

In its 10 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa) said Quinta is moving West of Visayas at 24 kph, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph, with its center located in the vicinity of Roxas City, Capiz.

Signal No. 1 is up in Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, Masbate, Burias Island, Northern Palawan, Calamian Group of Islands, Marinduque, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Ilolo, Negros Provinces and Guimaras.

Public storm warning signal elsewhere have been lowered.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 to 15 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 350 km diameter of the depression.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) alert status is still raised in the affected areas, especially West Visayas.

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas and northern seaboard of Mindanao.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the bulletins by Pagasa (http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph). (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Agusan del Sur guv appeals for donation to typhoon Pablo victims

By David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Dec. 26 – Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza has appealed to Agusan residents for donation to typhoon Pablo victims citing the extent of damages and the magnitude of the unmet needs of the victims and their families.

“The provincial government is appealing to those who are lucky enough not being affected by the recent typhoon by requesting for assistance in providing potable water, rice and other foodstuffs, medicines, usable clothes, G.I. sheets, nails and tents for temporary relief from sun and rain of families whose houses were damaged by typhoon Pablo,” Plaza said.

Plaza said the victims' needs for them to return to normal life remain unmet, even as the provincial government has provided relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Typhoon Pablo has destroyed thousands of houses, injured and claimed lives of many, displaced a large number of the population and damaged properties, livestock, agriculture and infrastructure in almost all areas of the province. As of December 14 report by the PDRRMC, a total of 19 persons were declared dead while 28 others were injured. Some 39,000 families or a total of 188,752 persons were affected while total 0f 9,604 houses were totally damaged and another 20,580 were partially damaged, with an estimated cost of more than P321 million.

To date, relief operations by the provincial and municipal government, NGOs and other organizations are still on going while residents of affected areas are doing their best to construct even temporary shelter in order to return back to normal life. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Agusan Norte barangays trained on contingency planning

By Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 26 (PIA) -- Barangays situated along the Agusan River Basin (ARB) underwent trainings conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) and Contingency Planning (CP) from December 17-19 simultaneously held in the municipalities of Buenavista and Las Nieves.

The trainings served as an offshoot of the Training of Trainers on CBDRRM and CP Phase I conducted on October 12 at Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City.

The purpose of the trainings is to install a system in responding to any emergency situation in the locality as the people in the barangays are considered the primary responders in case a calamity/disaster strikes. The BDRRM officers were also taught how to craft a contingency plan to serve as roadmap in managing hazards and potential risks.

Provincial Director Romeo A. Solis said that the barangay DRRM councils are considered to be at the forefront of ensuring the safety of its constituents and respond appropriately in times of calamities.

Annabella O. Cadigal of DILG, led the assessment of the different barangays. She said barangays should always assess their capacities by using the 5 Ms formula which stands for: Manpower, Money, Methodology, Minutes and Machinery whenever a disaster or calamity hits their respective AOR.

Program Manager, Ellen Vee P. Chua, discussed the essentials of Contingency Planning. According to her, the LGUs should always be proactive in planning actions should the worst scenario imagined becomes a reality.

At the end of the trainings, the participants were able to identify their respective roles and responsibilities as members of the Council.

 They were also able to list down their proposed actions in case of calamity/disaster and these actions were all embodied in their newly-crafted contingency plans. (DILG-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: DOTC, DTI miaprubar sa guidelines nagprotekta sa mga sumasakay sa eroplano

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 26 (PIA) – Giaprubahan na sa Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) ug Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) bag-ohay pa lamang ang gitawag nga Rights of an Air Passengers nga maoy magprotekta sa mga sumasakay gikan sa dili maayong mga buhat sa mga kumpanya sa eroplano.

Matud sa taho ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte gipirmahan nila DOTC Secretary Emilio Abaya ug DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo ang maong sumbanan niadtong Disyembre 10 ug kini epektibo na sugod niadtong Disyembre 21.

Ubos sa maong sumbanan, ang mga pasahero adunay katungod nga mahatagan og saktong impormasyon sa dili pa mapalit ang tiket, katungod nga madawat ang sakto nga serbisyo ug ug katungod sa kumpensasyon ug mapahiluna kon ugaling makansela ang biyahe sa eroplano ug katungod usa sa pasahero ang mangayo og kumpensasyon alang sa danyos pagkadilatar, nawala ug nadaot nga mga bagahe lakip usab ang kumpensasyon kon ugaling mamatay o adunay kadaut sa lawas.

Subay usab niini ang DOTC mipagawas na og kamandoan nga duha ka oras sa dili pa ang pagbiyahe kinahanglan abli na ang ilang mga check-in counter aron ang mga pasahero dili malangan pag-ayo. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Saturday, December 22, 2012

Cebuano news: Malacañang nalipay sa kadaugan ni Janine Tugonon sa Ms. Universe Pageant

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 22 (PIA) -- Gikalipay sa Malacañang kagahapon ang kadaugan ni Janine Tugonon isip first runner-up sa Ms. Universe pageant didto sa Las Vegas, Nevada; ug pinaagi sa iyang kadaugan iyang gipakita sa tibook kalibutan ang pagkaambungan, pagkamaabtik, ug pagkamaanyag sa mga Filipina.

Matud ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte ang kadaugan ni Tugonon dugang mipakita sa talagsaon nga kinaiya sa mga Filipino isip “world-class.”

Tungod sa maong kadaugan, si Tugonon nahilira na karon nila kanhe Binibining Pilipinas-Universe winners, 4th runner-up, Venus Raj niadtong 2010; 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup niadtong 2011.

Ang uban pang mga mananaog sa Ms. Universe karong tuiga mao sila Miss USA Olivia Culpo, Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, Miss Australia Renae Ayris, ug Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Friday, December 21, 2012

TUCP, JILAF train 35 union leaders on industrial relations, productivity, LMC

By Fryan E. Abkilan

TAGAYTAY CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) - Some 35 youth and trade union leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao coming from sectors identified as key employment generators have completed the National Workshop on Industrial Relations (IR), Productivity and Labor Management Cooperation (LMC), focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Collective Bargaining.

Led by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP-ITUC) and supported by the Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF), the five-day program held in this city aimed to present developments in CSR practices, particularly in the workplace and interrelationship between CSR and core labor standards; highlight the exchange of Japanese and Philippine productivity improvement activities and practices; introduce the enhanced 5S, Kaizen and their contributions to realizing productivity; improve ways of utilizing collective bargaining and dialogue to enhance productivity; and design actions plans to localize and implement trade union-led productivity activities.

TUCP Vice President Milagros Ogalinda was happy and elated with JILAF’s technical assistance and sustained support with the TUCP and for assisting and building the capacities and competencies of trade union leaders on productivity, industrial relations and LMCs.

“With this training, we are given another opportunity to better understand current labor and employment challenges and hopefully improve our ability to address these challenges,” Ogalinda added.

Meantime, JILAF Asst. Gen. Secretary Kennichi Kumagai, during the opening ceremony, shared the history of JILAF as a non-government organization, its role and advocacies.

“JILAF was established by RENGO (Japanese Trade Union Confederation) in May 1989 as an organization to promote international exchange and cooperation in the field of labor by promoting free and democratic union.”

The Foundation has carried out a variety of international support activities based on the principle of "development cooperation" and "mutual interaction with our working friends in all over the world." Kumagai revealed that the Philippines has been one of the major countries selected in organizing their joint productivity programs.

Kumagai said they were able to integrate the ‘Progress’ program or the Role of Trade Unions in Empowerment and Strategic Steps to Decent Work in this activity, which is an action-oriented model initiative which integrates basic strategies on labor standards, productivity movement, labor management, and social dialogue and productivity-enhancing methods through 5S, kaizen and collective bargaining.

The said program was piloted and introduced in the country last year. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Mayor Amante leads Pamaskong Handog 2012 distribution

By Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) - Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. leads this year’s “Pamaskong Handog” distribution in the different villages (barangays) here.

A total of 21,000 thousand “Pamaskong Handog” gift packs prepared by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office are now being distributed following a schedule that started Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 until Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.

These gift packs consist of 3 kilos rice and several canned goods. They are to be given to the less fortunate constituents of every village which have already been identified by its local council prior to the said distribution.

Mayor Amante said in his speech during the distribution in Brgy. Baan Riverside that the City Government would have given more, hadn’t the neighboring province of Compostela Valley been struck by the recent calamity brought about by Typhoon Pablo.

Mayor Amante sees it proper and necessary for us to share what we have with the affected people in Compostela Valley. He added that we are very lucky there hasn’t been any major damage caused to us by the typhoon, and sharing whatever we can possibly give could be our way of thanking the Lord for sparing Butuan.

The northern part of Mindanao was struck by Typhoon Pablo Dec. 4, 2012, making a landfall in one of the towns in Compostela Valley and leaving the whole province typhoon-wrecked.

Mayor Amante hopes that with the distribution of these gifts packs, no family would have an empty table come Christmas Day and that somehow, the City Government has contributed to making the holidays for these families more meaningful.

For information on the “Pamaskong Handog” Distribution Schedule, the CSWD Office can be reached thru landline numbers 815-2216 and 342-5250, and can be visited at J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City. (CMO-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Tumaas ang credit rating ng bansa mula stable hanggang positive - Standard & Poor's

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Dis. 21 (PIA) –- Maluwang na tinanggap ng administrasyong Aquino ang hakbang ng Standard & Poor’s (S&P) sa pagpapataas nito ng credit rating outlook para sa ekonomiya ng bansa mula stable hanggang positive.

“Ang Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ay pinataas ang kanilang credit rating outlook para sa ekonomiya ng bansa mula sa “BB+ Stable” hanggang “BB+ Positive.” Ito'y nangangahulugang na tayo ay may aasahan, maliban sa mga hindi inaasahang sitwasyon, isang aktuwal na credit rating upgrade ang aasahan sa mga susunod na buwan,” ayon kay Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

“Sa rational ng S&P, binigyan pugay nito ang administrasyong Aquino para sa maunlad na kapasidad nito upang bigyang tugon ang reporma, ayon naman kay Lacierda kung saan sinabi nito na “dahil sa level ng legitimacy, supporta, at tibay na nagpaliit ng mga mali sa politika ito ang dahilan ng maunlad na legislative efficiency.”

 Sinabi din ni Lacierda na ang improved outlook ay dahil sa paglalagda ng landmark bill reforming sin taxes na siya ding nagpalakas ng fiscal position ng pamahalaan.

“Bukas loob po nating tinatanggap ang positive strides na isinasagawa ng ating bansa sa ilalim ng administrasyong Aquino at mga pagkilala sa ating mga proyekto, sa katunayan, ang mabuting pamahalaan ay resulta ng mabuting ekonomiya,” aniya.

Ang positibong outlook ay nangangahulugan na ang rating ng bansa ay maaaring tumaas sa susunod na taon.

“Binago po naming ang outlook sa pagiging positive upang i-reflect ang ating reappraisal ng politika at ng institutional factors underlying the ratings,” ayon kay analyst Agost Benard. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: DepEd, Surigao Norte-LGU mipasiugda sa 1st Provincial Indigenous Peoples Congress

Ni Catherine A. Balomaga

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 21 (PIA) – Ang Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Norte Schools Division uban ang kooperasyon sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa probinsya gipasiugdahan bag-ohay pa lamang ang pagpahigayon sa 1st Provincial Indigenous Peoples Congress didto sa Cagdianao Gymnasium, Brgy. Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Ang maong kalihukan nga nagdala sa tema nga “Pagpalig-on sa Lumadnong Kultura, Yawe sa Lumadnong Paglambo sa Bag-ong Surigao,” gitambongan nila Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay Jr, isip hulip kang Governor Sol Matugas, Claver Mayor Rosemarie Gokiangkee, Regional Schools Superintendent Josita Carmen isip hulip kang DepEd Regional director Atty. Alberto Escobarte, Surigao del Norte Schools Division Superintendent Evelyn Fetalvero, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Nelia Lomocso, NCIP Coordinator of Surigao del Sur Danilo Alcantara, Taganito Mining Representative Cecile Bayas, District Supervisors, Teachers, Sisters of the Holy Spirit seminary, PTA President Jesrael Lisondra, Brgy. Officials ug mga IPs o Lumad nga gikan sa Alegria, Anao-aon, Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Sison, Tubod, Mainit, Malimono, ug Surigao City.

Sa mensahe ni Regional Director Atty. Escobarte isip pinasidunggang mamumulong sa maong kalihukan nga gipaambit ni Supt. Carmen nagpaambit sa iyang gipasabot ang bahin sa mga kalihukan sa DepEd aron mahatagan og saktong luna ug pribilihiyo ang mga lumad partikular na ang pagmugna sa DepEd Order No. 62 series of 2011 o ang naila nga National Indigenous Peoples Education Policy Framework nga adunay 6 points agenda nga mao ang aksesibilidad sa skwelahan, ang pagsagop sa mga eskuylahan sa ilang kultura , mga libro ug gamit para kanila, pagrecruit ug mga IP teachers, paghatag og oportunidad aron sila mahimong principal, pagpalig-on sa mga skwelahan, ug ang pagpadayon nga paglambingit sa Private sectors ug mga NGO.

Gikalipay usab niya ang pagpa-ambit nga sunod tuig adunay 100 ka items alang sa IP teachers para niadtong mga eligible na nga mga gradwadong IPs.

Samtang sa mensahe usab ni Governor Matugas nga gipaambit ni Vice Governor Egay iyang gi-aghat ang matag usa sa pagtabang ug pagsuporta sa HEALS agenda sa iyang administrasyon labi na gyud ang programa sa mga lumad aron molambo ang ilang sektor ug sila mamahimong parte sa hiniusang kalamboan sa probinsya. (SDR/Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Thursday, December 20, 2012

Remote barangays in seven municipalities in Agusan del Sur get access to safe drinking water

By David M. Suyao & Edwin S. Fuentes

 AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dec. 20 (PIA) - Nineteen remote barangays from seven municipalities in Agusan del Sur now have access to safe drinking water after separate simple turn- over rites were held in various barangays early this month.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Allan Santiago, team leader of the project called Tubig Imnunon Natong Agusanon (TINA) said the upgraded bio-sand water filter facility is the best means in addressing the sad plight of residents in outskirt villages who get water from open sources that pose health hazards being prone to water–borne diseases.

Engineer Pamela D. Yucosing, Agusan del Sur provincial engineer, said prior to the project implementation, their office conducts capability training to teach beneficiaries of their responsibilities to sustain the project.

“Before the project turn-over, villagers have to contend with drinking water from unsafe sources like, spring, rain collectors, deep well (locally known as atabay) and wells they dug near their homes, while others trek kilometers just to fetch water for their daily use”, Yucosing said.

Each bio-sand water filter facility costs P140,000. For this year, the provincial government has budgeted 2.9 million for the project.

The barangays which received the said facility are Mapaga, Lacaridad, Napo, New Maug, and Purok 5 of Patin-ay, all in Prosperidad town for District 1. For District 2, Barangay 1, Borbon, Rizal, and Tagapua of San Francisco; Tagbayagan, Maligaya, San Roque, and Manat in Trento; Mambalili and Poblacion of Bunawan; Aurora and Tapas of Sta. Josefa; Panagangan and Sagunto of La Paz and Buena Gracia of Talacogon.

Recipients expressed their gratitude to the TINA project as it answered their long time need for stable potable water supply. They committed to eagerly look after the facility to ensure its sustainability.

Yucosing said, by order of Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, next year’s project allocation is P3.5 million to be sourced out from the 20% Provincial Development Fund. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Police Regional Office XIII opts for a gunless yuletide

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) – The Police Regional Office XIII officers and personnel had the barrel tips of their service firearms taped and signed by their top officials to assure that these will not be indiscriminately fired during the celebrations of Christmas and New Year in ceremonial rites early this morning at the parade grounds of the police regional headquarters here.

“The ceremonial sealing-off of our service firearms is a compliance to a directive from Camp Crame to avoid firing our guns indiscriminately during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations,” Police Regional Office XIII Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA) Mario O. Soriano said during the post-ceremony interview.

Soriano is leading the activity in place of Caraga PNP Regional Director CSupt. Carmelo Valmoria, who is now in Camp Crame attending yesterday’s turn-over of the CPNP post.

Soriano said that violation to the directive from Crame may be meted with a dismissal from police service, “especially when it will hit somebody.” The official warned that the velocity of a bullet fired upwards has the same velocity going down which will mean it will still be potentially fatal.

 Soriano mentioned however during the interview, that despite the recent directive from Crame of a “gunless” yuletide and new year celebrations, and even with the declaration of a Chistmas truce with the communist rebels, the police force in the region is vigilant, ready and capable of responding to any eventuality which may tend to disturb the peacefulness of the region. He said that these measures will not hamper them in any way to effect their normal functions as law enforcers.

 “We just want to assure everyone here in the region a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year,” Soriano said. (PIA-Cagara)

International NGO helps typhoon Pablo victims in Agusan Sur

By David M. Suyao & Melody E. de Vera

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Dec. 20 - An international non-government organization (NGO) will help typhoon Pablo victims of the two most affected municipalities in Agusan del Sur.

According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council office (PDRRMC), Save the Children Foundation will provide water system to barangays Awao, Sayon and Angas in Sta. Josefa town and Sinobong, Candiis, Sta. Emelia and Del Monte in Veruela in response to the need of potable water by the residents of the two municipalities where no one was spared by the typhoon.

At present, the provincial government through the assistance of the Bureau of Fire Protection is rationing drinking water to ravaged areas.

These two towns, including Trento and Bunawan were the worst hit by typhoon Pablo leaving intense damages on properties, agriculture and infrastructure affecting thousands of residents.

As reaction to the kindness of the NGO, Governor Adolph Edward Plaza organized and directed a technical working group (TWG) comprised of personnel from the Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Agusan del Sur Enonomic Research and Business Assistance Center and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to provide support to the needs by the NGO during the course of the installation of the water system.

According to the latest Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council report released on December 15, a total of 13,049 persons in Sta. Josefa and 16,770 persons in Veruela are still living in temporary shelters using tents after their houses were totally wrecked by the typhoon.

As of this posting, Oplan Pablo operation center volunteers are still packing food stuffs and relief goods for distribution in the affected areas. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

                   

PET/CT Scan donated to Butuan City

By Junesther Jean S. Iway

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The World Medical Relief, Inc., through its president and chief executive officer George V. Samson recently turned-over the pacemakers and the Positron emission tomography - computed tomography otherwise known as the PET/CT Scan to the city government of Butuan headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., and Vice Mayor Law Fortun through Dr. Josephine Chua, the officer-in-charge/hospital director of the Butuan Medical Center (BMC).

The said medical equipment is a small device that is placed in the chest or abdomen to initially help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

On the other hand, the PET/CT Scan measures important body functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and sugar (glucose) metabolism, to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning through providing images that pinpoint the location of abnormal metabolic activity within the body.

PET and PET/CT scans are performed to:

• detect cancer;

• determine whether a cancer has spread in the body;

• assess the effectiveness of a treatment plan, such as cancer therapy;

• determine if a cancer has returned after treatment;

• determine blood flow to the heart muscle;

• determine the effects of a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, on areas of the heart;

• identify areas of the heart muscle that would benefit from a procedure such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery (in combination with a myocardial perfusion scan);

• evaluate brain abnormalities, such as tumors, memory disorders and seizures and other central nervous system disorders; and

• to map normal human brain and heart function. (http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet)

The World Medical Relief, Inc., is a private not-for-profit organization operating exclusively for charitable purposes in helping the poor, the sick and the elderly or the medically-underserved through collecting and distributing medicines, medical equipment, medical supplies, and related materials.

Butuan City was selected by the World Medical relief as a beneficiary of the medical donation mainly to help the it address the medical and health care concerns of its constituents especially those patients who are financially incapable of supporting their own medical needs.

For his part, Fortun thanked the World Medical Relief, Inc. for its donation. He said that the said equipment is a big help to the people of Butuan and address the growing medical needs of the city. Fortun also lauded the effort of Mayor Amante who is a doctor by profession who has put forward the health services as one of his priority project. (Vice Mayor’s Office/LGU-Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

30IB, Phil. Red Cross hold bloodletting activity

By Capt. Steve L. Mangabat

SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross, has conducted a bloodletting activity at the 30IB Headquarters, Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

The bloodletting activity is in line with this year’s celebration of the 77th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 21, 2012 with the theme, “Bayanihan at kahandaan: Tuwid na daan tungo sa kapayapaan.”

A total of 12,600 cc of different blood type have collective from 28 blood donors.

Prsonnel of the 1503rd Community Defense Center, 15RCDG, Phil. Army 23rd Infantry Batallion and CAFGUs participated in the event. (SDR/CMO-30IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

                   

Tagalog news: Ayon sa Pangulo ang nagkakaisang sambayanang Filipino ang nagpapadali ng kanyang trabaho

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Dis. 19 (PIA) -- Sinabi ng Pangulo kamakailan na ang nagkakaisang sambayanang Filipino ang nagpapadali ng kanyang mga tungkulin.

“Magiging madali po sa akin ang aking mga tungkulin kung tayo ay nagkakaisa kahit ano man po ang ating kinakaharap. May mga problema po na nakakaapekto sa sanlibutan kung saan hindi po tayo nahihiwalay dito, at tayo, bilang sambayanan, tayo po ay humahakbang pasulong bilang isa, at ito po ay nakakatulong,” ayon sa Pangulo nang siya ay tinanong sa kanyang mga ina-asahan sa kapaskuhan kasabay ng Christmas Party ng Bulong Pulungan sa lungsod ng Pasay.

“Yan lang po ang pinaka personal na aking makukuha sa ngayon. Gusto kong magkaroon ng realistic objectives--realistic at obtainable na objectives,” aniya.

Binanggit din ng Pangulo ang RH Bill debates, isang nahahating isyu na naipasa na sa pangatlong pagbasa ng kongreso.

Bagaman napaka init ng debate hinggil sa RH bill, sinabi ng Pangulo na ang mga taong nagkakaiba ng opinyon ay hindi po kailangan na magturingan na magkaaway, paglilinaw na wala pong kaaway sa bansa dahil sa mga ganitong klase ng isyu.

“Kung ito po ay maging batas, tayo po ay magmove on para gawin to… para po siguruhin na ang lahat ng positibong attributes ng batas ay mangyayari,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“Sa pagitan po ng mga Filipino, hindi po kailangan na i-treat po natin ang bawat isa na kaaway, pero mga tao po na nagkaisa sa pamamagitan ng napakaraming paraan, at nabibilang din tayo sa iisang lahi, ito po ay kailangan na maging tugon sa mga nangangailangan, hindi lang po sa mga naging biktima ng bagyo kundi pati na rin po sa bawat isa sa atin at sa iba't ibang problema na kinakaharap ng ating bansa.”

Ang RH bill ay hindi po isang labanan na may natatalo at may nananalo, idinagdag din ng Pangulo na ito ay labanan kung saan ang bansa ang benepisyaryo, lalo na ang mga kababaihan at kabataan.

“Kailangan po natin na magtrabaho upang siguruhin na ang bawat isa ay committed sa pagsasakatuparan nito,” ayon sa Pangulo. (NCLM/DSM/PIA-Caraga)

Surigaonon news: Mokabat P50,000 ihatag nan City Agriculture Office isip seed capital sa 4-H Club

Ni Annette P. Villaces

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 20 (PIA) -- Mokabat sa P50,000 ka pesos an ipan-apud-apod nan buhatan sa City Agriculture sa pakigtambayayong sa buhatan nan Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Caraga, ngadto sa mga miyembro nan Heart, Head, Hands, and Health Club (4-H Club) kagahapon Disyembre 18, 2012 didto sa HVCC Processing Center, Km. 2, Brgy. Luna, ning syudad.

An amo na kantidad gigahin isip capital aron ipalit og mga seedling o liso nga amoy ipananom sa mga miyembro nan 4-H Club na gikan sa Barangay, Sukailang, Nabago, Cagniog ug Mat-i.

An amo na kalihukan haom sa programa na Strategic Agri-Fishery and Livestock Development Program nan syudad ubos sa administrasyon ni Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas. (SDR/City PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Cebuano news: 2013 General Appropriations Act gipirmahan ni Pangulong Aquino

Ni Susil D. Ragas

 SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 20 (PIA) – Gipirmahan na ni Pangulong Aquino ang mokabat P2.006-trilyon nga 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) kagahapon.

Ang mokabat P2.006 trilyon nga 2013 National Budget nga ginganlan og Empowerement Budget mi-umento ug 10.5 porsyento kumpara sa kasamtangang budget nga P1.816 trilyon.

Sa 2013 nga budget, pinakadako nga parte niini ang gigahin alang sa mga social services sa nasod sama sa Department of Education nga mokabat P232.6 bilyon, ang Department of Social Welfare and Development P56.3 bilyon ug P51.1 bilyon alang sa Department of Health.

Ang nasangpit nga budget namugna uban ang tumong ug tinguha sa paghatag prayoridad ug pondo ngadto sa mga public services nga maghatag og mga trabaho, edukasyon sa mga kabataan, pagseguro nga himsog ang mga katawhan aron sila maaghat pagpartisipar sa mga ekonomikanhong kalihukan. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Cebuano News: Ang panggamhanan sa Aquino midayeg sa pagpasa sa Resposible Parenthood Bill

Ni Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Dis. 20 (PIA) -- Ang administrasyong Aquino midayeg sa mga magbabalaod kalabot sa paglusot sa Resposible Parenthoon Bill, pagpasayon sa mga Pilipino aron mapataas kon mapa-usbaw ang matag pamilya sa pamaagi nga matarong ug paghatag ug gahum, ang opisyal sa Palasyo miingon.

Si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda mipagawas sa iyahang pamahayag subay sa paglusot sa Rasponsible Parenthood Bill sa ika-tulong pagbasa didto sa Senado ug sa House of the Representatives niadtong Lunes sa gabie.

“Ang paglusot sa Responsible Parenthood Bill sinyas dili lamang sa bag-ong yugto sa atoang adyenda sa “iclusive growth; kana usab sinugdan sa prosesong pag-ayo sa mga kadaut nga madangat hawan sa kanunay sa feisty democracy” ("The passage of the Responsible Parenthood Bill signals not only a new chapter in our agenda of inclusive growth; it also begins a process of healing for the wounds that may have been opened by an often feisty democracy,") sulti ni Lacierda.

Ang administrasyon sa Aquino namahayag sa kumpiyansang positibo ug makahulogan ang kasabutan sa mga nagkadaiyang branch sa gobyerno nga magpadayon, sulti ni Lacierda.

Si Lacierda mibutyag nga ang administrasyon nagpasalamat sa mga magbabalaod kinsa mihimo sa makasaysayanong pagboto niadtong Lunes ug nagmalampuson nga mipalusot sa Responsible Parenthood Bill.

“Kami partikularmente mapasalamaton kang Speaker Sonny Belmonte; Majority Floor Leader Boyet Gonzalez; Congressman Edcel Lagman kinsa maoy awtor sa balaod ug maoy nagbantay sa pagpalakat sa sobra na sa dekada; Senator Pia Cayetano, kinsa maoy misagubang sa mga kalisod nga pakigbugno sa senado; ug ang matag magbabalaod kinsa mibotar sa maong pahat, “ ("We are particularly grateful to Speaker Sonny Belmonte; Majority Floor Leader Boyet Gonzales; Congressman Edcel Lagman who authored this bill and shepherded it through for more than a decade; Senator Pia Cayetano, who waged an equally difficult battle in the Senate; and every legislator who voted for this measure,") Sulti ni Lacierda.

“Sila mihimo niana gani tataw --- nga ang mga katawhan karon dunay gobyerno sa ilahang kiliran sa pagbarog kon pagpataas sa ilahang mga pamilya sa pamaagi nga husto ug paghatag ug gahum,” ("They have made it even clearer ---that the people now have the government on their side as they raise their families in a manner that is just and empowered,"), matud pa niya.

"As President Aquino asked, our representatives voted according to conscience. Discussions regarding this bill were heated and did not lack for passionate advocates from either side," Lacierda noted.

Si Lacireda mipahinungod,kadtong mga magbabalaod mipatuman sa ilahang mga obligasyon nga dunay kadungganan sa pagpatigayon ug balaod nga tinuoray nga mihaum sa gikinahanglan sa mga katawhan. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)