PIA News Service - Friday, July 5, 2013

PNP-13 joins peace rally in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- Officials of the Philippine National Police – Police Regional Office 13 (PNP-PRO 13) joined a civic organization-initiated peace rally.

The activity kicked-off with a walk for peace from Barangay Libertad towards Guingona’s Park by several government and private institutions while a motorcade routed Butuan City roads and highways.

The rally was highlighted by messages from rebel returnees, Ka “Jojo” and PO3 Severino Ranoma, a former NPA who turned into a policeman.

Police Director Manuel Barcena, Director of Directorate for Integrated Police Operation-Eastern Mindanao, in his message, called on the participants to be vigilant against forces that intends to disrupt peace and order.

“Let us be vigilant and united to surpass the communist scheme. We must encourage the people to cooperate and help the government to end CPP-NPA terroristic movement,” Barcena said.

Other activities include singing of “Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas”, releasing of balloons signifying there is freedom in peace and a covenant signing with the Philippine Army; PNP; cities of Butuan, Bayugan, Cabadbaran, and the municipality of Nasipit, Karancho, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Caraga State University, Holy Child College, Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, and Agusan Institute of Technology. (FEA/PNP-PRO 13/PIA-Caraga)

PRO-13 receives more vehicles, equipment

By PO2 Alexander C. Calanza

BUTUAN CITY, July 5 (PIA) –--The Philippine National Police - Regional Office Caraga (PNP-PRO 13) awarded additional vehicles and equipment coming from National Headquarters (NHQ) to enhance the capabilities of police stations and other units in combating crime and immediate response.

PRO-13 Regional Director P/CSupt. Getulio P Napeñas led the blessing and turn-over of three patrol vehicles and motorcycles, troop carrier from NHQ at Camp Rafael C Rodriguez in Barangay Libertad, this city.

The said vehicles were distributed to different municipalities in the region. Among these were the Municipal Police Station (MPS) of General Luna in Siargao Island which got one vehicle, San Francisco MPS of Agusan del Sur received one vehicle and one motorcycle, Veruela MPS of Agusan del Sur received a vehicle, Burgos MPS of Siargao Island received one motorcycle, and Nasipit MPS of Agusan del Norte received one motorcycle. On the other hand, the troop carrier truck and van was turned-over to regional headquarters.

Napeñas, likewise, handed-over the Kevlar helmets to Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Eugenio Paguirigan.

The regional director also facilitated the distribution of Kevlar helmets and bulletproof vests to the elite forces and maneuvering unit such as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) of PNP in the region.

Napeñas also handed over one unit of computer desktop donated by Public Safety Savings and Loan Association Inc. to 131st Regional Public Safety Company of Sitio Cutlog, Brgy Bahi, Barobo, Surigao del Sur. (FEA/PNP-PRO 13/PIA-Caraga)

Over 400 DSWD-Tesda beneficiaries complete Cash for Training Program in Surigao del Norte

By Robert E. Roperos     

BUTUAN CITY, July 5 – The Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have awarded on Wednesday Certificates of Training Completion to some 439 beneficiaries of the Cash for Training Project (C4TP) in Surigao del Norte.

TESDA Surigao del Norte OIC Provincial Director Liza Budtan said a total of 249 trainees completed under the program’s self-employment (hanapbuhay) component while 190 have finished the wage employment (trabaho).

During the culmination program held at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City, Budtan told the graduates that the event marked the start of their journey for technical education and skills development to be their tool in fighting poverty.

“Now, you have reached your destination. In a short while, the head of your respective Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers, will very soon recommend each one of you, to be confirmed as graduate of your chosen qualification, being considered competent of your respective qualification,” PD Budtan said.

Meanwhile, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio Sunico Jr. emphasized that the event is considered a “Triumph of Convergence” as the project takes the entire community to be involved in the conduct of trainings to the beneficiaries.

Dir. Sunico also challenged the 439 graduates to excel in their chosen field of skills expertise and become productive citizens of the country. He likewise underscored the rationale of the event saying that the graduation is a milestone and a celebration.

“We look at graduation as a milestone and a celebration… We might have just conducted the activity individually by schools but we have decided to gather you all here because this event is very important to you and to your family and friends… This is relevant and very meaningful not only to you but also for us in the government sector who guided you in the implementation of the program… We share the triumph you have in you,” Dir. Sunico said.

The TESDA chief of the region also stressed the C4TP trainings do not only developed the skills and capacity of the beneficiaries. More importantly, he said right values and attitude were also inculcated into the minds of the students for them to be equipped not only with technical skills but as well as moral and spiritual values.

“Aside from the technical skills and competence acquired by our graduates, they were also trained on obtaining moral and spiritual values – factors for which can make an individual succeed in whatever his/her endeavor,” Sunico said.

In a related development, Crispiniano Sajor Jr., a graduate of Automotive/Driving NC II at the Provincial Training Center is grateful for availing the program. He said that through this program, skills and abilities of every Filipino is developed.

“I am so thankful that I was able to avail of the program of the national government headed by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III through TESDA and DSWD… Through this program, skills and abilities of every Filipino could be developed for them to have a better living,” Sajor said.

Sajor further said through the C4TP, DSWD has entrusted a vision of preparing the youth for job employments to TESDA who is tasked to rain and educate the students.

Under the self-employment component, 96 graduated in Computer Hardware Servicing; Commercial Cooking – 61; Automotive NC 1/Driving NC II – 78; Consumer Electronics Services – 4 and; Beauty Care – 10.

For the wage employment, 104 graduates received their certificates of completion in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II; 30 from Housekeeping; Food and Beverage Services (FBS)/Bartending – 11; Electrical Installation & Maintenance/Masonry – 15 and; Electrical Installation & Maintenance/Carpentry – 30.

The project is in support to government’s thrust in providing a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition of the youth and empower them through skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities.

The implementation of the program is in partnership with TESDA and the DSWD through the leadership of Sec. Joel Villanueva and Sec. Corazon Dinky Soliman, respectively. (NCLM/TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Matba pormal ng milingkod isip bag-ong gobernador sa AgNor

Ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 5 (PIA) -- Pormal na nga milingkod isip bag-ong gobernador sa Agusan del Norte si Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba niadtong adlaw nga lunes July 1, 2013, sa iyang buhatan sa Provincial Capitol ning syudad sa Butuan. Sayo nga midangat sa iyang buhatan si Gov. Matba kon diin mitambong pa kini sa Flag Raising Ceremony ug mainiton usab kini nga gidawat sa libuan ka mga empleyado sa kapitolyo.

Unang nakigtagbo si Gov. Matba sa nagkadaiyang empleyado sa tanang buhatan sa kapitolyo uban ang ilang mga hepe ug adiser pa kini moabi-abi sa mga lokal nga mga opisyales sa nagkadaiyang munisipyo ug barangay ning lalawigan, dayon ang mga nagkadaiyang lokal ug national nga mga buhatan.

Hangtud karong adlawa sa iyang pag-opisina nagpunsisok pa gihapon ang mga nagkadaiyang bisita nga buot makig- courtesy call sa bag-ong gobernadora.

Subay niini gipasalig ni Gov. Angel Matba nga iyang ipadayon ang nasugdan na nga mga kalamboan, programa ug mga proyekto alang sa katawhang Agusanon sa iyang magulang nga karon mao na usab ang representante sa ikaduhang distrito sa Agusan del Norte nga si Cong. Erlpe John M. Amante.

Samtang, lauman usab nga modangat karon adlawa si Chief Justice Ma. Lourdez Sereno aron usab makighimamat sa bag-ong gobernadora sa probinsya. (JSN/PIO-AdN/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Bottom-up budgeting workshop gitambungan sa bag-ong gobernador

Ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 5 (PIA) - Mitambong si Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba uban ni Provincial Administrator Percianita G. Racho sa gipahigayon nga Provincial Presentation sa programang Buttom-up Budgeting kon diin usa kini ka flagship program sa PNoy Administration.

Diin tumong niini nga mapakonhod ang kapobrehon sa tibook nasud pinaagi sa pag-ila sa mga pangkalambuang panginahanglan sa usa ka lokalidad uban ang hugot nga partisipasyon sa kumonidad.

Ang maong panagtigum gipasiugdahan kini sa Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) ubos sa buhatan sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Nahimong partisipante ang napulo (10) ka mga Municipal Mayors ug usa ka City Mayor ning lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte, uban ang mga City ug Municipal Development Coordinators, Local Government Operations Officer, ug tulo ka mga Civil Society Organization nga mga signatory sa anti-poverty plan sa napulo ka mga lungsod ug usa ka syudad sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte. (FEA/JSN/PIO-AdN/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Thursday, July 4, 2013

'Colegio de Liga ng Mga Barangay' celebrates 2nd year foundation

By Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- The Colegio de Liga ng Mga Barangay (CLB), the first and only college institution created by a Liga ng mga Barangay (League of Villages) in the country, celebrates its second year foundation anniversary.

With the theme, “Where dreams come true…CLB is the ultimate key to end poverty,” the celebration kicked-off with the Liga ng Mga Barangay meeting and induction and oath taking of CLB board of trustees held July 3, 2013 at CHED Function Hall in Brgy. Ampayon.

CLB Consultant Dr. Clara D. Almendralejo recalled that the college was created by 86 dedicated Punong Barangays of the city through the Liga ng mga Barangay Resolution No. 10 series of 2011 and approved by the Butuan City through Ordinance No. 666 series of 2011.

Most Rev. Zacharias C. Jimenez, who administered the oath taking of the CBL board warmly congratulated the officials of the special college, which was created by the alliance of barangays in the city. “We appreciate the lovely and prestigious endeavor of the Punong Barangays in the city who jointly come together for the unique creation of a college,” Jimenez said.

President/CEO of CLB and President of the Association Liga Ng Mga Punong Barangay Nestor D. Amora was very grateful to the full support of the Punong Barangays and the city government under the administration of Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. to the college despite of hardship during its initial operations in 2011. He also commended Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga Regional Director Isabela L. Mahler as the “reliable college defender” helping and guiding CLB in complying all requirements for the full operations of the college.

Amora said that CLB is a realization of dream where youths will be given the chance to finish their college education for free. “CLB was planned years ago, this time a dream come true. The legalization and full operations of CLB on its second year foundation celebration is just partial victory,” Amora added.

Meanwhile, the CLB Honorary Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante who graced the activity, congratulated Amora and all Punong Barangays in realizing the idea of establishing college institution and for acquiring CHED’s official approval for the full operations as the unique college in the city. He is hoping that the CLB will be transformed into university in the future to cater more students in providing free, quality and competitive education. “The city government will always support the CLB’s program. And gradually, the CLB will become resourceful asset to the city,” Amante said.

On its second year’s celebration, CLB has lined up other activities like community service with Barangay Pigdaulan, CLB students mass demonstration, ‘Laro ng Lahi’ on July 4, bloodletting and search for Ms. CLB 2013 on July 5, program and presentation of CLB board of trustees, and press conference on July 6. (FEA/JSN/PIA-Caraga)

BFAR Dinagat Islands Provincial Fishery office inaugurated

By Susil D. Ragas

DINAGAT ISLANDS, July 4 (PIA) -- In a bid to broaden its reach to the provinces and to bring the government closer to the people, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) extends its services in Dinagat Islands with the opening of a provincial office in the province.

The Dinagat Islands Provincial Fishery Office, which is a 2-storey building worth P3 million and located at Purok 2, Barangay Don Ruben, San Jose, was formally opened and inaugurated on Wednesday, July 3, 2013.

Leading the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of marker were BFAR National Director Atty. Asis G. Perez, Provincial Human Resource Officer Elvis de la Merced in behalf of Governor Glenda B. Ecleo, BFAR Caraga Regional Director Nerio G. Casil and Don Ruben Barangay Captain Hon. Thelma A. Rosillo, assisted by BFAR Caraga Asst. Regional Director Judith C. Rojas, Provincial Administrator Millard Tawakal, DOST Provincial Director Nancy Charcos and DENR-13 RTD Mario Eludo.

Perez, in his message, lauded the local government unit of Dinagat Islands especially to Governor Glenda B. Ecleo for the full support particularly by donating a parcel of land that paveway for the construction of the said building.

Perez said that the presence of provincial fisheries office within the province will allow the fisherfolks to easily deal with and seek assistance from the regional and national office.

“The building is also a testament of BFAR’s commitment to the people of Dinagat Islands,” he added.

Meanwhile, in behalf of Dinagat islands Gov. Glenda B. Ecleo, PHRM Officer Elvis de la Merced thanked BFAR for bringing the fishery office closer to the people of Dinagat Islands and for uplifting the economic condition of the fisherfolks and the fisheries sector of the province.

Caraga Regional Director Nerio G. Casil said the PFO will be manned by eight fishery personnel, "who will mainly be tasked to facilitate and to oversee the fisheries projects and programs and provide immediate assistance to the needs of the fisherfolks."

He said fisherfolks in Dinagat Islands do not have to travel to Surigao City for their fisheries needs and assistance. (FEA/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CHED Caraga approves 2 degree courses to Colegio de Liga

By Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga has approved two bachelor degree courses offered by Colegio de Liga ng Mga Barangay (CLB). The school offers free education to poor but deserving students.

The CHED Caraga has authorized the CLB to operate the first and second level on the degree of Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management (BSREM) and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS ENTREP) effective this academic year.

CHED Caraga Regional Director Isabela L. Mahler expressed appreciation to the Butuan City Punong Barangays for their support for CLB during the CLB Board of Trustees’ induction and oath taking ceremony on July 3 in Butuan City,

“We appreciate the support and energy shown by the CLB board in pushing through its full operations with the intention to provide free access to quality education,” Mahler said.

The CLB is the first and only college institution founded by a Liga ng mga Barangay (League of Villages) in the entire Philippines. It started its initial operations in 2011 with its office and school site at Barangay Pigdaulan, this city. (FEA/JSN/PIA-Caraga)

Philippine Science High School - Caraga Campus to open on June 2014

By Norma B. Alli

BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- The Philippine Science High School (PSHS), a government high school institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) located in Barangay Ampayon this city, will formally open on June 2014.

DOST Caraga Region and its provincial offices are now accepting applicants for the 2014 PSHS National Competitive Examination (NCE) which will be conducted nationwide on September 28, 2013. Successful examinees from Caraga Region will be the pioneer batch of scholars of the PSHS Caraga Campus for School Year 2014-2015.

A graduating grade 6 pupil who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply for the PSHS National Competitive Examination. He/she must belong to the upper 10 percent of the graduating class as certified by the School Principal or have aptitude in science and math as supported by the report card, a Filipino citizen with no pending application as immigrant in any foreign country, born on or after June 1, 1999, in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program, with good moral character, and have not taken the previous PSHS National Competitive Exam.

Application forms are now available at the DOST Regional and Provincial Offices and also downloadable at the PSHS System website, www.pshs.edu.ph.

Deadline for filing of application is on August 2, 2013. For further inquiries, they may call DOST Regional Office at telephone no. 341-9551. (FEA/DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: DA’s Barangay Food Terminal boosts cooperativism

By Aurell P. Arais

As strong as the tree named Bayug, where Bayugan City got its name, the JCA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (JARBEMCO) thru test of times still stands strong.

JARBEMCO was organized on April 5, 1999 by virtue of CARP Law initiated by CARP beneficiaries of farm land comprising 303 hectares situated at Sta. Teresita, Osmeña, Hamogaway and Marcelina in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

From its 51 original cooperators, current membership totals to 145 beneficiaries composed of the former workers-employees of the former JCA Rubber Development Corporation.

At first, its operation focused on production-based economic operations consisting of rubber, durian, mangosteen and coconut plantations and now it has expanded its plantation coverage with the opening of around 120 hectares of oil-palm, 60 hectares rubber and 6 hectares falcata.

To cater the needs of its workers, JARBEMCO ventured into store operations and it has expanded even more when they availed the Barangay Food Terminal (BFT), a Project of the Department of Agriculture launched last February 9, 2011.

Noralyn Gonzaga, BFT Incharge said that thru Barangay Food Terminal Project, DA provided them various equipment such as two cold storage facilities, plastic crates, three weighing scales, push cart, plastic tray, styrofoam boxes, electronic cash register and cash amount of P100,000 as support fund for additional capitalization.

The proponent also raised the said amount of P100,000 as their counterpart and was used mainly for the procurement of food products such as meat, poultry products, fish, fruits and vegetables.

JARBEMCO’s BFT open up a sure market for local farmers as well as swine raisers around their community where they can sell their produce.

BFT has generated employment having three regular employees and two on call employees during peak season of the month receiving minimum daily wage.

Gonzaga said that BFT helps a lot for them as workers and employees of the cooperative since they can avail its services including credit where payment will be automatically deducted from their salary while those non-members is bounded with duly signed customer agreement.

Aside from enjoying lower price on goods as compared to Bayugan City market, its customers can enjoy patronage refund and dividends every end of the year, thus an additional benefit for the customers family and cheer up the spirit of cooperativism.

For almost two years in operation, JARBEMCO BFT has manifested a net income of 179,940.53. Henceforth, from these figures, financial indicators are quite promising for JARBEMCO BFT as it faces another challenge in the years to come. (FEA/DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

FSUU photo exhibit promotes awareness on impacts of climate change

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – The Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in partnership with Minda News is spearheading the photo exhibit dubbed “IMPACT: When Nature Strikes Back” featuring the effects brought about by Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao which is considered one of the impacts of climate change.

Photos presented in the exhibit are the works of award-winning photojournalist Erwin Mascariñas, who is currently working with Minda News (print media). The exhibit will run until July 6, 2013 at the FSUU lobby, main campus, this city.

Mascariñas said the activity aims to enhance peoples’ awareness on the impact of climate change and promote preparedness among individuals to reduce the risks during disaster/calamity.

Mascariñas also encouraged the students to share their knowledge on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into their respective communities. "The photos tell us to be prepared and be more conscious and vigilant on what is happening around us so we can be spared from any disaster and even save other peoples' lives," he said.

Meanwhile, FSUU President Fr. Christian Young thanked partner- stakeholders and media for extending their support to said event and for helping in disseminating disaster risk reduction related information to the general public.

Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions, or in the distribution of weather around the average conditions (i.e., more or fewer extreme weather events). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

AFP, PNP-13 appeal public support to prevent atrocities

By Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP-13) appealed to the public to help them in averting violence especially in the critical areas in Caraga region.

During the recent Caraga Conference for Peace and Development Executive meeting, 401st Brigade, Phil. Army Commanding Officer Col. Henry Dar and PNP Caraga Regional Director P/CSupt. Getulio P. Napeñas asked all partners to cooperate with them in ensuring peace and security in the region. They also encouraged the public to inform military and police authorities by simply sending text message for any complaints and reports of the presence of illegal armed groups in their communities.

In ensuring stability of peace and security in the region, Col. Dar informed that the AFP is augmenting its task force in Agusan del Sur and other highly critical areas. Moreover, he also ensured that the armed forces will not stop defending the region from any atrocities brought by the communist group by improving its intelligence report. “The AFP is always available 24/7 ready to risk the lives of the soldier to ensure peace and safety in the region,” Dar added.

Meanwhile, the PNP officials ensured that the Police Regional Office-13 has also intensified their security preparations as Barangay and SK elections is fast approaching. They said that they have already set several strategies to include, the organization of the Joint Security Control Center (JSCC) at all levels, establishment of the Election Monitoring and Assistance Centers, hosting/attending election stakeholders security planning meetings and workshops at regional and provincial level with COMELEC and AFP, and intensified information campaign using tri-media and disaster risk reduction management plan to reduce or prevent calamity that may occur in the region. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)

DENR-13 commends PNP, Army personnel in anti-illegal logging drive

By Eric Herson F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) --The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 13 (DENR-13) on Friday, June 28 gave recognition to the officers and men of the police and the Philippine Army who have contributed to the success of the anti-illegal logging campaign in the region. At the same time, the DENR has also honored its 15 senior employees who have retired from the government service this year after serving the DENR for 30 years.

The recognition was made during the culmination program of the Environment Month held at the DENR Regional Office covered court in Barangay Ambago this city. The closing ceremony was graced upon by Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of the Diocese of Butuan.

DENR-13 Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo said “the all-out support given by the PNP and the military in the anti-illegal logging campaign has greatly contributed in achieving the target goal of the DENR.” He said the illegal logging activities in the region have dwindled considerably since the police and the military took over the operation from the civilian-led task force by virtue of the Anti Illegal Logging Task Force Resolution 2005.

Even the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) under Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa has acknowledged and congratulated the DENR-13 in its anti-illegal logging campaign during an evaluation made in February this year. “The DENR was commended by the task force for reducing the illegal logging incident by 70 percent (%) in the region,” RED Tamayo said.

“We are proud of these accomplishments. We are successful because of the support given us by the PNP and the military and the LGU,” he added.

The DENR has also given tribute to the 15 senior employees who retired after 30 years from government service. They included the following: from CENRO Nasipit - Bonifacio Sumagpao, Lynus Coloso (posthumous) represented by his wife Carmelita Coloso, CENRO Tubay-Hetulio A. Sayud, CENRO San Francisco- Pacheco G. Tan, CENRO Bayugan-Monica Comandante and Eligio C. Limbaco,CENRO Bunawan- Reynaldo B. Orquillas and Odelon S. Quiz, CENRO Loreto- Dioscoro B. Jagus,CENRO Tandag- Corseni B. Bautista and Sixto P. Portillo, CENRO Lianga- Corazon L. Pagayanan and Fernando L. Wapili. (FEA/DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

PRO-13 storms Butuan City barangay

By Philip Amer Mazo

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – Police personnel from the Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) stormed Barangay Dumalagan this city armed with medicines, medical and dental services, food and volume of school supplies on its Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP).

The goods were intended for the residents and elementary school children and secondary students of Barangay Dumalaga.

The group, which was led by PRO-13 Regional Director P/CSUPT Getulio P Napenas along with his staff and National Support Units such as the Regional Health Service Office, facilitated the distribution of medicines and medical check-ups, dental check-ups and tooth extractions to some 1,450 beneficiaries as part of the PNP's Social Agenda. Private groups also joined the activity to show their support by sponsoring the goods and other services.

A short program was initiated by the Police Community Relations Division at the barangay’s covered court.

Barangay Captain Edgardo Dechon, in his welcome remarks, said he is grateful for the initiatives of the PNP since it greatly helped his constituents most to the school children.

“School supplies to be distributed will surely boost the morale of the children knowing they would have new sets of school materials they could use every day in school and it also eases financial burden of every parent knowing that it save them money,” Dechon added.

Dechon said the activity was the first ever to happen in his barangay who explained that people aren’t supposed to be afraid of policemen and soldiers and should befriend them.

Meantime, Napenas thanked all the participating units and PRO 13 personnel who joined the activity making it a successful event.

The PRO 13 Band with its new bread of singers and band players made the covered court full of audience alive with its new trend of music. PO2 Jaime Franz Cenarillos from PRO 11 entertained the crowd with amusement on his magic show. The front of the stage was instantly filled with children as PO2 Cenarillos showed the kids his skills in magic. The program was followed by the distribution of the school supplies to the school kids in elementary. (FEA/PNP-PRO 13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: PNoy dili motudlo pag-usab kang Administrator Nangel sa NIA

Ni Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Hulyo 3 (PIA) - Si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III mibutyag kagahapon nga wala sya’y intensyon sa patudlo ug usab sa National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Antonio Nangel ug laing termino sa ahensya, ingon nga nagpabilin ang pagkadismaya sa performance niini sulod sa nahisgutang ahensya.

Sa press briefing nga gipahigayon human sa nag-unang seremonyas sa pagpang-apod-apod sa 22,603 bag-o nga mga pistola nga Glock17 9mm didto sa Camp Crame, Quezon City, ang Presidente miingon nga siya mipahimangno na sa opisina sa Executive Secretary, Department of Budget and Management ug uban pang ahensya nga dunay kalabotan sa pagsubli sa operasyon sa NIA ug makahimo ug mga suhestiyon unsaon sa papa-usbaw sa ilahang serbisyo.

“Nanugon na ako, una kay Executive Secretary, uban usab ang DBM ug uban pang mga ahensya sa gobyerno sa pagtan aw niini ug kung masulbad na nato ang irrigation, masangpotanon ang dugang sa atoang abot sa agrikultura”, (“Nag-atas na ako, umpisa kay Executive Secretary, kasama na rin ang DBM and other agencies of government to look into this at kung maayos natin ang irrigation natin, significant ang dagdag sa agricultural output natin,”), sulti ni Presidente.

“ Sa kadako sa atoang pondo nga gihatag nato sa maong ahensiya, kinahanglan usab nga dunay pagproteksyon nga mabati ang atoang mga mag-uuma. Sakit kung mapamatud-an nga ang proteksyon diay nahimong binuang lamang ug dili nato madawat nga nahitabo kadto” (“Sa laki-laki ng pondo na ibinibigay natin sa ahensiyang iyan, dapat naman may kalingang nadarama ang mga magsasaka. Masakit kung mapapatunayan na iyong kalinga pala ay naging kalokohan lang, at hindi natin matatanggap na mangyari iyon,”) dugang pa niya..

Siya mibutyag sa iyahang desisyon nga dili itudlo ug usab si Nangel dayag na human siya mipakita sa iyahang pagkadismaya sa performance sa NIA atol sa pagsaulog sa ika-50 nga anibersaryo niini sa miageng bulan.

Dunay renewal ang pagtudlo kada tuig. Karon, gawas nalang kung magka-amnesia ako gikan karon hangtud unya wala koy plano nga i-renew” (“May renewal ang appointment contract every year. Ngayon, maliban na lang kung magkaroon ako ng amnesia mula ngayon hanggang mamaya ay wala akong balak i-renew,”) sulti sa Presidente. (NGBT/PND (rck/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano news: Presidente Aquino miapod-apod ug 22,603 ka pistola ngadto sa PNP

Ni Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

MANILA, Hulyo 3 (PIA) – Si Presidente Benigno Aquino III maoy nanguna sa pagpang-apod apod sa mga bag-ong 22,603 ka Glock 17 9mm nga pistola ngadto sa mga napiling personahe sa Philippine National Police (PNP) sa seremonyas nga gipahigayon didto sa PNP headquarters sa Camp Crame, Quezon City, kagahapon, Hulyo 2.

Subay sa taho, ang mga bag-ong pistola kabahin sa 60,000 nga mga armas nga napalit sa PNP gikan sa alokasyon nga P1.2- bilyones sa PNP modernization program.

Sumala pa, ang unang 21 ka personahe sa mga kapolisan nga midawat sa Glock 17 9mm nga pistola gikan sa Presidente mao ang mga mosunod: PO2 John Ely Bayan gikan sa La Union Police Regional Office, PO2 Rodrigo Salviejo – PRO 2, Santiago City; PO2 Nino Ryan Opinga – PRO 3, Olongapo City; PO1 Reilineth De Jesus PRO 4A, Tagaytay City; PO1 Bone Roger Tabinga – PRO 4B, Puerta Princesa City; PO1 Eliseo Prieta, PRO 5, Naga City; PO2 Jun Damaolao – PRO 6, Iloilo City; PO2 Crisanto Nudalo – PRO 7, Cebu City; PO2 Gregorio Wabina – PRO 8, Tacloban City; PO1 Joey Mutuc – PRO 9, Zamboanga City; PO1 Earl Ballesteros – PRO 10, Cagayan De Oro City; PO1 Robinson Palomares – PRO 11, Davao City; PO1 Sotero Gania – PRO 12, General Santos City; PO1 Ismael Tabamo, Jr. – PRO 13, Butuan City; PO2 Esnairah Lucman – PRO ARMM, Marawi City; PO1 Elizalde Kibayan – PRO CAR, Baguio City; PO1 Angel Martin – NCRPO, Northern Police District; PO1 Randy Colanggo – NCRPO, Eastern Police District; PO1 Maridel Malabanan – NCRPO, Manila Police District; PO1 Butch Zinampan – NCRPO, Southern Police District; ug PO1 Ranilyn Magailon – NCRPO, Quezon City Police District.

Ang Glock safe-action nga pistola maoy kasamtangan maoy gigamit sa hapit 60 porsyento sa national police forces ug sa mga ahensya sa law enforcement sa Europe, Amerika ug Asia. (NGBT/PND/rck/PIA Surigao del Sur)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, July 2, 2013

DOST-Caraga bares readiness in times of disaster

By Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology - Caraga (DOST-13) bared their readiness in the event of disaster that may occur in Caraga region.

In a press conference held in line with the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month, DOST-Caraga Regional Director Dominga Mallonga revealed that the department has institutionalized its disaster risk reduction management system in the region composed of its attached agencies like the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Mallonga said that one of the significant devices that the DOST help disaster risk reduction is the full operation of project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) where applications like flood maps, weather conditions and other critical information relative to disaster management are simply available in the internet and can be disseminated even by using mobile phones from the national level down to any communities at any time.

“The project NOAH has installed 63 units of Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) and Automatic Water Level Management Sensor (AWLMS) throughout 18 priority river basin in the region to catch and record information about the rainfall level and the water level, which are very important data that need to be gathered from critical areas to mitigate flooding,” she added.

Mallonga said that the DOST-Caraga has also launched another project in cooperation with University of the Philippines called Light Detection and Ranging or LiDAR which creates topographic datasets of Caraga to map-out flood hazard areas in the region. “The DOST-Caraga has also established Doppler Radar in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur that help improved the timeliness and accuracy in the delivery of weather forecasts of PAGASA to the public.”

Meanwhile, Mallonga emphasized that disaster mitigation is not only the role of the government but it is also the concern of everybody especially in balancing the environmental and economic factors of the society.

“It is very vital that the environmental considerations should be balance and harmonize with the economic activities since these two indispensable aspects must go together so that people will not suffer on whatever negative impacts if one of these aspects will be abused,” Mallonga said. (FEA/JSN/PIA-Caraga)

PNP-13 reports decrease of crime volume in Caraga

By Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police - Police Regional Office Caraga (PNP-PRO 13) reported a decrease in crime volume in the region.

It was revealed during a recent meeting of Caraga Conference for Peace and Development that a 6.82 percent reduction of crime volume from January-May 2013 was recorded throughout the region compared to the same period of 2012 crime statistics.

“The criminality situation in the Caraga region showed a decrease by 112 cases from January to May 2013,” a PNP report said.

The PNP also documented a total of 1,643 crime volume from January-May 2012 which consists of 1,107 index crime and 536 non-index crime. Within January-May 2013, they recorded 1,531 crime volume, which involves 954 index crime and 577 non-index crimes.

The crime reduction rate in the region was believed to have positive effect of PRO-13’s efficiency in terms of crime clearance and crime solution. “It posted 47.62% increase in crime clearance efficiency in January-May 2013 from 46.14% in January-May 2012 while documented 33.38% increase of crime solution efficiency from 29.82% in the same period. The Average Monthly Crime Rate (AMCR) went down by 2.39 incidents due to the increase in the crime clearance efficiency and crime solution efficiency,” the report said.

The report said continuous Crime Prevention and Suppression Programs have also facilitated the crime drop rate in the region.

“These programs include the establishment of Police Boxes in Butuan City and Surigao City, the conduct of checkpoint / chokepoint, the intensified Police Visible Presence, utilization of SOCO Team, Intelligence Highway Monitoring, Deployment of Motorcycle Cops One Police per Barangay, Mobilization of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPATs)/Force Multipliers, Utilization of Field Training Program (FTP) personnel, 100% Training/ Fill-up of Investigators in Police Stations, Crime Mapping/ Analysis, E-Blotter, E-Warrant of Arrest and E-Rogue Gallery Installed in Butuan City Police Office and other PPOs, Installation of CCT, and the Project T.I.P.S.T.E.R or Text Information to the Police for Speedy and Timely Emergency Response,” it said. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)

DAR-Agusan Norte surpasses this year’s land distribution target

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte has set a record breaking 160 percent performance in land distribution from the annual projection of 1,370 hectares, this time earlier before the 1st semester ends.

As early as June 15, 2013, records show that the office distributed a total of 2,198 hectares of agricultural lands to 1,248 farmer beneficiaries against this year’s target of 1,370 hectares.

The remaining 15 days of the 1st semester is focused on the delivery of the additional 1,500 hectares for distribution. Second semester will focus on Private Agricultural Lands (PAL) for distribution within the year and the issuance of Notices of Coverage, (NOC) for Phase 3-B landholding.

This year’s land distribution pace is the fastest so far – a feat that keep processing quality intact. This milestone is the first since this year’s PARO II Andre B. Atega became the Caraga’s Assistant Regional Director for Operation and the fourth record breaking milestone since he became a full pledge Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II in 2007.

This is believed to be the province’s best year in performance as it surpassed any recorded performance in land distribution for the past ten years.

For 25 years of CARP implementation, the province has already distributed a total of 33,219 hectares of agricultural lands representing 74 percent of the revised scope of 45,174 hectares. Total number of agrarian reform beneficiaries have now reached to 18,614 as of December, 2012.

ARDO Atega is thankful to DAR employees who directly contributed the attainment of such level of performance despite its meager DAR resources. He cited Land Tenure Improvement workforce both Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD) and Survey Teams who contributed much in delivering its target. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) has also been active in monitoring the process to keep in check the progress.

This intensifying efforts of the province to fast track the land distribution is in response to the DAR Secretary’s Virgilio De Los Reyes, directives to finish the job before the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) LAD directive is completed in June 2014. (FEA/DAR-ADN/PIA-Caraga)

TESDA-Caraga to confer 368 C4TP graduates on Wednesday in Surigao del Norte

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) – A total of 368 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) trainees in Surigao del Norte have completed a program under the Cash for Training Project (C4TP). They will be honored in a ceremony tomorrow at the Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City.

The graduates represent 84.01 percent of the total number of beneficiaries in the province. “There is a total of 438 beneficiaries in Surigao del Norte with a total budget of Php 8,760,000,” TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico Jr. said.

The program is in support of government’s thrust to empower the youth through skills training and assistance for them to have gainful employment or engage in entrepreneurial activities.

The project is implemented in two independent components, namely: 1) training for wage employment (Trabaho) and; 2) training for self-employment (Hanapbuhay).

Sunico said the Tesda graduates will also undergo jobs-bridging activities to facilitate their entry to jobs. He said the self-employment program may be conducted on-site, school-supervised or thru partner non-government organizations (NGOs).

He further stressed the project provides youth with skills training opportunities and job facilitation or entrepreneurship support so they can earn and participate in community building.

Sunico said Tesda will provide P20,000 cash per beneficiary, training voucher, and toolkits (for Training for Self-employment). (NCLM/TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

DOST-Caraga now accepts 2014 undergraduate scholarship application

By Norma B. Alli

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Region is now accepting applicants to the 2014 DOST-SEI (Science Education Institute) Undergraduate Scholarships.

The DOST undergraduate scholarship Program A, which is known as Republic Act 7687, is designed for poor but deserving students whose family’s combined gross annual income does not exceed P156,600. Those who have higher family income can apply under Merit Scholarship.

The selection of DOST scholars is through a written examination which will be held on September 22, 2013 in the seven test centers in Caraga Region. Deadline in submission of application form is on August 23, 2013.

To be eligible to take the scholarship examination, applicant must have the following qualifications: high school graduating student (or high school graduate who have not enrolled in college) who belong to the upper 5% of the graduating class; natural-born Filipino citizen and resident of the municipality/district/barangay for the last four years and no application for immigrant status in USA or any other foreign country, with good moral conduct and behavior and in good health and have not earned units in any post-secondary/undergraduate course.

Application forms are available at the DOST Caraga Regional office, CSU Compound, Ampayon, Butuan City and DOST Provincial Offices in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur, Surigao City and Tandag City and can be downloaded at this site: http//www.sei.dost.gov.ph.

For more inquiries, they may visit or call the DOST-Caraga at 341-9551. (FEA/DOST-13/PIA-Caraga)

CHD Caraga set for ISO 9001:2008 certification

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga has adopted ISO 9001:2008, a model for setting up standards related to Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

Standardization in compliance with international standards has become the goal of most government institutions. The Department of Health is one of them having been certified in 2012. Global competitiveness among nations has been the trend for better and continuously improving government services. The institutionalization of the Government Quality Management Program will direct the department to adopt the ISO – Quality Management System which will equivocally lead to an enhanced public sector performance.

The primary benefit of this standardization is the more transparent and systematized delivery of health-related services for the satisfaction of stakeholders, internal and external clients and most of all, the Filipino citizens.

Together with standardization is the ever continuing change that every institution must adapt to, ISO standards are continually assessed and updated to better meet the needs of an ever changing trend in customer satisfaction. ISO focuses on the systematic delivery of services as to maximize outcomes with minimal time and cost. Thus, all Centers for Health Development nationwide committed to this undertaking by applying for the said certification.

The DOH – CHD Caraga is tackling the roadmap to its ISO 9001:2008 certification with its continuing internal audits to seek out gaps in the system and correct these gaps to create a more dynamic and effective process for the efficient delivery of its different services to both internal and external customers. Internal Quality Auditors are continually assessing every process owner to aide them in the identification of these gaps.

DOH-CHD Caraga Director Ariel Valencia said CHD Caraga is continually improving its processes to better meet customer satisfaction from both internal and external customers. "We aim to better deliver our services with less time and resources but with maximum outcomes. We are on the road to better guarantee equitable, accessible and quality health services for all Filipinos.” (FEA/DOH-CHD 13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Pres Aquino misaad ug suporta sa mga piloto sa Philippine Air Force nga nahagsa sa Palawan

Ni Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

CLARK AIR BASE, Pampanga, Hulyo 2 (PIA) -- Si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III misaad nga mohatag sa suporta ug hinabang ngadto sa mga pamilya sa duha ka piloto sa Philippine Air Force kinsa ang eroplano, usa ka light attack OV-10 Bronco gikataho nga nahagsa didto sa kadagatan sa Puerto Prinsesa City sa Palawan sa miaging bulan.

Sa iyahang panguna nga pakigpulong sa 66th Founding anniversary sa PAF niadtong Lunes, si Presidente miingon nga siya higpit nga nagsubay sa progreso sa search and retrieval nga operasyon sa mga nagpakabana nga mga ahensiya.

“Bag-ohay pa lamang, nahagsa ang OV-10630 Bronco Bomber sakay ang duha sa atoang mga sundalo. Sa kasamtangan pa gihapon gihimo ang search and retrieval operations, ug makaasa ang mga pamilya sa mga piloto sa tukmang hinabang ug suporta sa gobyerno,” ("Kamakailan lang, bumagsak ang OV-10 630 Bronco bomber lulan ang dalawa sa ating mga kawal. Kasalukuyan pa rin pong nagaganap ang search and retrieval operations, at makakaasa po ang pamilya ng mga piloto sa karampatang tulong at suporta ng gobyerno," ) sulti sa Presidente.

“Ang susamang mga panghitabo nga mismo ang gilikayan na nato sugod pa sa una, mao nga nakatutok kita sa modernisasyon sa atoang nasudnong tig-depensa” ( "Ang ganitong mga pangyayari nga mismo ang iniiwasan natin simula't sapul pa, kaya naman, nakatutok tayo sa modernisasyon ng ating pambansang tanggulan,") dugang pa niya.

Si Col Miguel Okol, tigpamaba sa PAF miingon nga ang light attack aircraft nga nagdala sa numero R630 gikataho nga nawala human kini mi-take-off banda alas 6:37 sa gabie niadtong Hunyo 23 aron mohimo ug night flying proficiency training mission. (NGBT/RPND/rck-PIA Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano news: Presidente Aquino manguna sa pag- apod-apod sa bag-ong pistola atol sa PNP rites

Ni Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

MANILA, Hulyo 2 (PIA) -- Si Presidente Benigno Aquino III gikataho nga manguna sa pagpang-apod-apod sa mga bag-ong Glock 17 nga pistola ngadto sa mga pinili nga personahe sa Philippine National Police (PNP) sa sermonyas nga ipahigayon didto sa PNP multi-purpose Center sa Camp Crame, Quezon City karong adlawa, Hulyo 2.

Sumala pa sa taho, ang mga bag-ong pistola kabahin sa 60,000 nga mga “handguns” nga napalit sa PNP pinaage sa P1.2-bilyones nga badyet alokasyon sa PNP subay sa modernization nga programa.

Sumala pa sa pahimangno sa kapulisan, mokabat sa 600 ka indibidwal gigambalayan sa mga opisyales sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), PNP, ug National Police Commission maoy makadawat sa Glock 17 nga pistola.

Usab, gikataho nga moduyog kang Presidente Aquino sa seremonyas sila DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II ug PNP Director General Alan Purisima. (NGBT/rck/PIA Surigao del Sur)