PIA News Service - Friday, August 16, 2013

Butuan City & Taguibo Watershed Mngt Councils to jointly hold Consultative Planning Workshop

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 16 (PIA) – The Butuan City Watershed Management Council and the Taguibo Watershed Management Council have joined hands to fashion out a common blue print of action that would ensure continuous water flow for a sustainable future. For this purpose, both councils will be holding a joint Consultative Planning Workshop on August 22, 2013 at the Grand Palace, Diversion Road, this city.

Said activity is in collaboration with the Enterprise Works Worldwide Philippines (EWWP), a European Union (EU) funded non-government organization partner that is implementing natural resource governance and biodiversity conservation project in the Philippines.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Executive Director Nonito Tamayo bared that the Taguibo watershed is presently exhibiting higher vulnerabilities to climate impacts – from increasing incidence of flooding, accelerated soil erosion, and the concomitant of its rivers and tributaries.

“For purposes of protection, maintenance and improvement of water yield Presidential Proclamation No. 1076 signed on September 4, 1997 by then President Fidel Ramos establishing the 4,367 heactares Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve. The proclamation also provided for restraining mechanism for inappropriate forest exploitation and land-use practices inside the reserve,” recalled Tamayo.

Tamayo added that the administrative jurisdiction, supervision and control of the reservation was placed under the DENR, in coordination with Butuan City Water District (BCWD) and other government agencies with the objective of maintaining its usefulness as a source of water for domestic use, irrigation and other forestry purposes. “Pursuant to this mandate, the Taguibo Watershed management Council was created,” he said.

It was also learned that although the Butuan City Watershed Council is still on the process of crafting its Watershed Development Plan, the DENR and the BCWD had already completed the Sustainable Watershed Development and Management Plan of Taguibo 2003 and the Taguibo Integrated Watershed Development Plan of 2010, respectively.

“However, there is yet a need to interface the various interventions contained in these plans to ensure that they act in harmony with each other towards a common goal,” emphasized Tamayo.

To get a good grip with the local challenges that confront the city watersheds amid climate change, the two councils opt to solicit valuable inputs from its partner stakeholders during the consultative meeting and workshop.

The activity is anchored on the theme “Harmonized Climate Change-Adaptive Approaches towards Building Resilient Watershed Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DAR distributes CLOAs to 1700 beneficiaries in AgSur

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Aug 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed on Thursday, August 15, Certificates of Land Ownership (CLOAs) to 1,789 beneficiaries in 10 municipalities in this province.

DAR Undersecretary Jose Grageda revealed that the distribution of 1,733 CLOAs was one of the biggest he had distributed so far that covers 3,814.052 hectares (ha) to 1,789 beneficiaries.

The municipality of Esperanza got the biggest number of CLOAs with 562 but only second biggest hectare of 1,014 hectares. La Paz that followed Esperanza has the biggest number of CLOAs and has the biggest hectares of 1,600 for 433 CLOAs.

Ranking third number of CLOAS and hectares received by beneficiaries is the City of Bayugan with 388 CLOAs for 337 beneficiaries with 508 hectares, followed by Veruela with 173 CLOAs for 171 beneficiaries totaling to 320 hectares, Sibagat with 43 CLOAs for 43 beneficiaries with 67 hectares, Rosario with 40 CLOAs for 30 beneficiaries with 37 hectares then Prosperidad with 32 CLOAs for 31 beneficiaries with 37 hectares. The rest are below 30 CLOAs with lesser number of beneficiaries and hectares.

“DAR is asking nothing from you, our beloved beneficiaries, but to maximize the use of your lands now for the purpose of increasing food production in your area. Just tell any DAR personnel if you need our help so that we can extend our assistance,” Grageda said.

In his message read by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Nestor Corvera, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said he is very glad that his constituents in Agusan del Sur continue to receive blessings from national government that uplift their economic condition. He also thanked DAR Agusan del Sur provincial office for recognizing those who are really in need.

Host Mayor Albin Magdamit, in his welcome remarks said, he prays that the land now owned by greater number of beneficiaries will be used for the purpose of agricultural production and not to be sold, or leased. Magdamit said, he is encouraging the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers to monitor the activities of recipients so they will be guided on wise use of the land.

Grageda also conducted a dialogue with the people’s organization, ARBs, and media. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Red Cross -Butuan City bares coming activities

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter chaired by Felixberto Guiritan, disclosed its coming activities for the year.

Guiritan called on the public to support its fund-raising by participating in the "Bingo for A Cause" set on September 14 to be held at the Balanghai Hotel, this city. Bingo tickets are sold at P300 with five bingo cards.

Administrator Teodoro Cairo of PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter also said the chapter will be heading the 12th Red Cross Youth Camp on October 3-5, as well as the 9th Red Cross Youth Assembly on November 29-30.

Cairo added that the 18th National Red Cross Youth (RCY) Assembly is on October 25-27 and this will be held at Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City. Deadline of registration for interested RCY members is on August 30.

Aside from these activities, the chapter is also planning other activities that will enhance its health and social services. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Valorian troopers’ new commanding officer assumes post

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

SURIGAO DEL SUR, August 16 (PIA) -- The 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion has new commanding officer as the turn-over of command took place Friday morning, Aug. 16 held at their headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, this province.

According to Civil Military for Operations officer Rowel Caacbay, Lt. Col Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, commanding officer of the unit relinquished his post to Lt. Col Anastacio Suaybagiou, Jr., the new battalion commander of the unit.

The ceremony was presided over by 4th Infantry Division Commander BGen Ricardo Visaya.

Pasamonte served Surigaonons for more than two years as he assumed on duty last July 12, 2011.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Suaybagiuo, the newly assumed officer will be the 26th commander to head the unit after the activation of 36IB as a regular battalion of the Philippine Army on April, 1974.

Presently, the province has three battalions assigned namely, 36IB, 75IB and 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Phil. Red Cross Agusan Norte-Butuan City Chapter reports status of its operations

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 16 (PIA) – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter bared the status of its monthly operations, during its meeting held on Thursday at the Balanghai Hotel, this city.

The Disaster Management Services Committee chaired by city councilor Dr. Virgilio Nery Jr. under the PRC reported that in the month of July, the committee has conducted three classes on Basic Disaster Management and 143 Mobilization Training Course producing 177 graduates from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga and Barangay Talisay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Blood Services Committee chaired by Dir. Leodegaria Yu-Go, bared that there were 23 bloodletting activities conducted in July in coordination with the barangay officials of different local government units in the province and other partner sectors.

It was also learned that the committee were able to collect 884 units of blood including those acquired from bloodletting activities.

With this collected blood units, there is 497 total number of patients served from the various health facilities/hospitals in the province.

PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter Administrator Teodoro Cairo, clarified that the blood deposited by donors in the blood center at the PRC are not for sale. "We don't sell the blood. Anyone who would need blood from the Red Cross will only pay for the processing fee for blood to be tested," he said.

For the Safety Services Committee report chaired by Dir. Rogelio Yu, the following was conducted: seven classes on Standard and Tailored First Aid Training Course were conducted producing 183 graduates from the different institutions of the province; three classes on Basic Life Support Healthcare Providers and Adult Lay Rescuers Training Course 47 graduates; three classes on Basic Water Safety Training Course and Swimming Lesson producing 70 graduates; and five sessions on First Aid Lecture Demonstrations attended by a total of 432 participants from different sectors.

For the Community Health and Nursing Services Committee chaired by Dir. Renato Jose Villanueva, the following trainings were conducted: Training on HIV Prevention for Community health Volunteers with 26 newly trained HIV and AIDS Awareness Advocates from the Red Cross Health Volunteers who participated; and Facilitators Training for Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation for Mindanao region held at Davao City.

Also, two batches of training on Youth Volunteer Orientation Course, Leadership Formation Course, Basic Leadership training were conducted for School of the Morning Star Junior Red Cross Youth (JRCY) Council, Red Cross Youth Development Center producing 26 trained JRCY members.

With this development, the PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter is continuously encouraging individuals to support the Red Cross in its activities and be a blood donor as well. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PopCom Caraga integrates population into policy formulation, program developments of the LGUs

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, August 16 (PIA) -- Seeing the need to integrate population into policy formulation and program developments of the local government units, the Commission on Population (PopCom-13) conducted a 2nd batch of 3-day training program on synchronize actions on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning.

The activity, with the support of the DOH-Center for Health Development, was held at Gateway Hotel, this city on August 14-16, 2013 attended by Population and Health Officers of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands.

In his message, PopCom-13 Director Alexander A. Makinano said that population and health officers should be capacitated on the population core ideas, concepts and competencies.

“During the 3-day program, the basic skills in integrating population into policy formulation and program development of the LGUs and actions on responsible parenthood were shared and synchronized for effective implementation and information dissemination of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program,” he said.

The first batch training program for Population and Health Officers of Butuan City and Agusan Provinces conducted recently in Agusan del Norte. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DA-ACPC turns-over P6M credit assistance to Butuan Farmers’ Coop

By Aurell P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 16 (PIA) -- Two farmers cooperative here received credit assistance amounting to more than P6 million from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) during the turn-over ceremony held recently at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

ACPC Executive Director Jovita Corpuz together with Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) Caraga regional director Edna M. Mabeza and city mayor Ferdinand M. Amante , Jr. turned-over the two checks to Antongalon Farmers Association Caraga Incorporated (AFACI) with the amount of P1.05 million and to Antongalon-Agusan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AAMPC) amounting to P5 million.

AFACI President Epifania Antoquia said the credit assistance they had received from ACPC is a big help in the operation of their packing house for vegetables that soon to open in Langihan Public Market in Butuan while Gerardo Mag-isa of AAMPC said that the amount they had received will be utilized for rice production projects.

Mabeza in her speech reminded the recipients of the ACPC credit assistance to use the money efficiently and be counted as among the new breed of farmers reflecting the virtues of self reliance, responsibility and care for the community .

As a response to the director’s message, Mayor Ferdinand Amante signified the LGU’s commitment to help in nurturing the recipients to use the money efficiently and to give them necessary assistance to ensure sustainability of the projects.

The credit assistance will be paid back by the two recipients in a very minimal interest.

ACPC is the government’s primary institution in rural finance policy and programs to address the need for access to sustainable credit of small farmers and fisherfolks.

Meanwhile, Caraga Region Agricultural Credit Desk Officer Marilou M. Gruyal urged other farmer cooperatives who would like to access lending assistance to finance various agricultural projects to coordinate with DA-RFU 13 thru the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD). (FEA/RAFID DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Thursday, August 15, 2013

Reg’l Dev’t Council in Caraga selects new set of officers for CY 2013-2016

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) – During its Reorganizational Meeting held on Wednesday at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort here, the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Caraga region had officially nominated four members – two from public sector and two from the private sector for the chair and co-chairmanship positions of the council for the Calendar Year 2013-2016.

Along with it is the selection of the new set of officers for the different committees under the said council, as well as the executive committee members from the regional line agencies, local government units, and private sector.

Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel and Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas, were officially nominated for the chair and co-chairmanship in the RDC for the public sector while for the private sector, Engr. Leonel Santos and Mr. Joseph Omar Andaya were also nominated. They will be endorsed in the national level for final appointment by President Benigno S. Aquino.

It was learned that the official nominees for the RDC chair and co-chairmanship positions will be informed whoever among them will become the new chair and co-chair, based on the president’s final decision.

Also, in the case where the chairmanship position will be given to a nominee in the public sector, the co-chair shall come from the private sector nominee. There will only be one appointment per position.

During the selection process of the new set of officers for the different committees under the council, the members agreed that whoever will be elected in a certain committee can still be nominated and elected in another committee.

Under the council, there are four committees, namely: Economic Development Committee, Infrastructure Development Committee, Social Development Committee, and Development Administration Committee.

For the Infrastructure Development Committee, Surigao del Sur Gov. Pimentel is elected as the chair, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Caraga Regional Dir. Danilo Versola as the co-chair.

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr is elected as the chairperson for the Economic Development Committee with Mr. Epimaco Galero Jr. of the private sector as the co-chair.

Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro is elected as the chairperson and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga Regional Dir. Minda Brigoli as co-chair for the Social Development Committee.

For the Development Administration Committee, Surigao del Norte Gov. Matugas is elected as the chairperson and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga Regional Dir. Lilibeth Famacion as co-chair.

Meanwhile, for the executive committee, the following representatives are elected: Mayor Dale Corvera representing the local government unit of Cabadbaran City; Regional Dir. Leticia Tan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga representing the regional line agencies; Mr. Joseph Omar Andaya, Dr. Redentor Briones, and Mr. Leonel Santos representing the private sector.

The full council members will convene in the month of September with the newly elected officers in the different committees. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DAR-Caraga distributes 3,800 hectares in Agusan sur

By Joie L. Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 15 – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga distributed today some 3,800 hectares to about 1,500 farmer beneficiaries in the 10 municipalities including one city of Agusan del Sur, namely: Bayugan City (508), Esperanza (1114), La Paz (1602), Loreto (33), Prosperidad (37), Rosario (42), San Francisco (27), San Luis (60), Sibagat (67) and Veruela (320).

“Amidst the controversies faced by the department, DAR-Caraga continues to seriously undertake its mandate,” said DAR Regional Director Faisar Mambuay.

Also, DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Jose Z. Grageda led the distribution with the local government officials of Agusan Sur held at the Provincial Training Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan Sur.

Meanwhile, Mambuay bared that this is one of the biggest distributions at once in the last five years. He added that this will manifest DAR’s commitment in a genuine agrarian reform program as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) celebrates its 25th year last June and the fourth year of the CARPER, the law that extends CARP, signed August 8, 2009. (DAR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog news: Pondo laan para sa mga biktima ng bagyo handa na

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 15 (PIA) -- Inaalam na ngayon ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) ang lahat ng mga naapektuhang lugar sa Northern Luzon na sinalanta ng bagyong Labuyo at sinabing mayroong nakalaang pondo para tulungan ang mga biktima, ayon sa Palasyo noong Martes.

Ayon kay Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa isang press briefing sa Malakanyang nitong Martes na ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ay may naka-antabay na pondo na nagkakahalaga ng P160 milyon para maitulong sa mga naapektuhan na mga komunidad.

“Ang naka-antabay na pondong ito ay nakalaan para sa Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), mga rehiyon 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5 at 8,” sabi ni Valte.

“Inihanda ng DSWD ang pondo bilang ayuda sa kahit ano mang sakuna sa mga nasabing rehiyon at ito ay dagdag sa perang nasa kamay na ng pamahalaang lokal,” sabi ni Valte.

Bilang paunang hakbang, ang DSWD-CAR ay naghanda na ng 5,163 na family packs, 200 sakong pagkain at kagamitan sa DSWD Baguio field Office.

“Sa iba pang lugar, ang Armed Forces of the Philippines ay patuloy na nagtatrabaho kasama ang iba pang ahensiya sa paglilinis ng mga kalsada partikular na sa lungsod ng Baguio. Sila ngayon ay nagtulong-tulong sa paglilinis at sa pagbabalik ng kuryente sa ilang naapektuhang lugar,” sabi ni Valte. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog news: Pamahalaan nagbukas ng dagdag na evacuation centers para sa mga biktima sa bakbakan sa Mindanao

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 15 (PIA) -- Handa ang Malakanyang na magbigay ng pansamantalang tirahan sa mga pamilyang umalis sa kani kanilang tahanan dahil sa patuloy na giyera pagkatapos na magka enkwentro ang Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at ang pwersa ng paqmahalaan para sa seguridad.

Ayon kay Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abegail Valte, ang pamahalaan ay nagbukas ng apat na evacuation centers sa mga lugar kung saan naroroon ang mga pamilyang nagsi-alisan sa kanilang lugar dahil sa giyera.

Pero dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng mga naapektuhan sa kaguluhang ito, ang pamahalaan ay naglaan ng dagdag na evacuation centers na umabot na ngayon sa 13.

Ang 13 na evacuation centers na matatagpuan sa Pikit, North Cotabato, ay naging pansamantalang tirahan ng 1,197 na pamilaya o 5,985 ka tao, ayon kay Valte.

Sinabi ng opisyal ng palasyo na tinatantiyang umabot na sa 1,122 ang pamilyang nagsipag-alis sa kanilang lugar o 10,610 ka tao. Kalahati sa unang bilang na 2,122 ay nakitira muna ngayon sa kanilang mga kaibigan at kamag-anak, ayon kay Valte.

Sa kabilang banda, ang pambobombang naganap sa Cagayan de Oro ilang linggo ang nakaraan, sinabi ni Valte na tukoy na nila ang mga salarin at sila ay sasampahan na ng kaso. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, August 14, 2013

DOST-ICTO, LGU-Butuan to host the “Next Wave Cities ICT Roadshow 2nd Edition”

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology (DOST-ICTO), Caraga ICT Council, and the city government here will be hosting the second edition of the “Next Wave Cities ICT Roadshow” on September 19-20, 2013.

This activity is in partnership with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr bared there has been a dramatic surge in the development of Information Technology – Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry in the country as seen in its exponential growth in revenues and in employment generation.

It was also learned that the event will be attended by ICT professionals both from the private sector and government agencies, together with students, parents, local leaders and businessmen.

Along with this activity is the conduct of ICT Presentation and Coordination Meeting on August 15, 2013 at the City Mayor’s Conference Room here.

Said activity is anchored on the theme “Bringing ICT Opportunities to Countryside Filipino Talents”. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao City bares contingents for Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2013

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, August 14 (PIA) – The Surigao City Tourism Office has released its final listing of contingents for the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2013 set on September 9, 2013 with the this year’s theme, “Pasalamat! Isinggit. Isadjaw. (Thanksgiving! Shout. Dance.)"

Thirteen contingents from the different city barangays and schools and neighboring city and province have already confirmed their participation.

The confirmed contingents for the Bonok-Bonok Based Category include the Anomar High School and Anomar Elementary School from Barangay Anomar, B. Vasquez Memorial Central Elementary School of Brgy. Rizal, Rafols National High School of Brgy. Poctoy, Sabang Elementary School and Mat-I Elementary School of Brgy. Mat-I.

For the Free Interpretation Category, confirmed contingents are Mabini National High School of Bgy. Mabini, Municipality of Talaingod of Davao del Norte, Bayugan City, Navarro Memorial Central Elementary School, Surigao City, Caraga Regional Science High School, Surigao City, Barangay Buenavista, Lipata National High School of Brgy. Lipata and Cantiasay National High School of Brgy. Cantiasay, Surigao City.

The 29th Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival is a festival of thanksgiving and invocation to the Almighty through the intercession of the city's patron saint Señor San Nicolas de Tolentino for the bountiful blessings of peace and good health. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Schools, companies, volunteers capacitated on Family Planning

By Angie Balen-Antonio

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 -- Effort of the Commission on Population to popularize family planning program has been fruitful when representatives from the private companies, faculty members and guidance counselors of the different colleges and universities in Butuan and Agusan provinces completed the three-day Family Planning Technology and Interpersonal Communication and Counseling Training recently.

As part of the program thrusts along Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning, POPCOM capacitated the participants on the different natural and artificial Family Planning Methods.

In the closing ceremonies, one of the participants expressed her appreciation to POPCOM for the new knowledge on family planning. She assured that a re-echo to her co-teachers will be conducted soonest.

Mr. Alexander A. Makinano, the Officer-In-Charge of POPCOM, underscored that aside from the family planning, participants were also trained on the interpersonal communication and counseling in facilitating behavioral change on family planning.

The Center for Health Development extended the financial support to POPCOM in capacitating the different stakeholders of the program region-wide.

The same training will be conducted in Surigao City on August 28 – 30 to be attended by the guidance counselors and private companies in the Provinces of Surigao and Dinagat Islands, including Surigao City.

Meanwhile, the second batch of convention for Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs) will be conducted in Surigao City this coming on August 16. It can be recalled that the BSPOs for Butuan City and Agusan Provinces convened on July 9,2013 at Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte. (POPCOM-13/PIA-Caraga)

Government intensifies Family Planning

By Angie Balen-Antonio

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 -- The government’s goal to achieve a better quality of life for every Filipino family may reach another height as the country celebrates this August the Family Planning Month.

This year’s theme “Planuhin ang Pamilya Para sa Magandang Kinabukasan” is the focus of the campaign done through the Responsible Parenting - Family Planning (RP-FP) classes at the grassroots.

As reported by the Provincial/City Population Officers in the region, there are already 164,031 couples who attended the RP-FP classes since its inception in 2007.

“RP - FP is now integrated in the Family Development Session of the Pantawid Pamilya of Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD)”, said Mr. Alexander A. Makinano, Officer-In-Charge of POPCOM-Caraga.

Mr. Makinano further mentioned that planning the size and number of children in the family is a shared responsibility between husband and wife.

In another development, the Commission on Population together with the Department of Health and the Local Government Units unified their efforts to provide couples with the comprehensive family planning information and services particularly to women with unmet need for family planning – or those currently married women 15 – 49 years old who do not want any more children or want to space births but are not using any family planning method.

In Caraga, 20 in every 100 married women of reproductive age or 20.4% have unmet need for family planning as revealed in the 2011 Family Health Survey.

This group of women is the priority target of the government’s Family Planning Program to help them achieve their desired number of children. (POPCOM-13/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, August 13, 2013

BFAR to launch Municipal Fisherfolk Registration in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga is set to launch the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) on August 19-20 at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

The bureau is currently implementing the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration throughout the country to meet the requirement under the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Nerio Casil bared that the bureau will develop and implement said program nationwide in close partnership with the local government units, particularly all the coastal cities and municipalities.

“FishR will make use of the database of fishers collected by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) through the National Statistics Office (NSO) as part of the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA),” said Casil.

Also, the data will be used by the local government units and BFAR to design programs for sustainable fisheries production, conservation of biodiversity, and improvement of the lives of municipal fisherfolks.

It was also learned that Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr, Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba, and Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Edna Mabeza will deliver their messages during the event.

Along with the regional launching of said program is the conduct of press conference with local media partners in the region, to be held at the same venue.

For more information, BFAR can be reached at telephone number: (086) 826-1814. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

ATI Caraga, NGOs, media crafts communication, advocacy plan for farmers

By Johny S. Natad

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Caraga, non-government organizations (NGOs) with farmers’ rural-based organizations (RBOs), and local media are formulating communication and advocacy plan for the Farmers Contact Center (FCC).

During the Consultation Workshop on Maximizing the Services of the FCC through the Development of a Communication and Advocacy Plan on August 12, Antonieta Arceo, the OIC Chief on Knowledge Products Management Division of ATI Central Office revealed that there is a need to develop a communication and advocacy plan for the FCC to amplify its services to client farmers and fisherfolk.

The FCC is the alternative delivery channel of Department of Agriculture (DA) in providing timely information and extension services to farmers and fisherfolk that include technical advisory on agriculture and fisheries technologies and agricultural marketing assistance.

Arceo bared that the FCC has generated an average of 764 queries per month or a total of 27,525 inquiries since its operational inception in 2010. However, only seven percent of these queries are related for agricultural technology, which the FCC is focusing about.

Seventy percent of the queries are related to e-learning concerns; 22% for program and services of the DA; and one percent for the marketing related concerns.

“With the status of FCC operations, we found out in our evaluation that there was a failure of maximizing the FCC services primarily because the client/stakeholders do not know the FCC roles and services and they do not avail of the services,” Arceo emphasized.

She added the lack of promotion and absence of communication plan for the FCC are some significant factors that were identified during the evaluation that need to be addressed.

“The support and participation of the different stakeholders coming from DA attached agencies, RBOs, NGOs, state universities and colleges, local media, TelCo, extension workers, and farmers in developing a communication and advocacy plan for the FCC are very essential to realize our aim to maximize the services of the FCC so that more farmers and extension workers will access information needs on farm and business advisory services to make farming profitable enterprise,” she said. (FEA/JSN/PIA-Caraga)

Workshop scheduled on strengthening ‘Protection of Children’ in Tandag City

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- An orientation workshop is scheduled in this city to the members of the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC) on further strengthening children’s protection.

City Social Welfare and Development officer Tessie Buniel said the activity is spearheaded by the City Government of Tandag City thru the office of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office on August 22 at the Season’s Park Apartelle.

The activity aims to strengthen the council as the new administration under city mayor Roxanne Pimentel has just assumed into office more than a month ago. The event also seeks to come-up a comprehensive plan for the protection of children in collaboration with the council members.

Roles and functions of the CCPC are also expected to be discussed by the speakers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Caraga Region and other protected laws for children by the Department of Justice.

In a related development, the construction of “Bahay Pag-asa”, a transition and rehabilitation home for disadvantage children in Tandag City is about to be completed, according to Buniel. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Agusan Norte legislator files environmental bill anew

Renews call for prevention of pollution from ships

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence ”Law” Fortun sought to protect marine and coastal resources from pollution of ships as he files another key environmental legislation.

House bill 861 entitled, “An Act to Prevent and Control Pollution from Ships, Provide Penalties Therefor and Other Purposes” aims to remedy the shortcomings of the 1976 Presidential Decree 979 and more significantly, seeks to implement the provision of the MARPOL 73/78, otherwise known as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as amended by the Protocol of 1978.

While the Presidential Decree 979, or the Marine Pollution Decree of 1976, was promulgated in 1976 to address the calls for protecting marine and coastal resources from ship’s pollution, the decree has become too general in its implementing regulation or standard and no longer responsive to the prevalent threat of pollution from ships.

Renewed calls for strengthening the marine and coastal protection from pollution of ships was made anew after the confirmed dumping of toxic wastes in Subic by a US Navy contractor and the many incidents of oil spills just this year.

Fortun, through this bill, wants to implement provisions of MARPOL 73/78, a convention entered into by the Philippines in 1973 and was subsequently ratified by the Senate in 2001.

“One of the highlights of the said measure is to establish guidelines for the identification of harmful substances,” Fortun said. It also seeks to set emission standards for ship plying Philippine seas.

The Senate ratified five of the six annexes of the said treaty, these are: Annex I prohibits discharge of oil tankers or any ship carrying oil as cargo and by all ships with respect to oily waste coming from machinery spaces; Annex II prohibits the discharge of noxious liquid substances by chemical tankers or any ships that carries noxious liquid substances in bulk; Annex III prohibits the carriage of harmful substances by ships carrying harmful substances in package form except in accordance with the requirement on packaging, marking, labeling, documentation, stowage, quantity limitations, exceptions and notification for preventing or minimizing pollution of the marine environment by harmful substances in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code); Annex IV prohibits the discharge of sewage by all ships except those under 200 grt carrying 10 persons or fewer; and Annex V prohibits the discharge of garbage (or rubbish or trash) by all ships.

HB 861 will also make a clear and definite delineation of roles, duties and responsibilities of various government instrumentalities related to marine and coastal management such as the Department of Transportation and Communication, Maritime Industry Authority , Philippine Coast Guard , Philippine Ports Authority , Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Local Government Units. Another salient provision of the measure that the lawmaker emphasized is that, the bill likewise seeks to establish a Marine Pollution Adjudication Board under the DOTC, which has quasi-judicial powers and executive jurisdiction over all marine pollution cases. (FEA/JBSabado/PIA-Caraga)

DENR 13 adjudged Best Performing Agency in 2012

By Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga Region headed by OIC, Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo has been adjudged best region performer in 2012 following a performance evaluation conducted early this year by the DENR Project Management Group led by Undersecretary Manuel D. Gorochi.

The other members of the group are DENR Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Analiza Rebuelta. The Assistant Secretary Corazon C. Davis, Assistant Secretary Marcial C Amaro, Jr., Assistant Secretary Roberto V. Oliva, Assistant Secretary Anselmo C Abungan and Director Ma. Sabrina R. Cruz.

With this achievement, the personnel of the DENR 2013 is guaranteed to receive their Performance Based Bonus (PBB) ranging from P5,000 to P35,000 depending on the ratings on their Performance Evaluation System (PES) conducted by their respective supervisors and reviewed by the Regional Project Management Group headed by Director Tamayo.

Director Tamayo said he was happy about the outcome of the selection of the DENR 13 Regional Office as the best performer among several other agencies vying for the top plum.

"The entire personnel of the DENR including those at the PENRO and CENRO have done their best efforts to reach their performance goals in 2012," he said.

With the ratings as “Best Performer”, the DENR Region 13 office was able to achieve 90 percent in each of the major final output given which included the completion of the number of provinces with maps (under the forestland boundary delineation program), the number of approved plans completion based on requirements (works and financial plan and budget proposal), number of personnel who submitted Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

It has also achieved 100 percent compliance to Good Governance Condition Transparency Seal posted at the website which included the DENR’s mandate and functions, annual reports for the last three years, annual procurement plan, posting of the citizen's charter, and cash advance liquidation.

The Performance Based Incentive System (PBIS) is a mechanism installed by the government to motivate higher performance and accountability in the public sector. The system also ensured that the accomplishment of commitments and target under the five key results areas of the Aquino Administration laid out in Executive Order 43 and the Philippine Development Plant 2011-2016 shall be met.

Employees with a rating of “Below Satisfactory” and those found guilty of administrative and/or criminal cases filed against them and meted penalty in the incentive bonus. (FEA/DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Presidente Aquino mihatag pagtugot alang sa negosasyon sa increased rotational presence pinaagi sa framework agreement

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Agosto 13 (PIA) – Mihatag na sa iyang pagtugot si Presidente Aquino aron sugdan na sa Pilipinas karong semanaha ang negosasyon tali ngadto sa Estados Unidos aron mugnaon ang polisiya sa dugang rotational presence pinaagi sa framework agreement, matud sa Palasyo kagahapon.

Si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda mibutyag sa pagkamugna sa usa ka panel nga gilangkoban sa mga representante gikan sa Department of Justice, Department of National Defense ug Department of Foreign Affairs aron maoy mohawid sa komunikasyon alang sa dugang presensya sa pwersa sa Amerika dinhi sa nasod.

Sumala ni Lacierda dili manghilabot ang Presidente kalabot na sa maong negosasyon ug gitahasan niini si Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta isip maoy tigpamaba sa panel sa Pilipinas.

Sumala pa ni Lacierda nga ang pagmugna og maong framework agreement tali sa Estados Unidos aron maseguro ang dugang pwersa sa tropa sa Amerikano nahisubay ug sulod kini sa Konstitusyon ug mga balaod sa Pilipinas.

Dugang pa ni Lacierda nga ang maong rotational presence dili lamang makapauswag sa atong depensa apan makatabang usab kini ngadto sa atong humanitarian ug disaster response. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)