PIA News Service - Thursday, November 21, 2013

Marcventures to ‘power’ Power Fm in Tacloban City

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation has collaborated with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga regional office in providing logistical support for the establishment of Power FM, the agency’s FM station in Tacloban City.

Marcventures is a multi-million company engaged in the mining of nickel, copper and gold in Surigao del Sur.

Marcventures corporate secretary Atty. Noel Anthony Libres said that since there’s no power lines yet, the company will provide a generator set to energize the station.

“This is our way of helping our people return to normalcy and deliver critical information,” Libres said.

PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga said the station will operate on 24/7 under 107.8 FM band.

“I know that the large population in Leyte have no access yet to television, newspapers, internet or normal radio since the infrastructure was destroyed by the typhoon but majority of them have still cellphones with radio capability. We will tap them, ” Caga said. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)

PIA Mindanao cluster supports Coloma’s move to send Team Mindanao to Tacloban

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mindanao cluster welcomes the idea of sending the PIA Team Mindanao led by PIA Caraga regional director and Northern and Northeastern Mindanao cluster head Abner Caga to Tacloban City to provide communication support to the emergency relief efforts of the government and temporary take-over of the agency’s operation there.

It can be recalled that Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Sonny Coloma tapped the PIA Mindanao cluster to lead the communication effort of the government in the storm-ravaged region.

“We welcome the move of Sec. Coloma to send our disaster czar in Mindanao to Tacloban to provide communication support to the relief efforts of the government,” said Southern, Western and Central Mindanao cluster head and PIA-XI regional director Efren Elbanbuena.

Most disaster relief efforts focus on supplying food, water and shelter, “but it’s equally important to establish communication links and provide appropriate information intervention to the public, that’s why PIA-Mindanao team led by Dir. Caga will be in Tacloban,” Elbanbuena added.

PIA X regional director Thelma Oliver also declared support to team Mindanao for successfully performing their task with efficiency always. “The team is known of implementing an effective approach in coming up a more functional way in running the agency’s operations,” said Oliver.

“We certainly see the exceptional capability of Team Mindanao to provide services needed in the field of information and communication. Equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, they are in best position to encompass a wide-range coverage to make people aware about the status and important concerns in Tacloban,” said PIA IX regional director Noemi Edaga.

“With the serious demand of maintaining the usual operation of PIA in the devastated areas, I believe that the Mindanao team has the full competencies in the discharge of their duties,” said PIA XII regional director Olivia Sudaria.

Caga thanked his fellow directors “for placing their trust and confidence in our abilities. I also thank God for giving me the opportunity to go over there and help our ‘kababayans’ in dire need. Rest assured that our team will do its best, as always.” (FEA/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

RCC briefs local tri-media on its accomplishments

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – The Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC), composed of different government agencies led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga convened on Thursday and briefed members of the local tri-media on its accomplishments, future plans, programs.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga Regional Dir. Florencio Sunico Jr, bared that their office has donated cash amounting to P42,355.00 for the typhoon 'Yolanda' victims. "We also gave relief packs and used clothing while fund raising is still ongoing," he said.

Atty. Johnson Cañete, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Caraga Regional Director and RCC chair, expressed his warm gratitude and appreciation to the active participation of the local tri-media in Caraga in the government’s activities and advocacy. "I'm happy to see our media here in Caraga who are very serious in what they do to inform the public on the government’s efforts," he said.

When he discussed on the updates on the monitoring of the implementation of the workers’ rights and benefits, Cañete urged the employers in the private companies to give the 13th month pay of its workers. "Those employees who have only worked for few months in the certain company, can still receive due amount of their service," he said.

Cañete also announced that the members will hold its last meeting for this year on December 2, in time with DOLE’s 80th anniversary celebration, wherein various activities will be conducted.

Meantime, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Caraga Regional Director Petrona Bergado reported updates on ‘Saudization’. “The Saudization law in Saudi Arabia allows the arrest of illegally staying Filipino workers in the oil-rich kingdom,” she said.

Bergado further said that there are 5,189 Caraganon-workers who are presently employed in Saudi Arabia to which 20 percent of it are representing the whole number of OWWA members. “There are also 2,407 active OWWA members in Caraga and 2,782 inactive. With this, we are continuously encouraging our OFWs to register in OWWA so they can get the protection and benefits while they are abroad,” she added. 

Atty. Ligaya Lumbay of National Conciliation Mediation Board (NCMB)-Caraga bared that for the past and present year, Caraga has maintained to be a strike-free region.

Also, Olga Virginia Demata, Information Officer of Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), said that they are establishing a network with TESDA Caraga thru its Kagabay Program Skills Enhancement Training and have partnered with M.J. Santos hospital in Butuan City to implement certain programs.

The RCC in Caraga is composed of different government agencies such as DOLE, NLRC, NCMB, TESDA, OWWA, Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and Philippine Employment Service Office (PESO). (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOST “adopts” Yolanda victim families, raises funds for relief

By Allan Mauro V. Marfal

MANILA, Nov. 21 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is currently conducting its own relief operations to support the families  affected by typhoon Yolanda that ruined Tacloban City and Palo town in Leyte, as well as neighboring towns in central Philippines two weeks ago.

During the flag raising ceremony last Monday at DOST Compound in Bicutan, Taguig City, Secretary Mario G. Montejo appealed to all employees to extend assistance to the 400 families or about 2,000 people who have evacuated to the Philippine Science High School System (PSHS) Eastern Visayas Campus in Palo, Leyte. The evacuees are staying at the first and second floors of the PSHS buildings and depend solely on donations for their daily survival.

“We appeal to your kindness and generosity to adopt a family at the PSHS evacuation center,“ Sec. Montejo said.

Secretary Montejo also said that DOST would need about P1,000.00 to support for a family of five for a week. Thus, DOST targets to rise P2 million to support the families for a month.

“With 20 agencies under the department, the goal is  to receive cash donations of about P100,000.00, more or less, from each DOST agency,” he said.

DOST will turn over cash donations this week to the DOST VII Regional Office in Cebu City where food, water, and other necessities will be bought and packed. The supplies will be immediately brought to Palo, Leyte. The relief operation is being managed by the DOST-Office of Undersecretary for Regional Operations.

“We are all witnesses to what typhoon Yolanda brought to our country, particularly its effect on our brothers and sisters in the central part of the country. We cannot leave the 2,000 evacuees behind,” he told.

DOST also hopes that assistance will also come from other sectors in the country and abroad to help “alleviate the difficult circumstances of our colleagues and the other 2,000 other evacuees.”

Last week, DOST has donated food, water, clothes, and other supplies to DOST VIII and PSHS personnel, students and their families, including those staying in DOST VIII and PSHS campuses.

“Our regional offices coordinated efforts and the Mindanao regional offices, braving the risks on the road, brought the long awaited assistance to our colleagues and their families in Palo, Leyte,” he informed. (S &T Media Service, DOST-STII/PIA-Caraga)

Cabadbaran City hosts 2013 Regl Skills Competition

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – The City of Cabadbaran has hosted the 2013 Regional Skills Competition held recently at Candelaria Institute of Cabadbaran (CIC).

TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. said through the Caraga Association of Technical Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII), seven skills/qualifications were featured in the competition such as Food and Beverage Services, Commercial Cooking, IT/Software Application, Visual Graphics Design, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Plumbing and Heating.

The two-day competition kicked-off with a motorcade participated in by different Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) in the region, followed by a festive opening ceremonies attended by coaches, experts, competitors, students, CATVII and TESDA officials and personnel. In the afternoon, the competition proper started.

For the Food and Beverage Services, Jorlex Solde Villa of AMA Computer Learning Center in Agusan del Sur won gold medal while Geronimo Pino of Philippine Electronics and Communications Institute of Technology (PECIT) won silver medal.

In the Electrical Technology, gold medalist is Junrel Adante of Surigao del Sur Electric Coop. (SURSECO) Training Center. Silver medal went to Ramulo Acal Jr. of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center, while Joy Col of Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center won third place and received bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Greg Gauden Mundiz of Bislig City Water District Training Center was declared winner in the Plumbing and Heating Technology and received gold medal.

For cooking, gold medal went to Monaliza Fundar of Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center, followed by Janice Merin of Agusan del Sur College who went home with silver medal, while Joselle Tabares of Andres Soriano College was proclaimed bronze medalist.

Computer wizards in the region have also competed in the IT/Software Application where Walter Lad of Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU) Main was proclaimed gold medalist. Saint Michael College of Caraga’s Jhoremavic April Balinton won second place and awarded silver medal. In the Visual Graphics Design, the lone contender from Candelaria Institute of Cabadbaran has reached the minimum standard set by the Regional Skills Competition and received gold medal.

Under the welding area, Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades’ (ASSAT) Christian Gerongco won the gold medal. Followed closely is Ray Anthony Orbillos of Agusan del Norte’s Provincial Training Center while third place was shared by Junrey Hinayon of Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center and Jerlyn Casia of Great Center in Surigao del Sur.

All winners received cash prizes of P3,000; P2,000; and P1,000 for gold, silver, and bronze medalists, respectively during the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies held at the People’s Hall in Cabadbaran City Hall.

The Regional Skills Competition showcases and recognizes the work excellence of trainees for both sexes and a competitive setting. It also provides technical-vocational education and training system with an objective and precise means of measuring the comparative and collective quality of its output.

Dir. Sunico likewise emphasized that the skills competition is a venue where capabilities of skilled workers and technical-vocational students will be featured and will somehow be enhanced because winners will represent the region in the national level next year.

The official also said before the winners will be sent for the national finals, they will undergo massive training and coaching with the different experts and coaches in the region to see to it that they can meet the standards set in the national and international level.

Sunico further said national winners will have the chance to represent the country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Skills Competition scheduled next year. Meanwhile, winners in the ASEAN level will compete in the World Skills Competition. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Skills competition, venue to change the world, CATVII prexy says

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) – Top official of the Caraga Association of Technical Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII) said the holding of the skills competition in the region served as venue to change the world into a better one.

In his speech during the opening ceremonies of the 2013 Regional Skills Competition held recently in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, CATVII President Inocencio Angeles, Jr. pointed out that in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga, the dream of engaging all the Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) and its trainees in the region for a friendly competition have come into a reality through the event.

Angeles discussed that this year’s competition is the first skills competition spearheaded by CATVII which was founded in 2012. He added the activity is showcasing the different skills and capabilities of the tech-voc trainees and students to prepare them for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Skills Competition slated next year.

“We shall showcase the skills and capabilities of our trainees as we prepare them in accordance to international standards particularly the ASEAN standards in the areas of Food and Beverage Services, Commercial Cooking, IT/Software Application, Visual Graphics Design, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Plumbing and Heating,” Angeles said.

The activity, according to the officiasl also promotes cooperation among different Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, TESDA provincial and regional personnel, industry partners and other stakeholders.

Angeles further said winners of the different skills competition will represent the region in the staging of the Philippine National Skills Competition early next year. He added the region’s representatives will be trained accordingly to comply with the ASEAN skills competition requirements.

The Regional Skills Competition is a friendly competition on vocational and technical skills. Competitors are endorsed by respective TVET institutions in Caraga Region who is currently enrolled or 6-month graduates prior to the competition of Training Centers and/or Technical-Vocational schools of trade areas stated earlier.

With the successful conduct of the activity, Angeles expressed his thanks and gratitude to all TVIs in the region who have made significant contributions. He also lauded the efforts of TESDA-Caraga for extending full support to the event.

This year’s competition which is anchored on the theme “Ganda ng Buhay, Tekbok ang Kulay” is graced by TESDA Deputy Director-General for Field Operations Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua who interacts with the local tri-media here in a press conference held prior to the closing and awarding ceremonies. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Gobyerno gipadali ang distribusyon sa mga hygiene kits, non-food items sa mga apektadong lugar sa bagyong Yolanda, matud sa DSWD

Ni Susil D. Ragas & Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO CITY, Nob. 21 (PIA) – Gipadali na sa DSWD ang pagpang-apod apod sa mga non-food items didto sa mga apektadong lugar sa bagyong Yolanda tungod kay nagsugod na ang pag-ulan-ulan sa maong mga lugar.

Sumala ni DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman kini nga butang naglangkob sa sa hygiene kits ug mga trapal nga pwede magamit isip temporaryong atop.

Sumala pa niya nga gisugdan na sa DSWD ang inisyal nga stress debriefing didto sa mga evacuation centers, ug siya naglaom nga madugangan pa ang maong kapasidad sa mosunod nga mga adlaw.

Matud ni Soliman , ang DSWD nagpadayon sa pag hatod og mga bugas ug food packs ngadto sa apektadong mga lugar lakip na ang Leyte,  Eastern Samar ug Tacloban City.

Gikan sa Tacloban hub, matud niya ang DSWD naka hatod na og 52,412 packs sukad kagahapon, sa mokabat 24 ka mga munisipyo.

Gikan sa Ormoc hub, matud pa niya ang DSWD nakahatod na og 19,004 food ug rice packs ngadto sa nuybe ka mga munisipyo.

Apan, sumala pa ni Soliman nga gisugdan na sa DSWD ang transisyon diin ang mga goods dalhon didto sa syudad sa Tacloban imbes nga ang mga taga barangay ang mokuha niini gikan didto sa mga hubs.

Iyang gipasabot nga ang lokal nga pangagamhanan maoy moapod-apod niini ngadto sa mga kabarangayan tungod kay obligasyon man niini ang pag responde.

Matud niya nga ang mga evacuation centers sa syudad padayon nga suportado sa DSWD regional ug national offices.

Dugang pa ni Soliman nga sukad niadtong Nob. 9 ngadto 20, mokabat na sa 863,691 food ug rice packs, 184,779 high-energy biscuits, ug 220,192 (usa ka litro nga water) ang ilang nahatag. (PIA-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Guv open to foreign investors in Agusan del Sur

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Nov. 20 (PIA) - Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said he and his administration is open to foreign investors provided they will also protect the environment and the interest of the Agusanons and not only their own interests.

“We have many foreign investors that put up their business in Agusan del Sur. In fact, we have the largest in terms of area developed into palm oil plantation all over the region and even in Mindanao. And many are still signifying their intention to invest in palm oil plantation in Agusan del Sur, like the British Company that cited the municipality of Loreto as plantation site. And if introduced by modern technology farming, palm oil planters can double their income if they practice intercropping. And I believe in intercropping,” Gov. Plaza said during an interview with foreign journalists from the Asia Business Channel ABC).

In mining industry, Gov. Plaza said small mining is not really the problem of the provincial government since it is the respective local government unit (LGU) concerned that will regulate the operation of the small scale mining. For big scale mining, it is the mining and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR that are in-charge of it. But Gov. Plaza reiterated he believes in responsible mining.

“But it is food production that we really want to push in the province. Presently, we have a program called Upland Sustainable Agriforestry Development (USAD), an upland rice production program that is going on. We partnered with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Sec. Teresita Deles for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project for the accessibility of road networks. But as to your question about the image of Mindanao, I am very sorry, especially many embassies here in the Philippines issued travel ban to their citizens, but that is not true. As you see and experience, Agusan del Sur is a peaceful and investment friendly province,” Gov. Plaza said.

In totality, Gov. Plaza said he is placing himself in the middle of the investors and business sector and the people of Agusan del Sur in order to see to it that both parties are protected. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog news: Pangulong Aquino umaasa na babalik agad sa normal ang buhay ng mga survivors

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Nob. 20 (PIA) - Nagpakita ng malaking pag-asa si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na ang sitwasyon sa lunsod ng Tacloban ay babalik sa normal sa lalong madaling panahon dahil sa pagbukas muli ng negosyo at kalakal.

Sa isang pakipanayam sa kanya sa Australian Mobile Hospital noong Lunes malapit sa Lunsod ng Tacoban Airport, sinabi ng Pangulo na maraming bagay ang nagbago mula ng una niyang pagbisita sa Tacloban noong ngkaraang linggo.

Naalis na ang mga nakaharang sa mga malalaking kalsada na siyang dahilan ng mabilis na daloy ng trapiko sa lunsod sa kasalukuyan.

“Pero siguro ang pinakamagandang masasabi natin sa lahat ng kababayan natin, medyo nagno-normal na. Nagbukasan na ang gasolinahan, ang bangko magbubukas sa Miyerkules,” sabi niya.

Nagsimula ng maging normal ang negosyo at kalakal, ayon sa Pangulo, na kanyang nakita ng kanyang bisitahin ang bayan ng Palo, ang mga tao ay nagtitinda na ng iba’t ibang paninda at ang ibang  produkto ay nagmumula sa ibang bayan ay umaabot na sa mismong sentro ng bayan.

Ito ay patunay na ang buhay ng mga tao sa Leyte ay nagsimula nang bumalik sa normal, sabi niya.

Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na nakita niya noong siya ay bumisita sa Tacloban na may mga estasyon na ng gasolina na nagsisilbi sa mga kustomer. Ang suplay ng tubig sa Tacloban ay bumalik na rin sa normal at nag anunsiyo rin ang Tanggapan ng Enerhiya na magkaroon na ng ilaw ang mga kalsada ng Palo simula sa Lunes ng gabi.

Ang Landbank ay magsimula na ang serbisyong ATM sa Miyerkles o kaya sa Huwebes, ayon sa ulat.

Mula nang malinis ang mga kalsada, sinabi ng Pangulo na inaasahan niya ang patuloy na daloy ng relief goods at mga ekwepo sa lalawigan at iba pang lugar na apektado ng bagyong Yolanda.

Ang Pangulo na nasa ikatlong araw na kanyang pagbisita Tacloban, ay bumisita rin sa Palo at mga bayan ng Alang-alang noong Lunes at sa Basey sa Samar at lunsod ng Ormoc noong Martes. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, November 19, 2013

News Feature: Marcventures lend helping hand to Typhoon Yolanda relief efforts

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA) - In the wake of a tragedy, the human spirit often emerges as people put aside their differences and work together to overcome adversity. Everyday problems become less important as people place a greater focus on helping those less fortunate.

As the people in Samar-Leyte and other areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda slowly begin their recovery efforts, this human spirit has been demonstrated by several non-government organizations and companies in the country as people spend time repacking of relief goods and donating supplies and goods.

Just recently, Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation, a multi-million company engaged in the mining of nickel, copper and gold in Surigao del Sur, aided typhoon survivors in Tacloban City who still require food and supplies in the face of the storm’s devastation.

Lawyer Noel Anthony Libres, corporate secretary of Marcventures, said more than 300 volunteers stormed the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Surigao’s huge warehouse inside the port to help in the repacking of thousands of assorted relief goods stacked worth P10.1Million.

The donation consisted of 330,000 assorted canned goods, 180,000 powdered milk packs, 150,000 bottled mineral water, 120,000 Biogesic, tens of thousands of instant noodles, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, assorted medicines and many others.

“We distributed 8,000 t-shirts, 7,000 pails, 1,200 cellphones, 500 tents, 200 solar lights and 11 generator sets. These items were already sent to Tacloban last week,” Libres said.

The relief goods and supplies benefited at least 34,000 individuals and could help ease their suffering momentarily.

"On behalf of Marcventures, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda," said Libres.

"Since, we have also employees whose relatives are living in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand,” he added. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)

RDC-GADCC Caraga discusses VAWC issues & concerns

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA) – In a recent press conference, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) under the Regional Development Council (RDC) discussed issues and concerns on Violence Against Women and Children (VWC), as well as updates on the activities set for this year’s 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.   

PSI Charity Galvez of Philippine National Police (PNP)-Caraga, recognized the vital role of media in info-dissemination on the rights of women and their children against abusive men (husband/father). "The media is our constant partner. They help us gather reports from the VAWC victims in the community so we can also immediately respond to them," she said.

Galvez further encouraged abused married women not to tolerate what their husbands are doing to them. “Women should know their rights and should fight for it,” she said.

PSI Venus Nelmida of PNP-Caraga also bared that because of the electronic-blotter (e-blotter) system of the PNP, its recorded VAWC cases from the barangay up to the regional level are now synchronized and updated. “Unlike before, there are cases reported in the barangay level and are not forwarded in the municipal/city to regional headquarters but now, with the e-blotter, records from the barangay up to the regional are already synchronized. With this, we can easily monitor the cases and its trend,” she said.

Jessie Catherine Aranas of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga said the department has services for the VAWC victim-survivors as well as to their families which shall be provided in accordance to their needs. "These are the following but not limited to: Counseling or debriefing if necessary; Temporary shelter at Home for Girls; Financial assistance for the conduct of medical interventions/medical assistance; Referral for legal assistance; Educational assistance; and Livelihood and skills training," she said.

When asked if there is also a law protecting men against their abusive spouses, Mr. Leonor Ledesma of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga stressed that “While there is a law that protects the welfare of the women and children, those said to be 'abused men' can also file a physical injury case against their spouses. But what usually happens, reports show that more women are abused than men".

Ledesma also emphasized that the CHR is open for individuals who want to raise their concerns that is related to human rights issues and concerns.

Meanwhile, GADCC-Caraga Co-chairperson Edna Hontiveros of FORWARD Filipina Inc., is calling on Caraganons to support the activities of men and women for this year's 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women set on November 25 to December 12.

The said campaign will kick-off with a joint/simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony on Nov. 25 at the Agusan del Norte Capitol Covered Court, this city. Series of activities will then follow in different schedule.

With this year's theme of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women which is "End VAW Now! It's Our Duty!", the call will emphasize the importance of having a functional mechanism, operated by competent and capable duty-bearers with a sense of responsibility and accountability originating from a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of gender-based violence and the provisions of VAW laws. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Sursur guv allocates P6M for CRAM 2014

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Nov. 18 (PIA) – Governor Johnny Pimentel has allocated more than P6Million for the hosting of the Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) to be held in Tandag City on February next year, said Provincial Treasurer’s Officer Wenifreda Perez.

"I am pleased to inform everyone that Governor Pimentel has already approved the P6,118,929.00 budget for the CRAM 2014," said Perez during the recently meeting with the committee members..

Education Program Supervisor Melba Ladroma said three major committees have been created for the event, to wit: the Host Executive (composed of the Provincial officials and local chief executives from two cities and 17 municipalities), the Steering (composed of DepEd officials, LGU officials, ex-officio members and Provincial School Board) and the Working Committee with 46 sub-committees.

Governor Pimentel reminded all the chairpersons assigned under the working committees to coordinate with their co-chair and members. “You have to closely coordinate with your members.”

Expected guests and delegates will be coming from the five provinces of Caraga Region to participate the annual event. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Guv bares Agsur products, potentials to foreign journalists

By David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 19 (PIA) - Given the choice what he wants Agusan del Sur to be five years from now, Governor Adolph Edward Plaza said he wants to see a prosperous Agusan del Sur with responsible investors and business men both enjoying their investment with contented and happy Agusanons.

This is the answer of Gov. Plaza when asked by Sarah Van Den Boogaard, a journalist of Asian Business Channel (ABC) from Netherlands who was given the chance to interview Gov. Plaza last week together with her fellow journalists also from ABC, Ante Matulic Table from Croatia and Thomas Leamy from Ireland.

Gov. Plaza also said while the province is known for its timber products before, he (Plaza) describes the province to be the same as of the present with planted tree species like falcata and rubber.

“But I prefer rubber more because when rubber became bearing, farmers will have long time constant income every day, unlike falcata where after harvest, farmers will again replant and wait for a long time until the trees will reach its prescribe size for harvest,” Gov. Plaza said.

Aside from tree plantation, Gov. Plaza said he also wants farmers to develop and push more rice and corn production using the organic farming.

“Presently, our top priority is the production of black rice variety so that we will have enough planting materials. We are also very proud to let the people know that I personally received the awards two weeks ago amounting to P3 million, because of our organic farming practice and corn production here in Agusan del Sur, where the amount will be flowed back to the farmers in order for them to have bigger production in return,” Gov. Plaza said.

It can be recalled that the Department of Agriculture has given recognition to the province having grown 96 percent of the oil palm and 79 percent of corn in Caraga Region. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DENR-13 raises funds for Typhoon Yolanda victims

By Angeaine Dela Torre

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA) - Officials and employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga region have initiated fund raising project to contribute in the relief efforts of the government in the typhoon-devastated areas in the Western Visayas particularly in the hardest-hit Tacloban City in Leyte.      

DENR-13 Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo said he has initiated “pass the hat” to his top field officers in the five provinces including 13 Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers so that they can share their contributions to the typhoon victims in the Visayas.

“We are dismayed by what we are seeing over the news in television about the situation in the areas ravaged by the strongest typhoon ever in the history,” RED Tamayo said. “We want to help physically but the least we can do now is to contribute whatever we can donate to the victims,” he added.

The officials have started shelling out any amount they can raise since it was announced to the DENR employees during their Monday convocation program. The top field officials headed by PENR officer Roberto Oliveros, in similar way, have donated bills in various denominations during their Management Conference on Tuesday. “We want to be part of whatever help we can give to our fellow men,” PENRO Oliveros said.

The donation for typhoon victims will be sent to the Office of Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje for appropriate action. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Kuryente sa Eastern Samar mahibalik na sa Disyembre, sulti ni Energy Sec Petilla

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Nob. 19 (PIA) - Si Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla mibutyag sa iyahang target nga mahibalik na ang suplay sa kuryente sa rehiyon sa Visayas, diin gikatahong nangadaut sa bagyong Yolanda, sa Disyembre 24.

Sa pakighinabi kaniya didto sa Palo niadtong Lunes, si Petilla miingon nga siya malaomon nga mapabalik ang kuryente sa rehiyon sa Disyembre 24 pagkonsiderar sa trabahante ug mga ekwipo aron nga mapatapos ang pagtrabaho niini.

Siya miingon nga ang mga miboluntaryo gikan sa Mindanao electric cooperatives moabot aron lamang sa pagtabang sa rehiyon sa Visayas nga mapabalik ang elektrisidad. Duna na usab magamit nga mga materyales partikular na ang mga ekwipo nga gigamit alang sa sito electrification program sa gobyerno diin maoy gamiton para mahibalik ang mga nadaut nga linya ug mga poste.

Ang Manila Electric Corporation usab moabot aron nga motabang, sumala pa ni Petilla, diin matod pa niya dako kaayo nga tabang nga inisyatibo sanglit ang Meralco dunay mga ekwipo ug igong kaalam.

Kon ang Meralco moabot, si Petilla miingon nga siya modahom nga dunay dili momenos sa 200 ka tawo nga motrabaho nga mapaayo ang mga linya sa kuryente.

Mokabat sumala pa sa 160 ka tore ang nadaut sa bagyo, siya miingon. Ang pinakadaghan nga nadaut nga mga tore sa elektriidad mao ang Isla sa Panay diin mokabat sa 134 ka tore ang mga napukling.

Ang trabaho padayon sa pagka-karon nga mapabarog ang mga bag-o nga tore, siya miigon.

Kabahin sa pagpang-apod-apod, ang departamento sa enerhiya mi-target nga mapabalik ang enerhiya una sa Palo, siya miingon. Ang Palo duna nay suga sa mga kadalanan Lunes sa gabii, sumala pa ni Petilla.

Ang tumonng niini sumala pa niya mao ang pagkonekta sa mga dapit sa Palo human nga ang mga linya sa electrisidad sa matag barangay maayo na. Ang pagpabalik sa elektrisidad atol sa kapaskohan makahatag ug paglaum sa mga katawhan ug makapatukpaw sa ilahang mga kadasig, siya miingon.

“Itong pagpapa-ilaw ng mga street lights para lang merong signs of hope dito sa atin. Kasi kung walang ilaw, talagang walang pag-asa,” siya miingon.

Ang gikabalak-an ug maayo mao ang  kinabag-an sa mga kabalayan nga apektado bagyo nga mga dapit gikatahong nadaut ug posibleng makadelatar sa maong proseso sa elektrisidad.

Ang mga electricians gikan sa nagkadaiyang kooperatiba nga mobulontaryo maoy mohimo sa pasiunang pag-ayo sa gipang-apod-apod nga mga linya ug kon kini matapos na sa pagtrabaho, sila motabang sa pag-ayo kon pagtaod sa mga wiring sa matag panimalay. (PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PIA News Service - Monday, November 18, 2013

Taguibo river governing board set to implement action plan

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Nov.18 (PIA) – The Taguibo River Water Quality Management Area (TRWQMA) governing board of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Caraga is now set to execute its plan of actions after finalizing its governing rules.

TRWQMA encompasses the city of Butuan and seven barangays; namely, Anticala, Pianing, Taguibo, Sumilihon, Cabcabon, Bobon, Baobaoan; municipality of Magallanes and two barangays (Guiasan, Taod-oy); and municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez and barangay San Antonio.

Based on the present condition and assessment, the quality of the water in Taguibo watershed worsened due to massive damage resulted from irresponsible activities done by unscrupulous individuals.

The governing board aims to implement plans that will protect and improve the water quality of Taguibo River (TR). It shall be managed consistent with the following water quality objectives: to provide appropriate processes and procedures for the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution of the TR and its watershed through a comprehensive management program for water pollution control; to ensure that TR continues to be a safe source of water supply for Butuan City and its communities, serves as principal sustaining resource to aquaculture in the area, and support food production and industry in the WQMA jurisdiction.

“The board will formulate a program on water quality management which links water quality management issues to ecological protection, water supply, public health and quality of life,” said TRWQMA chair and EMB regional director Metodio Turbella.

TRWQMA governing board also encouraged the government agencies, civil society organizations, academe, and business sectors to take an active role in water quality protection and management through coordinated efforts in sustaining acceptable quality of water of the TR.

Among the environmental and health issues in TR zone that need to be addressed are: dumping of garbage and other domestic wastes; lack of sanitary toilets, open defacadion in TR; presence of illegal small scale mining operators in TR watershed; agricultural waste and run-off that drains to TR, unregulated quarrying that resulted to scouring/erosion of river banks; presence of illegal logging to include fuel gathering; and improper application and disposal of pesticides/fertilizers.

On infrastructure concern, TRWQMA will support the effort of city government of Butuan pertinent to the establishment and operationalization of a septage treatment facility in the city.

Turbella bared that “the governing board shall direct the appropriate standing committee, the formulation of an information, education, and communication (IEC) program to solicit support from the various stakeholders for the sustainanble use and protection of the river.”

He further emphasized that Taguibo river and watershed is the main source of drinking water and its deterioration will threaten the lives of end users. Thus, calling the support of everybody to work out for its preservation and conservation. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

300 pupils pledge as Junior Environmental Scouts

By Mary Jul Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) – Some 300 pupils from Numancia Central Elementary School pledged as Junior Environmental Scouts during the ceremonial oath-taking held recently at the Surigao State College of Technology Gym, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

Governor Sol F. Matugas officiated the ceremonial oathtaking and witnessed by first district congressman Francisco T. Matugas, Del Carmen mayor JR Coro, representatives from MVP Group of Companies and Metro Pacific Investment Corporation.

The Junior Environmental Scout was initiated by the provincial government to emphasize the importance of boy scouts and girls scouts in protecting the environment.

The activity is also part of the long-week Siargao It Up event sponsored by the MVP Group of Companies in coordination with the Surigao del Norte provincial government, Surigao del Norte first congressional district and the municipality of Del Carmen.

Other activities of the Siargao It Up include, clean-up drive, fun run and battle of the bands. (SDR/PIC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Karancho regional convention gathers 1,000 participants  

By Alvin A. Añonuevo

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 18 (PIA) - The Kababayan Riders Association for a New Cultural Harmony and Order, Inc. (Karancho) held its two-day regional convention on November 16-17, 2013 at Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium, this city.

Around 1,000 strong members of the said organization attended the activity. This year’s event is anchored on the theme: “Fostering National Solidarity, The KARANCHO WAY.”

Highlighting the event include, Chairman’s Meeting and Search for Miss Karancho 2013.

Meantime, Bayugan City Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis led the acceptance of new members assisted by Provincial Karancho Chairman and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Edilberto Bastareche, and Karancho District Chairman Efpraim Badajos.

Karancho, is non partisan, non sectarian and non combatant volunteer organization constituted by the motorcycle owners geared towards Community Assistance and Development program of the Philippine National Police which was established purposely to be conduit to the Local Government Units and other government agencies within its capacity and capability.  (PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Palasyo mipasalig sa pagsustener sa hinabang ngadto sa mga biktima sa bagyong Yolanda

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Nobyembre 18 (PIA) - Ang Malakanyang niadtong Dominggo mipasalig sa mga biktima sa bagyong Yolanda nga ang gobyerno padayon sa pagsustento ug hinabang kanila.

Si Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. miingon nga kini maoy mando ni Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III.

"Tinitiyak po ng ating Pangulo at ng ating pamahalaan na magiging sustained... tuloy-tuloy po ang paghahatid sa kanila ng pagkain at kagyat na pagtulong hanggang makabangon po sila at mag-umpisa nang makabalik sa normal nilang mga buhay,” si Coloma miingon atol sa pakighinabi kaniya sa sibyahanan sa dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Siya miingon nga ang Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson mitaho nga ang Greater Leyte Water District mibalik na sa parserbisyo og pagsuplay sa tubig sa Leyte, apil na usab sa Tacloban.

Siya usab miingon nga ang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority mipadala na ug mga enhenyero ug mga trabahante aron sa paghawan sa mga apektadong lugar gikan sa mga nagkanat nga mga basura ug apil na ag mga natumpag nga mga  stablistamento sa maong dapit.

Dugang pa ni Coloma nga ang local nga panggamhanan sa Metro Manila misagop sa ubay ubay’ng mga apektadonng lugsod.

Sa parte sa Bureau of Immigration, ilahang gipaluagan ang mga permit nga gikinahanglan sa visa og pagpanarbaho alang sa mga mibuluntaryo gikan sa abrod kinsa gusto motabang alang sa kaayo nga kakugi.

Sa laing bahin, ang Communications Secretary midayeg sa mga trabahante nga mitabang sa paghumpay sa ilahang mga sakripisyo ingon man nga sila miserbisyo isip inspirasyon sa uban.

"Ang kanilang kasipagan at pagmamalasakit ay nagsisilbing huwaran at ispirasyon sa ating mga kababayang nagkakaisa sa pagpupunyagi at pananalangin hinggil sa pagbangon at pagbabagong-tatag ng mga nasalantang pamayanan," si Coloma miingon. (PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)