(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Caraga GADCC chair bares reasons to celebrate the 2014 Women’s Month

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – Atty. Marylin Pintor, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director and Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) chair bared reasons to celebrate this year’s Women’s Month, during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Caraga conference room, this city.

“With this year’s theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” it pays tribute to the strong and resilient ‘Juanas’ who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe,” remarked Pintor.

Pintor also said that among the objectives of this year’s celebration include the following: 1) To recognize women’s resiliency, strength and contributions to progress; and 2) To discuss Philippine gains, gaps and challenges in implementing the Beijing Platform for Action (output document of women who convened in Beijing, China in year 1995).

Pintor further revealed that with the recent geological, socio-economic and political upheavals that shook the country last year, 2014 brings a new ray of hope that will pave the way for healing, recovery and reconciliation. “From the Zamboanga crisis to the pork barrel scandal, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu, and the strongest typhoon history has ever recorded, and many disasters in other parts of the country, the Filipino spirit remains indomitable and unbowed,” she added.

“The 2014 Women’s Month celebration is the best time to highlight the “drivers of change” who untiringly volunteered themselves in times of disaster, conflict and calamity. This celebration recognizes the role of women in the rehabilitation process and their over-all contributions to progress,” stressed Pintor.

The Women’s Month celebration will kick-off on March 3, Monday with a ‘Fun Walk’ activity from the City Hall going to Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol where a program will also follow with CHR Chairperson Etta Rosales as guest speaker. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga GAD Committee opens membership for LGBT

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – The Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) through chairperson Atty. Marylin Pintor, regional director of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga welcomed the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) in its membership to the committee.

During a press conference, Pintor expressed that the committee is open for LGBT’s membership and is inviting the group to join in the Women’s Month celebration in March, as well as in other activities set for this year.

“Ladlad Caraga Incorporated has been participating in our activities and last election, GADCC supported them when they filed their candidacy as partylist. We also encourage other LGBT group to join us in our common aim to prevent/stop any form of violence against women and children, as well as discrimination to LGBTs,” stressed Pintor.

Pintor further bared that Ladlad Caraga is a group that pushes for social acceptance of LGBTs, and is conducting of public services to both LGBTs and the mainstream population in Caraga and Butuan.

Also, on the emerging issues on lesbian and gay relationships, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga officer-in-charge Mylah Faye Aurora Carino emphasized that one must pose no discrimination on them since it is rather symbolic and self expression of love, though there is no legal recognition.

Meanwhile, GADCC co-chair Edna Hontiveros revealed that the provincial government of Agusan del Norte has already an ordinance implementing the Anti-Discrimination Law. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


2014 ‘Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan’ set in Butuan on March 11

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – In line with this year’s Women’s Month celebration, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) Caraga chaired by Atty. Marylin Pintor will once again spearhead the conduct of 10th ‘Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan’ on March 11, 2014 at Balanghai Hotel, this city.

Pintor bared that during the Kalandrakas, men and women will enjoy the trade fair, ukay-ukay/garage sale, massage and spa, medical mission, legal counseling, parlor games, and other leisure activities.

“We will be featuring the different products made by the women in various sectors here in the region,” said Pintor.

It was also learned that Secretary Dinky Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will grace said activity.

During said activity, GADCC will also conduct the profiling of successful women entrepreneurs and photo contest dubbed as “One day in a life of a woman in Caraga” which is open to professional and amateur photographers in the region.

With this year’s theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” Pintor explained that the theme pays tribute to the strong and resilient ‘Jaunas’ who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao City to host 3rd Caraga culinary show, live competition

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Surigao City and the Surigao City Tourism Council, Inc. will be conducting the Caraga Culinary Show and Live Competition on February 20-21 in Surigao City.

According to DOT Caraga regional director Leticia dC Tan, the event is in line with the Caraga Region’s 19th anniversary celebration.

The event, which is on its 3rd year, will feature the different skills and talents of the students and other tourism stakeholders in the region. "It will be held at the St. Paul University gymnasium – main campus in Surigao City," said Tan.

There will be two categories involved in the event, both for the students and professionals, Tan added.

For the professional category:

Cake Decorating - participants are to showcase their cake decorating skills following the theme “Destinations of Caraga”. They will be given two hours to decorate and display on two round or square cakes. Creativity and artistry of the participants have great impact on scores;

Salads and Sandwiches – participants are challenged to create within 30 minutes, an original dish consisting of a cold salad and sandwich for one person. Modern presentation, practical serving method and correct portion size will have a great impact;
Dessert Buffet – participants are to display three different desserts with the theme “Caraga Festivals”. Each dessert is good for five portions.

Chef Wars – this will showcase the skills and talents of Hotels and Restaurant Caterers or any food business establishment particularly in the region. This will evolve with the “Caraga under the sea”; and

Fruit and Vegetable Carving – participants are to carve, present and display within two hours, their finished product following the theme “Caraga Features”. Artistic skill in carving will have great impact on scores.

For the Student Category:

Table set-up with menu good for 2 – Each team is to set-up a table setting for two persons and to arrange a centerpiece on the spot within the time limit of 30 minutes. Each team must have own theme for the table set-up;

Mini Cake Decorating – participants will decorate and display within one and half hour with a total of four pieces of mini cake with the theme BIMP – Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines. Unique use of edible décor and ingredients based on theme will have great impact on scores.

Dessert Buffet – participants are to display three different desserts with the theme “Sweet Caraga”. Each dessert is good for five portions.

Chef Wars – it is a competition showcasing the skills and talents of Hotel and Restaurant Management/Culinary students form Caraga. Participants are to execute within one hour, three dishes (appetizers main courses or desserts, each good for two persons) highlighting provincial Filipino cuisine with the theme “Eats more fun in Caraga”;

Fruit and Vegetable Carving – participants are to carve, present and display within two hours, their finished product following the theme “Caraga Under the Sea”;

Buffet Table Skirting with Rice Grains Centerpiece – each team composed of four contestants shall assemble and display a table centerpiece decoration;

Dual Flair Tending – student participants are to showcase in flaring and juggling.  They are given five minutes to do their flair and create an original or their signature drink using the identified based ingredient.

Entrance fee of ten pesos will be collected to those who would like to witness the event. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


DSWD-Caraga spearheads 2014 Adoption Consciousness Week celeb

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga is once again spearheading this year’s Adoption Consciousness Week celebration as provided under Presidential Proclamation No. 72 issued on February 3, 1999.

The National Organizing Committee chaired by DSWD agreed to celebrate it for a week from February 15-23, 2014 instead of just one day as indicated in the Proclamation, to have a longer opportunity for purposive information to the public about adoption.

“This year, the advocacy campaign will focus on the theme “Legal na Pag-aampon sa Lahat ng Pagkakataon.” It aims to emphasize the legal process of adoption and current situation where orphaned, abandoned or surrendered children are sought for adoption like in situation of disaster, direct placement and simulation of birth certificate,” bared DSWD-Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli.

Brigoli also said that among the objectives of this year’s celebration include the following: 1) To disseminate basic information about adoption including the adoption process, requirements, procedures and the benefits and effects of adoption in key areas frequented by the public or through media; 2) To educate the public on legal process of adoption that may lead to applications for domestic adoption or inquiries on adoption and other alternative family care; and 3) To respond to public inquiries on adoption and other alternative forms of family care.

“In support to the aforementioned objectives, we are encouraging our partner government agencies and private stakeholders to join with us through facilitating these proposed activities – Information campaign of Adoption Consciousness Week celebration during flag ceremony and Hanging of advocacy streamers and tarpaulins in public parks and terminals, among others,” expressed Brigoli. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)  


Agsur Tourism Council meets in preparation for Naliyagan Festival 2014

By David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Feb. 18 (PIA) - The Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) today meet in order to discuss early various activities for the Naliyagan Festival that will take place on June 12-17, 2014.

According to Nathaniel Yamson of the Provincial Tourism office, most of the activities that will take place during the Naliyagan 2014 will be patterned to Naliyagan Festival 2013, but with some revisions.

Added during the soft opening on June 11 is the “Hugyaw” where youth delegations from different groups coming from different municipalities will converge at the Naliyagan Plaza in Patin-ay and will be presenting their best talents in songs and dances, and other performances, bringing along with them their props and instruments.

“But the date will be tentative because participants of 'Hugyaw' are mostly talented students from Agusan del Sur and if classes will resume earlier, the date for the conduct of 'Hugyaw' must also be earlier. But we suggest that this activity will be recorded and included as one of the Naliyagan Festival activity,” PTC Co-chairperson Manuel Rosaot from the private sector said.

After the presentation of experiences from the previous Naliyagan Festival was presented by former Provincial Tourism Officer Elizabeth Gilot, improvements like the establishment of comfort rooms were presented, the location of booths, the security measures and the flow of crowds that will witness the week-long festival.

While the program of activities are still subject for finalization, it is final that on the first night (June 12) various groups from different schools, both college and high school will showcase the Agusan indigenous songs and dances, and every night, live band concert and fireworks display can be witnessed.

On the evening of the fifth day, the search for “Bai Naliyagan” will highlight the day’s activity. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


DENR Surigao Norte seizes exotic species of wildlife fauna at Lipata Port

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Surigao del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office seized recently an illegally transported  variety of wildlife fauna of exotic species at the Lipata Port Ferry Terminal, Barangay Lipata, this city.

According to DENR Surigao del Norte Environment Management Specialist Jocelyn H. Maceren, on February 13, 2014 DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo, in a radio message, informed PENRO office of the said illegal transport of wildlife fauna on board the Toyota Hi-Ace coming from General Santos City and will pass thru Surigao del Norte area of jurisdiction.

In compliance of the said radio message the Forest Protection Personnel of CENRO Surigao City coordinated with the Philippine National Police, Philippine Ports Authority, PNP-Maritime and Coast Guard and immediately conducted monitoring and surveillance of the said vehicle.

At around 1:30am on February 15, 2014, the composite team of law enforcement agencies led by CENRO Surigao City Forest Protection Officer Hernando S. Sulla apprehended one Toyota Hi-Ace bearing plate No. WYI 974 loaded with different kinds of exotic wildlife species (fauna) while it is about to board on M/V Vanessa at Lipata Ferry Terminal going to Tacloban City.

The said wildlife was loaded in Toyota vehicle on February 13, 2014 in Barangay Maribulan Alabel, Sarangani Province and to be transported to Tacloban City via port of Lipata, Surigao City.

According to the driver of the vehicle identified as Jecy C. Del Rosario and his companion Bili L. Santipan, the said wildlife species were allegedly owned by certain Tarciana D. Ejorda, Emie D. Loling, Gerson T. Barrios and Jenny D. Perez.

The seized wildlife fauna include four heads of yellow crested cockatoo, tw0 heads black palm cockatoo, one head black caique, 56 heads violet neck ivory, 29 heads amazon lorry, four heads kangaroo (wallaby), three heads ant eater, one head caigue and one amazon lorry died due to congestion.

The wildlife species are now at the custody of DENR Caraga Regional Office. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: 167 ka pamilya miduyog sa 'flood evacuation drill' sa Surigao del Sur

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Peb. 18 (PIA) - Mokabat sa 167 ka pamilya ug 712 ka mga dependent nga mga residente duol sa Tago River ang mikuyog sa gipahigayong flood evacuation drill niadtong Sabado didto sa Poblacion, San Miguel, ning probinsya.

Atol sa gipahigayong briefing sa susamang adlaw, si Walter Alquiza, GIS Senior Advisor  mipatugbaw sa mga importanteng mga pamaage sa pagpahigayon sa maong acktibidad. Siya giduyogan sa mga opisyales sa provincial ug municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) ug ubang membro sa council.

"Ang mga tawo nga nagpuyo sa bahaonon nga mga dapit, mao usab ang mga bulnerable kon sila wala masayud sa mga risgo ug walay kasayuran kon unsa ang ilang mahimo sa pagpa-ngandam ug sa pagresponde sa disaster,” sulti ni Alquiza.

Ang bag-ohay pa lamang nga duha ka sunod-sunod nga pagbaha, naka-apekto sa mga katawhan sa Purok 9 ug 10 sa Barangay Poblacion. "Ang tubig sa sa baha miabot sa hapit sa liog sa tawo," kini ang gisulti ni Barangay Kagawad Sol Alanzado.

"Ang ubang mga rescuer migamit na lamang sa mga baroto nga kahoy sa mga pagpangluwas sa mga residente nga nagpuyo duol sa mga sapa sa naasoy nga mga purok tungod kay ang lungsod aduna lamang usa ka rubber boat nga muluwas sa tibuok lungsod,” dugang pa ni Alanzado.

Samtang, si Mayor Alvaro Elizalde mi-awhag sa mga residente sa pagka-mabalantayon sa kahimtang sa panahon ug maigmaton sa pagtugon sa nagkadaiyang lebelo nga abeso sa baha ug pagbakwit ug sayo didto sa mas luwas nga dapit.

Ang maong kalihokan kabahin sa pagpahamtang sa pagtukod ug Local Flood Early Warning System  (LFEWS) sa duha ka mga lungsod sa San Miguel ug Tago diin nagasubay ang dagayday sa tubig sa Tago River. Ang maong estruktura sa dili madugay maga-operate na sa sunod nga bulan human sa pagkonektar sa tanan nga mga ekwipo sa operation center sa Provincial DRRM office,” dugang pa ni Alquiza. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Cebuano News: Palasyo mihangyo sa publiko nga hatagan ug higayon ang retiradong PNP Exec sa Human Rights Board

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Peb. 18 (PIA) - Ang Malakanyang mi-apela ngadto sa publiko sa paghatag sa retiradong police nga si Director Lina Sarmiento sa usa ka higayon sa pagpamatuod sa iyang kaugalingon ingon nga pangulo sa usa ka board nga nagdumala sa pag pang-apod-apod sa P10 bilyones kompensasyon ngadto sa mga biktima sa Martial Law.

Si Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda miingon nga si Sarmiento gikonsiderar nga usa ka "security sector reformist," ug angayan usab  sa usa ka higayon sa pagpakita sa iyang bili ingon nga pangulo sa mga biktima sa Human Rights.

"Ato siyang hatagan ug usa ka higayon. (Let's give her a chance)," butyag pa Lacierda sa usa ka media briefing.

Ang uban sa mga kanhing detenidong politikal nangutana sa pagtudlo kang Sarmiento sa board, nagpadayag sa iyang trabaho nga mao ang pagpatigayon sa mga biktima sa gialegar nga pag-abuso sa maong pwersa sa estado - lakip na ang kapolisan – atol sa panahon sa Martial Law.

Atol sa iyang pangatungdanan sa Philippine National Police, si Sarmiento nadestino sa pagpangulo sa PNP Human Rights Affairs Office.

Si Sarmiento usab dunay gibantog sa pwersa sa kapolisan nga “first female police general.”  Siya sa gilayon na-promot ngadto sa 2-star nga ranggo. (NGBT/PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Cebuano News: Hepe sa TESDA-Caraga gibutyag ang scholarship grants ni’ng tuiga

Ni Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Peb. 18 (PIA) – Gibutyag ni TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. ang mga scholarship grants nga gihanyag karong tuiga sa nasudnong panggamhanan sa nasangpit nga ahensiya.

Kini ang gisaysay sa maong opisyal atol sa unang higayon sa pagpulong sa mga miyembro sa Regional Coordinating Committee karong tuiga nga gipahigayon sa buhatan sa Department of Labor and Employment kun DOLE-Caraga.

Gidugang ni Dir. Sunico nga ubay-ubay ang scholarship slots ang gi-offer karon sa TESDA base sa direktibang gipagawas ni Sec. Joel J. Villanueva aron masiguro nga daghang mga Pilipino ang makabenepisyo sa libreng technical ug vocational nga edukasyon ilabi na ang mga kabatan-onan.

Sa dihang gipangutana nganong gidugangan sa gobyerno ang scholarship slots karong tuiga, ang opisyal nagkanayon nga nakita gayud sa panggamhanan ang kamahinungdanon sa pagbansay sa katawhan aron kini mamahimong skilled workers ug aron makakita og panginabuhian.

Sir Dir. Sunico usab nagkanayon nga kini nga kalambuan isip suporta sa Human Development Cluster nga nakalatid sa Philippine Development Plan sa kasamtangang administrasyon

Tungod sa nahimong kalampusan sa pag-implementar sa mga scholarhip programs sa TESDA sa niaging mga katuigan, gipaningkamutan sa panggamhanan nga daghan pang mga katawhan ang mahatagan og oportunidad aron libreng mabansay isip skilled workers isip pangandam aron sila makakita og mga desenteng trabaho.

Ilawom sa Private Education Student Financial Assistance o PESFA scholarship program, sir Dir. Sunico nagkanayon nga ang panggamhanan migahin og P10,418,000 para lamang sa Caraga Region. “Ang mga mugradwar sa high school nga nagpangidaron og dili muminos 15 anyos ang kwalipikado nga mu-apply sa maong programa,” si Sunico nagkanayon.

Gidugang sa opisyal nga ang Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) alang usab sa mga mamumuo nga gusto mupa-ilawom sa libre nga tech-voc training. Ang maong programa adunay gigahin nga pondo nga mukabat sa P21,124,000 ug kini naga-focus sa mga kursong Agro-Fishery, Business Process Outsource-Information and Communications Technology (BPO-ICT), Tourism, General Infrastructure, Electronics, ug Manufaturing Services.

Samtang gibutyag usab sa hepe sa maong buhatan nga adunay bag-ong scholarship program ang gitanyag karon sa panggamhanan. Pinaagi sa Special Training for Employment Program o STEP, ang mga molupyo sa siyam ka mga congressional district sa rehiyon sa Caraga ang mamahimong maka-benepisyo niini nga adunay gigahing pondo nga mukabat sa P3 milyones matag distrito. “Alang niining community-based nga training program, and atong gobyerno nigahin og kinatibuk-ang P27 milyones alang sa atong rehiyon,” si Sunico nagkanayon.

Sa laing bahin, gisaysay sa opisyal nga gisuportahan usab sa TESDA ang Grassroot Participatory Budgeting nga unang gitawag nga “Bottoms Up Budgeting o BUB”. Gipasabot ni Dir. Sunico nga kini ang unang higayon nga gi-implementar sa nasud. Ang proyekto naggikan sa Local Poverty Action Plan sa nagkalain-laing local nga panggamhanan sa tibuok nasud.

Ang mga local government units mahimo nga mu-ila sa mga gikinahanglang pagbansay sa ilang mga katawhan. Ang TESDA maoy mutabang sa mga LGUs sa pagpahigayon og mga nagkadaiyang pagbansay ingon man usab ang paghatag og mga trainors, u gang pag assess niini.

Sa Caraga Region, si Sunico nagkanayon nga 25 na ka mga munisipyo ang misubmiter og project proposal mahitungod sa mga nagkdaiyang trainings. Aduna kini P13,276,663 nga budget ang gigahin.

Sa maong kalambuan, gi-awhag sa opisyal ang mga interesadong scholarship applicants nga makig-alayon sa mga nagdaiyang buhatan sa TESDA sa rehiyon. Alang sa Agusan del Norte, mamahimong mutawag sa numero sa telepono (085) 342-0085. Sa Agusan del Sur, ang buhatan sa ahensya mamahimong matawagan sa (05) 343-7278. Ang TESDA-Surigao del Norte makontak pinaagi sa mga numerong (086) 826-2591 samtang ang TESDA-Surigao del Sur mamahimo usab nga matawagan sa (086) 211-3957. Alang sa mga residente sa probinsya sa Dinagat Island, mamahimong tawagan ang OIC-Provincial Director sa cellphone number 0917-7035737. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)