(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 13 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


DOST-13 to conduct campaign on ‘Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities’

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 2 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region-13, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense – Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), is spearheading the conduct of the nationwide campaign on Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities set on April 10-11, 2014 at the Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.

“The information and education campaign aims to gather and disseminate all DOST knowledge products on disaster risk reduction and to assist local government units and other stakeholders on how to maximize the use of these knowledge products to prevent losses of lives and properties,” said Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chairperson and OCD-13 regional director Liza Mazo.

Around 350 participants are expected to join composed of local chief executives, DRRM officers, member-agencies of the RDRRMC and representatives from the academe and private sectors.

Dr. Renato Solidum, director of the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will present an overview of the local geologic hazards and warning systems.

Also, local hydrometeorological hazards and warning systems, disaster risk exposure assessment for mitigation, and DOST nationwide operational assessment of hazards are among the topics to be presented during the event.

For queries, you may contact Meriam Bouquia or Paula Mae Creencia of DOST Caraga at telephone numbers (085) 342-9053 and 341-9551. Confirmation of attendance must be sent on or before April 4, 2014 through telefax number (085) 342-5684 or email at dostcaraga@yahoo.com. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


LCC conducts 2014 National Literacy Awards regional orientation

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, April 2 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) on Tuesday conducted a regional orientation to stakeholders and advocates of literacy in Caraga region at the Teachers Development Center here.

The regional orientation covers the revised criteria and guidelines for the selection of the 2014 National Literacy Awards (NLA).

During the orientation, DepEd Caraga Education Program Supervisor Amelita P. Givertz informed the participants that the 2014 NLA has two categories: the Outstanding Literacy Program; and the Outstanding Local Government Unit (highly urbanized city, component/component independent city, class A municipality (1st-3rd class) and class B municipality (4th-6th class).

DepEd Caraga Alternative Learning System (ALS) focal person Leoniza Lavapiez also said the 2014 NLA aims to recognize the best practices of local government units in implementing literacy programs or projects that help alleviate poverty, provide livelihood, address welfare needs, promote freedom and make education facilities accessible. She also encourages all the 12 divisions of the region to submit entries to the 2014 NLA.

Also, during the orientation, Jean Abad of the Technical Advisory Group of the LCC) said, in order to qualify as nominee for the 2014 NLA, entries in all the categories must already be in existence for at least two years.

According to Benedicto Tambis of the LCC Secretariat, the first place winners of the NLA who maintained the rank for three years are eligible for the Hall of Fame Awards. "The Hall of Fame awardees will no longer be eligible to join the regular contest, and they shall be subject to monitoring and evaluation by the council," she added.

Tambis further said that a Special Award of Excellence on Literacy may be extended by the council to hall of Fame awardees who are evidently deserving of the said award upon strong recommendation by the evaluating team.

The regional selection by division of the 2014 NLA will be conducted on April 14 to May 2. Regional winners will be announced on May 5 and the awarding of winners will be held during the celebration of the Literacy Week on September 2014, said Tambis.

The Outstanding Literacy Program Award is given to a civil society organization, non-government organization, private organization or educational/academic institution, which has developed and implemented a literacy program that made a positive impact on learners and the community.

On the other hand, the Outstanding Local Government Unit Award is also given to local government units that have developed and implemented policies, programs and projects conducive to literacy advancement and have efficaciously made a positive impact on their barangays and the quality of life of their people.

The Caraga Regional Selection Committee (RSC) is composed of DepEd,  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and Philippine Normal University (PNU).

The RSC will take charge in screening entries for the Outstanding Literacy Program and the Outstanding Local Government Unit of the region. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program now opens

By Salma Jayne Tamano

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 2 (PIA) - The National Youth Commission (NYC) announces the opening of applications to the 41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program (SSEAJYP).

SSEAJYP is an annual cultural exchange program that started in 1974 as a joint statement between ASEAN member States and Japan.  Participated by young people from these countries, the program’s objective is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among them and the local youth in their respective countries.

Now on its 41st year, SSEAJYP has been instrumental in forging stronger relations among the youth of Southeast Asia and Japan.

For this year, there will be a selection of the following: Two Participating Youth (PY) from each region (1 male and 1 female); One National Leader (NL).

Discussion Facilitators who shall provide support for PYs in the Discussion Program

Application forms for SSEAJYP are available at www.nyc.gov.ph.  The application form with the requirements for PYs and NLs may be submitted through email to sseayp41@nyc.gov.ph on or before April 25, 2014. The application form with requirements for Discussion Facilitators may be submitted on or before April 30, 2014. (NYC/PIA-Caraga)


AFP intensifies operations vs NPA in Surigao Sur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 2 (PIA) – The 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur has pre-empted the New People’s Army (NPA) from conducting further massive offensives and other related activities in Surigao del Sur to highlight their 45th anniversary celebration on March 29.  

Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr. said that his troops have intensified military operations in order to achieve their bid to suppress whatever plans the rebels wished to carry out to mark their special occasion.

However, Suaybaguio admitted that his battalion had also suffered casualties but has done more damage against the enemy forces.  Proof to this, he stressed,  was the “body count” of two teenagers, aged 18 and 19, believed to be NPA rebels which recovered cadavers were turned over to authorities in Carmen town, 45 kilometers north of Tandag City, barely a week before the anniversary celebration.

The battalion’s area of responsibility (AOR) covers the whole of the northern portion of the province including the town of Tago and Tandag City as well. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


LGUs discuss Participatory Budgetary Projects

By Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

BUTUAN CITY, April 2 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) discussed with the 56 local government units (LGUs) in Caraga region the guidelines for the implementation of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Projects (GPB) on March 27, 2014 at LJ Mega Convention Hall, this city.

GPB formerly called Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) is an approach to preparing the budget proposal of agencies, taking into consideration the development needs of cities/municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans that shall be formulated with strong participation of basic sector organizations and other civil society organizations.

Core Shelter Assistance, Road Opening, Construction of River Dike, Acquisition of Rescue Boats, Evacuation Centers, Supplemental Feeding Program and Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens are some of the projects that will be funded by GPB.

Jean Paul S. Parajes, GPB Regional Focal and Planning Officer, discussed and expounded the LGU Eligibility Assessment and orientation on GPB.

DSWD Focal Persons for poverty reduction programs namely: Elsa P. Montemor, Regional Project Coordinator of KALAHI-CIDSS; Aldie Mae Andoy, Protective Service Focal; and Marvin F. Tubo, SLP Special Projects Focal elucidated the GPB 2013 Implementation Updates. Regional Focal Person of Listahanan, Dante S. Rosales, shared the usefulness of Listahanan the database of poor families and stirred to ink MOA and to utilize the data so that the proposed projects will go to the right beneficiaries of the program.

 DSWD Accountant III Pio V. Japitana presented the status of LGU Cash Advances.

Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Nerisa T. Murih, gave an encouragement message to the participants. “Caraga is the first region to have GPB Projects completed in 2013; there are 232,000 poor households identified through the Listahanan database which really need our help. I encourage and inspire you more to implement all the proposed projects.  Our region has 180 Million allocated funds for 2014. I hope the poorest of the poor will benefit this Social Welfare Development (SWD) projects and services,” Murih said.

“I also thanked the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in helping us through the monitoring and proactive in planning from designing up to the implementation of the projects,” Murih added.

Open Forum capsulized the activity of which issues and concerns were raised by the participants and were answered by the DSWD Focal Persons. (Social Marketing Unit/PIA-Caraga)


2013, a triumphant year for AgriPinoy Corn Program in Caraga

By Aurell P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, April 2 (PIA) – “Clear vision, close coordination and determination is equal to success,” this has been the constant reminder of acting regional executive director Edna Mabeza to every staff under her management in the Department of Agriculture regional field unit 13 (DA-RFU 13).

"Proper coordination leads to effective program implementation,” Mabeza added.

These are the driving force of the Caraga AgriPinoy Corn Program in attaining various achievements not just in terms of awards but on helping the farmers alleviate their plight.

As a result of close coordination, DA 13 garnered five major awards last year during the 1st National Quality Corn Achievers Awards wherein the awarding was held at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City last October 23, 2013.

Caraga region grabbed the following awards: Most Outstanding Province: Province of Agusan del Sur, Most Outstanding Municipalities: Esperanza, Agusan del Sur and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; Most Outstanding Provincial Corn Coordinator- Perla C. Galaura of Agusan del Sur; Most Outstanding Municipal Corn Coordinators: Mary Jane A. Maratas and Jovie R. Ego-ugan; and Most Outstanding Corn AEWs: Ismael Saguran and Nelson Dulayba.

The activity is aimed at the country’s corn industry to level up through the strong partnership of the government, private sector, corn farmers and other stakeholders.

But grabbing an award is just the tip of the iceberg. What is most important is the growth rate on corn production attained last year.

Based on data, corn production posted an increase of 20.06 percent for the year 2013 as compared to 2012 or an annual production of 89,521 metric tons (MT) on 2012 to 107,476 MT on 2013. This was attributed to increase in area harvested which was 33,830 hectares in 2012 to 38,017 hectares in 2013 and an increase in yield from 2.65 tons in 2012 to 2.83 tons in 2013 or an increment of 6.83 percent.

Increase in area for corn was due to availability of seeds and favorable soil moisture while increase in yield was attributed to lesser occurrence of pests and diseases as well as the use of high quality seeds.

To strengthen coordination, DA RFU 13 meet with its local government unit counterparts composed of 82 LGU agricultural extension workers working with the corn program region-wide more often.

Aside from meetings, AEWS were also equipped with the necessary capabilities through training of trainers (TOT) and other field exposure activities.

On the other hand, to make the farmers at par with the agri-technological advances, farmer field schools (FFS) were conducted.

Radio was also tapped in teaching the farmers through the University on the Air on Corn Production aired on four radio stations in Caraga. It was a two month radio broadcast using the corn production module anchored by the respective LGU corn coordinators together with the provincial farmcasters.

To further encourage the farmers in its endeavor, various interventions had been implemented such as the provision of farm mechanization projects ranging from planting to harvesting as well as inputs needed by the farmers.

DA -13 also implemented massive campaign on consumption of white corn through information and education campaign.

Following the milestones in the roadmap towards corn sufficiency in the country, it will not be long that Caraga Region will suffice in corn production and produce more than its commodity demand.

Armed with technically equipped staff including its LGU counterparts and development minded farmers, in due time, Caraga Region will become a major corn producing region in the country. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Skills competition recognizes women’s role in development

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, April 2 (PIA) – To recognize the contribution of women to the country’s development and in time with the Women’s Month Celebration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga in cooperation with the Regional Development Council-Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) recently conducted the Non-Traditional Skills Competition for women.

The two-day competition which was held in two separate venues: Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) and Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center in Cabadbaran City featured trade areas in Automotive Servicing Gas Engine Tune-up, Plumbing, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM).

For the Gas Engine Tune-up, Jenny Torrecampo of ASSAT won gold medal and received P1,500 from TESDA-Caraga. Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries’ (NMSF) Jannielyn Nastor won silver and received silver medal and P1,000. Maria Fe Monta of Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT) was proclaimed third and received bronze medal and cash prize of P500.

In the Plumbing, Maricris Blanca of ASSAT won gold and received same cash prize from TESDA-Caraga. Another competitor from ASSAT, Jazil Bullo was declared second and won silver medal and a cash prize. Likewise, RDC-GADCC Caraga gave additional P500 to all medalists.

Meanwhile, three competitors were featured in the SMAW. They were required to fabricate a window baluster of their design. Winning gold medal is Gretchen Tumilap of ASSAT, followed by Lea Perudez of TESDA-Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center, and Jennifer Mutya from SNCAT was declared bronze medalist.

In a related development, Merlyn Daluran of TESDA- Surigao del Norte Provincial Training Center was the only competitor in the EIM who was required to perform a demonstration on the Circuit Fluorescent Lamp Electricsl Installation. However, her performance was still evaluated following the standards set by TESDA. He passed the standards and was awarded gold medal and a cash prize.

The Regional Competition on Non-Traditional Skills for Women is a friendly competition on vocational and technical skills encouraged by RDC-GADCC. Competitors are endorsed by the respective operating units who are currently enrolled or graduates prior to the competition of Training Centers and Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) schools.

Winners were awarded during the 2014 Women’s Month Celebration Culmination Activity held recently at the covered court of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol. This year’s month-long celebration is anchored on the theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong." (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Hindi na kailangan ang UN peacekeepers sa West Philippine Sea, sabi ng Palasyo

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Abril 2, 2014 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Malakanyang noong Martes na hindi na kailangan na tumawag sa United Nations (UN) na mamagitan sa nagaganap na teritoryong pandagat na hidwaan laban China sa West Philippine Sea.

Sinabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. na walang katiyakan na ipadala ang UN Peacekeepers papunta ng West Philippine Sea kahit na sa nangyari kailan lamang malapit sa pinagtalunang Ayungin Shoal.

“Titingnan natin. Tinitimbang naman natin ang sitwasyon. Pero pansinin naman natin na sa larangang ‘yan nagkakaroon lang ng ganyang sitwasyon kapag ito ay isang bagay na inilahad na mismo sa United Nations General Assembly, saka lang nagte-take action ang UN. Sa ngayon naman ay hindi naman humahantong sa ganyang antas ‘yung conflict na pinag-uusapan natin,” sabi ni Coloma.

Binalewala rin niya ang ulat na inakusahan ng Chinese Foreign Minister ang Pilipinas na nagdala ng mga taga media sa Ayungin Shoal para gumawa ng pakulo.

“Hindi ko maisip na nagpakulo o kaya nagbigay ng sobrang pag-cover sa bagay na ito. Ang ginawa lamang natin ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon para sa mga miyembro ng media na makita ng lubusan ang sitwasyon ….. At iniulat din nila kung ano ang kanilang nakita,” sabi ni Coloma.
Inilatag ni Coloma ang spekolasyon na ang China ay naging agresibo dahil sa mayroong kasalukuyang Visiting Forces Agreement sa pagitan ng Estados Unidos at ng Pilipinas.

“Nasa ibang bansa na kung papaano nila bigyan ng kahulugan ang kilos na ginawa natin, at ang pinag gagawa naman natin ay idinikta n gating pambansang interes at hindi sagot kung ano man ang gusto ng ibang bansa na Makita, o gustong mangyari,” sabi niya.

Maliban sa Ayungin Shoal, ang Manila at Beijing ay may alitan na dahil sa Scarborough Shoal at ang Kalayaan Group of Island. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Ang laraw Bangsamoro Basic Law sa gihapon nagpadayon: Palasyo

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Abril 2 (PIA) - Ang pasiunang kopya nga laraw sa Bangsamoro Basic Law sa gihapon nagpadayon bisan pa kon ang Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) mipakyas sa ilang mga gisugyot nga tagal sa pagsumiter sa pasiunang kopya sa laraw niadtong Marso 31, sumala pa ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr niadtong Martes.

“Nagpadayon ang proseso sa pag-estudyo nga mogiya sa pagsumite sa pasiunang kopya sa laraw sa Bangsamoro Basic Law sa taknang nalangkob sa gika-uyonan. Busa kampante usab sila nga padayon nga paglihok nga mapadali ang maong proseso (Dumadaloy ‘yung proseso ng pag-aaral na hahantong sa pagsusumite nung draft ang Bangsamoro Basic Law sa panahong nasa loob nung pinagkasunduan. Kaya’t panatag naman sila na umuusad ang prosesong ito sa tamang bilis)," sumala pa ni Coloma..

Siya miingon, nga si Presidential Adviser sa Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles nagpagawas sa usa ka pamahayag gikan sa MILF chief negotiator Mohaquer Igbal nga ang MILF mibuhat sa unsay mahimo aron lamang sa pagtapos sa pasiunang kopya sa laraw.

“Si Mr. Iqbal (miingon) nga ang tanan nga butang nga gikinahanglan pagabuhaton gibuhat na, sa niini ang proseso sa pagpahiuyon pinasubay sa ekspektasyon (Mr. Iqbal (said) that everything that is needed to be done is being done and that the process is proceeding according to expectations)," siya miingon.

Si Coloma nagpasalig sa publiko nga ang Bangsamoro Basic Law mahipasa ug ang gobyerno dili motugot sa bisan unsa nga butang nga makabalda niini.

“Dili usab nato itugot nga madiskaril busa anaa ang ‘sense of urgency' ug anaa pod ang 'sense of determination' sa gobyerno kung unsa ang kinahanglan nga buhaton (Hindi naman po natin papayagan na madiskaril kaya nandoon po ‘yung sense of urgency at nandoon ‘yung sense of determination ng pamahalaan for what needs to be done)," siya miingon. (NGBT/PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Cebuano News: Agnor 2014 Women’s Congress malampusong gipahigayon

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 2 (PIA) – Malampusong gipahigayon ang Agusan del Norte Women’s Congress 2014 niadtong Lunes sa Agusan del Norte provincial training center ning syudad.

Tumong sa maong kalihukan mao ang paghisgot sa mga “Critical Issues” nga giatubang sa atong mga kakabayen-an diha sa atong katilingban.

Gipasabot ni Atty. Marylin M. Pintor, ang regional director sa Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga ug chairperson sa Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC), nga ang mga importanting probisyon sa Republic Act 9710 o ang Magna Carta of Women nga naghatag ug comprehensibong balaod sa atong mga kababayen-an nag lantaw sa pagkawala sa deskriminasyon diha sa mga kababayen-an nga kini matagaan ug dakong kabog-aton sa pag ila, maprotektahan, ug pag promote sa tawhanong katungod sa mga Pilipinong kababayen-an labi na sa nagkalisod nga sektor sa katilingban.

Sa maong Women's Congress 2014, si gobernador Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba mihatag usab ug inspirational message sa mga partisipante sa mga kababayen-an sa probinsya, nga nag langkob sa mga opisyales ug empleyado sa mga local government units, government line agencies, ug women organizations.

Gibutyag ni gobernador Matba nga ang mga kababayen-han anaay dako nga kontribusyon sa katilingban "isip usa ka leader sa atong tagsa-tagsa ka mga dapit sa pagserbisyo diha sa Katawhan ug sa pamilya."

Giklaro ni gobernador Matba, nga isip usa ka lider sa katilingban dili angayan nga magbagotbot o mobalibad sa paghatag ug maayong serbisyo sa publiko kay kini man ang gitahas sa atong kaugalingon nga moalagad diha sa katawhan, ug kini mao ang iyang natun-an sa iyang kanhi amahan nga kanhi kongresista Edelmiro Amante, nga matud pa, ang atong mga gustong nahimo sa atong kinabuhi, kita ra usab mismo ang manubag ug mag antos nga mga sangpotanan.

Si gobernador Matba mihatag usab sa iyang personal nga kasinatian isip usa ka ginikanan, usa ka asawa ug usa ka lider sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte, nga ang gusto makab-ot sa kaminyoon mao ang kahapsay ug walay samok sa pagpuyo pinaagi sa kalinaw ug respeto sa matag-usa. ?Mipadayag usab sya sa iyang pasalamat sa tanang partisipante nga mitambong sa maong 2014 Women's Congress.

Mihatag usab ug usa ka presentasyon para sa usa ka malawom nga pagtuki kalabot na sa mga kababayen-an sa probinsya si Police Inspector Diana M. Bacala sa Philippine National Police Agusan del Norte. ?Lakip usab nga mitunol ug presentasyon ang Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Health, Public Attorney’s Office, National Bureau of Investigation, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ug gipahigayun dayun ang panel discussion ug open forum nga gipangunahan ni Edna G. Honteveros, ang vice chairman sa GADCC Caraga. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)