(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Monday, 11 November 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of Typhoon "NIKA" {TORAJI} was estimated based on all available data at 120 km East Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora (15.9°N, 123.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gustiness of up to 150 km/h. It is moving West Northwestward at 20 km/h. TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTSIDE PAR AS OF 3:00 AM TODAY SEVERE TROPICAL STORM YINXING (2422) (FORMERLY "MARCE") LOCATION: 880 KM WEST OF NORTHERN LUZON (18.5°N, 112.2°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 110 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 135 KM/H MOVEMENT: SOUTHWESTWARD AT 15 KM/H TROPICAL STORM MAN-YI (2424) LOCATION: 3,555 KM EAST OF CENTRAL LUZON (15.2°N, 154.8°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 85 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 105 KM/H MOVEMENT: EASTWARD SLOWLY TROPICAL DEPRESSION LOCATION: 1,685 KM EAST OF EASTERN VISAYAS (11.4°N, 141.2°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 45 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 55 KM/H MOVEMENT: WEST NORTHWESTWARD AT 35 KM/H 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.


PDEA-Caraga arrests drug den owner, visitants

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 11 (PIA) – Through an implementation of search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 4 of this city, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Special Enforcement Teams of the Caraga Phillippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested the drug den owner and visitants at about 5:20pm of April 5, 2014 at T. Calo Street, Purok 6, Brgy. Limaha, this city.

PDEA authorities positively apprehended Rey Cesar Verdad Y Calo, male, married, 49 yrs. old, jobless; Dina Verdad Y Fatallo, female, married, 48 yrs. old, jobless; Kimberly Jean Verdad Y Fatallo, female, single, 23 yrs. old, jobless; Andy Curilan Y Labonete, male, single, 33 yrs. old, jobless; Michelle Fatallo Y Alicarte, female, single, 27 yrs. old, jobless and Judge Vincent Lozada Y Degal, male, single, 16 yrs. old, jobless.

Also arrested were Aljun Anoos Y Wamar, Ramelo Aparicio Y Paquibot, Jonathan Paloma Y Bermoy, Mark Claridad Y Moncado, Leofe Amihan Y Anub and Jennelyn LascoΓ±a Y Camingue. They were present and frequent visitors of the two-storey house composed of several rooms where these suspects occupied during pot sessions and dealing of illegal drugs.

Confiscated were 14 pcs. disposable lighter, 8 pcs. used aluminum foil, 1 roll aluminum foil, 13 pcs. improvised aluminum foil, needle, 118 pcs. aluminum foil strip, 19 pcs. empty transparent sachet, 3 pcs. long empty transparent sachet, 1 pc used aluminum foi tooter, 5 pcs. empty transparent cellophane, 1 pc used blade “Dorco”, 1 pc improvised water pipe, 29 pcs aluminum foil tooter, several pieces of aluminum foil strip, improvised aluminum foil needle and several drug paraphernalia.

The confiscated non-drug evidence of the apprehended suspects were submitted to Laboratory Section of PDEA Caraga for laboratory examination.

According to PDEA Caraga regional director Erwin Ogario, suspects who were found positive in the use of “shabu” are presently detained at PDEA regional office holding facility.

He said that cases for violation of Sec. 6 (Maintenance of a Drug Den), Sec. 7 (Visitors of a Drug Den, Sec. 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) and Sec. 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165 were filed in court. (VLG/PDEA RO-13/PIA-Caraga)


AJA orients Caraga contractors on ISO certification

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) – The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars represented by Lead Auditor Kevin Castillon, based in Mindanao discussed the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification to the construction companies in Caraga region, held Friday in one of the local hotels here.

In partnership with the ACE Training Services, a provider of affordable with quality training and consultancy services, eight construction companies in the region participated and signified their interest to comply with the ISO requirements. It is a Two-Day Orientation/Awareness Seminar on ISO Certification that will run until Saturday.

These eight companies are: Ronwood Construction and Supply; Madyaw Construction and Development Corporation (MCDC); C’Zarles Construction and Supply; Reyrose Construction and Supply; ROIM Builders and Construction Supply; Giovanni Construction; Datrebil Construction and Supply; and Two Aces Construction and Supply.

During the seminar, Castillon bared that International Standards bring technological, economic and societal benefits. “They help to harmonize technical specifications of products and services making industry more efficient and breaking down barriers to international trade. Conformity to International Standards helps reassure consumers that products are safe, efficient and good for the environment,” he relayed.

Castillon added that AJA is accredited to perform ISO 9001:2008 assessments across a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors providing clients with a simple, established, common sense approach to the audit process.

“Based on the ISO 9001, the eight quality management principles can be used by senior management to improve their organization’s performance: 1) Customer focus; 2) Leadership; 3) Involvement of people; 4) Process approach; 5) System approach to management; 6) Continual improvement; 7) Factual approach to decision making; and 8) Mutually beneficial supplier relationships,” he said.

Castillon also disclosed that once a company’s Procedures and Manuals and other system documentation are complete, these will be reviewed against the requirements of the relevant standard. It may be necessary to carry out this review on-site supported by a limited audit to validate the effectiveness of the documentation prior to the registration audit. “This is referred to as a Stage 1 Audit. Most potential problems can be identified during the Stage 1 Audit and these can be eliminated by you prior to the formal registration/compliance audit. You will be presented with a formal report of the findings from this audit,” he clarified.

It was learned that on completion of the Stage 1 audit, the Lead Auditor will discuss and mutually confirm the registration audit date with the client company. This will take account of any time needed to make any adjustments to the documented system resulting from any deficiencies identified during the document review.

Several queries and clarifications were raised by the participating companies. “With your interest to know everything how to be ISO certified, I am optimistic that it will be easier for you to comply and be able to have your certificate soon,” he remarked.

“Consultants can help the top management on how to better improve the company’s operations. You must always bear in mind to document the things you do everyday in your field of work in your office/company as clear evidence of your quality mangement. Make everything organized… at the end of the day, it will not us – the certifying body or your consultants but it will be you who will benefit much for conforming and implementing ISO requirements,” stressed Castillon.

AJA Registrars is a uniquely independent third party registrar (certification body) operating from a global network of offices providing registration and training services at a local level. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


7th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament set

By Kylee Doreene T. Que

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, April 11 (PIA) - Siargao Island, the home of two international events is gearing up for the staging of the 7th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament. It is calendared on April 24-27, 2014 at the town of Pilar, Siargao Island.

The said event is a joint undertaking between the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, the Province of Surigao del Norte, LGU-Pilar and One Corporate Events.

About 75 anglers from the Philippines and abroad are expected to compete for the following categories including the Biggest Billfish, Biggest Talakitok, Biggest Wahoo/Tangigue and Biggest Dorado.

Cash prizes and trophies amounting to P 300,000.00 are up for grabs for the biggest catch in the island.

Other side events are also lined up for tourists and residents to enjoy and that includes a worthwhile partnership made with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Caraga for Passport Processing.

The said international event is running on its 7th year and DOT is hopeful that this will be another milestone for Caraga in terms of tourist arrivals.

For the rules and regulations, registration and other information, please visit our website at www.gamefishingsiargao.com. (SDR/DOT/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


PAMB defers action on Minahan Katutubo’s application in Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserve

By Eric Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) - The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) in Carascal, Surigao del Sur chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Carga regional executive director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo  has deferred last Friday, April 4 the application of a Manobo community composed of the “Agiang Clan” to exclude the 5,224 hectare -ancestral land from the Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves during a session at a local beach resort in that town. 

“Pending the presentation of all necessary information relative to the application of the Manobos’ Agiang Clan of their request to exclude the area covered by the Presidential Proclamation No.1747 series of 2009, the PAMB has opted to defer further action until the necessary information are presented,” Tamayo said.
         
The Agiang Clan has applied for the exclusion of their ancestral domain inside the proclaimed watershed and forest reserves area as it claimed the provision of prior rights under the National Culture and Indigenous Peoples Act 8371. The representative of the Agiang Clan Benjamin Adjawon, the tribal chieftain of Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur said the clan is seeking the endorsement of the PAMB for the exclusion of the applied ancestral land which it intend to use for mineral exploration through the Minahan Katutubo of the Manobo Indigenous People in partnership with the First Highlander Indigenous Resources Development Corporation (FHIRDCO).
        
“We expect the PAMB shall grant a certification that the subject area is open for mining by the IPs concerned,” the Manobo tribal chief said.
         
Tamayo said the PAMB recognizes the prior rights without prejudice to the rights of the indigenous people under the Indigenous Peoples Act and DENR Administrative Order No. 93-02.
          
“The Agiang Clan has valid reason to apply for the exclusion of their ancestral domain for whatever purpose the Minahan Katutubo of the Manobo Indigenous People they desire to use their ancestral land,” Tamayo said. He said, however, that “ there are other information that PAMB must take into before it decides on the issue.”
          
The NCIP through its chairman Atty. Roque Agaton, Jr. has sent a letter request to President Benigno Aquino on June 1, 2011 to amend the Proclamation 1747 to segregate an specified area for the mining operation project of the IPs in that declared “critical watershed and forest reserves area.”

The 5,224 hectares ancestral land area being requested for segregation under Presidential Proclamation 1747 covers the lands in barangays Bayogo, Lobo, Cabangahan, Cabas-an and Panikian in the municipalities of Madrid, Cantilan and Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.
          
The NCIP during its meeting on May 24, 2012 has passed an En Banc CEB Resolution No. 042-2012 acknowledging and recognizing the declaration of the Agiang Clan of the Manobo ICCs/IPs to exercise prior rights in the harvesting, extracting, development or exploration of mineral resources in their ancestral domain in that specified barangays.
           
Tamayo said the watershed and forest reserves declared under Presidential Proclamation 1747 is a critical watershed area which is being surveyed and delineated by the Land Evaluation Party of the DENR. “Hence, any mining operations undertaken by the IPs inside the area must be carefully scrutinized and studied taking into consideration the impact on the environment and natural resources of the mining activity operation being introduced in the area,” he added.
          
Tamayo said the PAMB is expected to meet again possibly on the last week of April to further discuss and study the issue before it decides on the request of the Agiang Clan.  (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)


Nutrition program evaluated in Agnor

By Mary Cheryl Sabandal-Monoy

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) - The province of Agusan del Norte started its annual conduct of the Nutrition Evaluation to eight of its municipalities excluding RTR, Buenavista and Cabadbaran City.

"Our purpose is to evaluate if the nutrition program of the province is properly implemented," says Eden A. Amper, Nutrition Officer - II of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the District Nutrition Program Coordinator.

Part of the said evaluation is the proper inspection of supplemental feeding in barangays and municipalities to battle malnutrition especially in pre-schooler’s age 0-6.

The mother’s class consist of breastfeeding, family planning, safe sex in high school students, pre-natal care and check-up for the pregnant woman, "operation timbang," complete vaccination and other advocacies about proper nutrition according to the documentation done by the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) and the whole council in barangays and the municipality.

The evaluation started last April 3 up to April 22, 2014 and was initiated by Board Member Rey G. Jamboy as chairman of the SP Committee on Health and Nutrition together with the evaluation team. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Sec. Alcala to inaugurate multi-million peso agri-projects in SurSur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 11 (PIA) – Department Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala is set to grace the blessing and inauguration on April 14 of two Rice Processing Centers (RPCs) in Surigao del Sur costing P15.5 million each.

First in his order of the day is to go to the RPC located in Barangay Patong-Patong, Madrid, then to a similar project in Barangay Calagdaan, Cantilan—a neighboring town just three kilometers north.

After the said events, Alcala and party are due out to go for an inspection of the Cantilan Fish Landing area; to be followed by a “Wash Up & Dinner” based on the itinerary/letter of invitation sent to Governor Johnny Pimentel by DA Caraga regional executive director Edna Mabeza.

Both Governor Pimentel and Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico are expected to join the secretary to audience with him along with local farmers.  The secretary’s official visit will be his second in the province, Quico noted.

Prior to Surigao del Sur, Alcala will go first to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur for an earlier commitment.

However, it was learned that he will have to stay overnight in Surigao del Sur before heading back to Agusan del Sur the morning after for the inauguration of Kaunlaran Resettlement Area Agricultural Development Project as well as the Nueva Era Pump Irrigation Project in Veruela town which will be concluded by a farmers’ forum. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Mindanao traders join Asia’s biggest trade show in Singapore

DAVAO CITY, April 11 (PIA) - In efforts to forge stronger business links and penetrate further the Asian market, Mindanao-based companies participate in the 19th Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) 2014, considered as Asia’s largest food and hospitality trade event being held this week at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A Philippine pavilion that showcases the best of the county’s products is among the attractions in the trade fair which currently features more than 3,000 companies from 65 countries.

The Davao City government through the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) organized a business forum to facilitate trade and business matching activities between the Philippine delegation and the participating international buyers.

“We are deeply encouraged by the interest of no less than Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam to invest in the country, and his recent visit to the Philippines sends strong signals for the enhancement of bilateral relations at various levels,” said Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

She added that Mindanao’s participation to the FHA 2014 is aimed towards forming a solid bedrock for the development of a Mindanao-Singapore ties, facilitating for Mindanao-based companies to fully penetrate the Singapore market, and eventually the rest of Asia.

Among the Mindanao participants in the FHA 2014 included Sagrex, an agri-based company that is involved in the processing and exporting of high-quality food products; Mega Sardines, a top producer of canned and pouched high-grade sardine products; Universal Canning, one of the largest marine industrial conglomerates in the Philippines; and Philippine Fresh Fruits Corporation, an exporter of high-quality agricultural products such as banana and pineapple.

The Mindanao participation in FHA 2014 is also part of the country’s preparation for hosting the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference, the biggest sub-regional trade fair and business conference that will gather top traders from two economic sub-regional groupings within ASEAN in October this year.

“Our participation in the FHA 2014 is also an opportunity for Mindanao to position its companies as viable partners of Singaporean counterparts as well as encourage these potential investors to visit Mindanao and participate in the upcoming BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference,” said Antonino who is also the Philippine Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA.

She added that securing a larger number of participants from various Asian countries to attend the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair will strategically showcase the huge investment potentials of the two sub-regions to the rest of the world.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, while the IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle.

The trade fair, which will be held from October 23 to 26 at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City will feature globally competitive products, technology innovations, and investment opportunities of the member countries of the two growth triangles. Countries from the other ASEAN-member countries are also expected to take part in the trade show and other side events, which includes a golf tournament, film festival, and ICT Summit.

The four-day activity is also a commemorative celebration of BIMP-EAGA’s 20th this year.  BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 in Davao City as a key strategy to accelerate social and economic development of less developed areas in participating countries.

The IMT-GT on the other hand was formed in 1993 with similar goals of promoting trade, investment, and tourism in less-developed states and provinces in Sumatra, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, and Southern Thailand. Both sub-regional groups aim to harness private sector leadership in initiatives to promote cross-border investments and improve connectivity. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)