(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 04 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression "JULIAN" {KRATHON} was estimated based on all available data at 240 km North Northwest of Itbayat, Batanes (22.6°N, 120.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 75 km/h. It is almost stationary. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Visayas and Mindanao. 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 ITCZ. 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—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Friday, May 2, 2014

Agusanons signify to protect the environment during the Earth Day celeb

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 2 (PIA) - Thousands of Agusanons join the celebration of the World Earth Day last week by planting and parenting their planted trees at the denuded area of Mt. Diwata where the signing of the covenant signifying their sincere intention to protect the environment also took place.

Originally, the plan to reforest the denuded part of Mt. Magdiwata was the initial activity identified by the Agusan del Sur Environment and Sustainable Development Council (ASESDC) knowing that the southern part was already denuded because of rampant cutting of trees and illegal mining when it was first declared for forest plantation by the National Development Council (NDC). Because of the absence of deep rooted trees that were cut, erosion became the main issue that Mt. Diwata is confronting.

Conflict of whoever is the right agency to safeguard and protect Mt. Magdiwata also surfaced when San Francisco Water District dispatched guards allegedly to protect the watershed area but as per investigation and research made by the San Francisco Environment and Natural Resources office (MENRO- LGU) and the ASESDC, it came out that there was once a council for the protection of Mt. Magdiwata that was organized by the municipal government of San Francisco but was disorganized naturally.

Presently, the ASESDC and the MENRO-LGU and the Mines and Geosciences/ DENR are conducting research on who has the responsibility to protect Mt, Magdiwata, including the existence of the of the council to protect Mt. Magdiwata so that if found out to be legal, the council will be activated and will become the official organization that has the right to protect, develop and conserve its natural habitat.

Before the tree planting or the tree parenting started, volunteers cast their signatures on the tarpaulin printed with a covenant entitled Kampanya Para sa Pagdumala sa Mt. Magdiwata (KP2M2). For organizations, companies, bankers organization, LGUs, business sector National Government Agencies including the Governor and the Vice Governor of Agusan del Sur with Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The covenant reads: “Kami, mga Agusanon ng nakaamgo sa kamahinungdanon sa Mt Magdiwata ug nakahibalo sa dili na maayong sitwasyon sa maong bungtod sa pagkakaron, naga deklara sa among hugot ug kinasingkasing nga suporta sa hiniusang Kampanya Para sa Pagdumala sa Mt. Magdiwata (KP2M2) (We, the Agusanons who were awaken by the value of Mt. Magdiwata and knew of the worsening situation of the said mountain at present, declare our strong and heartfelt support in the United Campaign for the Management of Mt. Magdiwata)."

“Atol sa pagsaulog sa Earth Day 2014, kami naga saad sa pagpaningkamot aron matagamtaman pa sa umaabot nga henerasyon ang kaabunda ug kaanindot sa GREEN MT. MAGDIWATA, GREEN SAN FRANCISCO, GREEN AGUSAN DEL SUR (In time with the celebration of the Earth Day 2014, we pledged to do our best so that the coming generation can still feel and experience the abundance and beauty of GREEN MT. MAGDIWATA, GREEN SAN FRANCISCO AND GREEN AGUSAN DEL SUR)." (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Surigao City strengthens incident command system

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, May 2 (PIA) – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) here in cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga underwent a three-day training on the incident command system (ICS) recently in order to capacitate its members and beef up the capability of the city to better respond to emergencies.

The three-day seminar workshop, which was held at the Surigao City Cultural Center featured eight modules of the basic incident command system course including group planning workshop, exercises and actual reporting.

The objectives of the ICS course is to enhance understanding of Incident Command System as a vital tool for effective disaster response, provide an overview of ICS its background, concepts, principles and features, capabilities, organization, facilities and common terminologies, and demonstrate knowledge of basic ICS functions through exercises and class discussion context.

Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) training officer Ryan CastaΓ±eda, one of the resource speakers, explained the importance of ICS.

CastaΓ±eda said that ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept that can be used by all DRRMCs member agencies and response group to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demand of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by agency or jurisdictional boundaries, and it will help to ensure the safety of responders, achievement of tactical objectives and efficient use of resources.

“ICS will meet the needs of incident in any kind or size, personnel from various agencies... it will also provide accountability and a planning process, logistical and administrative support to operational staff, and it is cost effective because duplication of efforts will be avoided.” CastaΓ±eda added.

A total of 57 participants from different member agencies of the CDRRMC, Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Council chairpersons and city department heads have successfully completed the above course and certified as ICS Basic Course graduates.

ICS is mandated under Republic Act 10121, series of 2010, otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework" and NDRRM Plan to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the consequences of disasters. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Forum on Senior High School implementation set in Butuan

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) – A forum on the implementation of Senior High School with the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical-vocational Institutions (TVIs) is scheduled on May 12 in one of the convention centers, here.

According to Engr. Ramil Sanchez, OIC Chief Education Program Specialist of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga, the said forum is in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” and in support to the implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd) on the Senior High School Program.

Engr. Sanchez said, CHED enjoins presidents and heads of both private and private HEIs to support and participate on the said forum.

"The event aims to disseminate the plans of DepEd Caraga in implementing the advance Senior High School for SY 2015-2016 and to give updates on the K to 12 Basic Education Program," said Engr. Sanchez.

The forum is a joint undertaking of DepEd, CHED, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, duly supported by the Regional Development Council of Caraga region. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


'Labak Butuan' for Brigada Eskwela

By Dr. Israel Reveche

BUTUAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) – A fun run dubbed as "Labak Para Hong Brigada Eskwela” (Run for Brigada Eskwela) is set on May 18 here.

According to focal person of Labak Butuan Ma. Cecile Plaza, the fun run aims to gather resources to support the Butuan City division and the conduct of the Brigada Eskwela on May 19 to 24.

Plaza said, a registration fee of three hundred pesos (P300) will be collected from the participants. The one hundred pesos will be for the participants t-shirts, 25 percent of the remaining two hundred pesos will be allotted for the Butuan City division’s operating expenses and medicines budget, while the 75 percent will be used for the conduct Brigada Eskwela.

The fun run will be participated by teachers, students, parents, school heads, representatives for the local government unit and non-government organizations. It will start at the Robinson’s Place Butuan at six in the morning going to the covered court of the Agusan National High School, Plaza added. (DepEd-Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 


Dog and other animal bites continue to pose a problem in SurSur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 2 (PIA) – Amid efforts to curb dog and other animal bites in Surigao del Sur—which some even lead to death due to rabies—the problem still remains.

According to a report issued recently by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) headed by Dr. Algerico Irizari, incidence of dog and other animal bites have been averaging by more than a thousand for the last three years, especially the former.

In fact, based on the same account, dog and other animal bites have, one time, exceeded the 2,000 mark in 2013.

Also, except for 2012, death due to rabies has been a common occurrence, although isolated.

Meanwhile, during the start of 2014, particularly in the month of January, no death has been posted.

Likewise, the IPHO records will bear out that only the cities of Tandag and Bislig have the highest number of dog and other animal bites cases in the province. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Surigao HS students participate in youth leaders, volunteers training

SURIGAO CITY, May 2 (PIA) – Around 30 high school students from the different schools in the city joined the two-day training on Youth Leaders and Volunteers held recently at the City Cultural Center, this city.

The activity, spearheaded by the city government here in coordination with the Commission on Population (PopCom) and the Surigao City Police Station, aims to intensify the campaign on gender and development, responsible sexuality, and anti-criminality, it was learned.

City PopCom Coordinator Jupiter Correos, in his message, said the city government thru the efforrt of City Mayor Ernesto Matugas is strengthening its campaign on youth's gender and development, responsible sexuality and anti-criminality for them to be well informed.

Surigao Youth Center representative Wennie Corneta, PO3 Laila Ballicud and Police Inspector Jennifer Ometer served as the speakers during the training. (SDR/MICO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Butuan City Division participates in National TOT

By Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

BUTUAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) - In response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd's) call in the progressive implementation of the K-12 curriculum, the city division participated in the 2014 National Training of Trainers (TOT) held at Lahug, Cebu City starting April 27 to May 3 for the Visayas and Mindanao group.

The said training aims to provide teacher-trainers with a concrete understanding of the Grade three Curriculum frameworks, learning standards and competencies, assessment and teaching plans.

Also, the TOT will provide participants with opportunities to acquire and demonstrate the cognitive and affective competencies needed by the Grade three teachers in the effective delivery of the curriculum and in their role as facilitators of learning as indicated in the DepEd Memorandum No. 15, series of 2014 dated February 7, 2014.

It is hoped that after the said training, a mass training of grade three teachers throughout the division will be conducted this month as a preparation for the school year 2014-2015.

The pool of trainers of the division was led by Education EPS-1 in English Dr. Maria Dinah abalos, together with her were the chosen school heads from various schools namely: Dr Alejandro macadatar, Dr. Jonas Jomonong, Dr. Marivic Cuizon, Mr. Rey Collado, Robina Agan, Marivic Pantonial, April Ann Bernabe, and Richard Duparco. (DepEd-Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


SurSur tourism industry starts to work wonders

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 2 (PIA) – The tourist spots in Surigao del Sur are getting a fair share in booking, especially in domestic tourists, according to Governor Johnny Pimentel.

In fact, he said that on May 14, two prominent delegations comprised of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) top hierarchy on the one hand and Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) on the other are coming over to the province each with a different agenda.

NEDA’s group, particularly the National Project Monitoring Committee (NPMC), which will be headed by Undersecretary Mario Relampagos will hold its 2nd Quarterly meeting with the NEDA Regional Office Caraga as host, while the CSFI that will be led by their President and Chairperson, Quezon City Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte, will at the same time visit the province for their Lakbay-Aral.

Pimentel assured that the wife of Surigao del Sur First District Congressman Philip Pichay, Mrs. Lilia Pichay, as well as the better half of Agusan del Norte First District Congressman Atty. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun, Ms. Marie Therese Fortun, CSFI Caraga Chapter Chair, are going to join and accompany their peers since the said chapter is the host for such activity this year.

He bared that the NEDA group, composed of some 30-35 participants from different government agencies like the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) apart from the Regional Directors of NEDA itself, is going to stay overnight but the CSFI delegation will have to make their presence felt through a so-called “learning journey” for about four days.

Meanwhile, Pimentel pointed out that the tourist arrival in the province has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, recalling the figures since 2006 at 6,000 while in 2013 at 54,000, thereby saying that “Surigao del Sur is already on the map!”

The most favorite tourist spots in the province, but not in particular order, are Tinu-ay Falls in Bislig City, Enchanted River in Hinatuan, and Britannia Islands in San Agustin.

However, Gov. Pimentel admitted that simultaneous with this amazing development, Surigao del Sur, in partnership with the locality concerned, must start to devise a better master plan for the tourism industry in order to pave the way for putting up desirable accommodation facilities. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


US Embassy set to conduct ‘Tech for Resilience Week’ for a safer PHL

MANILA, May 2 (PIA) - In light of recent disasters, the U.S. Embassy in Manila is working with responders and affected communities to build a more resilient Philippines. The Embassy and its partners will work to put lifesaving tech tools into action by organizing “Tech for Resilience Week.”

"Tech for Resilience Week" starts with TechCamp on May 5 at Globe Labs, Globe Telepark in Valero St., Makati City. This event is the first of three linked events taking place during the week of May 5-11, all geared toward harnessing technology to empower Filipino Non-governmental agencies and local government units (LGUs) to build climate-resilient communities. TechCamp takes a unique approach to connect "non-techie" civil society representatives with technologists. To put lessons and new relationships into practice, TechCamp will be followed by an "App Developers' Challenge" 24 hour Hackathon on May 9 and 10, in partnership with Globe Labs and Google Developers Group. Visit http://goo.gl/QoH1Tu for more details.

The week concludes with a two-day Hackathon entitled “Readysaster: Hack for Resilience” that takes place on May 10 and 11.  A hackathon is an intense collaborative computer programming marathon where computer developers and enthusiasts engage to develop new digital applications and programs to achieve a specific goal and common good.

Readysaster is implemented by Open Data Philippines as part of a worldwide World Bank initiative, "Code for Resilience," along with Smart's Developers Network, Microsoft Philippines and Google Developers Group. Readysaster shares the goal of building a more resilient Philippines by connecting knowledge from the public to private sector technology and government data. More details can be accessed at http://data.gov.ph/events/readysaster.

These three events are designed to complement each other and to use problem sets drawn from conversations with community members in communities around the Philippines that have been identified as disaster-prone.  Tech for Resilience Week reflects a shared commitment to explore all solutions (especially technological solutions) to the risks and dangers posed by calamities. (US Embassy/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Pangulong Aquino: Reporma ng pamahalaan nagsimulang maramdaman sa laban kontra kahirapan

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 2 (PIA) - Ang mga programa ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Tuwid na Daan ay nakapagpakita na ng pwersa at nagsimula nang gumawa ng puwang sa laban ng pamahalaan kontra kahirapan, sabi ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III noong Huwebes.

Sa kanyang talumpati noong siys ay bumisita sa pagawaan ng Integrated Microelectronics Inc. (IMI) sa Binan, Laguna, sinabi ni Presidente na ang reporma sa agrikultura, imprastraktura, turismo at pangmasang serbisyo ay nakapagpababa sa bilang ng mga maralita.

Sa isang ulat ng National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), sinabi ng Pangulo na ang bansa ay nakapagtala ng tatlong porsyentong pagbaba ng mga Pilipino na namumuhay ng mas mababa sa linya ng mahihirap mula noong unang semester ng taong 2012 hanggang 2013.

Ang tatlong porsyentong pagbaba ay katumbas ng 2.5 milyong Pilipinona ang pamumuhay ay umangat sa huling dalawang taon, sabi niya.

“At ngayong higit pang nagbubunga ang mga repormang ipinatupad at ipinapatupad natin, tiyak na dadami pa ang mamamayang mabibigyan natin ng mas komportableng pamumuhay,” sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang mensahe.

“Kaugnay po nito, patuloy po nating paiigtingin ang pagkalinga at pagkakaloob ng serbisyo sa Pilipino. Ang nais natin: masigurong hindi na babalik pa sa dating kalagayan ang ating mga kababayan, sakaling tumama muli ang anumang sakuna.”

Nagpasamat ang Pangulo sa mga tao sa Laguna sa kanilang pagsuporta sa kanya at sa mga miyembro ng kanyang partido noong nakaraang halalan.

Pinayuhan din niya ang mga tao sa Laguna na pumili ng tamang mamumuno sa mga darating pang halalan para ang repormang sinimulan ng kanyang administrasyon ay maipagpatuloy.

“Ang pakiusap ko po: Kung naniniwala kayo na tama ang ating ginagawa, kung ayaw ninyong mabalewala ang maganda nating nasimulan sa tuwid na daan, piliin natin ang mga susunod na pinunong magpapatuloy at higit pang magpapayabong sa ating mga naipunlang reporma,” sabi niya. “Piliin natin ang karapat-dapat upang maging permanente ang malawakang transpormasyong tinatamasa na ng ating lipunan.”

Maliban sa IMI, binisita rin ng Pangulo ang Testec Inc. sa Calamba at ang Alliance Monsols, na nasa Binan din. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)