(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 11 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).


Friday, May 23, 2014

DSWD-13 chief expresses support to PIA’s AFEBS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) – During her visit and courtesy call to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga regional office headed by regional director Abner Caga, regional director Minda Brigoli of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga also expressed her support to PIA’s Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), a communication tool designed for disaster operation.

As chairperson of the Disaster Response Committee under the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in the region, Brigoli discussed with RD Caga the details and operations on the agency's AFEBS.

“We are interested to learn how you operate the AFEBS. I believe this facility can help our constituents be informed on time especially during disaster. I am also glad that your agency, in partnership with LGU-Surigao City had just launched this kind of equipment there,” shared Brigoli.

Caga, on the other hand, emphasized that as disaster and calamity downright threatens human lives, the agency has crafted the AFEBS to contribute in protecting lives and properties through delivery of timely, accurate, and relevant information and updates to the public powered by its communication system.

“The operational capability of AFEBS equipment has been tested and proven to be functional 24/7 in all weather conditions; compact and highly mobile which can be transferred anytime, anywhere in just an hour or two; user friendly (plug and play); can be remotely managed thru the internet; and highly reliable, long life design,” added Caga.

The AFEBS is under the lone and direct management of PIA-Caraga, a distinct innovation that puts forward for a real constructive impact in the community. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


RCDA readies PWDs for the 2014 ‘Kakayahan’ competition

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 23 (PIA) – The Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) composed of government agencies led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga geared-up preparations for this year’s ‘Kakayahan’ competition among persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Kakayahan 2014: National Skills Competition of PWDs will mark this year’s National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) celebration in July, following the theme “Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong May Kapansanan, Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran,” bared Ruth Tacujan, NCDA-Regional Program Coordinator.


Tajucan said the competition will spotlight the PWDs’ work excellence and potential in various trades as an active part of the country’s inclusive growth. The PWDs will be competing in the following contests: Cluster A - Painting, Photography, Floral arrangement, Cake decoration, Waste reuse, Cooking; Cluster B - Creating web pages, Desktop publishing, English text processing; and Cluster C - electronic-LIFE (e-LIFE), e-Tool, and e-Games.

Moreover, the national winners will be a pool of winnable competitors for the “Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities” in Vietnam in October 2014, the 9th International Abilympics in 2016 and other upcoming local/overseas competitions.

Tajucan further revealed the criteria for PWD contestants for the national competition. “The PWD contestant must meet the following requirements: A person with disability, at least 18 years old and above for Clusters A and B contests, and  12-17 years old for Cluster C. For the Global IT Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities category, the contestant must be a winner of a local/regional/other skills contests/a nominee who passed TESDA’s skills assessment test, duly certified by the organizers/TESDA counterpart, and has not joined any international skills contests, to give way to new aspirants.

Meanwhile, the regional contestants for the national competition must submit to NCDA Kakayahan 2014 Secretariat at tcdncda@yahoo.com.ph, not later than May 31, 2014, the accomplished: 1) Summary of regional contestants form and the 2) Individual contestant’s registry form attached with a picture of the contestant’s sample product,  duly endorsed by the respective RCDA chairpersons.

Each regional delegation can field only one contestant per contest, subject to the abovementioned requirements.

Also, SM Supermalls will host the whole day competition for Cluster A except Cooking on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the SM North Annex Activity Center.  Simultaneously, DOST-ICTO will host Clusters B and C, in tandem with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Resources for the Blind (RBI) for the youth categories.

This project will have NCDA as lead, in synergy with DSWD, TESDA, Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), SM Supermalls, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), RBI, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and selected International Abilympics Champions.

With this development, the members-agencies of the RCDA in Caraga will be convening potential PWD-contestants for a training on their field of interest so they can be more competitive not only in domestic but also in the international competitions. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


AgSur gov commits to extend utmost assistance to rebel returnees, those who wish to surrender

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDIAD, Agusan del Sur, May 23 (PIA) – Governor Adolph Edward Plaza has ordered the chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer to set up everything that could help the rebel returnees start a new life after they pledge allegiance to go back to the folds of the law and live a normal and productive life the other day.

In a simple but solemn military way, 97 rebels, four of them came from Surigao del Sur, and 93 from Agusan del Sur appeared at the Naliyagan Plaza in Patin-ay, Prosperidad and pledged to go back to the folds of the law and embrace the good life of a free man and not hiding in the darkness of the hinterlands.

“The event today is very significant, both on the government side and the 97 rebels who are enlightened to turn their back from wrong principles and belief and decided to become free and law abiding citizens of the Philippines. For us in the government service, it is just fitted that we must often visit our brothers and sisters in the hinterlands in order to explain to them the efforts of the government to unite the people towards one direction we called peace and prosperity, and become part in the development process. For our brothers and sisters who were enlightened to go back to the folds of the law who are present now, please open your selves to your colleagues by telling them to broaden their mind scope so that they can feel and see how beautiful life is in the open and free world," Gov. Plaza said.

In front of hundreds who witnessed the surrender and the oath taking, Gov. Plaza directed PENRO- LGU chief Ronulfo Paler to closely coordinate with 401st Commander, Col. Gregory Cayetano in order to immediately know the needs of the rebel returnees specially their livelihood to start a new life.

“I am not only offering the agricultural materials needed by our brothers and sisters here, but also agricultural technology transfer so that in times like El Nino where the shortage of water occur, they will have the technology and the right choice of crops to be planter that will sustain the lack of water and heat. Another thing I really want you my brothers and sisters want to do is to learn and apply the Upland Sustainable Agro-forestry Development Program wherein you can produce agricultural food products even in the hinterlands,” Gov. Plaza said.

Guest and keynote speaker Gen. Emmanuel Bautista also extend his gratitude to the initiators of the surrender of the 97 rebels and the rebel returnees themselves for acknowledging the sincerity and the concern of the government to the Filipino people by displaying their complete trust to the government as they signify to go back to the folds of the law.

“I am very happy and thankful of your decision to go back to the folds of the law. And we in the military and the Filipino people as well, are very glad to accept you here now being with us. The armed struggle that we fought is not the solution to our problems. The solution is we have to be united as one in minds, in words and in deed. Let us help one another, the local government unit, the national government and the people so that we can reach our goal called peace and prosperity the easiest and the earliest time. For those who are still in the outside movement, submit yourselves because the government will never fail you and your soldiers love you,” Gen. Bautista said.

Lunch was served after the program shared by both the military, the rebel returnees, government officials and the local residents. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


PHL unions step-up social dialogue, organizing campaign

BUTUAN CITY, MAY 23 (PIA) - The Philippine unions have agreed to step up social dialogue and organizing campaigns, noting that the problems of inequality, wages, benefits, terms and conditions of work and life in the country could be solved quickly if the government and employers do not hinder workers’ freedom of association.

“I urge our colleagues to strengthen the right to form groups, to organise and to assemble together with the aim of addressing issues of common concern,” said Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) president and former senator Ernesto Herrera during the recently held National Conference on Constructive Industrial Relations, Employment Security, and Equitable Income spearheaded by the TUCP in partnership with Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF).

Herrera noted the growing inequality despite the continuous growth of the economy. 

“Though the government’s effort to achieve economic growth is commendable. However, our labor employment is overemphasized and so without equal resolve to improve compliance with core labor standards, respect for worker’s rights, security of tenure, living wages through equitable sharing of profits and gains, and implementation of decent work principles, economic growth is worthless,” added Herrera.

The 126 participants, most of whom are trade union leaders, BPO workers, labor activists, students, informal sector workers, and media resolved to strengthen their stand for fundamental principles and rights at work, including their rightful share in the fruits of economic development, as they affirmed unions’ indispensable role in development, in resolving inequity and in achieving social justice. (FEA/with reports from Rafael Mapalo, TUCP/PIA-Caraga)


PopCom conducts VAWC forum in PDI

By Jane Mayola

DINAGAT ISLANDS, May 23 (PIA) – The Population Commission Office (PopCom) in coordination with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands has conducted a one-day PopCom Forum held recently at the Provincial Guest Center, Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.

The one-day activity aims to strengthen responsible parenting with the involvement of male being a father or head of the family.

Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo, in his message, congratulated the effort of the PopCom and the officials of MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence) for a very laudable effort of initiating a significant forum to end violence against women and children.

A total of 30 male provincial employees and officials of MOVE attended the said activity. (SDR/Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)


NPA activities decline in SurSur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 23 (PIA) – Despite some atrocities that have been attributed to the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Surigao del Sur, their offensive activities have relatively gone down the past weeks, according to Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Gregory Cayetano.

However, he said that in times like these, the more that the armies have to be extra careful and vigilant, adding that this seeming hibernation may also indicate great danger.

The other day, an encounter between members of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2SRB) under Lt. Col. Ignatius Patrimonio and a number of NPA rebels occurred at about 12:00 noon at Sitio Tugopon, Barangay Hinapuyan, Carmen, 45 kilometers north of this city.

A certain Private First Class (PFC) Jeofrey Algora, 25, reportedly died of a fatal wound four hours later due to a firefight according to the progress report sent to Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) by Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero.

On the other hand, Verdadero also stated that an undetermined number of casualties were believed to have been sustained by the enemies. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


SurSur power utility reiterates claim to end rotational brown-out soon

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 23 (PIA) – Power distributor Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative II (SURSECO II) has sounded off the same claim in early April that the rotational brown-outs will soon be a thing of the past in its service area.

Early last month, General Manager (GM) Engr. Iglorio Hinayon, whose cooperative spans its service coverage to the entire first district of the province with 12 municipalities including Tandag City, in an interview said that “the days for the rotational brown-outs are numbered.”

In a follow-up interview with Hinayon recently whether the King Energy Generation, Inc. (KEGI) is “ right on tract” with the planned testing of the 7.8-megawatt power plant based in Tandag City by the end of this month, he answered in the affirmative.

With the 10-year-five-megawatt deal that SURSECO II was able to forge with KEGI, the latter is obliged to provide the electricity needed in case of power breakdown.

However, Hinayon said that if something “untoward” happens during the “trial run,” two weeks would already be too long to fix any trouble.

In the meantime, he indicated that member-consumers of SURSECO II have to bear with the inconvenience brought about by lingering power interruptions. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Cebuano News: Pinaka-unang Mayor Jun Amante N.E.W.S Sports Tournament, gibuksan na

Ni Sheila Yatar

BUTUAN CITY, Mayo 23 (PIA) - Pormal nang gibuksan sa pagpanguna sa buhatan sa City Sports ang pinaka-unang Mayor Jun Amante N.E.W.S Sports Tournament nga gisugdan sa usa ka parada sa mga atleta gikan sa 86 ka mga barangay ning dakbayan adtong Mayo 13, 2014 didto sa Agusan National High School (ANHS) Covered Court.
          
Aduna kini upat ka mga lebel nga mao ang : 1st Level- Inter-Barangay, 2nd Level- The Crossover, 3rd Level- Butuan All Star ug 4th Level- Creation of Butuan Selection Team in preparation for: Regional Meet, Palarong Pambansa, Philippine National Games, Batang Pinoy, Philippine Collegiate Champion League ug National Basketball Training Center.
          
Sa pakighinabi kang City Sports Coordinator Pastor Jessie E. Tioaquen, layon sa maong torneyo nga makapa-usbaw ug maka-establisar ug maayong relasyon sa matag barangay. Tumong usab niini nga makakaplag ug mga atleta nga adunay potensyal aron mapadala ngadto sa mga dagkung kompetisyon. Lakip na usab niini, nga mahilayo ang mga kabata-unan sa nagkadaiyang bisyo. 

Ang 86 ka mga barangay nabahin sa upat ka cluster nga mao ang; North, East, West ug South nga mao unya’y magsangka sa maong torneyo. Mahibaluan ang mga mananaug sa maong torneyo sa umalabot nga Hunyo 07, 2014. (LGU-Butuan City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Cebuano News: A Night in the Forest, gihanyag alang sa mga BalikButuanons

Ni Sheila Yatar

BUTUAN CITY, Mayo 23 (PIA) - Suot ang ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga “forest-themed costumes,” malipayong miduyog ang mga 'BalikButuanon' sa “A Night in the Forest” sa Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Mayo 12, 2014.
           
Nalipay gayud ang mga bisita sa pagtan-aw ug pagkuha ug hulagway sa gihanyag niini nga talan-awon nga usa ka lasang. Nalingaw usab sila sa giandam nga mga pasundayag alang kanila sama sa mga sayaw ug kanta diin gipaila usab ang mga maanyag nga kandidata sa Mutya Hong Butuan 2014.
          
Sa maong kalihukan, gipresentar usab ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. ngadto sa mga bisita pinaagi sa usa ka audio visual presentation (AVP) ang mga bag-ong adbokasiya sa dakbayan sa Butuan nga nagasubay sa Vision 2020 lakip na niini ang pagimplementar sa programang Farm and Grow a Millions of Trees.
          
Dugang usab sa Halandong Mayor nga sa umalabot nga mga panahon sa pagpahigayon sa maong panagtigum, mas himuon pa kining engrande aron mabati gayud sa mga BalikButuanon ang mainiton nga pagdawat kanila sa ilang pag-uli sa dakbayan. (LGU-Butuan City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)