(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).


Thursday, June 19, 2014

DSWD to hold 'Consultation-Dialogue on Listahanan' with partner stakeholders

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 19 (PIA) – The Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to hold a consultation-dialogue with partners from the regional line agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and academe on July 3, 2014 in one of the local convention centers here.

“With this consultation-dialogue, we intend to get the support of our partner agencies and organizations on the second round household assessment; to engage partnership for data-sharing by forging respective memorandum of agreements to utilize the available data in identifying potential beneficiaries, research and studies, and other related usage; and to intensify promotion of the new brand name which is Listahanan,” disclosed DSWD Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli.

Brigoli further reiterated that the Listahanan or the NHTS-PR is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the country. The system makes available to national government agencies and other social protection stakeholders a database of poor families as reference in identifying potential beneficiaries of social protection programs.

Listahanan is led by the DSWD through the National Household Targeting Office (NHTO) with a National Technical Advisory Group composed of the National Statistics Office (NSO), National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and the academe. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


AgSur gov's SOPA highlights food production, environmental protection

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, June 19 (PIA) – Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza has specially emphasized that agriculture and food production including business entrepreneurship and environmental protection are among his administration’s priority when he delivers his State of the Province Address (SOPA)recently.

Speaking before hundreds of people at the Naliyagan Cultural Center, Gov. Plaza said the Agusan del Sur Upland Sustainable Agro-forestry Development (USAD) team are at present fully implementing the USAD program and are all way out to the far and remote barangays in order to gather data that are needed by the provincial government so that assistance and technology that the provincial government will extend them will fit to their needs.

“I have directed our Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO-LGU) to fully coordinate with the barangay officials of the far and remote barangays in order that we can prioritize the delivery of our help and assistance to them especially in agriculture and food production. Right now, I challenge the Department of Agriculture that if you have programs in agriculture that you can give us, we are ready and can immediately provide the counterpart because I am proud to tell you we have a surplus fund of P100 million intended to help our people specially in the field of agriculture and food production,” Gov. Plaza said.

Plaza also said the provincial government has not only extended housing and other material things to Typhoon Pablo victims but also agricultural planting materials and inputs so that at present, have already partially if not fully recovered from the devastation.

“Rehabilitation does not only mean houses and buildings, but trees and plants that can hold flood waters that can prevent floods. And not only that. Our team (USAD) also educate our people on what to do before, during and after disasters. In this way, we can say we have planted not only material things to typhoon Pablo victims but also hope, because we believe in the strength of unity,” Gov. Plaza said. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


SurSur-sponsored 'mobile processing' of PRC licenses, passports yields 400 clients

By Greg tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 19 (PIA) – Some 400 clients have been served by Surigao del Sur-LGU-sponsored “mobile processing” on renewal of passports under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and work licenses under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) over the weekend.

According to Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico, who was tasked by Governor Johnny Pimentel to take charge of the said undertaking held on June 14-15 at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) which also houses the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), being its concurrent provincial manager, almost 100 have availed of the services under the PRC; while, nearly 300 have sought the assistance of the DFA.

Surigao del Sur gets an average of about 400 clients everytime such services are conducted, he added.

Quico also noted the presence of both Caraga DFA Regional Director Gangco Punginaguina and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Regional Director Julie Sabalza.

The provincial sponsorship of mobile processing forms part of the 54th Araw Ng Surigao del Sur anniversary celebration on June 17-19. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


387 get TESDA scholarship in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 19 (PIA) – Some 387 students have qualified to get a scholarship grant this year from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial office headed by Provincial Director Rey Cueva in Surigao de Sur.

According to Nancy de Guzman, Administrative Officer V, a total fund allocation of P2,654,336 has been set aside for the purpose, which is broken down as follows:   Private   Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA)—P2,264,336;  and Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP)—P390,000.

Under such scholarship programs, 10 “TEKBOK” providers have been identified, she said.

These include Saint Michael College, St. Theresa College, Surigao Doctors College, GREAT Center , Inc., St. Vicent De Paul Diocensan College, De La Salle John Bosco College, Southern Technological Institute of the Philippines, Andres Soriano College, Surigao Sur Colleges, and Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU)-Lianga Campus.

Also, these providers offer at least one or any of the seven ”qualifications,” which include Computer Hardware Servicing; Food and Beverage Services; Front Office Services; Bartending; Shielded Metal Art Welding (SMAW); Housekeeping; and Cookery, it was learned.

Upon compliance, all qualifications are issued with matching National Certification II (NC II), she added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DOH Roadshow to kick-off in Caraga

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, June 19 (PIA) - The Department of Health (DOH) and its partner agencies, including the Commission on Population (PopCom) will start the DOH on Wheels: Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) Provincial Roadshow in Caraga Region on June 22-26 in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

DOH and PopCom high ranking officials are expected to come headed by Usec. Janette L. Garin and Executive Director Juan Antonio A. Perez III, among others.

This roadshow seek to showcase health information and services on Adolescents, Maternal and Child's Health, Men's Health and Family Health Involvement, and Health for Elderly and their rights maintained by DOH, PopCom and other attached agencies.

As partner, PopCom Caraga will be facilitating a U4U session to help the young people promote healthy lifestyle and responsible sexuality and assist the youth to avoid early sexual engagement, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, sexually transmitted infections and other psycho-social concerns. Sessions on Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) will also be facilitated which hopes to contribute in improving maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition (MNCHN) conditions among families.

PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized that male involvement in the discussions and activities on maternal health and responsible parenting is very important because they could become advocates who could push for needed policies and programs in their respective communities. Makinano added that the roadshow shall equip males in communities with necessary knowledge and skills on maternal and child health in order for them to be personally effective in making decisions about their and their family’s health, personal development, and other related issues and concerns.

KP is the Aquino administration’s universal health care agenda, which seeks to ensure equitable access to quality health care by all Filipinos beginning with those in the lowest income quintiles. This also aims to attain the health-related MDGs by focusing on the reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health, for these are among the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

DOH officials said that simultaneous activities will be done during the launch such as offering health services available for women, children, and even men – essentially, all the members of the family. Special service packages for adolescents and the elderly will likewise be highlighted. (PopCom-13/PIA-Caraga)


Dinagat Islands holds DRRM Summit

By Ma. Jane Mayola

DINAGAT ISLANDS, June 19 (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Dinagat Islands recently conducted a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) summit on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Provincial Guest Center, Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.

The one-day DRRM summit was aimed to provide the local chief executives with a comprehensive and standard understanding of the provincial DRRM roles and responsibilities for an effective and efficient delivery of services specifically during disasters.

During the said activity, several memoranda regarding disaster risk reduction were presented and discussed by the members of the Regional DRRMC and Provincial DRRMC, local government units, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members.

The summit was also highlighted with the review of the past disasters and best practices of the province - being the first province in Caraga Region to hold a DRRM summit, and the awarding of the provincial winners of the search dubbed as “Gawad Kalasag: Search for Excellence on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance.” (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)


Agusan towns receive P10.8-M from DSWD for SLP-Peace & Devt Projects

By Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

AGUSAN DEL SUR, June 19 (PIA) – The Municipalities of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, Loreto and Santa Josefa in Agusan del Sur received a total annual grants worth P10,800,000.00 for Peace and Development Projects (PDP) given to 36 barangays respectively.

Bigasan/Bagsakan center, mini-ice plant, noodles manufacturing facility, fish and meat processing, rice/corn mills, mobile rice mills, solar dryer and pump boat are some of the identified and approved projects.

“Let us manage our business well and let us make it successful,” Barangay Captain in Poblacion Loreto, Fernando Dolores, told his constituents.

With partner agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Municipal Sangguniang Bayan Officials, Barangay Officials, and DSWD staff witnessed the ceremonial check turned-over that marked the event.

In his acceptance message, Municipal Mayor Dario E. Otaza challenged his constituents not to be dependent at all times but rather stand on their feet and use their initiative to reach their goals in life.

Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli emphasized three things in managing the chosen livelihood projects; one is to have a sense of ownership to the projects. Second, is to be accountable to the Government’s funds. And third, to be transparent in serving the community as the front lines of DSWD in implementing this program.

"Make our implementation as excellent as possible,” Brigoli added.

It is recalled that PDP have been implemented by Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) under the PAmana at MAsaganang PAmayanan (PAMANA) program as result of partnership between the DSWD and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

It is a capacity-building and livelihood program developing the personal, social, entrepreneurial and technical skills of the duly selected People’s Organization (PO) composed of a group of potentially enterprising  individuals within conflict affected and vulnerable areas. The project provides Php 300,000.00 worth of community cash grants yearly for three (3) years to recipient barangays to be implemented by the duly selected PO representing the community as conduit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in implementing the projects. This initiative follows the Community-driven Enterprise Development (CDED) process aiming to complement to the existing livelihood activities of the community.

“I believed that there is development if our community is at peace,” DSWD central office Pamana Focal, Marco Macatangay said.

SLP aims to increase livelihood and job opportunity in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities; ensure transparency and accountability; and enable greater community participation in pursuing peace and development. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


On Father’s Day: PopCom calls men for Reproductive Health

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, June 19 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (PopCom) calls for active and responsible involvement among males in reproductive concerns of the entire family. This is the focal campaign of the agency as the world celebrates Father’s Day on June 15 this year.

PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano underscored the significant contribution of male presence in nurturing the children and fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband to his wife. These are the gifts that are uniquely realized by a man’s active participation in parenting and in preserving the vital role of men in the development of human families.

In the observance of Father’s Day, PopCom through its Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning program urge all men to get involved in reproductive health because their health status and behaviors affect women’s reproductive health. For instance, when men are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their women partners are at greater risk of abuse which may lead to unintended pregnancies and STDs as well as direct injuries, including abortion and miscarriage.

Makinano emphasized that it is important for men to be empowered with knowledge about themselves so that they will neither be misinformed nor influenced by myths and seek traditional remedies that may be harmful to their reproductive health as they go through various stages of development from childhood to old age.

The reproductive health program around the world is increasingly recognizing that men are an important audience for their services.

Men’s reproductive health concerns include family planning, sexuality and sexual dysfunction, infertility, urologic conditions and STD prevention and treatment. Men too can play an important role in preventing gender-based violence, in supporting efforts to improve women’s status, and in promoting rights-based approach to reproductive and sexual health. These services would empower both men and women throughout their lives.

Providing accurate RH information, offering essential and quality RH care services to men benefits both men and women in various ways such as expanding the range of contraceptive options, supporting women’s contraceptive use, and preventing STDs. (PopCom-13/PIA-Caraga)


NYC to Youth: Be Your Hero

MANILA, June 19 - “We asked Filipino youth to come today as their favorite Pinoy hero character, historical or fictional, that they may find inspiration and contemporary meaning to their heroes’ life, struggles and works.  But one does not need to give up his or her life to be considered a hero.  To be your own hero is synonymous to doing your part in the development of the country.  We can do simple but well-meaning acts for the betterment of the country and already be considered a hero.”

This was the statement of Chairperson Gio Tingson of the National Youth Commission (NYC) during the Hero Cosplay for Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Bonifacio Shrine in Balintawak Cloverleaf.

“Ang kahandaang mag-alay ng sariling lakas at talino para sa kalayaan at kabutihan ng kapwa ang nagtataguyod upang ang isang tao ay matawag na isang hero.  Ang katangiang ito ng pakikipag-kapwa-tao ay siya ring tinatawag nating bayanihan na mula sa salitang bayani.  (This bayanihan spirit makes young people realize that everyone is capable of being their own hero.  Noble acts need not be as grand as of our predecessors, but for as long as your acts possess the same courage and sacrifice that helped them with their battles – you are a hero.  To be a person for others is to be a hero),” added Chair Gio.

The Youth Commission believes that the bayanihan spirit – the act of working together for a common noble purpose – is still alive among Pinoy Youth, having witnessed the youth’s heroism during Yolanda and other calamities that have befallen our country.   NYC hopes that the celebration of Independence Day will further rejuvenate the spirit of bayanihanto sustain the triumphs of our nation’s heroes.

In its 2010 National Youth Assessment Study, the Commission revealed that 92% of our youth say they are proud to be Filipinos.  The NYC Chairperson pointed out, “the sense of pride of being a Filipino must reflect in our love for our country.  A country that is free is a symbol of pride.  The freedom we enjoy now is a result of the collaborative struggles won by our predecessors to build a sovereign nation more than a century ago.  It is our responsibility to protect this liberty by continuing to re-live their heroism.” (NYC/PIA-Caraga)


NYC: Go Negosyo Act is a win for the Filipino youth

MANILA, June 19 - The Go Negosyo Act aims to reduce poverty through the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The latest version of the bill included a youth representative in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council - a multi-sectoral body tasked to promote the growth of MSMEs.

“We see youth entrepreneurship as an effective mechanism in reducing poverty. The youth’s participation in the Council gives us a direct hand in achieving inclusive growth for the next generation,” stated National Youth Commission Chairperson Gio Tingson.

The bill passed the Bicameral Conference on 10 June 2014. It will then be forwarded to the President to seek his approval for it to become a law.

According to Usec. Tingson, entrepreneurship tackles the long-standing issues of employment and skills development of the youth. As MSMEs currently employ around 3.8 million Filipinos, inclusion in the Council grants the youth a stronger hand in curbing youth unemployment.

“With the Go Negosyo Act, we see a rise in the number of pinoy entrepreneurs,” he added.

The act mandates the Department of Trade and Industry to establish Negosyo Centers in cities and municipalities that will make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start up their businesses as well as gain access to sources of financing.

The Negosyo Centers will provide courses and development programs, training, give advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services which can further sharpen and develop the skills of the Filipino youth.

“Entrepreneurship provides the youth a better future, which can be made possible through the youth’s inclusion in the MSMED Council and direct access to setting-up their own enterprises because of Negosyo Centers,” Usec. Tingson said. He further added that this opened opportunities for youth development, given that it provides young people an avenue for holistic development and meaningful participation through the development of MSMEs. (NYC/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Gobyerno nagmamasid ng mga presyo ng iba pang pangunahing pagkain, sabi ng opisyal ng Palasyo

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hunyo 19 (PIA) - Ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ay nagsimulang magmasid ng mga presyo ng pangunahing kalakal maliban sa bigas, bawang at luya, sa pagsisikap na maitatag ang suplay at presyo, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo noong Miyerkoles.

“Ayon kay DTI Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba, pati ang presyo ng baboy, karne, ‘yung mga daily food staples, ay mino-monitor na rin nila para mapigilan ‘yung maaaring pagsasamantala,” sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang panayam sa media.

Nagbabala siya na ang DTI ay mahigpit na magpatupad ng patakaran sa sobrang tubo ng mga tinging tindahan.

Sinabi pa ni Coloma na ang National Price Coordinating Council ay nakatakdang magpulong kahapon ng hapon para pag-usapan ang sitwasyon ng suplay ng pagkain at at ng makagawa ng konkretong pagkilos para ipagtanggol ang publiko mula sa hindi makatarungang mataas na presyo.

Ang NPCC ay binubuo ng DTI, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, National Economic Development Authority, at tig-isang representante mula sa consumers’ sector, agricultural producers’ sector, trading sector, at manufacturers’ sector.

“Gusto naming makakuha ng lakas mula sa lahat ng mga nakasalalay sa prosesong ito at maseguro na magkaroon tayo ng mapagkatiwalaang datos at impormasyon pagdating sa suplay ng pagkain at presyo nito,” sabi ni Coloma.

Sa suplay ng bawang, iniulat ng Kalihim ng Komunikasyon na ayon sa Department of Agriculture, ang lokal na produkto ng bawang ay umabot sa 8,308 metriko tonelada noong Marso.

“Ito ay higit pa sa kinakailangan para matugunan ang kasalukuyang antas ng pangangailangan,” sabi niya, at dadag pa niya na ang pagsalubong ay naglalayon na malaman kung ang naiulat na kakulangan sa bigas, bawang at luya ay artipisyal, o kaya ang mga mangangalakal ay minamanipula ang presyo.

“Kaya nga magpupulong ang National Price Coordinating Council… para masukat angsitwasyon base sa katotohanan ayon sa paniniwala,” sabi niya. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: 167 ka mga Senior Citizens sa Surigao City midawat sa ilang social pension

SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 19 (PIA) – Mokabat sa 167 ka mga Senior Citizens sa syudad ang nakadawat na sa ilang social pension niadtong Lunes, Hunyo 16, 2014 didto sa buhatan sa City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) ning dakbayan.

Sumala ni CSWD Social Pension Focal Person Cristina Abadilla nga ang maong mga senior citizens nakadawat sa ilang sosyal pension matag usa nga mokantidad sa P3,000 ka pesos sulod sa duha ka kwarter ning tuiga.

Sa pamahayag ni CSWD acting officer Gloria Salvador dako gyud ang pasalamat sa maong mga pensioners ngadto sa ilang buhatan labi na gyud sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Regional Office ug ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa syudad sa pagpangulo ni Mayor Ernesto Matugas tungod kay dako gyud ang matabang niini sa ilang inadlaw-adlaw nga mga panginahanglanon. (SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)