(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 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 Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Chamber eyed as economic driver in Dinagat Islands

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, June 10 (PIA) - “Dinagat Chamber will become an economic driver in the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI).”

This was the prevailing feeling as 30 businessmen attended the two-day strategic planning workshop of the Dinagat Islands Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIPCCI) held at the Provincial Guest Center, Brgy. Cuarinta, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands recently.

The planning workshop resulted in the crafting of the vision, mission and goals of DIPCCI.

Personnel from DTI-Caraga Regional Office, Arcily C. Gonzaga and Ramil J. Leongas, facilitated the activity that laid the direction of the chamber for the next three years.

Resource speakers from the provincial government of PDI and DTI also provided additional inputs for the participants.

Alberto A. Apolinario, Statistician III of PPDO-PDI, presented the PDI Provincial Economic Profile; Danilo C. Bulabos, Provincial Tourism Officer, presented the Dinagat Islands Tourism Development Roadmap; and Arnold D. Faelnar, OIC/Team Leader of DTI-PDI, discussed the Industry Clustering and Value Chain Strategies.

DIPCCI officials and members were pleased with the strong support of the provincial and local governments of PDI as well as DTI not just for the successful activity but also for their commitment of support to the provincial chamber for the next three years.

The seminar workshop was conducted by DTI-Province of Dinagat Islands Field Office in coordination with the PDI Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO). (DTI-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


DTI promotes coco sugar granules in Dinagat Islands

By Elmer A. General

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, June 10 (PIA) - Looking for additional income? Coco sugar granules can be a sweet option.

This was the common reaction from over 100 participants, mostly women, during the Department of Trade and Industry-Dinagat Islands Field Office’s Business Opportunity Seminar on Coco Sugar Granules Production recently at the Provincial Guest Center, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI).

Engr. Angelita M. Espinosa, Senior Agriculturist II of Philippine Coconut Authority-Surigao del Norte (PCA-SDN), was tapped as the resource speaker given the agency’s expertise on coconut by-products.

During her presentation, she pointed out the positive points in engaging with coco sugar granules production highlighting its health benefits and its demand by the health conscious both here and abroad.

She also stressed that the availability of coco sap in the province and the relatively uncomplicated process of sugar granules extraction makes coco sugar production an ideal enterprise for women who are looking for additional household income.

DTI-PDI also took the opportunity to inform the participants of the agency’s programs which are aimed to support existing associations and cooperatives in increasing their production output and income through the provision of relevant tools and equipment under the Shared Service Facility Project (SSF) and expanding their market potentials through product development, product labeling and branding, and trade fair participation.

The activity was conducted in partnership with the PDI Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and PCA-SDN. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)


Classes kick-off with new classrooms in Butuan City barangay

By Eunice G. Montaos

BUTUAN CITY, June 10 (PIA) - As the classes for the school year 2014-2015 commenced on June 2, 2014, the newly-constructed and completed one unit 2-classroom sub-project under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - Community-Driven Development (Kalahi-CIDSS CDD) Urban Pilot Project also opened for the 3rd and 4th year students of Agusan Pequeño National High School (APNHS) annex campus in Brgy. Pagatpatan, this city.

This 1.4 M worth sub-project was implemented by the community volunteers through the converged funding assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) amounting to Php 1, 000, 000, the city government of Butuan with a local counterpart contribution (LCC) of Php 200, 000, the barangay LGU of Pagatpatan with Php 166, 000 LCC, and the community residents’ In-Kind contribution amounting to Php 46, 956.

Proper turn-over and ceremonial inauguration was held on June 6, 2014 at the barangay hall in Pagatpatan.

In attendance during the activity were KC-NCDDP National Program Manager and Director Benilda Redaja and her deputy Juan Ceciro Aguilar, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist Ma. Loreto Padua, DepEd-XIII Regional Tech.Voc. Officer Elizabeth Bautista, Regional Project Manager Mita Lim with her staff, Punong Barangay Romanito Amante, Jr., barangay officials, community volunteers, APNHS students, and other residents.

Dir. Brigoli and Dir. Redaja both congratulated the volunteers for successfully completing the sub-project despite the challenges and circumstances that they encountered especially during the procurement and construction stages.

“The efforts of our volunteers finally paid-off as these classrooms are expected to benefit the 786 households in the barangay of which 252 are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries,” said Brigoli.

Padua also encouraged the residents to share to others about the gains of implementation using the CDD way.

“The residents in Pagatpatan are so thankful to DSWD for providing this huge project in our barangay,” expressed Gloria Tomolin, Project Implementation Team chairperson, during her sharing of impression.

Tomolin also shared that one reason she volunteered in Kalahi-CIDSS, despite no monetary gain, is that she has the future of her 12 children in mind. She knew very well that her sons and daughters will benefit the classrooms.

Some 3rd year and 4th year students of APNHS also presented a chant to express their gratefulness to those involved in the realization of these concrete classrooms.

“Our high school students can now experience concrete and flood-resilient classrooms which are far from their nipa-roofed rooms that we use,” said Zenaida Jamero, APNHS teacher, and Community Sub-Project Management and Implementation Committee (CSPMIC) chairperson.

“We did not only benefit classrooms, but the people from the grassroots sector who actively and selflessly volunteered in this Project were also empowered. I am always amazed by the CDD approach used by Kalahi-CIDSS of which lowly residents will be entrusted to man a million-worth project to help them achieve not only community development, but personal improvement as well,” Jamero added.

Kalahi-CIDSS CDD Urban is a pilot project in Butuan City which aims at bringing the CDD strategy, used in implementing development projects in rural areas, to the urban area. This is implemented at barangays with the highest population density and poverty incidence in the targeted cities.

In the country, this project is pilot tested into four regions namely Region V, Region VI, Region X, and Caraga. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


DSWD Caraga seeks applicants for 2nd round household 'Listahan Project' assessment

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 10 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office in Caraga is looking for a pool of competent and qualified applicants for the 2nd round household “Listahan Project” assessment.

According to DSWD Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli, various positions are up for grabs and interested applicants are only given until June 30 to file their respective letter of application with the personnel section.

Specified vacant are positions for area coordinators, area supervisors, enumerators, encoders, and verifiers.

However, it was clarified that employment will only be a stint work—the least is one month while the most will be up to three months.

Both area supervisors and area coordinators which require college graduates will have a two-month as well as three-month period to work, respectively, while the rest will only have a month apiece. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


OWWA Caraga celebrates 19th Migrant Workers Day

By Jean Mary Ronquillo

BUTUAN CITY, June 10 (PIA) - In recognition of the valuable contributions of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Caraga, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) spearheaded the simple but meaningful celebration of the Migrant Workers Day on June 7.  The activity was held at the open space fronting the OWWA Caraga Regional Office, this city.

Around 500 OFWs and their families coming from various barangays of this city and neighboring municipalities of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte joined in the celebration.

The activity started with a prayer offered by Nelly Arangali, Regional Winner of the 2012 Most Outstanding OFW Family (MOFYA) search while Princess Junaire Peligro, a scholar under the Educational Development Scholarship Program studying BS Medical Technology at the University of Santo Tomas led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Director Petrona Bergado of OWWA Caraga read the message of Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres encouraging the OFWs to continue upgrading their skills, especially vocational-technical skills to make them more competitive and earn the respect of other nationals in their respective jobsites.

Meanwhile, Director Johnson Cañete of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conveyed the message of Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz commending the OFWs for their help in uplifting the economic conditions of the nation. She also expressed her hopes for the OFWs to take into consideration the possibility of staying in the country for good to enjoy the gains of development that they have partly contributed. Cañete also encouraged everyone to be acquainted with OWWA programs and services.

Highlighting the celebration was the release of financial assistance to OWWA scholars under the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) and Tuloy-Aral Program (TAP). A graduate under ODSP, Jessan Lindog who earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the Philippine Normal University-Agusan del Sur Campus was also awarded with a certificate of recognition for receiving a Special Award in Dance from his school.  OWWA Caraga’s social partners were also recognized for their significant involvement in the said event.

Parlor games, a widely cheered videoke singing contest showcasing the talents of vacationing and returning OFWs, raffle draws for giveaways including grocery items, household appliances and school supplies brought entertainment and fun to the participants.  Meanwhile, the Regional Tripartite and Wage Productivity Board (RTWPB) mobilized four local establishments to conduct a “Promo Diskweto Caravan” of their products.

The Migrant Workers Day or “Araw ng Pasasalamat” is an annual celebration as provided for in Republic Act 8042 otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Migranteng Pilipino, Magkasangga tayo sa Kapakanan, Kabuhayan at Kalusugan Mo.” (OWWA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Sports fest 2014: RRCY residents in glee

By Theresa D. Barsobia

PATIN–AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, June 10 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development - Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (DSWD-RRCY) residents gleefully hit the sunny compound of the Center on June 3 – 4 for their annual Sports Fest.

The festival featured the ultimate mix of sporting events for everyone including basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and chess. Residents of RRCY together with their house parents, staff, and volunteers joined the festivity.

The celebration commenced with the parade around Patin–ay Sports Complex among the different participating teams: Blue team led by Joselito Profel Martinez; Red team steered by Alberto Guerero; and White team headed by Rosares Bacus. It was followed by the lighting of the torch by one of the residents in the centre.

To promote the value of sportsmanship and develop healthy competition among players, the latter, are united and joined the oath of sportsmanship. Each team presented their chant. With the participation of all members of the teams, camaraderie and rapport among residents, staff, and volunteers were prevalent.

The white team was declared as over- all champ. Also, there were identified Most Valuable Players in the games. Winners and awardees received gift packs which include assorted goods.

The sports fest is anchored on the theme: “Winners in life don’t always win; they just don’t give up.”

 “The theme does not only emphasize the role of the players in the actual performance of the game but it has great emphasis on how these residents managed their lives in achieving the goals in life despite of becoming Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). Residents are quite positive to have a successful way in coping their rehabilitation program in the Center despite with the various odds faced along in the midst of their stay in RRCY thru the support of the rehab team members,” Catalina B. Jomocan, RRCY Center Head explained.

Jomocan said the RRCY socialization activity in a way of a Sports fest is essential not only for the resident’s physical aspects but for their mental growth as well. “This helped them value the spirit of sportsmanship and responsibility during the conduct of the said activity,” she added.

Jomocan and the rest of the RRCY staff manned the whole activity.

It can be recalled that as mandated by Republic Act 9344 also known as “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006,” every residential care must provide opportunities for youth to engage or participate in program and services, and recreational activities which enable the residents achieved the total transformation of their well – being and help them become a rehabilitated and be prepared for future and reintegration to their respective families and communities. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Mga pensyonado ng SSS tatanggap ng limang porsyentong umento simula Hunyo, 2014

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hunyo 10 (PIA) - Sa larawan ng pagpanatili ng pinansiyal na pag-unlad at parte ng kanyang pangakong maibigay ang mas makahulugang benepisyo, inanusiyo ng Social Security System (SSS) ang limang porsyentong across-the-board na pagtaas ng pensiyon para sa 1.9 milyon na pensiyonado ng SSS simula Hunyo, 2014.

Sinabi ng SSS na lahat ng aktibong pensiyonadong magreretero, mamamatay o kaya baldado na naitala noong Mayo 31, 2014 ay makakaasa ng mas mataas na benepisyo sa kanilang pera sa banko o kaya tseke mula sa pensyon.

Para mabigyan ng sapat na panahon para sa pagsaayos ng sistema, sinabi ni  SSS Vice President para sa Benefits Administration Agnes San Jose na ang bagong across-the-board na pagtaas ng pensiyon ay maari lamang bayaran simula Agosto, 2014, kasama na and dagdag na halaga para sa Hunyo at Hulyo.

Ang naturang ahensiya na pinapatakbo ng bansa ay nagbibigay ng pensiyon sa ilalim ng regular na Social Security (SS) na programa at ng programa ng Employees Compensation (EC). Ang EC pensiyon na binibigay at hindi kasali ang regular na SS pensiyon para sa mga miyembro na may posibilidad na maaring may kaugnayan sa trabaho ay hindi kasama sa limang porsyento na pagtaas. “Ang SSS ay patuloy na hangarin ang iba pang reporma para mapa bumuti ang kanyang pangmatagalang pinansiyal na kalusugan at para rin maiangat ang lebel ng mga benepisyo,” sabi ni San Jose. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Tagalog News: Parangal sa Watawat ng Pilipinas isinagawa ng PRO 13

Ni PSupt Romaldo G Bayting

BUTUAN CITY, June 10 (PIA) - Ang Police Regional Office 13 sa pamumuno ni PCSupt Dominador E Aquino Jr. ay nagkaroon ng isang seremonya para sa huling parangal ng watawat ng Pilipinas na pinamagatang “Worn-Out Flag Disposal Ceremony” noong Hunyo 6 sa Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City.

Ito ay dinaluhan ng mga kinatawan ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno, pribadong sektor, paaralan at relihiyon.
          
Sa programa, nagbigay ng mensahe tungkol sa Huling Parangal sa Watawat ng Pilipinas si BGen Charito B Plaza, AFPR, Wing Commander, 7th ARFW na siya ring gumanap na Inang Bayan noong 2013. Sinundan ito ng pagtanghal sa ebolusyon ng sampung Watawat ng Pilipinas mula noong panahon ng reboulsyon kung saan ngpapalit-palit ito anyo, kulay at kahulugan hanggang sa mabuo ang ating kasalukuyang watawat.
           
Si Atty. Josefe C. Sorrera-Ty, Dean, College of Law ng Father Saturnino Urios University na siyang gumanap na Inang Bayan ay nagbigay ng mensahe tungkol sa simbolo at kahulugan ng Watawat ng Pilipinas sa bawat Pilipino. Sinundan ito ng pagsunog sa mga lumang Watawat ng Pilipinas. Pagkatapos sunugin, inilagay ang abo ng ating watawat sa isang urna at mapitagang inilibing sa isang lugar na hindi matatapakan ng tao.
          
Tunay ngang kahanga-hanga ang simbolo ng Watawat ng Pilipinas na dapat pahalagahan at ipagmalaki bilang sagisag  ng ating dakilang bansa at malayang pamayanan.

Ang watawat ng Pilipinas ay kumakatawan sa lahing Pilipino at sumasagisag sa mga nag-aalab na adhikain ng ating sambayanan. Dito nakapaloob ang mga pagpapakasakit ng ating mga bayani upang maitatag ang isang malayang republika. Isang republikang pinagpipitaganan at kinikilalang marangal ng ibang bansa, ang Republika ng Pilipinas.       
          
Isinasaad ng Pambansang Batas sa Watawat o Republic Act 8491 ang “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” na ang mga bandilang niluma na ng panahon o nasira na sa paninilbihan ay hindi dapat itapon na lamang sa kung saan. Sa halip, ito ay mapitagang susunugin upang maiwasan ang di karapat-dapat na paggamit dito bilang basahan, laruan, pagtatapon sa basurahan, o ang pagtatago hanggang sa tuluyang masira. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: PSPI gikatakdang mubisita sa syudad sa Surigao

SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 10 (PIA) – Gikatakdang mubisita na usab sa syudad sa Surigao ang Population Services Pilipinas, Incorporated (PSPI) karon umaabot Hulyo 15, 2014 partikular na sa Caraga Regional Hospital, ning dakbayan.

Ang kadumalahan sa PSPI mobisita dinhi sa syudad aron paghatag og tabang ngadto sa mga kababainhan nga nanimuyo sa mga rural areas o kadtong mga layo nga mga kabarangayan o komunidad sa syudad nga kon diin kulang ug limitado lamang ang mga supply o mga serbisyo sa healthcare services o maayong panglawas.

Ang maong pagbisita resulta kini sa pakigtambayayong sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa syudad sa pagpangulo ni City Mayor Ernesto Matugas kauban ang mga personahe sa buhatan City Health ug PSPI.

Ang PSPI muhimo sa maong serbisyo aron matabangan ang atong mga kaigsuonang Surigaonon ilabi na ang mga kababainhan nga nagkinahanglan sa insaktong kaalam ug kagamitan para sa pagmintinar sa kalimpyo sa ilang panglawas lakip na mga kauban niini sa panimalay. (SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)