(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.


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

DENR leads mangrove tree planting on Environment Day

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, June 4 (PIA) – In celebration of the World Environment Day on Thursday, June 5, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office headed by its regional director Nonito Tamayo will lead in planting mangrove in barangay Caloc-an, Magallanes in the province of Agusan del Norte.

According to Regional Public Affairs Office chief Eric Herzon Gallego, a caravan going to the area where a mangrove tree caring and beach front tree planting activity will be held on the said day.

Also, Gallego said, the month of June is celebrated in the country as Philippine Environment Month per proclamation no. 237, series of 1998. DENR prepared some 500 Talisay seedlings and mangrove propagules to be planted at the beach of barangay Caloc-an to be participated by more than 200 individuals to include personnel from DENR, non-government organizations, local government units, youth, national government agencies and environmentalists of the region, Gallego said.

This year’s celebration’s theme will focus on Small Islands and Climate Change with the official slogan, “Raise Your Voice Not the Sea Level.”

The world Environment Day aims to raise awareness on the importance of protecting and conserving our natural resources. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


PNP-13 to conduct disposal, burning of worn-out PHL flag

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 4 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga will be conducting the disposal/burning of worn-out flag on June 6, 3:00 p.m. at the regional headquarters building, Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Brgy. Libertad, this city.

“This has reference to Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 otherwise known as ‘Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines’ that requires proper disposal of worn out flag through a ceremonious burning of the same,” bared PNP-Caraga regional director PCSupt Dominador Aquino.

Aquino further said that the worn-out flags shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. “The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear,” he added.

He also reiterated that the Philippine flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday throughout the year. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DENR exec tells people in Caraga to ponder on a standing tree

By Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, June 4 (PIA) -  “When you see a standing tree, ponder on the crucial role it plays in carbon dioxide sequestration,” thus said by DENR 13 Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo on the opening salvo of the Environment Month celebration.

“Trees provide a very important role in carbon dioxide sequestration, the so called major factor in the global warming of the earth,“ he said as the DENR employees prepare to hold a motorcade on Thursday, June 5 from Butuan City to Caloc-an, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte to drumbeat the World Environment Day with the theme,  “Raise your voice not the sea level.” The participants in motorcade shall plant mangrove at the shorelines of Magallanes on that day.
          
Tamayo said the folk in the hinterlands often see the trees as source of livelihood when they cut and sell them to the wood processing plants for money to survive. “But little did they know that the trees play a crucial role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the natural process of photosynthesis  and store the carbon in their leaves, branches, stems, barks and roots,” he said.
          
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a natural greenhouse gas in the atmosphere partly responsible for the earth’s relatively stable climate. It is a ‘greenhouse’ gas because it traps heat near the earth surface, contributing to observed and predicted global warming.
          
He said human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels such as coals and oil and destruction of natural forest are greatly increasing the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Based on scientist findings, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased last century from 284 parts per million in 1832 to about 387 parts per million in 2009.  Other gases that have much greater warming impact than carbon dioxide are methane and nitrous oxide.
          
Tamayo said the DENR has been issuing various warnings in the past that the Philippines is likely to experience more extreme weather patterns with higher average temperatures, possibly long heatwaves, and minimal rainfall if the Greenhouse Effect proceeds as predicted.
          
He said the trees have good uses in arresting Carbon dioxide emissions and therefore, the people should be encouraged to increase the area of forest and tree plantations.  “Natural and planted forest act as sink for absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere,” Tamayo said.
          
Tamayo said the people should support the National Greening Program (NGP) being implemented through the DENR. The program seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of timberlands nationwide from 2011 to 2016.
          
He cited an Australian Greenhouse Office report that “trees in forest (including plantations), if well-stocked, typically sequester carbon at a maximum rate between about age 10 and age 20-30. As an indication, the report says, that at age 30 years, about 200 to 520 tons Carbon dioxide equivalent are sequestered per hectare in the forest.”

After this age, if the trees are not harvested, the report says “the sequestration rate slows gradually until maturity of about 80 to 100 years of age and flattens out from then on as growth is balanced by decay.”
          
Tamayo said the people, therefore is encouraged to support the reforestation program of the government through the NGP. He said that based on scientific findings, “reforesting cleared areas will create carbon sinks to counteract greenhouse gas emissions and will assist in other aspects of environmental improvement such as salinity control and creation of wildlife habitat.” (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur guv renders SOPA, Vice-Gov bares accomplishment; TSP secretary cites legal bases

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 4 (PIA) – Both Governor Johnny Pimentel and Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. have rendered their respective reports to the constituents of Surigao del Sur during the 44th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held at the Capitol Seminar Hall on June 3.

For Gov. Pimentel which the 19-page State of the Province Address (SOPA) entitled “Best Practices in Local Governance Through Unimpeachable Partnership for the Common Good – A Testament of Hardwork,” highlighted the event.

Alameda also bared his share through the 20-page “2013 Annual Legislative Accomplishment Report (ALAR).”

According to Monalisa Su, Assistant Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (TSP), both reports have legal bases, hence should be done as required.

For the SOPA, Su cited the 1987 Philippine Constitution particularly Section 7, Article III which provides that “The right of the people to information on  matters of public concern shall be recognized;” and R.A. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, in particular, Sec. 97, which also provides that “every Local Chief Executive shall submit an Annual Report to the sanggunian concerned on the socio-economic, political and peace and order conditions, and other matters concerning the local government unit which shall cover the immediately preceding calendar year.”

Further, she added, that Sec. 465 provides that “the Provincial Governor as Chief Executive of the provincial government shall present program of government and propose policies and projects for consideration of the sangguniang panlalawigan every calendar year as often as maybe deemed necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the provincial government require.”

Also, for the ALAR, the OIC secretary to the TSP cited that Sec. 74, Rule XII of Provincial Ordinance No. 01, series of 2013 provides that “The Honorable Vice-Governor shall render an Annual Legislative Accomplishment Report (ALAR) during the State of the Province Address of the Provincial Governor on a date scheduled by the latter.” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


SurSur guv SOPA bares significant feats

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 4 (PIA) – The State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Governor Johnny Pimentel bared substantial development and improvement for the province of Surigao del Sur.

Delivered during the 44th Regular Session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Seminar Hall on June 3, as highlight of the event, the 19-page “state of affairs” of the province contained eight major fronts, particularly aspects that dealt with Infrastructure Development; Agricultural Development and Productivity; Tourism Update; Reinvigorating Health and Social Services; Law Enforcement Update; Revenue Collection; and Current Year.

Pimentel provided in his report the necessary statistical data, thus it took him over an hour to finish.

The longest topic that he dwelled on to report was the first one—Infrastructure Development Highlights—since it was presented in notable details.

But before Gov. Pimentel ended, he made sure to acknowledge and extend his gratitude to a lot of government entities and its respective heads for their contributions to the progress of the province.

He also stressed “to continue to implore the aid of the Divine Providence to serve best what is best for Surigao del Sur.”

In closing, he said in his SOPA which was entitled “'Best Practices in Local Governance Trough Unimpeachable Partnership for the Common Good- A testament of Hardwork,' I tirelessly seek for your cooperation and solidarity because of my belief that governance is not and exclusive right but a participatory process." (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Kalahi-CIDSS graduate municipalities ready with LCCs for KC-NCDDP

By Eunice G. Montaos

SURIGAO CITY, June 4 (PIA) – The municipalities which are already graduates of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) bared during the Local Government Unit (LGU) Forum held recently at Gateway Hotel, this city, that prior the orientation on KALAHI CIDSS-National Community Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP), they already included in their budget plans the allotment for future CDD projects.

“We are already prepared since we have already allocated fund for this project because we have anticipated this beforehand,” said Hon. Marc Adelson Longos of Cagdianao, PDI during the sharing of impressions in the forum.

Mainit and Gigaquit municipalities also shared that they had already prepared their Local Counterpart Contributions (LCCs).

Through the 2nd batch LGU forum conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the eligible municipalities for KC-NCDDP implementation were oriented about the scope of the Program as well as its requirements and processes of implementations.

DSWD regional director Minda Brigoli disclosed in her opening message that DSWD needs the support of the LGUs in successfully implementing KC-NCDDP since they are the decision-making body of the LGUs. “It is our hope that you will fully understand and appreciate the CDD processes and its beauty in transforming lives and communities,” said Dir. Brigoli.

“Thus, we convene today to be oriented about this new undertaking for us to be prepared on the precedent conditions and requirements of this national anti-poverty program,” she also mentioned.

Dir. Brigoli’s welcome message was read by Regional Community Development Specialist Esterlita Villamor, who also discussed about the achievements of the region in implementing Kalahi-CIDSS for 11 years and the features of KC-NCDDP, being a scale-up of the CDD strategy.

The 2nd batch LGU forum was participated by 16 municipalities namely: Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto (PDI), San Jose, Tubajon, Bacuag, Gigaquit, Malimono, Placer, San Francisco (SdN), Sison, Carrascal, Cortes, and Mainit.

Local chief executives present were Hon. Nena Ladaga-Quijano (Loreto), Hon. Alan Ecleo (Basilisa), Hon. Carlos Egay (Gigaquit) , and Hon. Teodoro Sinaca, Jr. (Malimono).

Other resource persons who discussed about the LCC, LGU enrollment, and unified Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were Finance Analyst III Maredith Julve, CDD-Urban Coordinator and Monitoring and Technical Assistance (MATA) for Caraga Jacqueline Calimlim, and PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Coordinator Ma. Consuelo Acosta.

Monitoring and Evaluation IV Edward John Ty and Social Marketing Officer Eunice Montaos were also in attendance to assist and facilitate in the conduct of the forum.

KC-NCDDP is a program of the national government through the DSWD, geared towards the reduction of poverty. Its specific objectives are as follows: improve community participation in local development activities; improve management and governance of public sector resources; and increase in investment in basic social and economic infrastructure for village communities. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


PopCom meets with partners

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, June 4 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga Regional Office will hold the Regional Population Executive Board (RPEB) meeting and the Regional Population Management Conference (RPMC) on June 4-5 here.

Both RPEB and RPMC will deal principally on the updates of Republic Act 10354, otherwise known as Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012, Population and Development (POPDEV) Mentoring Approach, PPMP Monitoring and Evaluation System, and DOH on Wheels: Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP) Roadshow.

RPEB and RPMC are conducted quarterly to discuss issues, concerns and updates regarding the implementation of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) at the local government units’ level.

PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano stressed the importance of these activities which aim to develop and set local policies and directions relevant to the population program.

This activity will be facilitated by the staff of the Regional Population Office – Caraga and to be attended by the Provincial/City Population Officers, Deputy/District Population Officers and Partner Agencies of Caraga Region. (PopCom-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Pamahalaan hinikayat ang mga bagong scientists na tutukan ang 'brain drain' sa DOST, sabi ng Palasyo

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hunyo 4 (PIA) - Sinusubukang udyukan ng pamahalaan ang mga scientists mula sa mga unibersidad ng bansa na palitan ang mga naiwan, sa pagsisikap na tugunan ang “brain drain” sa Department of Science and Technology (DOST), sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., noong Martes.

Sabi ni Coloma na ang pwersa sa merkado ay kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho, at normal lamang sa mga talentado mga pinaka kwalipikadong scientists ang iwanan ang kanilang mga pwesto sa pamahalaan sa paghahanap ng mas mataas na kinikita sa labas ng bansa.

“Ganunpaman, sinisikap pa rin ng ating pamahalaan na mapanatili ang mga mahuhusay na manggagawa sa loob ng mga regulasyon ng pamahalaan at sa abot ng kakayanin ng resources ng ating pamahalaan,” dagdag pa niya.

Nalaman ng Senado sa kanilang pagdinig noongMartes na ang mga empleyado ng ibang ahensiya ng Siyensiya at teknolohiya, hindi lamang ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), ay umalis para magtrabaho sa ibang bansa.

Isinali nila ang mga empleyado ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHULVOLCS) at ng Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI).

“Maaari ring maging senyales ‘yan para tingnan ng ating mga mambabatas ang pangangailangan na ayusin ang pasahod sa mga empleyado ng gobyerno, kaya nga nagkakaroon ngayon ng talakayan hinggil sa panibagong Salary Standardization Law, para maipatupad din ang inaasam na pagpapataas ng sahod sa iba’t ibang sektor, kabilang na ang mga sundalo, pulis, guro at iba pang government employees,” sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Buhatan sa PESO mipahigayon og PSEA training-workshop seminar

SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 4 (PIA) – Ang buhatan sa Surigao City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) mipahigayon og usa ka Training- Seminar mahitungod sa Public Service Ethics and Accountability (PSEA) bag-ohay pa lamang sa City Cultural Center ning dakbayan.

Tumong ug tinguha sa maong training-workshop  mao ang paghulma sa mga partisipante nga mamahimong madasigon og mas epektibo sa ilang trabaho sa paghatag sa tinood nga serbisyo publiko ug aron usab ma- minusan ang problema sa korupsyon sa matag buhatan sa  gobyerno.

Nahimong usa sa mga mamumulong mao si City Councilor Jose Begil, Jr, diin gipasabot niini ang mahitungod sa public ethics, accountability ug ethics of public service, culture and values, management roles and interventions, policies to fight corruption ug mga hinungdan ug epekto sa korupsyon.

Mikabat sa 80 ka mga indibidwal ang nahimong partisipantesa maong kalihukan  nga naga-gikan sa nagkalainlaing buhatan sa lokal nga pangagamhanan. (SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)