(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.


Monday, July 7, 2014

NRCO-Caraga continues to provide livelihood assistance, skills training to OFWs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – “Along with our partner government agencies under the Department of Labor and Employment, we in the National Reintegration Center for the Overseas Filipino Workers are also providing livelihood assistance and skills training to OFWs in Caraga region.”

This was the statement of Labor and Employment Officer Nancy Jacinto of National Reintegration Center for the Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO) Caraga during a press conference on Monday with the member-agencies of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) held in one of the local convention centers here.

Jacinto also bared that their office has released P530,000.00 for some 53 distressed or displaced OFWs. "We were also able to process/submit 163 applications for the P10,000.00 Livelihood Assistance under review to date," she said.

“With the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, we monitored 100 OFWs/families who were given an Entrepreneurial Development Training and Financial Literacy Training in the entire Caraga region,” revealed Jacinto.

Jacinto further relayed that in partnership with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and DOLE, the NRCO has provided ISTIV training to 21 OFWs with P10,000.00 livelihood assistance beneficiaries as continuous enhancement and support in the creation of entities of the OFWs/families.

The ISTIV Bayanihan Training is a values-driven human resource strategy for quality and productivity (Q&P) improvement that is rooted on the following five (5) ideal attributes of a productive individual: Industrious, Systematic, Time-conscious, Innovative and strong value for work (ISTIV).

The program aims to provide technical support for the growth of the microenterprises to become productive and competitive in the market arena.

“Our targets for this second quarter include the following: provision/release of livelihood assistance to each of the 163 OFWs already submitted to central office amounting to P10,000.00; conduct of Financial Awareness Seminar to 250 OFWs/families (4 seminars; 1 per province; 50 participants per province); conduct of Small Business Management Training (ISTIV Bayanihan) to 250 OFWs/families who will also benefit the P10,000.00 livelihood assistance; and conduct of four Skills Training (as needed/in demand) to 63 distressed/displaced women OFWs for Balik Pinay Hanapbuhay Program,” revealed Jacinto.

The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), an agency of the Department of Labor and Employment was institutionalized pursuant to Republic Act 10022 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Center provides the mechanism for the OFWs’ reintegration into Philippine society, serves as a promotion house for their local employment, and tap their skills and potentials for national development. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 


Safety, protection of workers our main priority, says DOLE-13 chief

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – In a press conference on Monday, regional director Atty. Johnson Cañete of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga stressed that safety and protection of workers in the region are their main priorities aside from provision of livelihood assistance and employment programs.

"The Occupational Safety and Health Training with contractors and companies' safety officers in Caraga is ongoing today at the Balanghai Hotel, this city, and said training will end on Friday. This is one of the requirements for accreditation for the Safety Practitioners in the region," said Cañete.

Cañete added that along with their programs, DOLE has also been implementing the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, six months Government Internship Program, Emergency Employment Program in the different congressional districts in the region, and Livelihood Programs in the provinces.

“Guided with our mission to promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare, and maintain industrial peace, the DOLE is doing our best to look after the issues and concerns of our workers and provide them the services they deserve,” Cañete emphasized.

On its livelihood assistance, Cañete disclosed that DOLE-Caraga has already implemented 13 projects in the region having 3,980 beneficiaries, and released the total amount of P11,537,388.00.

It was also learned from the good director that on June 30, 2014, 120 individuals from the Industrial Tripartite Councils of Construction, Plantation, Transportation, Education, Wood-based, Security, Gen. and Other Services, Eco-Tourism and Mining gathered for the first time to sign and signify their commitment towards the adoption of Voluntary Code of Good Practices.

“The Voluntary Code of Good Practices involves the promotion of labor laws compliance system, occupational health and safety, productivity, dispute settlement, collaboration of government partners, corporate social responsibility and monitoring code,” bared Cañete. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DTI releases P650K for enterprise development project in Bacuag

SURIGAO CITY, July 7 (PIA) – A total of P650,000.00 was released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the municipal government of Bacuag during the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeitng held recently at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

The purpose of the said fund is to support the development of two micro-enterprise projects and the establishment of an online business name registration hub under the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) Program of the national government.

The two mircro-enterprise projects are the Shared Service Facility for Nipa Sugar Production of the Cabugao First Farmers Consumers Cooperative costing P250,000.00 and the Shared Service Facility for Banana Processing of Payapag Women's Organization with project cost of P200,000.00.

The Online Business Registration Hub project costing P200,000.00 will be implemented by the municipal government in coordination with DTI to enable online business name registration right at the Business Permit Licensing Office of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.

The project aims to help local entrepreneurs save their cost on travelling to the city just to register their business names at the DTI Provincial Office.

Bacuag municipal mayor Sheila Cebedo expressed her heartfelt thanks to DTI officials for the financial support which are intended to help her constituents in the municipality.

She is hopeful that with the assistance of DTI, the micro-enterprise project beneficiaries will be able to augment their household income thereby achieving the goal on poverty reduction through the BUB Program.

DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo O. Pagaran and Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan handed the checks for the three projects to mayor Sheila Mae O. Cebedo during the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting witnessed by Surigao del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas and members of the RDC. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte /PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Agusan Norte town celebrates 93rd charter day, highlights DSWD poverty-reduction programs

By Eunice G. Montaos

JABONGA, Agusan del Norte, July 7 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga warmly graced the 93rd charter day celebration of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on July 1, 2014.

One highlight of the activity is the conduct of the very first tagpo (summit) for Poverty-Reduction Programs (PRP) in Jabonga which showcased the different accomplishments in project implementation which contributed the positive shift of the poverty incidence of the municipality.

DSWD PRPs which presented booths were the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), KALAHI CIDSS-National Community-Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Social Pension, and Supplemental Feeding.

Their activity was dubbed “Tiunay na Kabag-ohan sanan Malahutajon na Pag-umad sa Naangkon na Kinaiyahan Dayan sa Malambuon na Habongan (Profound Changes and Sustainable Development Achieved Paves Way for a More Progressive Jabonga).”

“DSWD Caraga takes pride and honor to be a part not only in the celebration of this municipality, but equally important in the struggles towards this development which is the inclusive growth,” said assistant regional director for Administration Nerisa T. Murih, who represented regional director Minda B. Brigoli.

Murih also expressed her appreciation about the strong commitment of the local government officials in the municipality.

“The DSWD can do nothing without the support of the LGUs. Thus, we can infer that this glorious success that Jabonga has attained, is a product of the unity and convergence of the national government, the local government, and the communities,” she added.

Vice Mayor Glicerio M. Monton pronounced during his message the great contribution of the DSWD’s social protection programs, most especially the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) in reducing poverty in their locale.

“More or less, 48 sub-projects are implemented by community volunteers amounting to P55M, with the technical assistance provided by DSWD, in partnership with the municipal/barangay local government units (B/MLGUs),” he added.

“Jabonga is a testament that CDD really works,” shared Monton referring to the experience of the municipality in which they replicated the Kalahi-CIDSS process in implementing another sub-project using the LGU funds.

Along with the activity, the LGU of Jabonga handed-in trophies of recognition, dubbed as Salamat Karadjaw award, to the persons and agencies who/which had provided exemplary service and contribution to the municipality’s development.

The DSWD Caraga is one of the recipients of the said award, as well as the four of the Office’s staff namely Maryfel B. Jerios (Municipal Monitor for KC-Makamasang Tugon), Joan B. Rapisura (Project Development Officer for LeADGOV), Nora Petallo (Provincial Coordinator for SLP), and assistant regional director Mita G. Lim (for her outstanding and noteworthy support in the implementation of KC sub-projects).

“It is time for the Habongans to show our gratefulness to our partners in development; this is our way of showing our sincere and deep gratitude,” said Mayor Jasmin F. Monton. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)


RTR farmers receive new market center from DAR

By Joie L. Ceballos

REMEDIOS T. ROMUALDEZ, Agusan del Norte, July 7 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) handed the P2.67 million municipal agrarian information and marketing center (AIMC) to the cluster of people’s organization of the municipality of Remedios T. Romuladez (RTR), Agusan del Norte on July 4, 2014.

The 36-square meter building will serve as the farmer’s one-stop market and training center. “The idea is patterned after the success of the AIMC in Butuan City which is run by the Federation of Agrarian Reform Communities Cooperatives (FEDARRCO) of Agusan Norte and Butuan City,” said DAR Caraga regional director Faisar Mambuay.

RTR Mayor Ernie Ceniza thanked the DAR for the support it gave to the farmers of the municipality. In a message through a representative, Agusan Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba vowed the provincial office’s support to the agrarian reform efforts in the province.

Meanwhile, the recipients expressed its gratitude to DAR. “The wait is not in vain. Thank you to DAR who always keeps its eye on us,” says Marivic Virtudazo, farmer and leader of the recipient-cluster of organizations. (DAR-13/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Norte guv to deliver SOPA

SURIGAO CITY, July 7 (PIA) – Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas will deliver her State of the Province Address (SOPA) today during the 52nd Special Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The special session will be presided by Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., which will start at 1:30 p.m. at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

The lady governor is expected to outline the past year’s accomplishments of the provincial government under her administration as well as highlight important plans of the province in the next two years.

Two congressional representatives of the province, the municipal mayors, regional directors and representatives of different national government agencies, provincial government department heads, members of the academe, non-government organizations, socio-civic organizations and the media are expected to attend the said event. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


SurSur tourism chief glad over launch of direct Cebu-Tandag flight

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, July 7 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Tourism Office Chief Nicolas Sonsona was so overjoyed over the launched on June 30 of a direct flight from Cebu-Tandag-Cebu route using a 72-seater ATR aircraft.

According to Sonsona, the initial Monday-Wednesday-Friday flight schedule of the Cebu Pacific will certainly help boost not only the tourism industry here but the economic status of the province as well.

“The resumption of commercial flight at Tandag City Airport will definitely be a plus factor for Surigao del Sur especially by having a reliable airline to cater to the needs of the people who are always 'on-the-go,'” he added.

With the long absence of a commercial flight in Tandag City Airport, people who would want to take the plane to and from Surigao del Sur have no choice but to travel for five grueling hours by land to Butuan City or for eight hours to Davao City, it was learned.

Sonsona was also delighted with Governor Johnny Pimentel who he said committed support to the said airlines by way of encouraging the public to patronize its services.

But even long before the maiden flight of the Cebu Pacific took place, the tourism officer has already been bragging that Tandag City is going to be its 34th domestic travel destination. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


PSA gears up for July 2014 LFS, annual poverty indicators surveys

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga will conduct the July 2014 Labor Force Survey together with the 2014 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey from July 8 to July 31, 2014. The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide quarterly survey of households conducted by the PSA to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population.

The LFS aims to provide a quantitative framework for the preparations of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market.

The 2014 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) will also be undertaken as a rider to the LFS, this is a nationwide sample survey designed to provide information on the different non-income and income-based indicators related to poverty. The 2014 APIS is the 10th in a series of Annual Poverty Indicators Survey conducted nationwide by the National Statistics Office (NSO) since 1998, NSO is of one of the agencies merged with three other agencies (BAS, NSCB, BLES) and now known as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The survey will gather data on the socio-economic profile of families and other information that are related to their living conditions.

The July 2014 LFS covers about 50,000 sample households nationwide. This sample size will allow the generation of reliable estimates of indicators of employment and some other important indicators from LFS at the regional level. Meanwhile, the 2014 APIS will include about 13,000 sample housing unit nationwide. The APIS sample size is deemed sufficient to provide reliable estimates of non-income indicators at the national and regional levels and national estimate of poverty incidence, with the first semester of 2014 as the reference period.

In Caraga Region, the Statistical Researchers or Interviewers will be visiting around 2,209 LFS households and 528 LFS/APIS sample households. The sample is deemed sufficient to provide reliable estimates of non-income indicators for this region.

NSO Field Staff and selected trained Statistical Researchers will do a comprehensive door-to-door interview to the sample households during enumeration period. NSO would like to assure the respondents that all information furnished to the SRs are strictly confidential and shall not be used as evidence in court for purposes of taxation, regulation or investigation as provided for in Section 4 of Commonwealth Act No. 591. (NSO/PIA-Caraga)


Hundreds served in 'health care on wheels' roadshow

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, July 7 (PIA) – Hundreds of beneficiaries representing women, men, youth and elderly sectors in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Provinces were being catered well with health information and services during the recently concluded DOH on Wheels: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Roadshow in the above areas.

Said areas were chosen as beneficiaries since the availability and services of health providers in these areas are not enough to cater the thousands of citizens living there.

The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga Region, as partner of the activity, had facilitated Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) and U4U sessions. The KATROPA session had helped men in contributing for the improvement of the maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition (MNCHN) conditions among families. Likewise, the young people of the said provinces were trained to promote healthy lifestyle and responsible sexuality in order to avoid early sexual engagement, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, sexually transmitted infections and other psycho-social concerns.

PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander Makinano stressed the importance of the young people especially in the programs of the Department of Health (DOH) and PopCom for they are vulnerable to engage in pre-marital sex, teenage pregnancy and early marriages. Makinano added that through the U4U session, these young people became more equipped with life skills on sexuality such as thinking critically, making good decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Further, PopCom Executive Director Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III enunciated that the presence and support of husbands to their wives are very important. As parents, they should have to see, decide and plan things wisely such as birth spacing, how many children to have, and the family’s financial stability, for these will greatly affect the situation of the family. He added that husbands should think ways on how to help and support their wives.

“Hindi lamang ang kababaihan ang dapat pumasok sa mga programa ng family planning at reproductive health kundi ang mga kalalakihan ay dapat ding ma-involve dito. May mga paraan na ang kalalakihan ay mahalagang kasama, katulad ng paggamit ng contraceptives kung nararapat,” ED Perez emphasized.

In an interview with DOH Undersecretary Janette L. Garin, she stated that, “Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands are two of the provinces na masarap tulungan at sila din ay paminsan-minsan lang nadadalaw at napupuntahan ng ating pamahalaan o gobyerno. Ang mga areas na ito ang pupuntahan nang sa ganun maramdaman ng mga tao na kahit saang sulok nang Pilipinas willing po ang departamento na maghatid ng tulong.”

The event showcased 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 as maintained by DOH, PopCom and other attached agencies. (POPCOM-13/PIA-Caraga)