(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Sunday, 01 December 2024) Northeast Monsoon affecting Eastern section of Northern Luzon. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao. 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 cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. 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—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

DOE, AFOC to hold IEC Campaign on Phil. Coal Mining Laws

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) – The Department of Energy (DOE) in cooperation with the ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC) Philippines Incorporated, will be conducting an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the Philippine Coal Mining laws, rules and regulations, particularly the implementation of Department Circular No. DC 2012-05-0006 known as the Guidelines on the Accreditation of Coal Traders and Registration of Coal End-Users on August 5, 2014 at the Paper Country Inn, Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.

“As you may be aware, the circular was issued on May 22, 2012 to curb illegal coal mining and trading activities and to maximize the government revenues generated from coal mining,” cited lawyer and director Rino Abad of the Energy Resource Development Bureau.

Abad added that the IEC campaign is aimed at clarifying the provisions of the circular particularly the rights and obligations of accredited coal traders and registered coal end-users and other issues related to coal mining, trading and utilization.

The Department is mandated by Republic Act 7638 (Department of Energy Act of 1992) to prepare, integrate, coordinate, supervise and control all plans, programs, projects and activities of the Government relative to energy exploration, development, utilization, distribution and conservation.

In partnership with its stakeholders, DOE shall improve the quality of life of the Filipino by formulating and implementing policies and programs to ensure sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, and accessible energy. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


RDC-Caraga invites info officers to communicate RDP goal

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) – In order to properly communicate to the people the revised Caraga Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016, the Regional Development Council (RDC) through its secretariat, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga has gathered today the information officers from government agencies and local government units of the region for the Agents of Change Forum held in one of the convention centers, this city.

“Through the active cooperation of our information officers, they can help increase awareness; impart knowledge; and increase participation among target audiences, following a process of behavior change framework with the use of proven communication tools to appropriately communicate the goal of the RDP,” explained NEDA-Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Carino.

For the ‘practicing’ step of the process of behavior change, “we want to see Fishery, Agro-forestry, Mineral, and Eco-Tourism (FAME)-related industries created and that individuals, institutions, and communities are supporting Caraga’s goal of becoming the FAME center of the Philippines,” Carino added.

For advocacy, it intends to mobilize partners to become advocates in their individual offices, communities, and schools. The rest of the behavior change steps will be the conduct of activities that will provide avenue for influencers to model their behavior, provide resources and support to raise individual confidence, and provide incentives and rewards for the behaviors.

Carino emphasized that the communicators have the significant function of being catalyst of positive change in the government service and in the community. She also said that the key message is, “Be the Agent of Change,” that meaningfully encourage everyone to do noteworthy things in whatever they do and become agents of change for others to follow and emulate.

Carino also appreciated the full support of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga through regional director Abner Caga to the regional development council’s endeavors in expanding awareness by utilizing PIA’s communication platforms.

In her keynote speech, NEDA development information staff director Nerrisa Esguerra addressed the information officer participants to communicate credibly and clearly the revised RDP 2013-2016.

Since the big step forward has been initiated, “the challenge is to sustain the growth. Growth that matters to and benefits everyone, and that reduces poverty in general,” she said.

The RDP 2013-2016 is the blueprint to attain high and sustained economic growth,, increased job opportunities, sound environment, and improved quality of life. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Oxfam Phils. implements BINDS project in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) –The Oxfam Philippines is presently implementing a 30-month project funded by the AusAID called "Building Resilient and Adaptive Communities and Institutions in Mindanao (BINDS)" in 18 municipalities, in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Central Mindanao and Caraga regions, in partnership with local non-government organizations and local government units with funding support from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Mindanao Coordinator Dante Dalabajan of Oxfam bared that the goal of BINDS Project is for poor women and men to realize opportunities in the midst of uncertainties brought about by climate change. “It seeks to develop a deep understanding of the nature of risks facing people living in poverty, especially women, children and people with disabilities in an attempt to develop a comprehensive set of policies and programs which will build their resilience,” he said.

Dalabajan also revealed that the said project makes a case that equitable and inclusive growth is possible, if local communities are prepared for the uncertainties of conflict and climate change and are supported by local and national government.

“The lack of disaster early warning system is one of the top priorities identified in the adaptation and risk reduction (ARR) plan of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, a town which is frequently inundated by flash floods. The LGU in collaboration with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the BINDS project has set up weather instruments and computers which generate high resolution weather data,” relayed Dalabajan.

Also, Dalabajan further disclosed that one of the key thrusts of the Abaca production in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur is to develop the existing livelihoods present in the project sites in a way that the livelihood sources will be better able to cope with uncertainties. “In Lanuza, where abaca (Manila hemp) production is one of the main sources of income. The project encouraged the local community members to intercrop abaca with other cash and sustenance crops. The total trading volume of abaca fiber has reached over 65 thousand kilograms from October 2013 to April 2014. Gross sales from October 2013 to March 2014 have reached almost 2.4-million pesos,” he said.

As to what needs to be done still by Oxfam, Dalabajan highlighted that the BINDS Project will build from what it has started by ensuring that the systems are in place which will make the communities and the local governments better able to deal with the risks brought about by climate change and disasters. Oxfam and its partners are ensuring that the project will have enough resources to pursue the project priorities which could go beyond the current DFAT funding.

“Some of these priorities include: Agriculture warning system – setting up reliable climate information centers, most especially prior to, during, and following a disaster, and establishing vertical linkages of the local data centers to PAGASA and horizontally to communities through innovative information technologies; national and local level advocacy and campaigning by Oxfam and partners, to lobby for enabling policies, gendered programs, investments and budgets, whether public or private, that promote climate adaptation and risk reduction initiatives, and finance,” emphasized Dalabajan.

Oxfam is a vibrant international movement of passionate, dedicated people fighting poverty together and doing amazing work together. They have programs for the vulnerable families in the different regions of the country especially those mostly affected during calamity/disaster. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga RDC to conduct 'Be the Agent of Change' competitions

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga region through its secretariat – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is calling all Caraganons to join the “Be the Agent of Change” competitions, the Jingle-Making, Canvass Painting and Photography competitions.

According to the regional director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Carino of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, the contest is open to all interested Caraganons.

For the Jingle-Making contest, all interested amateur and professional songwriters, whether group or individual are invited to join.

Carino also said, the contest song entries must not be more than 60 seconds in length and should bear the theme “Be the Agent of Change.”

Original composition should be submitted at NEDA office located Nimfa Tiu Bldg. 1, J. Rosales Avenue, this city.

Entries that will get the first place will receive P15,000; second place will also get P10,000; and P5,000 will be given to the third place winner.

For the Photography competition, the RDC is also inviting hobbyist, novices and professionals who are also residents of the region.

The original photos should be submitted at NEDA Caraga office and should also bear the theme “Be the Agent of Change”.

Photos that will be judged as the first place winner will get P4,000; second place – P3,000; third place – P2,000; and the most like photo will receive P4,000.

The submission of entries for both the Jingle-Making and Photography Competitions is from August 5 to 31, 2014.

For the Canvass Painting Competition, each Schools Division is entitled to have one official representative to participate. The competition will be held on September 30 at Robinsons Place here.

The Canvass Painting competition is open to bonafide high school students from any school in the region provided they are endorsed by their respective Schools Division.

The dimension of the canvass painting shall be three feet by two feet (3 ft. x 2 ft.) and should bear the advocacy logo “Be the Agent of Change.”

A cash prize will be given to winners: first prize will get P5,000; second – P4,000; and third prize winner will get P3,000.

All the participants of the Canvass Painting Competition will receive cash of P2,000 each and the coach will also be given P1,000 each.

For more details and mechanics of the competitions, visit caraga.neda.gov.ph/Caraga or call tel. no. (085) 341-4195.

The contest is also sponsored by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fΓΌr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


SERTSS Hinatuan champs 1st JTP Rescuelympic in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, July 30 (PIA) – The (Search and Emergency Rescue Team of Surigao Sur) SERTSS-Hinatuan was proclaimed as the grand winner in the recently held 1st JTP (Johnny T. Pimentel) Rescuelympic in Surigao del Sur.

SERTSS-Hinatuan received a cash prize worth P30,000.00 plus trophy. Meanwhile, SERTSS-Cagwait was adjudged as second place winner with P20,000.00 cash prize plus trophy, and SERTSS-Bayabas as third place winner with P10,000.00 cash prize plus trophy.

The awarding ceremony was held Tuesday night at the Capitol Seminar House here during the Disaster Consciousness Month culmination program. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaularan.”

According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) officer Abel de Guzman, there were eight local government units comprising the City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officers joined in the two-day activity.

"We have to thanked the municipalities of Bayabas, Barobo, Cagwait, Carrascal, Hinatuan, Lanuza, Bislig City and Tandag City for their participation. They all competed in the three main events, the Trauma Management, WASAR (Water Search and Rescue) Management and Relays," de Guzman said.

De Guzman further said that SERTSS-Bayabas was also proclaimed as Best in Trauma Management while SERTSS-Cagwait was named as Best in WASAR Management. They all received the Search and Rescue Emergency Kit worth P5,000.00 each plus trophy. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


AgSur conducts HEO competency assessment in Western Visayas

By Engr. Norberto B. Dorado

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 30 (PIA) - The value and importance of acquiring a National Certificate (NC) from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) was realized when workers in one of the companies in Ormoc City, Leyte recently undergo competency assessment on Heavy Equipment Operation – Rigid-On-Highway Dumptruck.

Accordingly, the company has coordinated with TESDA-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office for the registered Assessment Center in West Agusan College (WAC), Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur under Mirafe Omanglad, the school’s administrator.

WAC competency assessor Kiven Londres conducted the competency assessment in PASAR Foundation, Inc. at Isabel, Ormoc, Leyte with 31 examinees composed of 10 females and 21 males.

The female trainees were trained in one of the training centers in Cebu City at Gen. Maxilom Avenue, Brgy. Lorega, Cebu City. Out of the 31 examinees, all female trainees passed the competency assessment while 18 out of 21 or 85.71% of the male trainees have passed.

It was learned that some companies in Leyte like the Caballero Equipment wanted that they will also be scheduled for the conduct of competency assessment since this will provide them with skilled workers and develop their own pool of trainers in the area.

This undertaking supports the Human Development Cluster of the Philippine Development Plan under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III. (TESDA-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Caraga)


Disaster Consciousness celebration in SurSur highlights 1st Gov. Johnny T. Pimentel Rescuelympic; gets praise from PNP SERTSS member

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, July 30 (PIA) – The observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July in Surigao del Sur highlighted the 1st Governor Johnny T. Pimentel Rescuelympic for its celebration.

SPO1 Ranilo Malong, an active member of the Search and Rescue Team of Surigao del Sur (SERTSS) and the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the Police Provincial Office (PPO) under Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, came out with all praises for the first ever “rescuelympic,” saying that the holding of the event has enhanced the skills and capacity of all the members of the participating teams not only individually but collectively.

As representative of the PNP, he stressed that the two-day affair held on July 28-29 at Surigao del Sur Sports Center was joined in by eight local government units’ (LGUs’) SERTSS chapter delegations coming from the city and municipal levels, citing the  towns of Bayabas, Barobo, Cagwait, Carrascal, Hinatuan, and Lanuza besides the city of Bislig and Tandag.

Malong, who was also among the members of the steering committee, noted that before the competition proper was started for the entire duration of the affair, an opening program was held, followed shortly by briefing/orientation for the Board of Judges, City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (C/MDRRMOs), as well as Team Leaders.

He pointed out that the competing teams vied for the relays, trauma, and water search and rescue (WASAR), and other related events.

Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Executive Officer Abel De Guzman bared that for the major awards Hinatuan was declared champion; Cagwait-second; and, Bayabas-third, adding that under the special awards, Bayabas got the Best in Trauma Management; and Cagwait, the Best in WASAR Management. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Army 36IB to mark 40th Founding Anniversary

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, July 30 (PIA) – The 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) led by Lt. Col. (LTC) Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr., with its headquarters located at Sitio Mambago, Barangay Dayo-an, Tago town in Surigao del Sur is set to mark its 40th Founding Anniversary on August 1, 2014.

In a letter to Governor Johnny Pimentel, Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Suaybaguio, invited the province’s chief executive to grace the occasion and, at the same time, informed him as one of the “awardees” during the affair that will start at 10:00 a.m.

In his introductory statement, the army officer stressed the battalion’s “commitment to bridge communities towards a united and peaceful Surigao del Sur.”

Meanwhile, based on the official program, the occasion is split into three parts:  Arrival Honors for Commander, 4th Infantry Division, Maj. General Ricardo Visaya; Anniversary Program Proper; and Lunch.

Suaybaguio emphasized that M/Gen. Visaya is going to be their Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Part of the program is also the message of Gov. Pimentel.

Meanwhile, Suaybaguio confirmed that their anniversary celebration has started since July 25 with various activities being carried out.

Since Day 1, the activities include Give a Gift with LGU-Tandag; Bike for Peace; Sponsored Mass; Libreng Serbisyo with TESDA; and the Medical/Dental Community Action Program (MEDCAP), besides the Display of Tourism/Agro-products from July 29-August 2.

However, the conduct of a family day for the “troops and their dependents” aimed at further strengthening their “bond and commitment in being instruments of peace in the area of responsibility” will likewise form part of the culmination program, it was learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Caraga RDC endorses fiscal year 2015 proposed budgets

By Sherwin E. Verdun

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 (PIA) - The Regional Development Council (RDC) endorsed the fiscal year 2015 proposed budgets of regional line agencies and state colleges and universities of Caraga during its 78th Full Council Meeting recently.

The Caraga RDC endorsed a total of PhP32.83 billion proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 after a rigorous process of consultation with different stakeholders including civil society organizations.

About 65% of the total endorsed budget went to the Social Sector amounting to PhP21.32 billion. The Economic Sector has a proposed budget of PhP9.2 billion; the Infrastructure Sector has a budget of PhP1.4 billion; while the Development Administration Sector has a budget of PhP0.88 billion.

The biggest portion of the Social Sector budget is for the Department of Education (DepEd) amounting to PhP12.9 billion. (NEDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur vet office cites gains in 2014 mid-year accomplishment report

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 30 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Gervacio Yparraguirre bared his 2014 mid-year accomplishment report.

In a 12-page documents, Dr. Yparraguirre particularly pointed out to Animal Health Program, Animal Treatment, Animal Product By-Product Utilization (APBPU), Laboratory Services, and other major undertakings.

However, his report highlighted more on the first three major tasks:  Animal Health Program, Animal Treatment, and Laboratory Services, stressing that everything has been “ongoing.”

Under Animal Health Program, Yparraguirre put premium on vaccination, de-worming, and vitamins and iron supplementation while on Animal Treatment, castration and spaying were particularly cited, besides parturition and farrowing.

Also, under Laboratory Services, Dr. Yparraguirre mentioned about surra eradication and control program, fecalysis, and swine blood sampling.

It was learned that the said report had already been presented during the Mid-year Review and Assessment for the Agri-Pinoy Livestock Banner Program held on July 8-9 at Almont Beach Resort in Lipata, Surigao City. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Tagalog News: Pangulong Aquino inatasan ang DOE na makipagtulungan sa ibang sektor para matugunan ang kakulangan sa enerhiya

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hulyo 30 (PIA) - Inatasan ni Pangulong Aquino si Kalihim ng Enerhiya Jericho Petilla na mikipag-ugnayan sa ibang sektor ng industriya para matugunan ang problema sa kakulungan ng enerhiya.

Ang bansa ay kailangang maghanda para sa pinakamalala na makita tulad ng kapag ang suplay ng enerhiya ay kulang dahil sa banta ng El Nino o kaya kapag ang mga planta ng enerhiya ay huminto dahil sa nasira o kaya inaayos, sabi ng Pangulo noong siya ay nagbalangkas ng kanyang Ulat sa Bayan noong Lunes.

"Ang habol natin: kumpletong paghahanda para hindi tayo maparalisa sakaling mangyari ang worst-case scenario. Dapat, kahit sa susunod na taon pa uusbong ang problema, meron na tayong pinaplanong solusyon para dito," sabi niya.

"Kaya nga po inatasan ko si Secretary Petilla ng DOE: Makipag-ugnayan sa Joint Congressional Power Commission, sa Energy Regulatory Commission, sa industriya, at pinakaimportante sa mga consumer, upang madagdagan ang kakayahan nating tugunan ang problema sa enerhiya."

Sineguro ng Pangulo sa publiko na ginagawa ng pamahalaan lahat para matugunan ang kasalukuyan at mga darating na problema sa suplay ng kuryente.

Ang El Nino ay maaring magpababa ng paglikha ng koryente at magpataas din ng pangangailangan kaya ang bansa ay kailangang maghanda sa hindi pa dumating ito dahil ang paggawa ng plantang pang-enerhiya ay kailangang gumugol ng taon-taon, sabi ng Pangulo. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)