(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 10 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, August 28, 2014

Jabonga slippers sold out at 2014 NSTW

By Roberto Zandro J. Olaguer

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) - The water hyacinth slippers locally produced by the Jabonga Water Hyacinth Handicraft Makers assisted by DOST Caraga under its community empowerment for science and technology project was among the products from the region exhibited during the 2014 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW)  celebration at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Having their product featured in the NSTW celebration exhibits and selling like hotcakes at the bazaar, has provided the Jabonga weavers a benchmark on the saleability of their products in the metropolis.

NSTW is an annual event that showcases the different projects being undertaken by DOST to contribute to national development efforts. During this event, people from all sectors in the country come to view the variety of projects and products on display. This provides an invaluable opportunity for the stakeholders of the different projects to promote their products / services and possibly come up with other collaborative projects.

An estimated 200,000 viewers visited the exhibits.

The Jabonga Water Hyacinth Handicraft Makers is one of the beneficiary organizations of DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Project.

CEST project of DOST provides technology interventions in education, health, disaster risk reduction, and enterprise development to a marginalized community. This will eventually help them improve their lives, most especially in the social and economic aspect. (DOST-13/PIA-Caraga)


5 DENR Mindanao execs try to break World Record in tree seedlings planted

By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) - The five regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Mindanao are joining efforts in attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most number of trees planted in one hour in multiple locations currently held by India.

The massive tree planting activities shall be held simultaneous with the other regional offices for one hour from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. tentatively scheduled on September 26, 2014 which is incidentally the 114th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service Commission.

This event shall be participated by the DENR employees including workers and supporters from the various agencies of the national and local government, the private sector, students from the primary, secondary and college in both public and private schools throughout Southern Philippines.

To date, India holds the World Record of the most number of tree seedlings that have been planted in one hour when the 340,200 participants planted 1,945,535 from 8:30am to 9:30 am on August 15, 2011. That record is being held, by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, a social reformer, preacher, spiritual leader and the head of the India-based socio-spiritual organization Dera Sacha Sauda.

The Philippines will attempt to break that record by targeting to plant more than 4.6 million tree seedlings in one hour, a feat never done before. According to DENR Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo, it shall be a good contribution to the National Greening Program of the DENR which has been aiming to reach the target of 1.5 billion tree seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of lands over six year period from 2011 to 1016.

“We hope we can get the people’s full participation in this great endeavor. More than breaking the record, we would like to make a statement that in line with mitigating climate change, there is a need for us to plant as many trees as possible. This activity paves the way to encouraging more people in participating in our campaign on climate change advocacy.” Director Tamayo said.

The five DENR regional directors including Arleigh J. Adorable of Region 9 (Pagadian City), Ruth Tawantawan of Region 10 (Cagayan de Oro City), Joselina Marcus Fragada of Region 11 (Davao City), Datu Tungko M. Saikol of Region 12 (South Cotobato) and Director Tamayo of Region 13 (Butuan City) have initially met at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City during a conference with DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje recently to discuss their plan of actions.

They agreed to work closely together to keep the vision of “breaking the record of India” alive in their main agenda everyday.

Director Tamayo said he has created a Technical Working Committee which shall focus on the preparation and groundwork of this event. The members of this committee are Forester Nilda G. Ebron as chair to be assisted by Doctor Maricar Aguilos and Eric Herson F. Gallego as members. Seven committees were also formed under Ebron which included the Writing Committee headed by Antonieta Jurado, Site Identification and Mapping Committee headed by Forester Rene Piencenavez, the Site Preparation, Hauling of Seedlings and Geo-tagging Committee headed by Forester Leonila Rosales, Coordination/Networking Committee headed by Forester Erlin C. Sanchez, Ways and Means Committee headed by the Chief of Finance Division, Racelyn Argosino, the Promotion and Documentation Committee headed by Josephine Araojo and Logistics Committee headed by Forester Raul Rosales.

The Caraga Executive Committee for the activity is chaired by Director Tamayo who will be assisted by the OIC, Regional Technical Director of Forest Management Services Maritess M. Ocampo, Ronilo L. Salac of the Protected Areas and Wildlife, Coastal Zone Management and Ecosystem Research and Development Sector and Atty. Paquito R. Rosal of the Land Management Sector. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)


RSY multi-trade shop bags Regional Best SETUP Adoptor Award

By Nancy L. Charcos

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 28 (PIA) - In recognition of the exemplary and commendable performance in terms of affecting improvement in the quality of products and services rendered to customers, RSY Multi Trade Shop of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) gained Regional Best SETUP adoptor during the DOST’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2014 celebration recently at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.

Plaque of Recognition and a cash prize of P10,000.00 was personally awarded by DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to Robert S. Yuipco, firm’s owner and manager, together with his wife Honorata A. Yuipco during one of the highlight activities of NSTW, “Celebrating Emerging Innovators.”

Yuipco said he was very thankful for the privilege to be given such recognition and most especially for the technology assistance of DOST which greatly contributed to the success of the industry. Said opportunity also contributes to the credibility and reliability of the firm.

According to him, it was even the first time that his efforts to be afloat in running his business was recognized. It was a big advance birthday gift for him, he added.

The  award was also a form of recognition of the firm’s good standing in complying its commitment to return what has been infused by DOST to the company.

RSY Multi Trade Shop is a single proprietorship business enterprise started in 1978 which offers only welding and fabrication and was able to expand its operation after few years into machine shop, welding and fabrication, automotive-electrical services, plastic signages, plaques and tarpaulins, allied services (septic tank and construction), and the latest, pension house and catering services. It has gained attention and recognition among customers and partners making it the leading machine shop in Surigao City.

Through SETUP, their capability in servicing large engines and machines primarily for large mining companies in Surigao del Norte has improved.

The company had also been one of the many Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program beneficiaries of DOST in assistance for the firm’s product competitiveness.  (PSTD-Suriao del Norte/PIA-Caraga)


OWWA Caraga organizes EDT for displaced Caraganon OFWs

By Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) - In line with the reintegration services afforded to the displaced OFWs in need of technical and livelihood assistance, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office Caraga organized two batches of Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) for the displaced Caraganon OFWs held at OWWA Caraga Training Hall on August 18 and 22, respectively.

Sixty-six (66) displaced OFWs coming from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte, this region, participated in the said training. OWWA Caraga Family Welfare Officer Lorie Ann Hilongos served as the facilitator of the activity.
          
The one-day training session tackled concept of entrepreneurship, financial literacy and writing a business plan. The participants likewise underwent a Potential Entrepreneurial Competency Test (PECT). Hilongos said, the PECT contains self-rating questionnaires which involves 10 characteristics that are most likely possessed by an entrepreneur.
          
“We conducted the Potential Entrepreneurial Competency Test in order to evaluate the entrepreneurial capabilities of the participants,” said Hilongos.
          
Moreover, OWWA RWO Caraga OIC regional director Eduardo Bellido encouraged the participants to be creative in selecting the kind of business they will venture in such a way that they can really gain profit.
          
Bellido suggested to the OFWs to initially identify the basic necessities of the target customers prior to the establishment of an enterprise. “Let us be sensitive kung ano man ang pangangailangan ng ating community, so that if you will intend to venture in a sari-sari store alam n’yo na kung ano ang ititinda at paano magpepresyo,” shared Bellido.
          
Bellido added, that the OWWA is willing to conduct techno skills training for the displaced OFWs to provide more livelihood opportunities that will generate a sustainable source of income.
          
One of the participants, Marlon Guion, a displaced worker in Libya, expressed his gratitude to be able to join in the said training which accordingly has given him new insights about business. “Daghan jud ko nakat-unan sa training nga mahimo nakong giya sa pagnegosyo (I learned a lot in the training which can serve as my guide in starting my business)," Guion said.

Guion has worked in Tripoli, Libya as a Plumber Technician for only eight (8) months. Fearing for his life in strife-torn state, he went home on April and took chances to avail of the livelihood assistance from OWWA.

As provided for in Memorandum Order No. MD-110-468 dated December 13, 2013, OWWA is responsible for preparatory activities to qualified beneficiaries for livelihood fund assistance with priority given to distressed OFWs who have returned to the Philippines for not more than three (3) years.

The EDT is a primary requirement in order to avail of OWWA’s livelihood assistance dubbed as “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” Program that grants livelihood starter kits amounting to P10,000.00 to the displaced OFWs to serve as a startup business. (OWWA-13/PIA-Caraga)


ASELCO honors past officials, employees; recollects accomplishments during founding anniv

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Aug. 28 (PIA) - The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO) celebrated on Tuesday its 37th founding anniversary with a theme: “Panaghiusa Alang Sa MalamboongKaugmaon.”

The event started with a concelebrated thanksgiving mass at 9:00 a.m. followed by a fellowship in the afternoon. Blessing and inauguration of the main office building, giving of plaques of recognition to former board presidents of ASELCO, giving of commemorative ring to employees in their 20 years of service, and a cultural presentation by the employees highlighted the celebration.

This year’s celebration was graced by Hon. Edita S. Bueno, administrator of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) being the guest of honor. Engr. Edilberto I. Bassig, NEA deputy administrator for Field Operations Group (Management Assistant Group); Mr. Vicente C. Noble, NEA consultant; and Engr. Eduardo R. Piamonte, deputy administrator for Electric Distribution Utilities Services also attended and delivered inspirational messages.

ASELCO’s 37th founding anniversary celebration kicked-off with a Tree Planting activity at the Main Office Tree Park in San Isidro, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, including the opening of sportsfest last July 5, 2014. A bloodletting activity in partnership with Philippine Red Cross was also conducted last July 21, 2014 at the ASELCO Covered Court, led by General Manager Engr. Emmanuel B. Galarse.

“I especially dedicate this year’s celebration and commemoration to the former general managers, past and present board of directors, to all the retired and presently-working employees, and most especially to the ever supportive member-consumers. Because of you, all our dreams, hopes and aspirations are now a reality,” GM Galarse said during his speech.

ASELCO was formally organized and registered with NEA in August 26, 2014 with Certificate of Registration No. 91 at Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusandel Sur. (DMS/ASELCO News Team/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Surigao REACT team mipahigayon ug  First Aid/ Basic Life Support training

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Agosto 28 (PIA) – Ang mga miyembro sa Radio Emergency Assistance Communication Team (REACT) ning syudad mipahigayon og tulo ka adlaw nga First Aid/Basic Life Support Training niadtong Agosto 21-23, 2014 didto sa 2nd Floor 3B’s Electrical Equipment Shop, Borromeo Street, ning dakbayan.

Ang maong tulo ka adlaw nga kalihukan nagdala sa tema nga, “Kaligtasan Mo, Pinaghahandaan Ko.”

Sumala ni REACT Group Executive Chief city councilor Baltazar Abian ang ilang organisasyon maoy muhimo sa maong pagbansay uban sa pakigtambayayong sa buhatan sa City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) aron paghatag ug dugang kaalam kalabot na sa first aid ug mga basic life support nga magamit panahon sa pag responde kung adunay emerhensya o kalamidad.

Atol sa maong kalihukan nahimong pinasidungang bisita mao si Atty. Manuel Coro ang CDRRM Officer ning syudad.

Matud ni Atty. Corro nga pinaagi sa maong training mas mapalapdan pa niini ang adbokasiya sa  R.A. 10121 o an act of Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System ug ang adbokasiya sa volunteerism o pagtinabangay. (SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Walay basehan ang pagpa-impeach sa Presidente, ang katawhan sa gihapon nagasuporta sa 'daang matuwid' - Lacierda

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Agosto 28 (PIA) - Ang Palasyo nagtuo nga walay basehan ang reklamo sa impeachment nga gisang-at batok kang Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III, diin ang repormang hilisgotanan sa  gihapon padayon nga gisuportahan sa mga katawhan, miingon ang usa ka opisyal kagahapon.

"Kami nagatuo nga walay basehan niana, (We believe that there is no basis for that)," sumala pa ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa usa ka press briefing.

Ang House of Representatives justice committee miingon nga niadtong Martes sumala pa nga ang tulo ka mga reklamo sa impeachment nga gisang-at batok sa Presidente igo na sa porma, nga nagpasabot lamang nga ang mga reklamo mikompleto lamang sa kinahanglanon sa nagsumiter sa tino nga reklamo sa ilalum sa impeachment nga lagda.

Ang mga kaatbang sa administrasyon adunay katungod sa ilang kaugalingong opinyon ug sila mahimo nga makapahimulos sa mga proseso nga nahipatik sa konstitusyon, matud pa ni Lacierda.
"Nga kana mao ang masabtan. Kon sa unsang paagi sa Konstitusyon naghatag og usa ka mekanismo alang niana (That is understandable. That is how the Constitution has provided a mechanism for that)," siya miigon.

"Apan ang kadaghanan sa mga katawhan miuban kanato diha sa 'tul-id nga dalan.' Kami nagtuo nga ang Presidente wala magbuhat sa bisan unsa nga impeachable offense (But the majority of the Filipino people are with us in the ‘tuwid na daan.' We believe that the President has not done any impeachable offense),” sulti pa niya.

Dugang pa ni Lacierda nga ang mga myembro sa Kongreso makakita nga walay kapuslanan sa mga alegasyon batok sa Presidente.

Samtang ang mga deliberasyon importante nga mga pamaagi sa Kongreso, siya miingon nga ang Palasyo mas nabalaka sa problema sa nasud kay sa impeachment nga mga reklamo.


"Ang mas nabalak-an namo sa pagkakaron mao gayud kon sa unsa nga pamaagi nga masulbad ang tanang mga problema sa nasud nga makaapekto sa atong mga katawhan (What we are more concerned with is really how to address all the concerns of the country that affect our countrymen)," siya miingon. (NGBT/PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)