(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 19 March 2024) Easterlies affecting 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. Light to moderate winds coming from Northeast to North will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Skills dev’t program launched in Surigao del Sur

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) - A skills development program was recently launched in the province of Surigao del Sur through the Reaching Communities for Skills Development and Productivity Program (RCP).

This development came after the local officials headed by Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel of Tandag City has observed that high poverty incidence, unemployment rate, large number of school dropouts, pace and order and others are considered among the problems that pervade socio-economic growth of the city.

The political leaders in the province are convinced that in order to combat or fight these problems, there is a need to provide the Surigaonons with livelihood and employment opportunities.

During the launching of the program, Mayor Pimentel said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has been a regular partner with the city government of Tandag in the development of the area.

“Basta yaon permi gapaluyo sa ato si TESDA regional director Jun Sunico ug provincial director Rey Cueva, molambo gayud kita (As long as regional director Jun Sunico and provincial director Rey Cueva is always here to support us, we will have progress)," Mayor Pimentel said.

Pimentel added with unemployment remains to be one of the problems that the city is facing, there is a need for the local officials to find ways so that by giving them the opportunity to be employed, they will also be given dignity… As the saying goes, “To give dignity to our fellowmen, give them jobs,” Pimentel said.

The chief executive of the city likewise stressed that the skills development program is one of the priority programs of her administration as she believes that through this, the community to be empowered and likewise find stable and better job opportunities.

Pimentel further said during the previous year of her administration, she has continuously supported trainings in Computer Hardware Servicing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Consumer Electronic Servicing.

“Aside from these, we have provided community-based trainings like massage therapy, food and beverage services, table skirting, facial and foot care and housekeeping,” Pimentel said.

Mayor Pimentel is likewise hoping that through the RCP program, they would be able to chart the destiny of the youth especially those who cannot afford to continue college education because human capital development has always been viewed as the most important component in any nation striving for economic growth.

The official likewise pointed out that these efforts would not be made possible without the support of TESDA. “That is why we continued to include P1 million support to TESDA-LGU projects especially now that the RCP program has been established,” Pimentel said.

The RCP is designed to address the technical vocational education and training needs of the various sectors of the city in partnership with the national government agencies, barangays, people’s organizations, provincial government and industry.

At the end of every training period, the target beneficiaries would have been trained and certified that would prepare them for gainful employment and nhance their productivity.

Specifically, the program is aimed at conducting city-wide skills training, livelihood and capability building programs across a wider sector of beneficiaries. Likewise, it aimed to initiate the possible organization of a group of beneficiaries and establish a viable livelihood projects through the provision of starter kits and micro credit assistance.

The project involves three components: skills training, livelihood training program, and programs of other agencies/offices.

Skills training component covers the conduct of various skills training program in the barangays, including the provision of Assessment and Certification Services and Jobs Facilitation Assistance.

The livelihood training program includes short term training programs designed to encourage self-employment. Part of this component is the provision of starter kits to the graduates. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


PRO 13 hires 325 additional non-uniformed personnel anew

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY Aug. 6 (PIA) – Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) in Caraga headed by regional director P/Chief Supt. Dominador Eslava Aquino, Jr. is hiring anew additional non-uniformed personnel (NUP) intended to be utilized as crime registrar in police stations.

According to SPO1 Ranilo Malong, Public Information Officer (PIO) of Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) under officer-in-charge (OIC) provincial director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, 325 slots of the 7,439 vacant positions nationwide are up for grabs in Caraga.

He said that the PRO 13 has already started accepting applicants, adding that the deadline for the submission of application is set Wednesday, August 6.

Malong stressed that interested applicants are required to submit the following requirements: Letter of Application; Duly Accomplished Personal Data Sheet (CSC Form 212-Revissed 2005); Transcript of Records and Diploma; Certificate of Eligibility; Certificate of Training; Certificate of Employment, if any; an original together with an authenticated copy each of NBI Clearance; NSO Birth Certificate; and, NSO Marriage Certificate, if applicable, respectively.

“Interested applicants may call at 815-3325 and 815-1668/342-4570 or visit PIO PRO 13 and look for Mr. Gil Licayan (09217452960-Smart/09155250447-Globe) of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (R1) for more details,” he added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Surigao del Norte mining companies support establishment of prov’l training center

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) - Following the recent inauguration of the provincial community training center in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte, Gov. Sol F. Matugas said the establishment of the training center was made possible through the public-private partnership program of the provincial government.

The official said mining companies operating in the province have initially contributed some P15,4000,000 for the establishment of the building structures, as well as the facilities that are now placed in the training center.

The training center was established by virtue of Executive Order No. 1, proposing the operation on a co-management scheme between the provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Surigao City through forging a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

The Chamber of Mines of Caraga in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) – Surigao Chapter will rehabilitate the existing buildings in the area as a Practical/Workshop Area and likewise, construct new building for the Basic and Common Competencies including the first year operation.

The Provincial Government Office of Surigao del Norte initially transfers some qualification-offerings of the Provincial Manpower Training Center-Surigao del Norte including the trainers and likewise, allocate funds for the payment of the light and water bills, maintenance of the building and medical-dental services of the trainees until the PCTC can establish a self-sustaining scheme, with the assistance of TESDA.

The training center shall initially run by the Provincial Governor’s Office of Surigao del Norte through its Provincial Employment and Manpower Office (PEMO) and TESDA-Surigao del Norte through its Provincial Manpower Training Center in a complementation system until the PCTC can establish its own Governing Board and personnel complement.

The PCTC is generally aimed at serving the youths, unemployed and underemployed of the province and nearby provinces. It offers skills trainings on Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II on as the Distinctive Area of Competence (DAC) and its support qualifications namely: Automotive Servicing NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II, Driving, Garments NC II, and other mining-related qualifications.

The training center is proposed to be accredited as an Assessment Center in the aforementioned qualifications. The PCTC plays a major role in improving the way of life of the Surigaonons. It will pave the way for progress and development of the entire province of Surigao del Norte.

Meanwhile, Gov. Matugas added, the contributions of Silangan Mindanao Mining Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, and Platinum Gold Metals Corporation have paved the way for the Surigaonons especially the youths to fulfill their dreams and aspirations in lives.

The official therefore, is thankful that indeed, the public-private partnership that is initiated by the provincial government has gained an important milestone into the lives of the Surigaonon populace. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


1st Lawig Men’s Open Volley tourney underway

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) - The first ever Lawig Men’s Open Volleyball tournament went underway last August 2, 2014 at Brgy. Baan Riverside basketball court and participated by teams coming from this city and neighboring municipalities in Agusan del Norte.

The annual tournament, which is supported by Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun, is planned to be held in other different venues with the aim of discovering new talents in the sport and promote competitiveness among the youth participants.

For this year’s initial staging, teams from Butuan City, Cabadbaran City and the municipalities of Tubay and Nasipit registered for the tournament. Teams such as the Placeros Team, composed of players from Barangays Obrero and Bading; Sta. Ana – Tubay and De Amigos make up the power house teams in this tournament which is also supported by the Philippine Volleyball Federation.

According to Fortun, supporting this kind of event for the youth is aligned with his campaign platform of youth empowerment through sports development. “It has always been my advocacy to empower the youth through sports development and this is one of them,” Fortun said.

“Through this kind of activity we will be able to hone the skills of our local volleyball players and help them be involved in sports activities and develop their whole being while veering them away from vices,” Fortun added. (LAWig/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Tagalog News: Palasyo pinagtanggol ang programang Conditional Cash Transfer (4Ps)

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 6 (PIA) - Marami ang nakinabang mula sa programang Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) nang ito ay pinalawak para masaklaw ang higit 4.1 milyong pamilya sa taong ito mula sa 1 milyon noong 2010, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo.

“Sa sunud-sunod na pag-aaral ng World Bank, AusAID at iba pang internasyonal na ahensya, napatunayan din na napabuti ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng mga kabahayan o mga pamilyang benepisyaryo ng Conditional Cash Transfer program,” sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa mga mamamahayag sa isang panayam sa Malakanyang noong Martes.

Nagkokomentaryo si Secretary Coloma sa mga tawag na itigil na ang programang CCT na ginawa noong Kontra-SONA na binigkas ni minority leader Cong. Ronaldo Zamora.

Idiniin ni Zamora na ang programa ay nabigong iangat ang mga benepisaryo mula sa kahirapan.

“Mula noon hanggang 2012, naibaba lamang mula 32 percent hanggang 27.9 percent. Ibig sabihin, sa loob ng 21 taon, ang ibinaba ng kahirapan ay 5 percent. Pero doon sa isang taon, mula 2012 hanggang 2013, ang naitalang pagbaba ay 3 porsyento na kaagad. Kayo na ang magpasya kung aling programa ang naging mas epektibo,” sabi niya.

Natandaan niya na ang puntirya ng gobyerno ay ibaba sa 32 porsyento ang kahirapan noong 1991 hanggang 16.1 porsyento sa taong 2015.

“May 19 na taon na ang layunin na ‘yon mula 1991. At ipinunto ko nga, 5 porsyento lang ang ibinaba niyan sa loob ng 21 taon. Pero doon sa ating nabanggit, naibaba ‘yan ng 3 porsyento sa loob ng isang taon,” paliwanang ni  Coloma.

“Kinikilala naman natin na malaki-laki na rin ‘yung nabawas kung tutuusin sa maikling panahon ng aming panunungkulan,” dagdag niya.

Inulit ni Secretary Coloma na minomonitor ng Department of Social Welfare and Development ang mga benepisaryo ng CCT.

Kaya nga ito tinawag na conditional cash transfer. Ibinibigay lang ‘yung benepisyo kung tiyak na ginagampanan nila ang kanilang responsibilidad bilang benepisyaryo,” sabi niya.

Sabi niya na balak ng pamahalaan na palawaking pa ang programa para umabot sa 5 milyon ang tatanggap sa taong 2015.

“Nananalig kami na sa pagtutuos ng mga datos at aktuwal na naging resulta ng conditional cash transfer ay patuloy na bibigyan ito ng suporta ng ating Kongreso sa pagpasa ng pambansang budget para sa taong ito,” sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Tagalog News: Gobyerno gumagawa ng hakbang para mapabuti ang sektor ng agrikultura

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 6 (PIA) - Gumagawa na ng hakbang ang gobyerno sa pagsisikap na mapabuti ang katayuan ng mga mamamayan sa sektor ng agrikultura, sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng magkaroon ng panayam sa media noong Martes sa Palasyo.

"Ang isinasagawang istratehiya ng pamahalaan ay mayroong spatial or area focus. Tinutukoy kung nasaan ang pinakamaraming mga mahihirap," sabi ni Secretary Coloma.

"At batid naman natin na ang mga magsasaka ay kabilang doon sa hanay ng mahihirap, kung saang mga probinsya sila naroroon."


Sabi niya na inases na ng gobyerno ang 44 na mga lalawigan base sa mataas na lawak na karukhaan, bilang ng mga mahihirap at ang kanilang pagkakataong malapit sa natural na sakuna  na naging ambag sa kanilang karukhaan.

Ito ay magiging tulong din sa mga magsasaka na tumaas ang kanilang ani at mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong magtanim ng mga pananim na may mataas na ani para tumaas din ang kanilang kita, sabi niya.

"Kaya ito ay bahagi ng istratehiya para sa agricultural sector, na hindi ganoon kataas ang naging paglago noong mga nakaraang taon," dagdag pa niya.

Komento niya sa mga batikos na ang sektor ng agrikultura ay dati ng kulang ang suporta mula sa pamahalaan sa matagal ng panahon. Sinabi ni Coloma na ang datos mula sa National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) ay maaring mag-analisa kung ang kita ng mga magsasaka ay tumaas. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Buhatan sa mayor mipagawas og Memorandum kalabot na sa R.A 9485 o Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007

SURIGAO CITY, Agosto 6 (PIA) – Ang buhatan sa mayor ning syudad bag-ohay pa lamang mipagawas og memorandum ngadto sa tanang empleyado sa gobyerno kalabot na sa R.A. No. 9485 o Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007.

Ang  maong memorandum nga gipagawas pinaagi kang Mayor Ernesto Matugas ngadto sa tanang empleyado sa gobyerno ning syudad kalabot na sa hugtanong pag- implementar sa R.A. No. 9485 kun Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007 partikular na sa section 11, sub. sec. (b) Grave Offense (Fixing or collusion with Fixers.

Subay sa maong memorandum nga ang makalapas sa maong balaodnon pwede matangtang ug ma-diskwalipikar sa trabaho.

Samtang  ubos usab section 12 of sa maong balaodnon adunay dugang nga penalty o silot nga pagkapreso  sa dili mulapas sa 6 ka tuig o multa na dili muobos sa P20,000 mil ka pesos ug dili mulapas sa P200,00 mil ka pesos.

Ang maong balaod nagpahinumdum usab sa tanan nga ubos sa Rule V, Section 1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9485 nga ang nangulo sa matag buhatan o ahensya sa gobyerno maoy responsable sa maong implementasyon ug ang tanang transaksyon ug proseso gikonsiderar nga adunay permiso gikan sa hepe sa maong buhatan o ahensya sa gobyerno.


Ang makalapas nga bisan kinsa nga empleyado sa usa ka buhatan, ang mapahamtangan sa maong silot basi sa nasampit nga balaod. (SDR/MICO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)