(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 09 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and 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 partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to ITCZ. 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—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Monday, September 1, 2014

Govt agencies continuous to fight against illegal drug crimes

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) – In celebration of this year’s National Crime Prevention Week, government officials intensified awareness campaign in its fight against illegal drug crimes in Agusan del Norte, and Caraga region as a whole.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Agusan del Norte provincial director PSSupt Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said that PNP personnel are constantly upgrading their capabilities in order to help solve problems in the community.

Regional director Erwin Ogario of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga said that drug problem cannot only be solved by the PDEA and PNP. Solution should start within the homes, families, and each individual.

“The agency is continuously obtaining more information to develop concrete bases for apprehension of illegal drug pushers presently operating in the region,” stressed Ogario.

"As much as we welcome all business entities in the province, we are urging all companies to submit all security plans and corrective measures on their security lapses to ensure maximum safety and security in doing business. Business owners must be compelled to act on fortifying their security," remarked Agusan Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba.

Matba further emphasized that a collective efforts of all government and concerned agencies must be synchronized in solving drug and peace problems in our community.

As to the efforts of the local government units, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion bared that the local government units are being monitored by the DILG on its community development efforts.

"Plans must be properly integrated with equal participation of all peace and order enforcers/councils and community members to enable these anti-illegal drug measures to work effectively. We are aware that these illegal drugs became a precursor to other problems in the society," added Famacion.

Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor bared that her office is continuously promoting human rights laws.

"These laws created should really be enforced. The CHR aims to recognize and protect the rights of the people. We have mechanisms and tools in fighting against illegal drug crimes. There are laws being implemented to protect the people from these harmful drugs and punish the responsible ones… We promote the rule of law. We are all human beings and we are not barbaric. That's why we should all follow the law and its processes. Our challenge now is not to lose hope and let's all contribute to peace and development of our region," she highlighted.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Krimen ay Labanan: Karapatan ay Igalang Tungo sa Mapayapang Pamayanan.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


PDEA, PNP seek community cooperation to sustain order, security

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga region shared the same bearing in keeping the safety and security of the local communities with a target to get a full cooperation of the general public.

"We want to assure the public that the police forces are looking after everybody’s safety and security needs and always ready to render service & assistance whenever needed. Let us always keep in mind that the community is the police and the police is the community," remarked PCSupt Keith Ernald SiΓ±gian representing PNP Caraga regional director PCSupt Dominador Aquino, Jr. in his welcome address during the kick-off activity of the 20th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) celebration hosted by Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council on Monday held at the provincial capitol covered court, this city.

This year's NCPW’s celebration from September 1-7, 2014 is anchored on the theme, "Krimen ay Labanan, Karapatan ay Igalang Tungo sa Mapayapang Pamayanan."

SiΓ±gian urged the public to promote peace in their respective community by participating in the activities for the welfare of everyone. "Peace and order can be attained by continuous coordination of the government agencies and although all sectors of the society are enjoined to take part in the celebration, the heightened attention and active participation of schools particularly the students has been emphasized because of young people's vulnerability to fall as victims of any crime and the increase in violent school related incidents,” he said.

National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) regional director in Caraga Atty. Remeneo Valenzuela also invited everyone to foster interest and participation to deter crime and criminals for a safer community.

Meanwhile, PDEA Caraga regional director Erwin Ogario stated during a press conference on Crime Prevention that the agency is continuously obtaining more reliable information fro reliable sources to develop concrete bases for apprehension of illegal drug dealers presently operating in the region.

Ogario said that drug problem cannot be solved by the PDEA and PNP alone. He added that solution should start within homes, families and oneself, and what will determine still is the solid evidence before proceeding to the tactical approaches in apprehending the law offenders.

"Then again, we seek for the cooperation of the community to help contain the problem of drug problem in our locality. The PNP, PDEA and other law enforcement agencies are working hand in hand to counter this illegal drugs issue," said Ogario.

Moreover, JSSupt Dennis Rocamora, BJMP regional director likewise assured that his office does not tolerate unscrupulous acts within his agency. "Those officials who will be caught being involved in the different crimes will surely face the consequences. There have been officials who were already dismissed in the service because they were protecting the criminals," disclosed Rocamora.

Government employees who were present during the opening of the Crime Prevention Week celebration witnessed the audio-visual presentation where efforts against crime prevention by law enforcement agencies in this region were featured followed by the symbolic releasing of balloons. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur LGU supports 'TreeVolution' on Sept 26

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 1 (PIA) – The provincial government here headed by Governor Johnny Pimentel is in full support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mindanao Development Authority's (MinDA's) “TreeVolution” activity set on September 26, this year.

The said activity, which is in line with the National Greening Program of the national government, aims to break the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted simultaneously in just an hour to be held in multiple locations in Mindanao.

Ecosystems Management Specialist II, Planning Officer-designate Adelfo Luengas said that they have already made a preliminary briefing to the employees and representatives from the different offices of the provincial government, national line agencies, and other stakeholders.

Luengas said that the simultaneous tree planting activity will start at 8:30 a.m. on September 26.

"More than 5,000 participants provincewide are expected to join the activity and targetting to plant 113,000 seedlings to 338.5 hectares in four different locations of the province. The areas identified are Bislig City, Tandag City, and the towns of Lianga and Cantilan," he said.

TreeVolution is a world record-breaking event that will mobilize 185,440 people targeting to plant 4,636,000 trees in one hour at 228 sites covering a total area of 9,200 hectares within Mindanao. The current world record for the most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations was achieved in India on August 15, 2011, setting the record of 1,945,535 trees planted by 304,200 participants across 408 locations. (NGBT/PIA SUrigao del Sur)


DTI-Surigao Norte approves 12 projects worth P8M for shared service facilities

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 1 (PIA) - A total of 12 projects were recently approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte Provincial Office under its Shared Service Facility (SFF) support for 2014 implementation.

The projects that will be implemented in the following months have a total cost of P8 million that will be used to acquire equipment for the use of community-based enterprises and some institutions supporting the development of small business in the province.

The objective of the SFF project is to help existing micro, small and medium enterprises acquire additional needed equipment that can increase their present level of production and improve the quality of their products.

The SSF projects approved are Coco Sugar Production of Pilar Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Siargao Island worth P585,000.00; Nipa Sugar Production of Gigaquit Federated Women’s Organization worth P585,000.00; Coco Sugar Production of Katipunan United Farmers Association P585,000.00; Cassava Fritters Production of Cankohoy Samahan ng Kababaihan in Del Carmen, Siargao Island P450,000.00;  Nipa Sugar Production of Cabugao First Farmers Consumers Cooperative in Bacuag P585,000.00; Bamboo Slat Production for the farmers of the municipality of Alegria P910,000.00; Bambo Slat Production of Tinago Farmers Association in Malimono P910,000.00; Geonets Production of Claver Coconut Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative P550,000.00; Bamboo Sticks Production of Macopa Farmers Cooperative P850,000.00; Coco Sugar Production of Malimono Farmers and Consumers Cooperative P950,000.00; Calamay Production of Trinidad Farmers Cooperative in Surigao City P290,000.00; and Coco Sugar Production of Mayag Women’s Association in Sison worth P750,000.00.

More projects for this year’s implementation are still on the process of evaluation.

DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan encouraged cooperatives, community and business organizations, educational institutions and local government units to avail the SSF project to improve their operation, or support their clients having equipment needs to improve their productivity.

For more details of the SFF project, just visit the DTI provincial office and see Engr. Ma. Theresa Z. Calang, DTI Surigao del Norte Provincial SSF Coordinator. (SDR/Information Officer-DTI Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


LGU-SurSur bares activities for 114th Phillippine Civil Service Anniversary

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur has bared the month-long activities for the 114th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration this September 2014 with the theme, “Tapat na Serbisyo Alay Ko, Dahil Lingkod Bayani Ako.”

As agreed upon during the meeting on August 22 with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office here, the opening day on September 1 will feature the Fun Run and Zumba at 5:00 a.m. to be participated in by provincial and national government employees.

Meanwhile, it was also agreed upon that all activities for the occasion will only be held every Friday (September 5, 12, 19, and 26) except for September 23-24 which will be the holding of the Leave Administration Course For Effectiveness (LACE) Seminar/Workshop.

During the first two Fridays, Zumba will continue to be undertaken from 3:30-5:00 p.m., while on the anniversary day on September 19, a Thanksgiving Mass will be held to be followed shortly by Renewal of Pledge as Public Servants (Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan).

September 26 is set for “Family Day” especially for the provincial government employees. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DTI’s Diskwento Caravan set in Surigao City

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) - In order to give opportunity to Surigao City residents to buy basic and prime commodities at discounted prices from dealers and distributors, the Department of Trade and Industry in coordination with the city government here will conduct a Diskwento Caravan on September 2 to 6, 2014 to be held at the Luneta Park, this city.

DTI-Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Celestino L. Negapatan explained that the caravan will help the consuming public more particularly the city residents to lower their expenses on grocery items during their preparation for the festival season.

Among the products that will be sold in the caravan are food products such as noodles, sardines, beef loaf, corned beef, soy sauce, milk, sugar and coffee.

Also available are varieties of laundry soaps, fabric conditioner, shampoo, diapers and other grocery items of famous brands.

The following local and regional distributors and dealers of manufactured goods are expected to participate in the Caravan with their items displayed and sold to the buying public at discounted prices were Extract Sales, Inc., Oro Grande Distributors, Inc., Sun Pride Foods, Inc., Wing-on, Inc.; Marjeck; D’Best Century Marketing and Philippines Spring Water Resources, Inc.

Residents in rural areas and island barangays are encouraged to avail of these opportunities for them to make the best value of their money and save in their purchases.

Barangay officials and community leaders are requested to disseminate this information to help their respective constituents be able to buy low cost basic commodities and grocery items. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


AgSur plans to lift at least 13,000 out of poverty by 2016

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Sept. 1 (PIA) – The provincial government here is bent on uplifting at least 13,000 families from being poorest of the poor by 2016, a top provincial officials has disclosed.

Jesusimo Roquillo, provincial administrator, told participants of basic journalism seminar among department information officers of the capitol that the objective of reducing poverty incidence to 13 percent or from 37 percent to just 24 percent by 2016 is part of the main development framework of the administration of Governor Adolph Edward Plaza.

 “This goal will stand for the battle cry of the provincial government which is shared governance, shared accountability and shared prosperity,” Roquillo stressed in his presentation during the opening program of the three-day training.

The goal of drastically decreasing poor families was based on the survey conducted by the provincial planning and development office through the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS), which showed that as of 2012, there are still 52,000 families still living below the poverty threshold.

Roquillo said most of those identified in the CBMS survey are living in the hinterland villages where there are less government intervention and far from accessibility of government services.

Gov. Plaza has vowed to at least achieve closer to the goal of reducing poverty before his second term ends after he recently introduced the Upland Agri-forestry Development (USAD) program as his flagship development thrust.

USAD was launched in August 2012 with four pilot villages as beneficiaries including Sta. Teresita, Pinagalaan and Magkiangkang in Bayugan City and Sta. Irene in Prosperidad town.

Initially, a total of 127 hectares will be developed into rubber plantation, 13,500 square meters for cutflower production and almost a hectare of upland rice of which the areas are mostly covered by Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title.

Ronquillo said the program is anchored to the core principles of the province to have a deliberate targeting of the poor, link of perepheries to the growth centers, impact-driven and results oriented programs and projects, tap local partners and organizations as development partners and establish shared governance for shared accountabilities. (DMS/Provincial Public Information Office/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


AgNor pushes for CCTV installation in all establishments

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, with the leadership of governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, is now pushing for the strict implementation of the installation of CCTV cameras or other video monitoring devices in all establishments in the province.?

This is mandated under Provincial Ordinance No. 361-2014 to monitor the crimes committed and provide valuable assistance to law enforcers in the identification, apprehension and prosecution of suspects. ?Provincial Board Member Rey G. Jamboy, author of the said ordinance, manifested that data reveals an increase of criminalities in the province in the past few months and many of these criminal acts remained unsolved and the perpetrators still unidentified and free from the bounds of the law.

He, further, said that the installation of CCTV and other video monitoring devices can be an effective tool to deter the occurrence of crimes and a big help to solve crimes committed.

All establishments like banks, other financial and lending institutions, pawnshops, gasoline stations, supermarkets, 24-hour convenience stores, bus terminals, internet cafes, universities, hotels, inns, lodging houses and the likes are required to set up CCTV cameras in their business premises or places that shall be in operation 24 hours everyday.

Penalties are provided for those violating the said ordinance. ?The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved it on third and final reading during the 56th Regular Session on August 27, 3014. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


DILG 13 convenes partners on GBP 2016 run

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 convened the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) participating national government agencies (NGAs), community mobilizers and civil society organizations (CSOs) last August 26-27, 2014 at Pietro’s Square, Imadejas, this city, to prepare the grounds for the GPB 2016 run. 

The workshop is generally aimed at enhancing the present GPB process by addressing issues and concerns, learning lessons learnt from previous experiences and clarifying myths and misconceptions surrounding GPB.  Poised to commence this September 2014, the department is preparing for a bigger and better GPB process.

“We wanted to develop a holistic module that will guide our community mobilizers and other key players to ensure wider participation, increase efficiency in reaching the poor and pushing of evidence-based and community–driven  projects that  really address poverty,” DILG 13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion said. 

“The clamor for improving and enhancing people participation in the entire process is evident in all lessons learnt activities we conducted; hence, this [workshop] also serves as ground to crystallize and resolve all issues and concerns relative to GPB,” added Famacion.

Citing a World Bank Report, Famacion said that when communities are involve in the planning, designing and implementation of the program, the project is likely to succeed.

“We recognize that  detractors will never run out of issues and concerns concerning the GPB implementation; however,  when all players and partners have one eye to achieve our common goal,  we can make a difference and improve the lives of poor communities in the region,” said Famacion.

The activity was participated by the representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authoirty, National Eeconomic and Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, basic sector, community mobilizers and National Anti- Poverty Commission (NAPC) focal persons.  (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tandag City set for 392nd fiesta celebration

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) – Invitations were already sent out last week to officially trumpet the approaching 392nd Tandag City Fiesta Celebration on September 8-10, this year, in honor of its patron saint San Nicolas de Tolentino.

With the theme “Kinaiyahan Protektahan, Kabilin Ampingan, Kalambuan Palapdan (Protect the Environment, Take Care of Domain, Spread Growth),” a Grand Parade and Opening Program, Agri-Aqua Trade Fair, Pinoy Games, Kasalan sa Parokya, Sinugdan (Sinugbahay sa Dan),  and Ginang Parokya Coronation apart from the live concert that will be held at the Vicente L. Pimentel, Sr. (VLP)  Boulevard will mark the opening day;  2nd Sangkaan Festival, Theatrical Showdown, and Showbiz Entertainment I with the special casts of both Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1 and 2 winners—Jovit Baldovino and Marcelino Pumoy, respectively, and comedienne Cacai Bautista are the activities set for the second day; while Showbiz Entertainment II featuring comedienne K Brosas, RnB singer Jay-R, and sexy star Arci MuΓ±oz is scheduled on the third and fiesta day.


The VLP Boulevard, Tandag City Plaza as well as the Tandag City Gymnasium are the designated venues for almost all major events of the three-day fiesta celebration, except for the Kasalan sa Parokya which will be held at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)