(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Saturday, 09 November 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area was located based on all available data at 1,150 km East of Southeastern Luzon, (14.5°N, 115.8°E) TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTSIDE PAR AS OF 3:00 AM TODAY TYPHOON YINXING (2422) (FORMERLY MARCE) LOCATION: 500 KM WEST OF LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS MORTE (18.6N, 115.8E) MAXIMUM SUTAINED WIND: 155 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 190 KM/H MOVEMENT: WEST NORTHWESTWARD AT 20 KM/H. ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—–๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ง ๐—ช๐—˜๐—”๐—ง๐—›๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—–๐—ข๐—ก๐——๐—œ๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก: 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. ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—–๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ง ๐—ช๐—œ๐—ก๐—— ๐—”๐—ก๐—— ๐—–๐—ข๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—ช๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—–๐—ข๐—ก๐——๐—œ๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก: Light to moderate winds coming from NorthEast to North will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Monday, September 22, 2014

FNRI-DOST sets regl dissemination forum on 8th Natl Nutrition Survey

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) is set to conduct the regional dissemination forum to reveal the results of the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) on October 10, 2014 at Y Hotel, this city.

FNRI-DOST Director Mario Capanzana recalled that the said survey was conducted from June 2013 to April 2014.

“The activity aims to update key stakeholders in the government and private sectors involved in food, nutrition and health programs on the survey results. From this, they can recommend possible action points for application of the results in local policy-making and program planning,” relayed Capanzana.

Capanzana bared that each regional forum will be attended by about 60 participants. “They will be composed of members of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the regional director of DOST, Provincial Science and Technology directors, and Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator. The Provincial Nutrition Action Officers of the cities/municipalities that were covered in the survey and representatives from the non-government organizations in the region involved in food, nutrition and health will also be participants of said forum,” he highlighted.

The NNS provides information on the health status of Filipinos by determining and evaluating the food intake and other characteristics of the various subpopulation groups. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


MARINA-13 leads national maritime week celeb

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The regional office of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Caraga in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Ports Authority will lead the week-long celebration of the National Maritime Week here from September 22-28, 2014.

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme, “IMO (International Maritime Organization) Conventions: Effective Implementation.”

According to MARINA Caraga regional director Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, the celebration primarily aims to give tribute to all the seafarers who contributed much to the country’s economy and to promote maritime safety for travelers and the entire maritime sector.

To highlight the week-long celebration, a Port Maritime Industry Tripartite Forum will be conducted on September 25 to be participated by all participating government agencies and stakeholders.

Other lined-up activities for the week-long celebration include, hanging of streamers, thanksgiving mass, radio guesting, regatta parade of motorboats, dressing up of ships, simultaneous blowing of ship horn, motorcade around the city, press conference, bloodletting activity, one-day processing of Seaman’s Book and registration of vessels, CMP (Certificate of Marine Profession) examination, open ship, exhibits and video presentation, friendship games, maritime fellowship night, mangrove greening and growing, marine pollution exercise, search and rescue drill, Zumba and fun run, and port clean-up. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Officials promote welfare, protection of OFWs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – In the recently concluded two-day First Caraga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Summit held in one of the convention centers here, two officials expressed strong support to OFWs and urged for their constant protection.

OFW Familly partylist representative Roy "Amba" Seรฑeres, who served as the keynote speaker of said event, emphasized that OFWs rights and protection should be given attention by the government.

“We, in the government service should do our part well. We are in the position to give what is right and due for them. If there are issues and concerns from their level and they need our assistance, we should respond and look for remedies. A life of an OFW is not that easy specially that they have to sacrifice many things just to earn for their family,” stressed Seรฑeres.

When he was asked as to how he can help the OFWs in terms of financial assistance, Seรฑeres explained to the participants that since Congress does not have Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) this time, he will do anything just to extend assistance for the OFWs. "I even extended my own share from my salary for this activity today just to make this first summit for OFWs possible and successful. We'll always find ways for that matter," he expressed.

“I urged all concerned government agencies specially the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to treat well our OFWs. There have been cases where they were abused by their employers so let’s not add to the injury. Let’s protect their rights,” Seรฑeres added

Seรฑeres reiterated that "In case the employer fails to give the OFW's salary at the right time, the employer has already violated the employment contract of the parties. Therefore, the affected employee should consult the labor attachรฉ and if not responded appropriately, he or she can ask the embassy to repatriate the labor attachรฉ back to the Philippines for not doing the job... You should know your rights as OFWs. You can also file a case at the National Labor Relations Commission so you could also claim your salary.”

Also, President of Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Susan "Toots" Ople underscored that OFWs should not be victims. "Every Filipino overseas worker's rights and dignity must be protected. They are true heroes in a true essence," she said.

Ople further reminded that as the OFWs are active on its fund raising activities, its bookkeeping records should also be intact, clean and organized. "Mindanao is the flavor of the month. There are a lot of non-government organizations looking for partnership with other associations for a specific projects that have long term direction," she added.

Right before she left back to Manila on the same day, Ople expressed her appreciation to Caraganon OFWs. "Thank you so much to all our participating OFWs for the warm welcome that you showed me. I always want to visit your place here in Caraga. Please do not hesitate to call our office at the Ople Center if you have any concerns, we will be very glad to serve you. Do not mind our distance because our office is just a call away. I'll see you all soon again," remarked Ople.

Meanwhile, after attending said activity, Seรฑeres announced his cellphone number to all the participants so they could just call him immediately for any OFW concerns. He also encouraged them to write a letter addressed to his office for any related complaints, and assured that he will respond accordingly. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


OFW Family partylist bares support for Caraganons working abroad

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Expressing genuine concern to Caraganons who are working in foreign countries, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family partylist representative Roy “Amba” Seรฑeres confidently conveyed to the participants of the 1st Caraga OFWs Summit held on September 20 to 21, 2014 in this city that there are already 16 house bills now in the second and third reading in Congress all geared for the protection of OFWs.

"Of the 16 House Bills that I filed in the congress, one of them has to do with ambassadors for them to exercise extraordinary services as head to ensure security and protection of OFWs. Another bill proposes for governors and mayors to play the role as surrogate parents safeguarding OFWs' children," relayed Seรฑeres.

When he was asked as to how he can help the OFWs in terms of financial assistance during the forum, Seรฑeres explained that since Congress does not have Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) this time, he assured them that he will do anything just to extend assistance for the OFWs. "I even extended my own share from my salary for this activity just to make this first eve summit for OFWs possible and successful. We will find ways and work it out," he expressed.

He also urged Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to treat very well the OFWs since there have been cases where they were abused by their employers. “Let’s not add to the injury, help them out by addressing their concerns when they come to your office,” he added.

Seรฑeres encouraged OFWs to contact him or write a letter addressed to his office for any related complaints, and assured that he will respond accordingly.

Susan "Toots" Ople, President of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute also graced the summit who served as the keynote speaker and elaborated alternative strategies of earning an income. This year’s event is themed,  “Kabuhayan sa Kapaligiran ng mga OFWs Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Alternative income generation underscored in 1st Caraga OFWs Summit

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Venturing on business that will help provide opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) to have an alternative source of income was the key point of discussion during the 1st Caraga OFWs' Summit held on September 20 to 21, 2014, this city.

The Tulay sa Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Caraga region spearheaded the summit with a theme, “Kabuhayan sa Kapaligiran ng mga OFWs Tungo sa Kaunlaran.”

The region’s current and retired OFWs and their beneficiaries who convened in the two-day event gained inputs on how important it is for them to properly manage their hard-earned money and invest wisely to have a long term livelihood security while working across the county or as they come back to the mainstream in the Philippines.

As mentioned by event speaker and president of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Susan "Toots" Ople, OFWs must be empowered that is why the institute is offering livelihood trainings and encouraging them to link-up with other cooperatives."

"Aside from having savings in the bank, it's also important to design your own plans for the future like how to acquire a health insurance with lesser premium and consider joining in an organization where members share the same purpose and objectives as yours to endeavor in community-based business," expressed Ople.

Ople said that based on Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. study, one out of ten OFWs end up broke even after years of working abroad and eight out of ten OFWs do not have savings or money set aside for retirement.

It was recalled that the Microsoft Tulay Foundation started the Tulay progam through the efforts of Ople before it was tuned-over to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). It is still implemented with eight modules from the fundamentals of computer to internet surfing and other related modules.

"Mindanao is the flavor of the month. There are a lot of non-government organizations (NGOs) looking for partnership with other associations for a specific projects that have long term direction," bared Ople.

On a significant note, Ople also emphasized that OFWs should not be victims. "Every Filipino overseas worker’s rights and dignity must be protected. They are true heroes in a true essence," she said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Zaldy Deronia, president of Tulay sa OFWs MPC thanked the members and other participants for their presence and encouraged them to take active involvement in the cooperative to make it performing, sustainable and beneficial to all members. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


AgNor ENRO readies TreeVolution event

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The office of the Environment and Natural Resources of Agusan del Norte is now ready for the conduct of the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW activity on September 26.

During the briefing and updates on the preparation for the conduct of the big event on Friday, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) officer Paterno Olivera said that PENRO is now ready for the big event. Site validations are being conducted and the volunteer planters of different schools and  stewards will be briefed before the conduct of the event, he said.

PENRO Olivera further said that during the event, volunteer planters are required to bring their own digging tools, water and food in their assigned planting areas. Tree planting will simultaneously start at exactly 8:30 in the morning and will end at exactly 9:30.

“Planters are required to plant 20 seedlings within the period of one hour,” Olivera said.

“The PENRO Agusan del Norte has targeted a total of 25 hectares to be planted during the conduct of the TreeVolution. The 16 hectares are located in barangay Maug and the other nine hectares in Tungao, all in Butuan City,” Olivera added.

Also, Forester Rodel Mendez of PENRO Agusan del Norte revealed that rain tree or acacia specie is included to be planted in their identified planting sites. “Seedlings for planting during the TreeVolution are sufficient and now ready,” he said.

Mendez also said that different signages will be posted and visible to the different planting sites during the conduct of the event. Wristbands and identifications (IDs) will also be provided to the volunteer planters, stewards, and others involved in the event.

Also, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Tubay in Agusan del Norte headed by Forester Vince A. Estopito has identified a total of 75 hectares to be planted with falcata and rubber seedlings during the conduct of TreeVolution. According to Forester Achilles Ebron, the 38 hectares are located in the municipality of Kitcharao; 30 in RTR; and five hectares in Cabadbaran City.

In areas identified by CENRO Tubay, volunteer planters of Kitcharao will plant 11,500 falcata and 3,000 rubber seedlings; 16,000 falcata seedlings in RTR; and another 10,000 falcata seedlings in Cabadbaran City.

Forester Norman Asugan  of CENRO Nasipit also revealed that as to the seedling preparation status to be planted to the 107.7 hectares total area covered by CENRO Nasipit, seedlings were already delivered to the sites.

Meanwhile, Caraga area manager of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Cecilia D. Trinio also said during the briefing and updates that, on the event day, the volunteer planters are required to wear white shirts (short or long sleeves), yellow for stewards and orange for the medics.

During the briefing, Regional Technical Director (RTD) Maritess Ocampo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who will have the direct supervision of the ENROs identified sites during the event upon knowing preparations of the ENRO offices express her gratitude to the concerned personnel. “I am glad that you are gone this far in your preparation for the big event, I am hoping that we will be successful in our aim to break the record of India on September 26,” RTD Ocampo said.

The TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW initiative supports the National Greening Program of the government that targets 1.5 million hectares reforested by 2016 to which Mindanao’s contribution is 456,000 hectares. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


SurSur Council for Human Resource Managers set to hold 3rd Quarter Meeting, Leave Administration Re-Orientation

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The Surigao del Sur Council for Human Resource Managers, Inc. (SDS-CHRMI) is set to hold a 3rd Quarter Meeting cum Re-Orientation on Leave Administration on September 23-24, 2014, this city.

According to the information letter sent out by Manolo Junipero Serra, SDS-CHRMI president, which carries the endorsement of Ruth Beniga, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office provincial director here, the two-day event still forms part of the 114th Philippine Civil Service Month celebration.

During the occasion, three major topics/inputs are lined-up to be discussed:  Preparation/planning of the hosting of the province for the 12th Caraga Regional Council for Managers, Inc. (CRCHRMI) Convention; Leave Administration lectures/inputs/updates c/o CSC Provincial Director Beniga; and, SDS-HRMI council reports and updates, it was learned.

Serra also sought the consent, especially of the concerned local chief executives (LCEs) in the entire province, to allow their respective Administrative Officers/Human Resource Management Officers/Personnel Officers and/or staff that handle leave administration to join the activity.

He stressed that “their active participation would further enhance and strengthen the organization with the Commission and your agency in terms of Human Resource Management.” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Tagalog News: U.N. kinilala ang ambag ng tropang Pilipino sa pagpatupad ng kapayapaan sa Golan Heights

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Setyembre 22 (PIA) - Kinilala ng United Nations ang naiambag ng mga sundalong Pilipino na naging parte ng United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) sa Golan Heights.

Sa kanyang pagbasa ng isang liham na pinadala ng UN Assistant Secretary-General para sa pagpatupad ng operasyon Edmond Mulet, sinabi ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na nagpahayag ang United Nations ng kanyang pasasalamat sa pamahalaan ng Pilipinas sa kanyang naiambag sa UNDOF.

“Ipinakita ng Secretariat ng United Nations ang kanilang pasasalamat sa permanenteng misyon ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa United Nations at marangal na inihayag ito sa United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF),” sabi ni Mulet.

Nais ng Secretariat na ipahayag ang kanilang pasasalamat sa pamahalaan ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa kanyang naiambag sa UNDOF. Alam ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas na ang seguridad at ang mga operasyon sa sitwasyon ng lugar na dapat ihiwalay ay nangangailangan ng paglipat ng maraming tauhan ng misyon papunta sa parte ng Alpha,” dagdag ng opisyal ng UN.

Noong nakaraang buwan, ang mga sundalong Pilipino na nanilbihan bilang tauhan na tagapamayapa ng United Nation ay nakaharap ang mga rebeldeng Syrians sa Golan Heights.

Noon lamang Biyernes, ang unang grupo na umabot sa 244 na mga Pilipinong tagapamayapa ay dumating sa Manila ng mas nauna kaysa itinakda dahil sa lumalalang panseguridad na sitwasyon sa pagitan ng rehiyon.

Sa isang banda, sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino na ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas ay nanatiling tapat sa pangkapayapaang misyon. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)