(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).


Thursday, October 9, 2014

PIA Caraga develops new TextBlast icons for smart phones

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) – As the information arm of the Philippine government constantly creating strategies to reach more recipients, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Abner Caga is working on a new dimension in disseminating relevant information by using its official mobile icons for smart phones.

“We are the first office to use attractive icons that can be easily recognized by the public since almost all people of today already have their cellphones with various applications such as Viber, WeChat, LINE, Telegram, and the like. We will be doing surgical operation in developing our TextBlast and other communication platforms. We will soon maximize the utilization of these applications so significant and relevant information will be received by our recipients in real time and without cost. Meantime, we are on our way to launching the official icons, and hopefully to come up with the standard application,” bared Caga.

This is considered as one of the many original innovations of the agency in terms of being at par with the constantly advancing technology.

Caga further emphasized that the public which include the existing recipients of the agency will soon be informed on the official messaging number of PIA-Caraga. “We are encouraging the public to install different applications in their mobile phones such as those mentioned and make use of it as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Caga said that as the agency prepares for the anticipated typhoons in the coming months that might affect the region, he also cited that there will be more innovations to be made on its Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) radio in order to fulfill its functionality even during the worst case scenario during disaster.

“With our commitment and unified efforts, we are confident to say that we are ready when it comes to information dissemination in any eventualities or during disasters. We will continue to provide the public a timely, accurate and relevant information in a more accessible way that they deserve. Let’s be informed and prepared at all times,” expressed Caga.

With this development, the public can expect more of PIA-Caraga’s strategies in terms of updating the public on recent news. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Sec. Joel Villanueva visits Caraga Region

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) – Secretary Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) visited Caraga Region on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 to grace three big events in this city and in Surigao City.

The activity commenced in Butuan City with the conduct of “TVET Roadshow in Caraga” highlighting the ceremonial awarding of scholarship vouchers under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) at the Activity Center of Robinsons Place-Butuan.

During the event, Sec. Vilanueva also demonstrated coffee-making since he is a National Certificate (NC-III) holder of Food and Beverage Services (Barista). “This is one way of teaching the students on the latest techniques and strategies in coffee-making,” TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. Sunico said.

Also, students of Butuan Doctors College, AMA Computer Learning Center-Butuan, and Caraga State University-Cabadbaran demonstrated their skills in Barista and Bartending.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TESDA-Agusan del Norte and Toyota Butuan Branch was forged to ensure that TESDA trainees and graduates will be absorbed or hired in the company.

After the coffee-making demonstration, Sec. Villanueva visited the TESDA Specialista Desk at the 3rd Level of the mall and see for himself the services offered in the information center.

To give time for the local tri-media personalities, the official attended the media conference held beside the TESDA Specialista Desk. Here, Sec. Villanueva presented the accomplishments of the agency to the media, as well as the future programs of TESDA in line with the Human Development Cluster of the Philippine Development Plan.

After lunch, Sec. Villanueva and his party immediately proceeded to Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte to visit the newly-constructed Provincial Community Training Center, a joint project of the provincial government thru the leadership of Gov. Sol F. Matugas, the mining companies operating in Surigao del Norte, and TESDA-Surigao del Norte.

Highlighting the activity is the turnover of equipment to be used at the training center by the different mining companies operating in Surigao del Norte.

Also, the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOS) through Regional Director Dominga Mallonga turned-over additional training equipment to the training center.

Further, Sec. Villanueva turned-over some P3-million worth of TESDA Scholarship Commitment to the provincial government thru Gov. Sol F. Matugas. It was learned that the scholarship slots is intended for the Provincial Community Training Center.

After the event, the Secretary proceeded to Surigao City and delivered his keynote speech before the participants of the Calibration of Regional TVET Trainers and Assessors Conference, and the Regional TVET Multi-Stakeholders Forum held at the Surigao del Norte Provincial Convention Center, Capitol Compound, Surigao City.

During the event, Sec. Villanueva awarded TWSP scholarship certificates to beneficiaries in the province assisted by Dir. Sunico.

Moreover, a MOA-signing was conducted between TESDA-Surigao del Norte and the Mining Industry to signify its continuous support to the implementation of TVET programs in the province. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


RD Sunico elated over TESDA’s renewal of partnership with Robinsons malls

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) – Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday welcomed the agency’s partnership renewal with Robinsons Mall here.

This, after TESDA’s top management have renewed their tie-up to bring technical vocational education and training (tech-voc) programs closer to the public.

TESDA Sec. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), through its president and chief executive officer Frederick Go signed the memorandum of agreement on September 29, formalizing the partnership renewal for the project.

Dir. Sunico said that since its opening in May 1, 2014, the TESDA Specialista Desk at the 3rd Level of Robinsons Place-Butuan has been serving hundreds of mall goers and shoppers.

The official added some of the clients were coming from other regions who happened to visit the city, as far as Laguna, Quezon City and Manila in Luzon; Cebu, Bacolod, Tacloban and Bohol in Visayas; and Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Compostella Valley in Mindanao.

Liza Rivera of TESDA Public Information Office, in a press statement said that for another year starting October, shoppers and mall goers at Robinsons' 19 sites all over the country will continue to find TESDA Specialista Desks manned by personnel who are ready to assist people who need information on the agency's scholarship and other programs.

Meanwhile, Sec. Villanueva said through Robinsons Land's Lingkod Pinoy Center, government services, such as TESDA's programs and projects have become more accessible to the general public.

"Now, Filipinos can equate malling at Robinsons not just with shopping, having fun, and eating, but with learning about technical vocational education and training as well," Villanueva said.

The TESDA Specialista Desks aim to bring the agency's services to the public in one convenient location.  It will serve as link between the agency and the people by providing information about the agency's available programs and services.

The desks are manned by TESDA personnel who will provide services during office hours.

People who will visit the desks may get information on available scholarship programs, apprenticeship or learnership programs, available tech-voc courses, and assessment and certification among others.  The personnel will also provide career guidance and counseling.

In May 2013, TESDA and RLC first signed a MOA creating the desks, which became operational in Robinsons' 15 malls across the country.

From July 2013 to August 31, 2014, the TESDA desks have catered to a total of 33, 436 people who have approached the desks or booth for information about the agency and its programs.

Participating malls are Robinsons Place Pangasinan; Robinsons Place Santiago, Isabela; Robinsons Starmills Pampanga; Robinsons Luisita Tarlac; Robinsons Place Cavite;  Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market Laguna; Robinsons Cainta, Rizal; Robinsons Place Iloilo; Robinsons Place Roxas, Capiz;  Robinsons Fuente Cebu; Robinsons Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Robinsons Cagayan de Oro; Robinsons Place GenSan, Sarangani; and Robinsons Place Butuan, Agusan del Norte.

Additional TESDA desks will also be available in Robinsons malls that are opening soon -- Robinsons Malolos, Bulacan; Robinsons Place Palawan; Robinsons Ilocos Norte; and, Robinsons Tagum, Davao del Norte. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur DILG hopes barangays to hold Oct. 12 Barangay Assembly Day

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office in Surigao del Sur headed by Provincial Director Pedrito Alacaba expressed optimism that all 309 barangays in the entire province are going to hold the Barangay Assembly Day on October 12, 2014.

According to Ma. Lourdes Martinez, DILG Project Manager here, a memorandum to this effect has already been sent for the information and guidance of all concerned through their respective City or Municipal Local Government Information Officers (C/MLGOOs).
It was learned that Memorandum Circular No. 2014-100 dated August 18, 2014 has been issued by no less than Secretary Mar Roxas enjoining barangay officials to undertake activities like the “Delivery of the State of Barangay Address (SOBA), with emphasis on CY 2014 First Semester Accomplishments;  CY 2014 First Semester Financial Report to include, among others, the Itemized Monthly Collections and Disbursement and the Summary of Income and Expenditures;  and Updates CY 2014  on-going programs and projects.”

Likewise, “Discussion of compliance to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-81 dated July 15, 2014 regarding the posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions, and Annual Procurement Plan” as well as “Discussion of issues or concerns affecting the barangay, such as but not limited to Disaster Preparedness; Solid Waste Management; Peace and Order situation, particularly on the proliferation of activities pertaining to illegal drugs in the barangay; Monitoring and strict enforcement of the laws against Human Trafficking at barangay level; and Monitoring and strict enforcement of existing laws/ordinances on Stray Animals.”

In addition, other activities deemed necessary to be undertaken have been suggested in order “to create awareness.”

Moreover, in a Memorandum dated September 29, 2014 issued by DILG Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion, “the barangays are also enjoined to discuss the UBAS (‘Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan’) Project, an inter-faith collaboration to institutionalize active community participation at the grassroots level.”

Failure to conduct a barangay assembly is a ground for filing a corresponding administrative complaint against concerned officials, the DILG warned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Hands-on training on Goat Production equips 125 farmers

By Emmylou T. Presilda

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) - Stock infusion is one approach in upgrading livestock in the region.  This is done by way of introducing upgraded blood line to improve the existing inferior stocks in the locality.  But, without proper training, these objectives would be wasted.

For the month of September, a Hands-on training on Small Ruminant Production and Management was conducted in 5 batches by the Department of Agriculture through its livestock program covering the 5 provinces of Caraga: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Each batch had 25 participants who are previous recipients and next-in-line beneficiaries of the Goat Production Project for the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (GPP-AHMP).

The training which falls under GPP-AHMP aims to train identified beneficiaries become highly proficient in the production and management of upgraded goats.  It also aimed to familiarize the beneficiaries the basics on animal husbandry.

 Aside from ensuring sustainability through capability building activities, the 125 farmer-participants were expected to become skillful in goat production and eventually produce upgraded breeds that can give quality and increased meat and milk products, good market and increased income of livestock raisers.

Included topics were: Pasture development; Physiology reproduction in goats; Farm management which include housing, fencing, forage and pasture, care of dry and pregnant doe, care of lactating doe and newborn kids, care of weanling and growing kids, breeding buck, and record keeping.  Other management practices were also taught like castration, dehorning, hoof trimming, and feeding.

Farmers were also trained on Breeding and health, Dairy management, and silage making.  Each batch of training lasted for 3 days. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)


DTI Surigao Norte conducts rapid market survey on BI, GI, pipes and tubes

SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) together with the technical officer of the Philippine Association of Black Iron and Galvanized Iron Pipes and Tubes Manufacturer, Inc. conducted recently a random survey of business establishment selling Black Iron (BI) and galvanized iron (GI) Pipes covered under PNS26:2003 or the Philippine National Standards on Black Iron and Galvanized Iron Pipes in Surigao City.

The activity was undertaken to look into the types and quality of steel pipes being sold in the local market.

According to DTI-Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Celestino Negapatan it was found out during the survey that some hardware stores are having inventories of BI-GI pipes which are reportedly sold without strictly following the prescribed standard set by the Bureau of Products Standards (BPS) in terms of thickness, zinc coating, and the required marking under PNS 26:2003.

“These concerned establishments were advised accordingly to properly dispose of their inventories of BI-GI pipes in accordance with PNS 26:2003,” Negapatan said.

After cautioning these establishments, DTI will be conducting follow through activities to ensure substantive compliance by concerned stores to the requirements of the Philippine National Standards. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Tagalog News: Malakanyang walang plano na bumuo ng anti-graft na kuponon, sabi ng isang opisyal

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Okt. 9 (PIA) - Sa gitna ng panawagan sa pagsiyasat ng klase ng pamumuhay ng maraming opisyal, nakita ng pamahalaan na hindi na kailangan pana bumuo ng bagong Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo noong Miyerkoles.

“Para sa akin, an gating tanggapan ng Ombudsman ay nagpakita ng pagka independente. Kaya, ang kanilang mandato ay gawin ang lahat ng paraan na kinakailangan para maseguro ang mabuting pamamahala at ang moral na ginagawa sa hanay ng pampublikong mga opisyal,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda noong siyaay nakipanayam sa mga mamamahayag sa Malakanyang.

“Ginagawa nila ang kanilang tungkulin ng mahusay, kayaiiwan na lang natin diyan; at dagdag pa ang katotohanan na mas mabuti para sa isang may kasarinlang grupo na gumawa ng lifestyle check, para hindi maakusahan ang kahit na sinuman na nagbibigay ng pabor o kaya proteksyon,” sabi ni Lacierda.

Binuwag ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) sa pamamagitan ng Executive Order No. 13 na nilagdaan noong Nobyembre, 2010.

May mga panawaqganpara kay Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay at kay Hepe ng Philippine National Police General Alan Purisima na sumailalim sa lifestyle check kasunod ng pagsiyasat sa kanilang mapag-alinlangang yaman. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)