(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 11 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).


Friday, November 7, 2014

DA sec visits Caraga, meets farmers & fisherfolks

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) – Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) visited Caraga region on Friday particularly this city and municipality of Barobo in Surigao del Sur for the series of activities with the farmers and fisherfolks.

The secretary and his party arrived the Bancasi National Airport here at 9:15 in the morning and immediately proceeded to Brgy. Wakat, Barobo, Surigao del Sur for the Turn-over Ceremony of Municipal Fish Port and Ice Plant to the local government unit.

Along with the turn-over ceremony is the Culmination Program of DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program 2 and Philippine Rural Development Project Launching at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

At his arrival at the municipal Fish Port, Sec. Alcala was welcomed by the following officials: Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Asis Perez; Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Asst. Manager Eduardo Chu; DA-Caraga regional executive director Edna Mabeza; BFAR-Caraga regional director Nerio Casil; Surigao del Sur Provincial Gov. Johnny Pimentel; Provincial Vice Gov. Manuel Alameda Sr.; Surigao del Sur 2nd District Cong. Florencio Garay; Carrascal Municipal Mayor Vicente Pimentel; Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico; Barobo Municipal Mayor Felixberto Urbiztondo; Barobo Vice Mayor Joey Pama; all Sangguniang Bayan Members; all Municipal Heads of Offices; and all barangay officials.

Sec. Alcala then turned-over the Municipal Fish Port and Ice Plant Project amounting to P44,254,304.13 to the municipality of Barobo in Surigao del Sur thru Mayor Felixberto Urbiztondo.

The municipal Fish Port and Ice Plant Project is being implemented by the PFDA, an attached agency of DA mandated to provide fishery post-harvest facilities and infrastructure for the efficient handling, distribution and marketing of fishery products.

Also, right after the turn-over ceremony, Sec. Alcala headed to Barobo Gymnasium, where he met hundreds of farmers and fisherfolks for a forum. He expressed his thanks to all the people’s organizations present for patiently waiting for his arrival in Barobo. He also acknowledged all the local officials of said municipality and DA-Caraga officials for its effort in coming up with the establishment of Municipal Fishport and Ice Plant, and for continuously addressing issues and concerns of the farmers and fisherfolks in the region.

"We are asking all our farmers and fisherfolks to register at BFAR so you will receive whatever benefits that the government has provided for you. We are also encouraging you to increase backyard gardening in your community to improve your livelihood," highlighted Alcala.

The good secretary also emphasized coordination among stakeholders to achieve its target for the sector. "The national government needs the full cooperation and support of the local government to really enforce laws that protect the rights of the farmers and fisherfolks and provide them the benefits they deserved. In the same way, we also need the support and participation of our farmers and fisherfolks so we can work together and plan on how the government can serve you better," he stressed.

In response, all the farmers and fisherfolks expressed their heartfelt thanks and warm messages to Sec. Alcala through chants and jingles.

Before the forum ended, farmers and fisherfolks received several gifts from the department thru a raffle draw with the following items: 15 bags of black rice, 15 bags of Green Super Rice, one unit Rice Thresher, one unit Floating Tiller, 10 bags of Corn, 100 heads of Kabir chicks, five heads of draft animals with implements, and 10 units of Marine Engine. All these items are worth 519,580.00.

Mayor Urbiztondo also asked all the farmers and fisherfolks to work together with the municipal government in the implementation of the programs and projects for the said sector. "Let's not only work for our individual success but also for the next generation to come," he expressed.

Meanwhile, on its way to Butuan City, Sec. Alcala and party dropped by at Antongalon-Agusan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a DA-accredited Farm Service Provider and financed by Agricultural Credit Policy Council and Community Seed Banking to check the status of operation of said cooperative.

When Sec. Alcala arrived back in Butuan City, he graced the Culmination Program of the MRDP 2 and Launching of the PRDP with the theme “Enabling Communities, Expanding Opportunities”. Around 300 partners from the different sectors participated and witnessed said event.

Moreover, DA-Caraga regional director Edna Mabeza thanked the stakesholders for their cooperation in the implementation of MRDP 2 which will soon culminate on December 2014. "The MRDP-2 has a total of P1,195,330,110 worth of projects in Caraga Region alone and we hope to continue that development through the PRDP which we are launching today," she bared.

During the program, DA officials awarded Plaque of Recognition to Outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit-Implementers for Rural Infrastructure Component, Natural Resources Management Component, and Community Fund Agricultural Development Component, among others.

The MRDP-APL2 continues to implement poverty-reducing interventions in more poor communities across Mindanao as it expands in scope of coverage (225 towns in 26 provinces). It is implemented under the DA, MRDP-1 accomplished various projects and provided significant learning experiences on which MRDP-2 takes off.

The PRDP is a six-year project designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market-oriented Agri-fishery sector. PRDP partners with the LGUs and the private sector in providing key infrastructure, facilities, technology, and information that will raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness in the countryside.

Sec. Alcala assured that the department’s funds will increase in 2015 to address more issues and concerns of its recipients from its implemented programs and projects. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Agriculture secretary turns-over municipal Fishport, Ice Plant to LGU-Barobo

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) – “I’m very happy to see the newly-constructed Fish Port and Ice Plant here in Barobo, Surigao del Sur. These will surely help many people especially our fisherfolks. I am hoping that our strong partnership will continue as the department also continuously promotes the welfare of the sector.”

This was the statement of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) during his visit in Barobo, Surigao del Sur for the Turn-over of Municipal Fish Port and Ice Plant to the local government unit.

Along with Sec. Alcala during the ribbon-cutting were director Asis Perez of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Asst. Manager Eduardo Chu; DA-Caraga regional executive director Edna Mabeza; BFAR-Caraga regional director Nerio Casil; Surigao del Sur Provincial Gov. Johnny Pimentel; Provincial Vice Gov. Manuel Alameda Sr.; Surigao del Sur 2nd District Cong. Florencio Garay; Carrascal Municipal Mayor Vicente Pimentel; Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico; Barobo Municipal Mayor Felixberto Urbiztondo; Barobo Vice Mayor Joey Pama; all Sangguniang Bayan Members; all Municipal Heads of Offices; and all barangay officials.

Sec. Alcala with director Mabeza toured the area and were briefed by local officials on how the Fishport and Ice Plant will be operated.

Mayor Urbiztondo also expressed his warm thanks and gratitude to Sec. Alcala and the PFDA for funding the said project. He also assured that said infra will benefit its constituents especially the farmers and fisherfolks.

It was learned that the turned-over municipal Fishport and Ice Plant Project is worth P44,254,304.13.

The municipality of Barobo in Surigao del Sur is graced with one of the best fishing ground as it is endowed with a body of water now known as the Barobo Bay being a part of the greater Lianga Bay, which is rich in marine resources and proximate to Philippine Sea which is home to migratory species of fish being exported to other countries.

The Municipal Fishport and Ice Plant Project is being implemented by the PFDA, an attached agency of DA mandated to provide fishery post-harvest facilities and infrastructure for the efficient handling, distribution and marketing of fishery products. (JPG/VLG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur recognized as the second largest Palay producer in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) - "One of our priorities in the province is really on Agriculture. Surigao del Sur is the 2nd largest producer of Palay in the entire Caraga region."

This was the announcement of Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel during the Forum with Farmers and Fisherfolks held on Friday at the Barobo Gymnasium, Surigao del Sur.

It was also learned that the said province won second prize in the national organic farm amounting to P500,000.00. According to DA-Caraga, the national awarding will be held in Davao City.

When it comes to agriculture, Pimentel highlighted that Surigao del Sur has been an achiever and recognized producer. "It can be recalled that the province was also declared as top rice achiever in the entire country," he added.

On the other hand, Pimentel lauded the accomplishments of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that benefited much the Surigaonons and Caraganons.

"Thru the leadership of Secretary Alcala, the Barobo Municipal Fishport and Ice Plant in here in Barobo, Surigao del Sur were realized. Because of his sincere commitment to serve our farmers and fisherfolks, we are assured that we will have more for our province," disclosed Pimentel.

Pimentel also encouraged all the farmers and fisherfolks not only from his province but in the entire region to increase its productivity on agricultural products especially the organic agriculture.

Meanwhile, the governor further revealed that the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) also launched on Friday the postal stamp bearing the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

“Postmaster General and CEO Maria Josefina Dela Cruz led the historic event earlier today in Bislig City, the reason why I also came late here… Thank you also to our very dynamic secretary for his overwhelming support to our region when it comes to the promotion of the welfare of our farmers and fisherfolks,” added Pimentel. 

With this development, Sec. Alcala also mentioned that he will discuss with Gov. Pimentel the establishment of an Agro-Industrial Hub so farmers and fisherfolks can have more resources and livelihood. (JPG/VLG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


Inter-agency ball game tournament opens in San Jose, Dinagat Islands

By Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Nov. 7 (PIA) – An inter-agency ball game tournament was recently opened here at the San Jose Municipal Gym, this province.

According to Dinagat Islands provincial information officer Ma. Jane Mayola, the event aims to provide understanding and promote camaraderie among government employees through friendly competitions.

The ball game tournament is one of the highlights of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the municipality of San Jose with the theme “San Jose @ 25 years and beyond: Celebrating Gains and Progressing Actions towards Good Governance and Economic Developments.”

Among the highlights of the Two-weeklong celebration are the Launching of San Jose Hymn, Contemporary Dance Contest, Bancarera and the much awaited Search for Silver Jubilee Queen 2014. (SDR/PIA-Dinagat Islands)


DILG 13 conducts Regional Forum on Role of Barangays in ASEAN Integration

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) - Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents across the region participated the Regional Forum on “Role of Barangays: Way Forward to ASEAN Integration” conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XIII last October 28-29, 2014 at Samping Avenue, this city.

The forum was called primarily to facilitate understanding among the barangays through their respective Liga presidents on the concept, objectives and ramifications of the ASEAN Economic Integration (AEI) which will be established in 2015. It was presented by the National Economic and Development Authority – Region XIII (NEDA 13) Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. CariΓ±o herself as a show of NEDA’s critical role and support in this move for integration.

The forum also provided an avenue for some of the key government agencies for ASEAN integration to present their preparations thus far as well as to impart the roles that the local government units, especially the barangays, can play to support the AEI.

Presentations were given by representatives of various regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on what their agencies are currently involved with in the preparation for the ASEAN Integration. Tourism opportunities; good agricultural practices; job opportunities and salaries and wages; programs for out-of-school youth (i.e. Abot Alam); business and trade; and development, upscaling and certification of skills, among many others were discussed.

To encapsulate the discussion of the various initiatives of the National Government Agencies, DILG 13 Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion revisited the role that the barangays need to portray particularly on how they might be able to seize the opportunities that the regional economic community is bringing along with it, and to challenge the LGUs to do what needs to be done to be contributory to the efforts of the entire country to be at par with or even at the forefront of the nine (9) other ASEAN member nations come 2015.

ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations is the coming together of ten (10) Southeast Asian nations as one economic community, i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


TAGALOG NEWS: Palasyo nirerespeto ang kautusan ng Sandiganbayan na payagan si dating Pangulong Arroyo na dumalo sa lamay at libing ng kanyang apo

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Nov. 7 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Palasyo noong Martes na nirerespeto nito ang apsiya ng Sandiganbayan na ipagkaloob kay dating pangulo Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang kanyang kahilingan na makadalo sa lamay at libing ng kanyang apo.

“Nirerespeto namin ang kautusan ng Sandiganbayan na payagan si dating Pangulong Arroyo na dumalo sa lamay at libing at makibahagi sa pagkaulila ng kanyang pamilya,” sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang pahayag nong Martes.

Pinayagan ng Sandiganbayan Fifth Division si Arroyo na iwanan ang kanyang seldang silid na nasa Veterans Memorial Medical Center para dumalo sa lamay ng kanyang apo mula ika-4 ng Nobyembre hanggang ika-9 mula ala una ng hapon hanggang alas diyes ng gabi at sa libing sa darating na Nobyembre 10 mula alas nuwebe ng umaga hanggang alas tres ng hapon.

Si Jorge Alonzo “Jugo” Arroyo Bernas, pinakabatang anak na lalaki ng anak ni Gng. Arroyo na babaeng si Luli Arroyo-Bernas at ng asawang si Luigi ay namatay noong Linggo bandang 9:30 ng umaga sa Philippine Heart Center dahil sa congenital heart problem.Si Jugo Bernas ay may edad na 13 buwan pa lamangat siyang pinakabata sa lahat ng mga apo ni Arroyo.

Ang lamayan ay nasa bahay ng mga Bernases sa Forbes Park, Lunsod ng Makati.

Si Arroyo, representante ng Pampanga ay nasa ilalim ng hospital arrest sa Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center mula 2012. Kinakaharap niya ang bintang na nakipagsabwatan sa katiwaliang paglihis ng P366 milyon ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence funds para sa kanyang personal na kapakanan mula 2008 hanggang 2010. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)