Friday, February 21, 2014

TREEDC visits Butuan City, encourages gov’t agencies to use renewable energy

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The officials of Tennessee Renewable Energy Development Council (TREEDC) visited this city on Thursday and encouraged government agencies to utilize renewable energy, during a press conference held at the Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology (PECIT) Conference Room.

"We're here to learn what your region needs and we want to hear from you on how we can contribute to help the region in terms of renewable energy. We offer various renewable energy products which may be of great help in your city and region," said Mary Shoffer Gill, TREEDC vice-president.

TREEDC president James Talley cited that renewable energy technologies are clean sources of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. It also provides environmental benefits such as helping to improve local air quality and reducing the impact on the land, water and climate system. Increased use of renewable energy will also help boost local economies through job creation.

"Mindanao has vast potential in business and investments. Many foreign companies are also willing to engage business here. We are doing Educational Awareness Approach to establish trust among people and be able to develop them and its environment thru renewable energy," added Talley.

When asked why they chose Caraga region to offer their renewable energy projects, Warren Nevad, TREEDC executive director said that they wanted to establish a stable network from Luzon to Mindanao regions.

"Caraga region offers excellent opportunity for Tennessee resource energy providers and we have been coordinating with the local officials here since 2013," Nevad added.

Meanwhile, as one of the private entities utilizing solar energy, Engr. Romeo Zerrudo, PECIT president in Butuan City said with the use of renewable energy, it helped the company save funds intended for electricity.

"The light that we are using now in our school and office came from the solar energy. So even if the local energy provider will do rotational brownout, we are not affected because of this renewable energy," expressed Zerrudo.

Officials of TREEDC is also here in the city for the second Caraga Regional Conference on Renewable Energy from Feb. 20 to 22 at the Balanghai Hotel. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Red Cross Youth local chapter holds 10th Biennial Chapterwide Youth Assembly

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Red Cross Youth (RCY) of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan Chapter holds today until the 22nd of February 2014 its 10th Biennial Chapterwide Youth Assembly at the Caraga State University - Cabadbaran Campus, Cabadbaran City.

The celebration is anchored on the theme, “Stronger Red Cross Youth for stronger Chapter Youth Council” wherein more than 200 active senior and college RCY members of the chapter are identified delegates of the Congress.

The Biennial Chapterwide Youth Assembly as the Supreme Deliberative body of the Chapter Youth Council (CYC) primarily aims to draw attention of the young people in humanitarian work and strengthen youth cooperation in the implementation of the PRC programs.

It was learned that the congress has the objectives to develop new format for the implementation of similar youth gatherings at the school or community and associate leadership in capacity building and resiliency; and to provide venue for the youth members to discuss and plan for the relevance of the RCY programs in the years ahead.

“The highlight of the assembly will be the election of CYC officers whose president elect will be sitting as member of the board of directors,” said CYC President Mycl Angeli Sumalinog.

Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba is the keynote speaker during the opening of the event.

Also, Michelle Emee Pongao, area 8 coordinator and NYC assistant secretary will be the guest of honor and speaker on the 2nd day of the congress.

Part of its concluding activity is the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected CYC officers. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Jobs Fair set in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Feb 21 (PIA) - The Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU)-Main Campus in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Surigao del Sur Field Office will conduct a Jobs Fair for local and overseas recruitment Friday, Feb. 21 at SDSSU Gymnasium, Rosario, Tandag City.

According to Romelyn Bactol of DOLE SDS, a total of 16,448 overseas job orders are available coming from the 13 participating recruitment agencies accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

She further said that there are also 17 job orders available coming from the local recruiters.

Job applicants are required to bring their pertinent documents like Personal Data Sheet, Transcript of Records, Employment Certificate, NC II Certificates, passport and other related documents for the possible qualification during the job interview. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Surigao Norte to conduct Provincial Tourism Summit

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Tourism Office will conduct a one-day Provincial Tourism Summit on February 24, 2014 at Philippine Gateway Hotel, this city.

The summit with the theme, “Reshaping the Future of Tourism towards Bag-ong Surigao 2020” aims to define the tourism roadmap in the next six years (2015-2020) amid the initiatives implemented by the provincial government, sustaining the gains and redirecting focus of development that will reshape the new roadmap under the HEALS-PLUS (Health, Education, Agri-Aquaculture, Livelihood and Tourism, Social Services, Spirituality) agenda of the provincial administration.

Participants to the summit are various stakeholders in the tourism industry like the local government units, tourism related enterprises, national line agencies, non-government organizations and people’s organizations.

For more details, please contact the Provincial Tourism Office at tel. (086) 826-9017. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOST-PHIVOLCS launches questionnaire for quake-safe house

By Angelica A. de Leon

MANILA, Feb. 21 (PIA) - Is your house ready for a strong earthquake?

To help owners of concrete hollow block (CHB) houses answer this question, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a 12-point questionnaire last February 19 at the PHIVOLCS Auditorium in Quezon City.

The questionnaire is designed to guide homewners in assessing whether their homes are strong enough to withstand a major earthquake.

The questionnaire, titled “How Safe is My House? Self-check for Earthquake Safety of CHB Houses in the Philippines”, has 12 questions, each with three possible answers. Each answer is equivalent to a point. The total number of points earned determines the strength or vulnerability of the structure.

Among the questions in the checklist are:  Who built or designed my house? How old is my house? What is the shape of my house?  Has my house been extended or expanded?

The rest deal with equally important information such as damage incurred from previous disasters, CHB thickness, soil condition, use of standard size steel bars, width of unsupported walls, among others.

“The solution is to recognize the problem. Where will this recognition start? It should start with the homeowner,” emphasized   PHIVOLCS  Director  Dr. Renato U. Solidum  Jr. during the launch.  Previously, Solidum explained that an earthquake resistant house will not collapse even if an Intensity 9 temblor strikes.

However, the questionnaire is not just useful for homeowners but also for local engineers, building officials, and local government unit authorities.

“This material can also be practically used to ensure safety before the construction of houses,” reminded Takahiro Sasaki, chief representative  of  JICA  Philippines, in his message. 

The questionnaire, which was tested on some damaged houses and structures in Bohol following the Oct. 15, 2013 tremor in the province, was derived from field verifications, quake damage surveys, and several experiments and tests.

Among these experiments were the full-scale Shaking Table Test of CHB Houses conducted by Filipino and Japanese experts at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention in Tsukuba, Japan in February 2011. The experiment involved two houses, an engineered model that followed the Building Code, and a non-engineered one representing the more common CHB residence in the Philippines. Tests showed the latter incurring damage immediately , leading to the eventual collapse of certain parts during the earthquake simulation.

“Casualties from past earthquakes were caused by the collapse of buildings. And part of those are from damaged to collapsed non-engineered houses,” revealed Solidum. 

During the open forum, Engr. Ronaldo S. Ison of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP), another project proponent, said that a strong earthquake may still cause debris to fall.  However, an eventual collapse will not take place if it is an engineered house.

"What we’re trying to do is to educate everybody, that even if you employ masons and carpenters, they should be following certain standards. It is the right time for us to inform the public that we should not just rely on masons and carpenters to build our houses,” declared Engr. Ison.

The PHIVOLCS director added that a safe house should be combined with appropriate response from people living in it to make them safer and further prevent damage and injury.

PHIVOLCS and its partners are currently preparing a Tagalog version of the 12-point questionnaire  and plan to come up with a similar checklist for wooden houses. Also in the pipeline is a computer simulation program to test the earthquake readiness of engineering and architectural designs.

Aside from PHIVOLCS, JICA, and ASEP, the Japan Science and Technology Agency is also involved in the project.

“How Safe is My House? Self-check for Earthquake Safety of CHB Houses in the Philippines” may be downloaded at http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph. (S&T Media Service, DOST-STII/PIA-Caraga)

TD Agaton victims in Caraga get aid from DA

By Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XIII (DA-RFO XIII) has distributed a total of 4,500 bags of rehabilitation seeds to the local government units as support to Caraga rice farmers reeling from the aftermath of low pressure and tropical depression Agaton last January.

Regional Seed Coordinator June Anthony S. Ouano said that the 4,500 bags of palay seeds consist 2,000 bags certified seeds, 1,200 bags traditional varieties, and 1,300 bags registered seeds, which will be distributed among the affected cities and provinces of the region.

The Province of Agusan del Sur was one of the provinces who received an allocation of 2,000 bags of palay rehab seeds to be distributed to the 13 municipalities affected by the recent calamity.

According to Provincial Agriculture Office OIC Jessica G. Unson, they have already started the distribution as early as first week of February to catch up with the first cropping season of the year. The municipal agriculturists within the province followed the 1:1 distribution scheme, where 1 bag is entitled to 1 farmer corresponding to a 1 hectare production area.

Farmers in the municipality of Sta. Josefa now heaved a sigh of relief as palay seeds were distributed in their municipality. “We are happy from the assistance given to us, as we will make a fresh start in our areas devastated by the typhoon,” said Barangay Awao Chairman Arthur Gunban.

Municipal Agriculturist Josefa M. Santos also said that part of the distribution agreement is that farmers who have received registered seeds are encouraged to share their farm produce to other farmers for planting in the next cropping season.

The turn-over ceremony was graced by Sta. Josefa Municipal Mayor Jann Roby R. Otero. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Palasyo kinakatigan ang polisiya ng PNP tungkol sa pakipanayam sa mga mamamahayag

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Peb. 21, 2014 (PIA) - Kinakatigan ng Malakanyang ang polisiya ng Philippine National Police na pagbawalan ang ordinaryong tauhan na makipanayam sa media tuwing magkaroon ng imbestigasyon para maiwasan ang maling impormasyon sa publiko.

Pinagbawalan ng PNP ang ordinaryong pulis na magbigay ng impormasyon sa mga mamamahayag maliban kung ipag-utos ng kanilang lider.

“Gusto lang nilang maging klaro na kapag sila ay nagbigay ng impormasyon sa publiko, ito ay tama para ito ay hindi makapagbigay ng  maling impormasyon na maidulot sa publiko,” sabi ni Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda sa isang press briefing sa Malakanyang noong Huwebes.

Hindi ito pagtatago ng ano man sa publiko. Ito ay para maseguro naming ano man ang mailabas namin sa publiko ay wasto.

Ang mga mamamahayag ay kailangang magbigay ng wastong ulat sa publiko para ang pulis ay makapagsiyasat ng masinsinan, sabi ni Lacierda.

Ayon sa PNP, ang ganoong pagkilos ay naglalayong mapigil anf pulis na magbigay ng maling impormasyon sa media at maging sa publiko.

Marami sa mga opisyal ng kapulisan ang naiimbistigahan sa pagbibigay ng hindi tama at sensitibong impormasyon sa media, ayon sa sinasabi. Ang iba naman ay nagbibigay ng personal na opinion sa nililitis na kaso kapag kinapanayam ng media, dagdag pa ng PNP. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Cebuano News: Moral Recovery Program sa dakbayan mas gipakusgan pa

Ni Lyka Quinto

BUTUAN CITY, Peb. 21 (PIA) – Sa tumong nga mapalapdan sa nagkadaiyang serbisyo ug programa sa Moral Recovery Program sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Butuan, ubay-ubay nga mga aktibidad ang nakahan-ay alang sa bulan sa Pebrero 2014.

Dugang niini aduna usab gipahigayon nga Values Formation Seminar matag adlaw alang sa mga emplyado sa city hall ingon man sa mga kapulisan sa nagkadaiyang Police Stations sa syudad.

Sa pagpanguna ni Moral Recovery officer Ptr. Charlie Prior, giawhag nini nga tanang katawhan sa Butuan sa pagsalmot sa maong panawagan sa pagpatuman ug pagmintina sa hisgutanang moralidad sa syudad.

Giawhag usab ang tanang buot musalmot alang sa personal counseling. Abli ang buhatan matag adlaw’ng Lunes hangtud Biyernes, alas 8:00 sa buntag hangtud alas 5:00 sa hapon. Mahimo usab matawagan sa 346-0375. (LGU-BC PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, February 20, 2014

PIA Caraga set to launch an emergency broadcasting system

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – An Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) is set to be launched soon by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga as a unique, creative and innovative strategy to intensify its services and to effect a more helpful information and communication scheme.

AFEBS, a Community-based broadcasting system designed for disaster response, was conceptualized under the ingenuity of PIA Caraga regional director and Northern and northeastern Mindanao cluster head Abner Caga, in his genuine pursuit to give substance to PIA’s mandate.

“It is set up for serving the needs of a specific community or for a specific purpose, in effect providing them with appropriate information intervention thereby putting substance to our mandate,” said Caga.

Accordingly, AFEBS is considered the most effective communication tool when it comes to assisting people in disaster-prone communities as it reaches into the homes of the far-flung barangays and is one of the most effective vehicles for helping seriously disadvantaged communities share vital information.

In no time, the project will be implemented in Surigao City where disasters most significantly occur in this part of the region.

AFEBS will be installed in the city’s vital locations such as bus, ferry, airport terminals, parks/luneta and other public places.

Caga also assured that due to its low energy requirement, “it can be powered by a small generator set or solar power thus ensuring operational sustainability even during worst disasters and when power is certainly scarce.”

Other functions of AFEBS include public paging system, feedback mechanism and serves as platform for all forms of advocacies. It can also be utilized for surveys and even for purpose of entertainment.

“Though disasters cannot be completely prevented, its effects can be mitigated through effective communication and timely, accurate and relevant information. AFEBS is one unique solution worthy of implementation,” said Caga. (VLG/FEA/PIA-Caraga)

PIA Caraga promotes emergency broadcasting system innovation

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – A communication system dubbed as Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), under the lone and direct management of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, is a distinct innovation that puts forward for a real constructive impact in the community.

As disaster and calamity downright threatens human lives, the agency crafted the AFEBS to contribute in protecting lives and properties through delivery of information and updates powered by its communication system.

Following the existing PIA Caraga’s Power FM platform, AFEBS is another special system conceptualized to widen the reach of vital information particularly in remote locations.

“Our office wants to establish the practical relevance of utilizing the advance communication facility and how people can benefit best from this,” said PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga.

The operational capability of AFEBS equipment has been tested and proven to be functional 24/7 in all weather conditions; compact and highly mobile which can be transferred anytime, anywhere in just an hour or two; user friendly (plug and play); can be remotely managed thru the internet; and highly reliable, long life design.

“AFEBS will soon be fully operational in Surigao City and we intend to extend our services by installing this communication system to some other cities and provinces in the region who are willing to partner with PIA in order to serve the best for their constituents,” bared Caga. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga RDRRMC to hold 2-Day Training on Earthquake Evacuation Drill in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga is set to hold the Two-Day Training of Regional Pool of Evaluators on Earthquake Evacuation Drill on February 27-28, 2014 at Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, this city.

“This activity aims to build resiliency and strong foundation in providing effective evaluation during earthquake drills and simulation exercises,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director and RDRRMC chair Liza Mazo.

Mazo added that said activity will be participated in by selected focal officers of the RDRRMC member-agencies, provincial/city DRRM officers, structural engineers, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) stations, accredited responders and representatives from private sectors in the region.

On Day-1, participants will learn more on the earthquake-induced landslides, faults and trenches in Caraga, as well as the rain-induced landslides and updates on the distribution of faults and trenches in the region. These will be tackled by the representatives from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) and Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB).

How to establish Building Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEEP) and Earthquake Drill Evacuation Tool will be presented by Marc Gil Calang from OCD-Caraga.

On Day-2, Dir. Mazo with the pool of evaluators will conduct the actual Earthquake Drill and Evaluation at the Celebes Coconut Corporation in Butuan City.

Critiquing of the participants’ performance during drill evacuation will then follow. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOST, partners hold 3-day Reg’l Conference on Renewable Energy in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Foundation, Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology (PECIT) and officials of Tennessee Renewable Energy Development Council (TREEDC) with other partner stakeholders are conducting the Three-day Regional Conference on Renewable Energy starting today until the 22nd at the Balanghai Hotel here.

DOST-Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga bared the conference is intended to identify and prioritize geographic areas where renewable energy projects will be developed and showcased to encourage businesses and people to adopt and implement such technologies and eventually bringing about benefits for the communities in the region.

“The conference is also aimed to offer a venue where people will be encouraged to shape and advance socio-economic developments in the region by looking at ways on how they can deploy and integrate renewable energy technologies/sources into the existing energy system,” said Engr. Romeo Zerrudo, president of PECIT, this city.

Zerrudo added that this year’s regional conference will strengthen and facilitate renewable energy networks for advocacy, research and funding collaboration among stakeholders such as those from the academe, policy makers, researchers, the business communities, students, foreign and local non-government organizations, neighborhood communities, and others. 

The participants of today's conference (Day-1) learned more about the Policy, Regulation, Governance and Financing on Renewable Energy Programs/Projects, as well as the Foreign and Local Partnerships in Renewable Energy.

Meanwhile, Manpower Development through Education/Training and Job Creation; Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities on Renewable Energy; and Solar and Wind Energy Systems For Rural Communities are among the salient topics that will be discussed by the invited guest speakers on Day-2.

This year’s conference is anchored on the theme "Renewable Energy Prospects in the Region: Exploring Available and Potential Resource and Capabilities for Rural Development." (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Culinary Show and Live Competition opens today in Surigao City

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) - The two-day Caraga Culinary Show and Live Competition opens today, Feb. 20, 2014 at the Saint Paul University-Main Campus Gym, this city. The event is in line with the 19th anniversary celebration of Caraga Region.

The activity kicked-off with a grand dance presentation by the Sadjao Surigao Dance Theater followed by a grand entrance of participants from the different colleges, universities and catering establishments all over the region.

In behalf of governor Sol Matugas, vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. formally declared the opening of the event.

A total of seven participants will compete for student category, they are: Butuan Doctors College (BDC); Caraga State University (CSU)-Cabadbaran Campus; Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU); Saint Paul University (SPUS) -Surigao; Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT); STI College and Saint Theresa College-Tandag.

While four participants namely, SSCT (teachers) , Narciso’s Cake and Catering Services-Surigao City, Saint Theresa College (teachers) and Randy Discarten (individual) will compete for professional category.

Today's scheduled activities include, cake decorating (professional category), dessert buffet (student category), fruit and vegetable carving (student category), table setting (student category), dessert buffet (professional category) and chef wars (professional category).

On Friday, activities include, mini-cake decorating (student category), chef wars (student category), salads and sandwiches (professional category), and dual flair tending. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DILG asks village officials to conduct barangay assembly

By Melody de Vera

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Feb. 20 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Sur provincial office required all barangays to participate in the synchronized barangay assembly in order to gain knowledge on how they can inform the public on the status of funds of on-going and upcoming projects in the barangay.

Citing Memorandum Circular No.2014-19 dated January 28, 2014, DILG provincial director Arlene Ann Sanchez said Barangay Chairmen are mandated to render the State of Barangay Address in order that they can update their constituents on the services they have rendered in 2013 as well as appraise them on the status of the on-going programs and projects.

The assembly will also include disaster preparedness symposium for citizen’s awareness to mitigate possible loss of lives and damage to properties during calamities and report on the peace and order condition in the community.

Sanchez added that the barangay assembly will provide transparency in governance and will provide stakeholders venue for participation by expressing their feeling, comments and suggestions on the programs projects being implemented in their barangays that would greatly benefit them and the whole community.

In the DILG memorandum, it is stipulated that the barangay assembly must be conducted every March and October every year and non-compliance of barangay officials can become ground in filing administrative cases against them.

Sanchez also urged the people to participate in the assembly and to report either to the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlunsod if there will be no assembly conducted in their respective barangays. (DMS/PPIO-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DENR closes transport of logs on Agusan River

By Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has closed the transport of all types of logs through the Agusan River and its tributaries effective February 10, 2014.

This means that the DENR would no longer issue a transport permit for all types of logs that would use the Agusan river and its tributaries as waterways to move the forest products to the various wood processing plants along riverbanks in Butuan City and some parts in Agusan del Sur.

DENR Undersecretary for Operations Demetrio L. Ignacio, Jr. has issued the “restriction of log movements order” by authority of Secretary Ramon JP Paje through a memorandum sent to all DENR Regional Executive Directors on that date.

The order was immediately relayed to all PENROs and CENRO by DENR Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo during a brief conference at DENR Regional Training Center in Barangay Ambago, Butuan City on Tuesday.

USec. Ignacio cited wanton disregard of regulations imposed under Executive 23 by some people as reasons for the issuance of restriction order by the DENR.

DENR 13 Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo said it was also cited in the memorandum that “rafting and towing of logs on Agusan river have contributed to the inundation and scouring of the river banks further exacerbated during heavy rains.” He said “this has significantly contributed to the siltation of the river.”  The other reason is the observation of the danger pose by rafted logs in barangays downstream when the river is heavily flooded.

Director Tamayo said he has directed all the DENR field officials in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte to effect the closure to traffic of all types of logs using the Agusan river. He has also asked the PENRO and CENRO officials to conduct an immediate inventory of all on-going transport of logs while moving to their respective destinations through the river and tributaries.

“After reaching their destinations, there shall be no more logs to be allowed to travel on the waterways including its tributaries of the Agusan river.

Director Tamayo has likewise relayed the warning of USec. Ignacio that appropriate sanction shall be imposed upon PENROs and CENROs and other field officials who issue transport permit in violation of that order. (DENR-13 RPAO/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Presidente Aquino: Hindi ibig sabihin na ang Anti-Cybercrime Law ay pigilan ang kalayaang magpahayag

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Pebrero 20, 2014 (PIA) - Sa kabila ng kontrobersiya sa mga probisyon kasama na ang nasa linyang libelo, ang Anti-Cybercrime Law ay hindi naglalayon na pigilan ang kalayaang magpahayag, sabi ni Pangulong Aquino noong Miyerkoles.

Sa pakipanayam sa mga mamamahayag sa Sampaloc, Manila, sinabi ng Pangulo na ang mga mamamayan ay walang dapat ikatakot kung sila ay magsasabi ng katotohanan.

"Ngayon, ‘yung pipigilin ba ang freedom of expression? Hindi naman yata ‘yon ang layunin. Pero, kayo, bilang mga responsableng mamamahayag meron ding mga—may karapatan kayo, at meron rin namang hangganan ang karapatan ng lahat, di ho ba?”  sabi ng Pangulo.

Sabi pa niya na hindi patas kung ang hindi segurado o maling pahayag ay inuulit-ulit sa iba’t ibang porma ng pamamahayag.

Sa ibang banda, sabi ng Pangulo na ang taong nagsasabi ng katotohanan ay walang dapat ikatakot.

"Kung tama naman ang sinasabi mo, bakit ka kakabahan doon sa libel na isyu?” sabi ng Pangulo. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

GADCC Caraga pursues women empowerment

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – The Caraga Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) continually promotes empowerment of women by providing the necessary mechanisms to foster equal opportunity for them to participate in and contribute to the political, social and economic developments.

As a prime advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality, GADCC Caraga has lined-up several activities for this year’s observance of Women’s Month Celebration. Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Etta Rosales will grace the opening ceremony on March 3, 2014.

There will also be a Forum on Reproductive Health and a regular conduct of “Kalandrakas” where variety of activities and services that suits women and men’s interests will be made available such as free legal consultation, beauty and massage services, trade fair, and face painting, among others.

Profiling of successful women entrepreneurs will likewise be highlighted and a photo contest dubbed “One Day in a Life of a Woman in Caraga” is open for pro and amateur photographers.

Apart from oratorical contest and jail visitation, a Women’s Congress in a form of Consultative Assembly per local government unit will be conducted on dates from March 1-15.

Cecil Besona of Department of Interior and Local Government Caraga, a member of the panel during the 2014 Women’s Month Celebration press conference held on Tuesday, reiterated that local government units are mandated to allocate 5% of its general budget intended for the gender and development (GAD) programs and projects.

“This is to strengthen the GAD focal point system,” added Besona.

As mentioned by Caraga GADCC chair Atty. Marylin Pintor, “aside from focusing on women empowerment, CHR Caraga is including in its advocacy and campaign the anti-child pornography wherein we conducted an ocular inspection of internet cafes in Butuan City. A resolution was also established which directs LGUs to prohibit business owners to set-up cubicles in net cafes.”

Meanwhile, National Economic Development Authority Caraga officer-in-charge Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño also bared that there is much reason to commemorate the Women’s Month. “Other than celebrating the gift of life, we see these women being at the forefront in rehabilitating calamity-affected areas. Their valuable works affirmed their significant role in nation building which deserve due recognition,” she added. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga GADCC underscores women as ‘drivers of change’

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – In line with the celebration of 2014 Women’s Month, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) Caraga placed high regards to women who are considered “drivers of change” for their untiring act of volunteerism in times of disaster, conflict and calamity.

This year’s celebration recognizes the role of women in the rehabilitation process and their over-all contributions to progress as it is anchored on the theme “Juana, and Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.”

“It pays tribute to the strong and resilient 'Juanas' who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe,” said Atty. Marylin Pintor, Caraga GADCC chair.

In a press conference, it was learned that the International Women’s Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1917 due to such history of women organizing around the world.  Women’s contributions to society were acknowledged for promoting gender equality.

“Women as drivers of change turned out to be the prime movers of change and not simply being recipients of change. Their efforts, regardless of how diminutive, could go a long way for continuing progress,” bared National Economic Development Authority Caraga officer-in-charge Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño.

Recounting the recent Zamboanga crisis to the pork barrel scandal and the catastrophies, Pintor also pointed out that “with recent geological, socio-economic and political upheavals that shook the country last year, 2014 bring a new ray of hope that will pave the way for healing, recovery and reconciliation and that Filipino spirit remains indomitable and unbowed.” (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DOE, MinDA conduct public consultation on Mindanao Energy Plan

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) - A total of 92 participants from the different government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, students and electric cooperatives of the Caraga region participated the whole day public consultation on the Mindanao Energy Plan 2013-2030 and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on Energy Efficiency and conservation on Wednesday here.

The event, initiated by the Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), is pursuant to the overall thrust and direction of ensuring energy security, achieving optimal energy pricing and developing a sustainable energy system in Mindanao.

During the activity, MinDA Planning and Research division chief Estrella Turingan said based on the Mindanao Development Plan, energy is vital to economic progress because "it fuels our development."

Turingan further said that Mindanao is contributing 14 percent to the Philippines economy in the year 2012.

Also, DOE-EPPB Director Carmencita Bariso while presenting the Mindanao Energy Plan said three of the largest oil and gas basins in the Philippines are located in Mindanao – Cotabato, Agusan-Davao & Sulu Sea, and also, four of the major coal basins are located in Zamboanga, Davao, Cotabao-Sarangani and Surigao with a total resource potential of 704.4 million metric tons.

Bariso also said, there are 33 Coal Operating Contract (COC) holders in Mindanao, 14 for exploration and 12 in development and production. During the year 2013, a total of seven exploration contracts were awarded.

Meanwhile, DOE bared that the two biodiesel producers in the Philippines are located in Mindanao: 1) Bioenergy 8 Corporation in Sasa, Davao City with 30 million liters production capacity from coconut oil; and 2) Freyvonne Milling Services in Toril, Davao City with 15.6 million liters production capacity from copra.

For the year 2012, the Mindanao’s household electrification level reached to 54.25 percent.

The different types of fuel was also presented by DOE Undersecretary for Power and Energy Planning Raul Aguillos, which include Coal, Oil Based, Geothermal, Hydro, Solar, and Biomass. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

CCC, 4 Surigao Norte towns ink MOA on Climate Adaptation Support Services

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Climate Adaptation Support Services was signed by Climate Change Commission (CCC) secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering and four recipient municipalities represented by the mayors of Pilar, San Benito and vice mayors of San Isidro and Del Carmen all in Surigao del Norte during the Provincial Development Council meeting held recently at Gateway Hotel, this city.

According to Sec. Sering, the Climate Adaptation Support Service (CASS) is one of the major components under the Ecotown Demonstration Framework "and it will serve as an interim assistance to the vulnerable communities in the form of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) with the aim of building adaptive capacity through economic resiliency."

"Ecotowns are planning units composed of municipalities or a group of municipalities located within and around the boundaries of critical key biodiversity areas which are at high risk to climate change," said Sering.

She also said the four recipient municipalities under Climate Change Adaptation Support Service fund will receive an amount of P510,000.00 for project implementation and will be downloaded in favor to the municipality subject to existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Under the said MOA Climate Change Commission responsibilities include provision of implementation mechanism for the operationalization of CASS, ensure that the approved CASS implementation schedule are properly carried out, and monitor and evaluate the implementation.

For the recipient municipalities, they have the responsibility to open and maintain a special account in a government accredited bank under the name of the Ecotown-CASS program, identify the target beneficiaries based on the agreed criteria for implementation of the said project, designate core group composed of municipal officials to facilitate, ensure that the designated core group will spearhead the formulation and monitoring of the performance of the beneficiaries in relation to the conditionalities and expected outcome of the project, provide technical support such as agricultural extension services, ensure that any and all financial support will utilized solely for the purpose of attaining the objectives of the project an all disbursements must observe the applicable government accounting and auditing, rules and regulations, and submit periodic progress report to the commission.

Republic Act No. 9729, as amended, otherwise known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, mandates the Climate Change Commission to coordinate with the local government units to address vulnerability to climate change impacts of regions, provinces, cities and municipalities, and to facilitate capacity building, for local adaptation planning, implementation and monitoring of climate change initiatives in vulnerable communities and areas. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PRC thanked AgSur guv for assistance extended

By David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Feb. 19 (PIA) - The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur (PRC-AdS) Chapter conferred a certificate of appreciation to Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza after being recognized and awarded as the best performing chapter for 2013 by the Philippine Red Cross.

Recounting the assistance extended by the provincial government to PRC Agusan del Sur Chapter during the Board of Directors’ (BOD) meeting, BOD chairman Rev. Solomon Bilaoen said it is proper that the chapter should recognize and appreciate the efforts of the provincial government that benefit the people specially in Agusan del Sur thru the PRC by conferring the governor a certificate of appreciation.

As cited in the certificate of appreciation, the provincial government, thru Gov. Plaza have been subsidizing the cost of Blood Processing Fee from year 1997 up to the present in the amount ranging from P1.5 to P2 million annually. At a cost of P450,000, the provincial government also purchased one unit Blood Bank refrigerator, donated a parcel of land and constructed a new building for the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter and provided counterpart for the cost of one unit ambulance.

Aside from the above mentioned, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur also provided PRC membership fee for the Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS)volunteers and provided funds for the subsidy of two  volunteers (1 clerk, IHL, SOS, Membership in-charge from year 2010, and 1 driver for the year 2013 up to present).

“I want everybody to know especially the board of directors that we are envied during our meetings with other chapters nationwide because we are lucky enough to have a provincial government such as ours. I have shown them the resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan subsidizing the cost of blood processing, but according to them, it is hard for them to solicit the same help that the people enjoy thru the Red Cross,” PRC-AdS administrator Ligan said.

In return, Gov. Plaza was so glad to see the plaque of recognition for PRC-AdS while receiving the certificate of appreciation conferred to him. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Feature: DA’s FMR: Linking producers to the market

By Aurell P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) - Whether it’s a myth or not, some would say number 13 connotes bad luck but here in Caraga Region, 13 is a figure of accomplishment.

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 13 accomplished 13 concrete farm-to-market roads (FMR) region-wide with a length close to 13 kilometers and with a total project cost including LGU counterpart of more than P194 M.

The implementations of said projects were based on the proposals emanating from the respective LGU recipients and compliance of the required documents.

Of the 13 FMR completed projects, three were implemented in Surigao del Norte particularly in the municipalities of Gigaquit, Taganaan and San Francisco; three in Agusan del Sur in the municipalities of San Francisco, Trento and in Bayugan City; seven in Agusan del Norte particularly in Magallanes, Buenavista, Santiago, Jabonga, Nasipit and Butuan City.

Three of the said FMR were implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the rest were implemented under the respective LGU.

Completion of the projects were respectively funded through the Farm to Market Road Development Program (FMRDP), Caraga Integrated Development Program (CIDP), Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Project 2 (SELAP) and the Bottom-Up-Budgeting now known as Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP).

Maxuel Jusain, a barangay kagawad of Himanaug, Taganaan, Surigao del Norte said that the FMR implemented in their barangay stirred-up the economic activity in their area.

“Kaniadto kining ang imong agi-anan daut kaayo. Way musulod dinhi nga mga sakyanan aron paghakot sa mga abot sa among mga mangingisda ug mga mag-uuma, pero karon nga nia na ning FMR hayahay na gyud (This is a bumpy area before. No transportation vehicle would come here to fetch the products from our fisherfolks and farmers until the implementation of this FMR. It is such a relief)," Kagawad Jusain said.

He also narrated that prior to the implementation of the FMR, farmers had to carry the burden of paying high labor cost from P30-P40 per bag to the highway but now transport vehicle can traverse freely in the farming communities.

Around 400 households mostly farmers and fisher folks are dwelling in the area and could directly benefit the convenience of the road with an influence area of 339 hectares.

Meanwhile Genaro Jacob, barangay chairman of Banbanon, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte said that with the completion of the FMR in their area traversing the farming communities on one side and beach area in the opposite side sees the opportunity for agri-tourism development.

He added that the implementation of the said FMR eased the burden of the farmers and fisherfolks in delivering their produce to the market while giving convenience to beach goers.

“Mapasalamaton gyod ko sa DA kay dako kaayo ug kaayuhan nga natampo ang kalsada nga among nabatunan (I am so grateful to DA because the FMR that we have now contributed much for the betterment of our barangay)," he concluded.

Overseeing the implementation of the said infrastructure projects is the Engineering Division of DA RFO 13 under the leadership of Engr. Rene Morales.

He said that farm to market road projects of the Department of Agriculture are implemented to provide access of the farm or aqua products to the market. (RAFID-DA Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

26K couples attended parenting classes

By Angie B. Antonio

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) - About 26,131 couples of reproductive ages attended the 1,588 Responsible Parenting-Family Planning (RP-FP) classes conducted at the barangays region-wide.

The couple-attendees who have finally decided to use any modern family planning methods have contributed to the 32,325 reported current Family Planning (FP) users generated from the RP-FP classes.

The RP-FP class is a community-based demand generation activity that geared towards addressing the unmet need for family planning among couples through informed choice on what FP services that suits them.

The population offices of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City and Bayugan were among the top performers in the implementation of the RP-FP program in the region.

Director Alexander A. Makinano of PopCom Caraga expressed his appreciation to the Provincial/City Population Officers for the laudable support to the Philippine Population Management Program during the recent Regional Population Management Conference held in the city.

Aside from the RP-FP program, PopCom is also campaigning on Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program, and Population and Development Integration. (POPCOM-13/PIA-Caraga)

MOA seals cold chain project in Butuan

By Ma. Diana Luisa Generalao

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) – Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. has finally sealed the launching of a cold chain project here during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg at the Claire Philips conference room, US Embassy, Manila on February 7.

This recent undertaking by the local government further strengthens the newfound economic boost in the city, which is undoubtedly expected to open more career opportunities for the locals here.

“This economic improvement, along with all the other undertakings we have already made and those that we have yet to do, will be able to provide jobs for many of our locals which will lead us to our goal of graduating more than 3,000 families from the poverty level,” Mayor Amante said during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall grounds, February 10.

Through this MOA, the US Department of Agriculture in partnership with Winrock International agrees to establish a cold chain storage facility in over 300 barangays in Caraga region, with Butuan City as the base for the said project.

The cold chain project demonstrates connectivity to another undertaking, which involves engagement with the Middle East for the export operations of marine resources.

“I met with the Consular Attache of the Philippines to the Middle East last month and plans for making Butuan this region’s center of marine resources for export to the Middle East are already being concretized. We can use these cold storage facilities to store fresh Lapu-lapu, lobsters, crabs, and other marine resources we have acquired from all over the region while preparing them for export abroad,” Amante added. (LGU Butuan PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Tagalog News: Palasyo: Hindi pipigilan ang mga opisyales ng pamahalaan na sumakay sa mga sasakyang pampubliko

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Peb. 19 (PIA) - Libreng sumakay ang mga opisyales ng pamahalaan sa pampublikong sasakyan bilang sagot sa panawagan ng mga tagataguyod sabi ng Malakanyang noong Martes.

Pero ayon kay Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr., hindi ito dapat maging dahilan ng mga opisyales para sa hindi na matupad ang kanilang opisyal na gawain.

"Wala naman sigurong pumipigil sa akin o kahit sino mang opisyal ng pamahalaan na isagawa ang bagay na ‘yan. Kailangan lang sigurong unawain na meron din namang mga kinakailangang gampanan na tungkulin,” sabi ni Coloma sa kanyang pakipanayam sa mga mamamahayag.

Ito ang kanyang sinabi kaugnay ng petisyon ng clean air advocates sa Korte Suprema na utusan ang mga opisyal at empleyado ng pamahalaan na bawasan ang konsumo sa gasoline ng kalahati at sumakay na lamang sa pampublikong sasakyan.

Sinabi ni Coloma na ang pagsakay sa pampublikong sasakyan ay dapat walang negatibong epekto sa kalidad ng serbisyo publiko ng maibigay ng opisyal ng pamahalaan.

"Baka naman sa literal na translasyon ‘yang panukalang ‘yan, maantala din naman ‘yung paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko. Baka naman po unawain din na ‘yung nagsisilbi sa pamahalaan ay mayroon na rin pong mga sakripisyong isinasagawa,” sabi ni Coloma. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Cebuano News: Gobyerno misaad sa pakigbugno batok sa mga nanghukhuk sa gobyerno, matud sa Palasyo

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Peb 19 (PIA) -  Ang administrasyon ni Presidente Benigno Aquino misaad sa dili matarug nga pasalig sa pagpakig-away sa mga naghukhuk ug mga kurap sa nasud isip kabahin sa iyahang gisaad atol sa panahon sa pagpangampanya niadtong 2010 nga piniliay.

Sumala pa sa taho, adunay mituhaw nga mga kahadlok gikan sa pipila nga nag-ingon nga ang dedikasyon sa kasamtangan nga administrasyon sa pagpakig-away batok sa mga nangawkaw sa gobyerno mahimong magduha-duha sa paglabay sa panahon.

Apan si Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr, atol sa regular nga press briefing sa Palasyo miingon nga ang publiko kinahanglan nga dumdumon nga ang administrasyon sa Aquino napili tungod sa palataporma nga “anti-graft and corruption.”

“Tandaan natin na ang administrasyong ito ay nahalal dahil sa panawagang ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,’ kaya batayan ng administrasyon ang prinsipyo na kinakailangan ang mabuting pamamahala. Ang maayong pagdumala importante nga makab-ot ang politika ug ekonomiya nga kalambuan sa administrasyon nga katuyoan,” sulti pa niya sa mga reporter.

Ug kalabot sa padayon nga imbestigasyon sa Senado ug DOJ sa P10 bilyones nga pork barrel fund scam, si Coloma miingon nga ang gobyerno magpadayon sa mga nag unang pakisusi ug pagpasaka ug sumbong batok sa mga tawo nga nihimo ug mga kasaypanan sa gobyerno.

Ingon nga ang Senado ug ang DOJ hugtanon nga mitutuk kang Janet Lim-Napoles ug sa pipila ka mga magbabalaod nga dunay kalambigitan sa pagpangilad. Adunay mga report sumala pa, mahitungod sa pipila ka mga magbabalaod nga padayon nga ilang gimentenar nga mga NGOs tumong aron gamiton alang sa dibersyon sa mga alokasyon sa ilahang pork barrel.

“Lahat ng mga umano’y katiwalian hinggil sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan ay dapat siyasatin, alamin, at mabigyan ng tamang proseso para matunton kung merong mga lumabag sa batas,” siya miingon.

Ang National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) miimbistigar na sa mga NGO nga dunay kalabotan kang Napoles ug sa ilang koneksyon sa maong iregulidad sa pork barrel, si Coloma miingon nga ang gobyerno mibuhat ug mga lakang aron mapadali ang pakigsusi batok sa kamatuoran.

Kalabot niini ang pagmugna sa usa ka inter-agency anti-graft komisyon nga gilangkuban sa Department of Justice, Commission on Audit, ug Office sa Ombudsman. Kini nga inter-agency commission ang padayon nga molihok sa pagpangita sa mga nahilambigit sa “scam.”

Hinoon, ang mga magbabalaod nga nadamay sa maong kontrobersiya mao sila ni Senador Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. ug Jinggoy Estrada. (NGBT/PND/PIA Surigao del Sur)