Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Surigao City health office hastens control of measles cases

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, May 6 (PIA) – This city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has formulated on Sunday an Incident Command System (ICS) for measles outbreak in response to the confirmed increasing number of individuals, mostly children, who are infected by highly-contageous measles.

The ICS for measles outbreak has two operation centers (OpCen) stationed at Luneta Kiosk and Nueva Gym. Each OpCen composed of physician, nurses, vaccinators, sanitary inspectors, safety personnel, information and admitting personnel, medtech, nutritionist, and barangay health workers (BHW) has operationalized with open access to free medical consultation and screenings.

The members of ICS for measles outbreak convened on Monday morning for a special briefing on its second day operation. They were ensuring an appropriate support for medical services and for communication by providing handheld radios to keep the members on the loop, relayed city information officer Annette Villaces.

As of May 5, 2014, a total of 133 cases of measles have been recorded at the Incident Command Post.

Meanwhile, in a meeting presided by city health officer and incident commander Dr. Emmanuel Plandano, observations and recommendations were discussed and addressed.

Accordingly, measles vaccines were made available in barangays to protect the community from acquiring this potentially serious viral disease and to eventually prevent its spread.

Surigao City has zero case of measles in previous year. The city government however is currently conducting a massive vaccination to all suspected patients. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

57 individuals finish incident command system in Surigao City

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, May 6 (PIA) – Fifty seven individuals have successfully completed the Incident Command System (ICS) Basic Course Training Workshop conducted on April 28 to 30, 2014 at the City Cultural Center, this city.

The said participants who successfully completed the ICS basic course are the members of the City DRRMC, Barangay DRRMC chairpersons and city department heads. They will be constituted as the core member of the soon to be organized Incident Management Team (IMT).

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair and City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, in his message delivered by CDRRM Officer Atty. Manuel G. Coro commended the patience and efforts of all the participants for staying and surviving the very tough and rigid seminar, he also commended the effort of the very competitive and knowledgeable resource speakers for sharing their knowledge and skills.

“May I remind all of you who have successfully completed the ICS basic course that you are now the city government’s frontline responders of any incidents, calamities, and other adversities, and please always bear in mind that safety and protection of our constituents will always be our number one priority,” Matugas said.

The three-day ICS training workshop was spearheaded by the city government of Surigao through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Region. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Palarong Pambansa 2014 kicks off in Laguna

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

LAGUNA, May 6, 2014 (PIA) – The 2014 Palarong Pambansa also known as "2014 Palaro" joined by around 11,200 student-athletes from 17 regions throughout the country formally kicked-off Monday held at the Laguna Sports Complex, Barangay Bubukal, Sta Cruz, this province.

This year’s event is anchored on the theme, "Sports is a way of Life." The athlete-students will compete from 17 sports events plus three demonstration sports.

It was learned that Caraga Region has 635 delegates composed of technical officials and student-athletes with Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga regional director Alberto Escobarte leading the region's delegation.

The event was made momentous by the participation of those who were affected by typhoon Yolanda.

“We have survived. Thank you for your help,” said the banners carried by student-athletes, together with their coaches and other school officials during the opening parade.

Now on its 57th year, the Palarong Pambansa is an annual event showcasing and promoting sportsmanship of Filipino athlete-students.

Meanwhile, swimmer and actor Enchong Dee, Olympian figure skater Michael Martinez, and basketball players Jeron and Jeric Teng led the torch relay during the grand opening ceremonies. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur Health Office keen on promoting healthy lifestyle, 100% smoke-free environment; launches campaign

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

SURIGAO DEL SUR, May 6 (PIA) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here formally launched on Monday the “Healthy Lifestyle and 100% Smoke-free Environment” campaign at the Capitol lobby during the flag ceremony program.

PHO chief Dr. Algerico Irizari linked their initiative to the Department of Health (DOH) Red Orchid Awards Program and other international and domestic endeavors that aim to do away with unhealthy manner of living particularly cigarette smoking, citing important issuances, republic acts (RAs), administrative orders (AOs), and Civil Service Commission (CSC) memorandum circulars (MCs) that seek to promote such program.

Beforehand, he raised the 10 leading causes of mortality in Surigao del Sur that are said to be ill-effects of unhealthy lifestyle and smoking by pointing out,  in particular order,  pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cardiovascular accident (CVA), cancer (all types), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), renal failure, and accidents (vehicular).

Quoting a campaign slogan, Dr. Irizari stressed that such maladies are preventable since “a healthy lifestyle is a choice!” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PAT members conduct Search for Best Performing Barangay

By Brian Jay Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, May 6 (PIA) - The Agusan del Norte Provincial Assessment Team (PAT) which comprises of personnel from the PNP – Agusan del Norte, DepEd, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte recently started the search for Best Performing Barangay 2014 in the province last May 5.

The regular implementation of the Search for the Best Performing Barangay is an effective program for the realization of the provincial government’s thrust in empowering the barangay units with the end in view of Accelerating to New dimension in Good governance and Excellence in Local leadership.

Currently, the province is composed of ten municipalities and a component city, with a total of 167 barangays all over.

The mayors from all municipalities/city were advised to submit one nominee barangay for Rural Category and one nominee barangay for Urban Category. Each nominee for each category will be the official entry which will compete for the first, second and third place.

The criteria for this years search is - 30% for the Executive/Administration/Legislative Function, 40% for the Environmental Protection/Clean and Green, 15% for the Resourcefulness/Initiative in Programs, Project, Activities (PPA) Implementation and 15% for Community Mobilization.

The adjudged Best Barangay for this year will be awarded with recognition and cash incentives and will be proclaimed come June 2014 in the province’s upcoming founding anniversary. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

TESDA launches Specialista Desk

By Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.

BUTUAN CITY, May 6 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga Region recently launched the TESDA Specialista Reception Desk on May 1, 2014 at the Lingkod Pinoy Center of the Robinsons Place here in synch with the Labor Day celebration.

The launching cum opening program was witnessed and attended by City Councilor and Committee Chair for Labor and Employees Welfare Ferdinand Nalcot, Regional Consultative Committee members under the banner of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other guests.

TESDA Agusan del Norte provincial director Rodrigo G. de Villa believed that the extension office will definitely keep TESDA’s services closer to the people and will enhance the image of the office.

On the other hand, TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. added that with the opening of the reception desk, “We are therefore scaling up our services in order to serve the public better.” Definitely enthused, he remarked: “What a fitting way to celebrate Labor Day!”

He also announced that they will be conducting free training on Barista NC II exclusively for members of the RCC and some city officials courtesy of TESDA Agusan del Norte.

Further, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson G. Cañete believed that the launching itself is part and parcel of the overall activity for the Labor Day celebration, wherein the major part of the celebration is the Jobs Fair activity being held at the Atrium Activity Center of Robinsons Place here.

Nalcot welcomed the launching activity as it will be a good venue for advocacy and information drive under his committee.  He requested that a bulletin board will be put in place at the TESDA Specialista Reception Desk where job vacancies coming from the Public Employment Service Office of the city government will be posted.  In addition, he made mention that the city council has already proposed an ordinance guaranteeing a free movie entry, but every Monday only, for senior citizens.

Denver Bandiala, Robinsons Place representative, welcomed the development, saying that “our world class mall even opened up in advance at 8:00am” if only to accommodate the influx of job applicants seeking for employment here and abroad.  He likewise shared that “our venue aims to be a one-stop shop mall” and it is for said reason that “we welcome even government offices to be here with us” at the Lingkod Pinoy Center. 

Meanwhile, TESDA had likewise spearheaded the conduct of free massage and beauty care, particularly manicure, pedicure, and facial massage, in collaboration with the Butuan City Manpower Training Center of the city government here and the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades.  Clients who availed of free services for beauty care and massage were 37 and 85 respectively based on the tally.  

As for the Jobs Fair spearheaded by DOLE in collaboration with 22 local and 12 overseas recruitment agencies, it was learned that at least 1,700 prospecting applicants were able to register their intention to look for jobs, with at least 198 applicants hired on the spot, nine of which were accepted for foreign jobs, with the remaining 1,007 applicants still to undergo additional screening for exam and final interview.

Earlier, during the Labor Day opening ceremony at the Atrium Activity Center, Regional Director Cañete, in behalf of the DOLE Caraga Region, released a total of P4,046,196.85 as livelihood assistance for five registered organizations, while the remaining P415,836.85 of the total amount was earmarked for the Nego-Karts as starter kits for identified peddlers in Butuan City.  He likewise awarded Certificates of Compliance and Tripartite Certificate of Compliance to Compliant Companies, including the recognition of DOLE partners.

National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Caraga officer-in-charge Atty. Ligaya R. Lumbay, recognized her agency’s partners, likewise with TESDA Caraga Regional Director Sunico who gave a fitting recognition to winners of the recent 2014 Philippine National Skills Competition held in Luzon. (TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DOST-ICT to hold series of Rural Impact Sourcing Workshops

MANILA, May 6 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office), will be holding a series of Rural Impact Sourcing Workshops beginning this May to November. The first leg of the workshops will kick off on May 30, 2014, in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Carrying the theme “Digital Employment through Rural BPO for Inclusive Growth,” Rural Impact Sourcing is considered as outsourcing which focuses on providing meaningful jobs and other related opportunities in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, mostly rural areas of the country where there is high population but low employment due to lack of investors. Formerly known as “Socially Responsible Outsourcing,” Rural Impact Sourcing looks to generate economic and social impacts in these mentioned areas. Through the use of ICT, the program pushes forth the access to digital markets and Rural BPO’s as tools for job creation.

The Rural Impact Sourcing is part of a thrust by the ICT Office to contribute to the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016’s pursuit of inclusive growth. The program supports Philippine government’s commitment to produce 1.3 million traditional IT-BPM jobs by 2016. According to Accenture’s “Exploring the Value Proposition of Impact Sourcing,” the global Business Process and Technology Outsourcing sector will grow to $674 billion by 2016 and Impact Sourcing is predicted to make up 11% of the BPO market in 2016.

As the Philippines have seen rapid growth and development of the IT-BPM industry in the last few years, it is in correlation that the industry has also become the country’s top career provider. With all the country’s growth and development however, there continues to be a growing disparity in opportunities between the country’s top cities and the untapped rural areas. Taking this in consideration, the Rural Impact Sourcing Program focuses to deliver these opportunities and take advantage of its human resources not just in the country’s known key cities but to its untapped rural areas as well.

The Rural Impact Sourcing takes on the challenge to train and develop its supply of potential Impact Sourcing workforces to ensure constant quality for the service that they can provide. On the other hand, it is also geared up to generate the demand for more outsourcing companies by striving to create an ecosystem within the prospect area that would provide benefits to such companies. DOST - ICT Office’s Executive Director Louis Napoleon Casambre states “The ICT Office continues to build on its efforts broadening the impact that the ICT industry presents. Rural Impact Sourcing presents to investors the benefits of having their operations in these strategic areas.” He adds, “This would generate more opportunities in these areas. Not only would it increase employment, it would also mean that the people from these areas no longer need to relocate to get employed. Instead, Rural Impact Sourcing brings the jobs directly to them.”

The workshops are set to be held in Daet, Koronadal, Kalibo, Surigao, and Calbayog. These workshops aim to boost awareness in these areas and provide the people knowledge on Rural Impact Sourcing. The first part of the Rural Impact Sourcing workshop in Daet will feature career talks from Presidents and CEOs of Impact Sourcing Providers namely Bert Barriga of Digisource Inc., Butch Valenzuela of VisayaKPO, and Jorge Azurin of Freelancer.ph. The second part will be a half-day workshop led by Online Job University’s founder, Genisis Reonico. The workshop will consist of topics such as general tools and applications to get you started with the skill sets to be offered and developed. (DOST/PIA-Caraga)

Philippines: Six months after Typhoon Haiyan, major long-term recovery needs remain

MANILA, May 6 (PIA) – Six months after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated the Visayas region, millions remain in a precarious situation. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, one of the few organisations to deliver humanitarian assistance across all affected islands, has now launched an ambitious plan geared towards supporting the long-term recovery of survivors.

Around 16 million people were affected by Typhoon Haiyan, with thousands losing family members, homes and incomes. While the greatest intensity of need is in the eastern Visayas, people in other more remote areas also need help. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement recovery plan pledges to help 775,000 of the most vulnerable people to recover and improve their resilience to future disasters.

“Affected communities have shown remarkable strength and many are on the road to recovery. However, high levels of pre-existing poverty are holding people back and in some areas basic services have not been re-established”, says Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. “Our recovery work will focus on restoring shelter, livelihoods and access to health care, to help affected communities overcome the hardships of the past six months and become self-reliant again.”

Since the disaster struck, the Philippine Red Cross, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and over 50 national societies from around the world have between them distributed emergency relief, including food, shelter items and cash, to more than one million people. Thousands more received medical attention from Red Cross emergency facilities.

“We are very proud of the solidarity and good cooperation the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has demonstrated, mobilising quickly and effectively to respond after Haiyan,” says Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of Philippine Red Cross, adding “Our most unique asset is our volunteer base. Over 8,000 Red Cross volunteers have been at the forefront of the emergency response, alongside the hundreds of international and national staff deployed to the affected area.”

The recovery plan, amounting to 320 million Swiss Francs will run over the next three years. As well as helping survivors to rebuild their lives, it will enhance the Philippine Red Cross’ capacity to respond to future disasters through targeted skills training for volunteers and strengthening expertise in disaster management and disaster risk reduction.

Meanwhile, work to rebuild damaged health care facilities and water networks in affected areas is well under way, as are livelihood support programs delivering cash grants, training and asset replacement.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement distributed cash grants to 75,000 households and met 25 percent of the emergency shelter needs of survivors, providing tents, tarpaulins and other materials to almost 140,000 households. Support has already begun to roll out to help families build more durable homes, together with projects involving the construction of shelters.

Typhoon Haiyan Emergency appeals launched by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have collectively raised 315 million Swiss Francs (USD 357 million) so far. (PRC/PIA-Caraga)

LGU SurSur bares MOA with Tandag Water District

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 6 (PIA) – Due to the growing concern of water supply shortage in the city, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and Tandag Water District (TWD) have mutually agreed to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) during the latter part of the first quarter of this year, 2014, effective immediately.

Edgar Valentin, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) confirmed that both parties have come up with specific commitments that will bind them to get their acts together for the conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of the denuded portion of the 786 hectare-Ihawan Spring Watershed located in Barangay Awasian.

Reportedly, the said watershed area, which is made up of 433 hectares of open access public forest as well as 353 hectares of Alienable and Disposable (A & D) lands, is the main water supply source of TWD.

According to the MOA that was signed by Governor Johnny Pimentel and General Manager (GM) Engr. Ruben Elpa as major party-representatives of both camps, the said LGU and water utility shall have the obligation to honor their respective commitments as partners in executing the same to attain their objectives, including matters relevant to reforestation and agro-forestry program. 

Over a month ago, TWD Board of Director (BOD) Annie Ty admitted before a meeting of the Provincial Micro- Small and Medium Enterprise Development (PMSMED) Council which she co-chairs with Gov. Pimentel that said water utility is faced with the problem of dwindling water supply.

Ty also bared the prospect of going into Tago, a neighboring town, just seven kilometers down south, to make a “tie-up” with the LGU, which she described as rich in water resources. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

4th Balangay Football Festival set

BUTUAN CITY, May 6 (PIA) - As part of the city’s month-long celebration of the Balangay Festival, the 4th Balangay Football Festival is set to be held on May 24-25, 2014 at the Butuan City Sports Complex in Brgy. Libertad, said Agusan del Norte First District Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun who is also the President of the host Butuan-Agusan Norte Football Association (BANFA).

Fortun said this year’s football festival promises to be bigger compared to the previous holding as it has gained prestige and popularity in the football community.

“We are expecting at least 100 teams coming from all over Mindanao and hopefully from the Visayas who will participate in the 2-day festival,” added Fortun.

He also revealed that with the number of players that will be coming over for the tournament, this will be a boost to the effort of the city government to promote tourism in the city as they will also get to witness the celebration of the Balangay Festival.

The football festival will feature categories in consonance with the grassroots development thrust of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for which the festival is sanctioned, namely: under 6 years old (mix), under 8 years old (mix), under 10 years old (mix), under 12 years old (mix), under 14 years old (boys), under 16 years old (boys and girls), men’s and women’s open, and 35 years old and above. (LAWig/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Tagalog News: Dating Senador Francis Pangilinan itinalagang bagong gabinete, nakatakdang manumpa sa harap ni Pangulong Aquino bukas

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 6 (PIA) - Itinalaga ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III noong Lunes si dating Senador Francis Pangilinan bilang Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, sabi ng Malakanyang.

Ang posisyon ni Pangilinan ay nasa rango ng gabinite at siya ay nakatakdang manumpa ng kanyang katungkulan sa harap ng Pangulo sa Music Room ng Palasyo sa hapon ng araw na ito.

Ito ay inanunsiyo ni Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. para kompirmahin ang ulat na lumutang noong katapusan ng nakaraang linggo tungkol sa bagay na ito.

Sabi ni Coloma, ang katungkulan ni Pangilinan ay kapareho ng kay dating Senador at ngayon ay Presidential Adviser on Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson, “kaya siya ay hahawak din ng titulong Secretary.”

Mula noong nakaraang taon, bukas si Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang plano na kunin si Pangilinan sa kanyang gabinite kasunod ng kanyang 12 na taong paninilbihan sa Senado ng Pilipinas.

“Si Kiko sa partikular ay may maraming aspeto ng sektor ng Agrikultura na gusto niyang tutukan. Isa siyang kasama sa partido. Naitalakay na niya ang kanyang mga ideya kay Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at gusto niyang subukan ang kanyang pagkasangkot para sa benepisyo ng sector ng Agrikultura,” sinabi ito ni Pangulong Aquino noong kapanayamin niya ang media noong Marso, 2013. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog News: Nasa ERB na ang pagpasya na tumingin sa dividend-sharing ayon sa ulat ng Meralco, sabi ng Palasyo

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 6 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Malakanyang noong Lunes na ipinaubaya na sa Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) ang pagtingin sa ulat na pinamahagi ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco) ang P7.3 bilyon na halaga ng dividends sa kanyang mga kasosyo.

“Parte ng tungkulin ng ERC ay kilalanin ang katiyakan ng paggastos sa ginawang pamamahagi ng may kapangyarihan tanggapan kagaya ng Meralco,” sabi ni Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., sa kanyang pakipanayam sa media.

"Inatasan din ang PRC na siyang magpasya kung makatuwiran ang bayarin sa koryente at ang pagsaayos ng singil nito,” dagdag nito.

Alam niya na ang pamahalaan ay determinandong ipagtanggol ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan at segurohing ang singil ng koryente ay nabalanse ng mabuti para hindi magiging pabigat sa mga tao.

Ang napaulat na dividend-sharing ay dumating sa panahong inanunsiyo ng Meralco ang planong magpatupad ng mataas na singil sa koryente.

Ayon sa ulat, ang Meralco ay naghahanap na itaas angsingil ng koryente sa buwang ito ng masmababa sa P1 hanggang sa P1.72 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Monday, May 5, 2014

Butuan Kidney Alliance strengthens info drive for ESRD awareness

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, May 5 (PIA) – The Butuan Kidney Alliance, Inc. (BKAI), a non-profit organization of volunteers chaired by Dr. Rene Vargas, is promoting further a public awareness on the early detection, prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions that can lead to chronic kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

“As an advocacy group, we are dedicating in dealing the plight of patients suffering from ESRD and support universal access to its remedies including hemodialysis services,” said Dr. Vargas in a press conference on Friday at the Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional office.

Vargas reiterated that the cost of the life-saving dialysis is prohibitive, way beyond the reach of even the average Filipino family. The financial burden is even more painfully felt by the indigent families.

By revealing figures, it was learned that each dialysis session costs about P5,000, and patients optimally need three sessions per week, or P15,000 a week, or P780,000 for the 156 sessions per year. There is also an added expense for medicines, repeated laboratory tests, plus the professional fees.

“To the indigents, this expense is fatal. It is not surprising that we see many patients taking dangerous risks, receiving dialysis only once a week or even less, some not at all,” stated Dr. Vargas.

He said that vital information and facts must be disseminated in order to prevent and minimize the occurrence of ESRD especially that presently there is no free dialysis offered in this city, unlike other counties where dialysis is provided at no charge.

“The incidence of ESRD and the need for dialysis in the Philippines and in Butuan City are increasing at an alarming rate. There is also a critical need for more adequate government support to alleviate the suffering of patients and their families and to make dialysis services available to everyone in need,” he added.

However, the Phillippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is giving financial assistance to the families of patients with ESRD in the amount of P10,000 every two months of dialysis. While this amounts to P60,000 per year, the amount seems insignificant when compared to total dialysis expenditure.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wilfred Mallonga said that most kidney failures are mainly caused by hypertension and diabetes.

He encouraged to maintain healthy weight, avoid eating excessive sweets, increase intake of water, quit smoking and manage stress to avoid suffering from chronic kidney failure.

Perla Ponce, member of the board of trustees of BKAI positively relayed also that it is a good thing to know that kidney failure is preventable. She suggested to eat the right kind of food, to get involved in daily exercise and shift to a healthy lifestyle. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

AgSur PNP organizes advisory council for transformation, development

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, May 5 (PIA) - Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADS-PPO) organized recently an advisory council for transformation and development whose advisory strategic role is to interpret and analyze the PNP Integrated Transformation Program – Performance Governance System (ITP-PGS) (PNP PATROL 2030), including the ongoing programs, projects and activities pertaining or relating to the reform and development of the ADS-PPO.

“The primary role of the council is advisory in nature. It does not have an administrative or operational authority over, nor responsibility for specific operational decisions within the provincial police office,” Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Alexander Sampaga said.

According to P/SSupt. Sampaga, the council has three primary functions. First: To advise and assist the PPO in identifying key priorities and strategic issues in accordance with the PNP ITG-PGS (PATROL Plan 2030), provide insights in aligning the PPOs policies, plans programs with the political, socio-economic, cultural and moral development needs of the organization; Second: Together with the Technical Working Group (TWG), the council will evaluate and revise the strategies for the implementation of the PGS in accordance with the PPO thrusts, programs, projects and advise on the necessary amaendment to the current and development of future programs, projects and activities and; Third: To assist and advise the PPO on possible ways to generate additional enabling resources in order to support and sustain the PPO’s present and future plans and programs.

Even in his absence, Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza was nominated by Veruela Mayor Salimar Mondejar being the chief executive of the province. Gov. Plaza was then voted as the Chairman of the ADS- PPO Advisory Council with Mayor Salimar as Vice Chairman being the chairman of the League of Municipalities of Agusan del Sur. All the selected members who attended the meeting automatically became members of the council.

According to mandate, the council will meet at least once every two months except when there is an emergency need to meet. The PPO also welcomes suggestions and reports from the members of the council whenever they found it necessary. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Surigao Norte celebrates 113th Founding Anniversary

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, May 5 (PIA) – The province of Surigao del Norte is celebrating its 113th Founding Anniversary with a week-long activity from May 2-15, 2014.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Kultura Surigaonon, Kabilin na Bililhon” (Surigaonon Culture: Precious Legacy).

The celebration kicked-off on Friday, May 2 with the opening parade around the city followed by an opening program at the Provincial Sports Complex then, centennial On-The Spot Painting Contest (inter-secondary). At around 7:00 p.m., a teachers’ folk dance competition was held at the city's Luneta Park.

This coming May 11, a half marathon dubbed as “Run for One Surigao” - a marathon for peace and unity spearheaded by the Surigao Runners Club (SRC) will be conducted and on May 13, the Search for Binibining Surigao 2014 will highlight the week-long anniversary celebration.

Other lined up activities include: Coastal Clean-Up; Cultural Shows; Mountain Bike and BMX Tournament; Konsierto sa Luneta Park; Oratorical Competition (inter-secondary); OPM Singing Contest; Paduwa 2014; Agri-Aqua Trade Fair; Hip-Hop Dance Contest (inter-secondary); Photo and Art Exhibit; Dance Showdown (Surigao’s Festivals); Fireworks Display; Surigaonon Food Festival; Local History Writing Seminar; Skills Competition (table skirting and arrangement, fruit carving, cooking contest, wine mixing); and Centennial Float Parade.

Just recently, the office of the Provincial Governor issued Executive Order No. 012, series of 2014 declaring May 2-15 as the official week-long activity celebration and enjoining all government offices, public and private schools, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and private sector within the territorial jurisdiction to participate in the opening of the celebration and the subsequent activities thereafter. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DILG Caraga chief presents Caraga’s State of Disaster Preparedness during INAP Roadshow

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, May 5 (PIA) - Department of the Interior and Local Government Caraga Region (DILG 13) regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion presented Caraga Region’s State of Disaster Preparedness and highlighted the Seal of Good Local Governance as having Disaster Preparedness as a core element during the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) Roadshow entitled Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities last April 29-30, 2014 at the Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.

The forum which was rife with technical inputs on scientific tools for weather forecasting and monitoring for disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation also became a venue Local Chief Executives and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (DRRMOs) to apprise themselves with the National State of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and the state of disaster preparedness in the region. The former was presented by no less than the lady director of the Office of Civil Defense, Liza R. Mazo, and the latter by DILG regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion.

During her presentation, Famacion revealed the results of the assessment conducted by the DILG-13 across the 77 Local Government Units in the region (i.e. 67 municipalities, six cities and four provinces excluding Dinagat Islands) for the Seal of Disaster Preparedness (SDP) last 2012.  The SDP is a proof of local government resilience to risks and vulnerabilities. Based on DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-79 dated April 25, 2012, it intends to assess performance gaps of LGUs and link them to policy or program intervention and monitor improvement on disaster preparedness.

Results as presented showed how our LGUs fare relatively low-medium in most of the indicators with some indicators with high ratings.

The areas wherein majority of the region’s LGUs rated high are in Leadership Structure in terms of organized DRRMOs; and External Support in terms of Partnership and Volunteerism.

Areas wherein majority of the region’s LGUs rated medium are in Leadership Structure in terms of organized DRRMCs, Disaster Operations or Emergency Center; and Operational Readiness in terms of Simulation Exercises, and Evacuation Alert System.

And the areas wherein majority of the region’s LGUs rated low are in Leadership structure in terms of Incident Command System; Risk Assessment Planning and Budgeting; Operational Readiness in terms of Early Warning System, Local Policy on Forced or Pre-Emptive Evacuation Enacted, and Stockpiling and Equipping; External Support in terms of Community Awareness; and the likelihood of preparedness. The Likelihood of preparedness is the capability of the LGU to address the potential effects of a disaster to human life. It implies a window of 6 to 12 hours before a disaster takes place.

Famacion also highlighted the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) as the flagship program of the department, raising the bar of local governance from that of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).  The SGLG’s six outcome areas include Disaster Preparedness and is actually one of the three core assessment areas that the LGU must pass in the 3+1 scheme. It looks at Hazard Assessment that is linked to plans; systems, structures, process and budget; and availability of documents such as Executive Orders creative LDRRMC, designating LDRRMO, Comprehensive Land Use Plan, DRRM Plan, Contingency Plan, Local Climate Change Action Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.

The DRRM-CCA initiatives and accomplishments of the DILG 13 were also presented by Famacion as well as showcased in the form of an exhibit at the hotel lobby throughout the duration of the roadshow. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

DILG’s LGPMS operationalizes SGLG, no longer self-administered

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, May 5 (PIA) - The 2014 Local Governance Performance Management (LGPMS) is no longer going to be a self-assessment tool as before. This was brought out during the Caraga Leagues of Local Planning and Development Coordinators Forum held last April 23, 2014 at Prince Hotel, Butuan City where the LGPMS and the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) were among the major topics discussed during the activity which was spearheaded by the National Economic Development Authority – Region 13.

LGOO VI Jocelyn C. Jayoma, LGPMS Regional Anchor, informed the body of the new LGPMS which operationalizes the Seal of Good Local Governance. As such, it is no longer a self-assessment tool among Local Government Units (LGUs), as was the practice before. The new scheme is based on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular Number 2014-39 dated March 24, 2014. This is to remove biases and maintain objectivity in the assessment since the LGPMS stepped up from being a mere planning and performance monitoring tool into the performance oversight tool for the recognition platform for the SGLG that would identify the top performing LGUs in the areas of Good Financial Housekeeping, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection, Business Friendliness and Competitiveness, Environmental Management, and Peace and Order.

Under the new scheme, a team of assessors coming from the DILG, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs) called the Regional Assessment Team (RAT) will be the ones who will visit the LGUs to make their assessments. The results from the RAT for the component cities and municipalities will be encoded by the Provincial Focal Person into the LGPMS data capture form; while the results for the provinces and highly urbanized cities will be encoded by the Regional Focal Person. Once encoded, the LGPMS will automatically process the data and generate the list of qualified LGUs for the SGLG.

For a start, the SGLG embarks on a 3+1 principle where each LGU should pass all the three core assessment areas, i.e. Good Financial Housekeeping, Disaster Preparedness, and Social Protection, while only needing to pass only one of the remaining essential assessment areas.

The SGLG recipient LGUs are eligible to access the upscaled Performance Challenge Fund, a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts. Access to other program windows and capacity development assistance from the DILG will also form part of the incentives package, subject to national policies and guidelines.

To gear up for this, an orientation on the SGLG and LGPMS is set for all DILG field officers on May 5, 2014 at Pietros Square, Capitol-Bonbon Road, Butuan City. Here the different Municipal/City Local Government Operations Officers (M/CLGOOs) and Provincial Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved are to be apprised with the implementation details of the program. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga’s entry to Tatak TESDA Video-Making contest wins Best Video

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, May 5 (PIA) – Caraga Region’s lone finalist in the first Nationwide Tatak TESDA Video-Making Contest won Best in Video during the Awards Night Friday, May 1 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Parañaque City, Metro Manila.

Noel Japitana of this city was chosen as one of the awardees in the Individual Category out of 10 finalists coming from different regions in the country. He received P25,000.00 cheque plus a trophy and a Plaque of Recognition from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General, Sec. Joel J. Villanueva; TESDA Deputy Director-General for TESD Operations Atty. Teodoro Pascua; Deputy Director-General for Policies and Planning Irene M. Isaac and TEVSAPHIL Chair Col. Alejandro T. Escaño.

The three-hour show was hosted by Philippine showbiz comedian Bayani Agbayani and Korean Disc Jockey Grace Lee. The crowd was likewise entertained by performers of Gateways Institute of Science and Technology Choir, Asia Pacific College of Advance Study, Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts and Trades, TV-5’s Talentadong Pinoy Grand Champion, and ABS-CBN’s The Voice Artists Thor and Lecelle Trinidad.

For the Individual Category, Bryan Hernandez of San Pablo City, Laguna won the Grand Prize and received P100,000 plus plaque and trophy, while Elnard Ympal of San Juan, Province of Siquijor was declared Best in Story receiving P25,000.00 cheque, and National Capital Region’s Omar Kevin Mohammad of the host city won the People’s Choice Award and received P50,000.

In the School category, United Christian Academy College of Asia grabbed the Grand Prize, winning P1 million worth of Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) slots. The school also won the People’ Choice Award grabbing P500,000 worth of TWSP scholarship slots. Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center of Bacolod City won the Best in Video award, receiving P250,000 worth of TWSP scholarship slots, while I-Link College of Science and Technology in Midsayap, Cotabato was declared Best in Story and also received P250,000 worth of TWSP scholarship slots.

From a total of 137 official entries received by TESDA Central Office, the top twenty were selected – 10 for Individual and 10 for School categories and from the ten finalists, special awards and the grand winner were selected in each category.

The five judges were headed by Mr. Robert Labayen, Head of Creative Communications Management of ABS-CBN.

In his speech, Sec. Villanueva emphasized that the winning videos will be used by TESDA in the agency’s promotional and advocacy campaigns which include the showing as advertorial materials in national and international shows promoting technical-vocational education in the Philippines. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Palasyo sineguro ang katiyakan ng pagkain sa gitna ng banta ng El Nino

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 5, 2014 (PIA) - Sineguro ng Malakanyang noong Linggo na may sapat na paraan para maseguro ang katiyakan ng pagkain sa bansa sa gitna ng banta sa mahaba ng magiging epekto ng El Nino.

Sinabi ni Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Heminio Coloma, Jr noong Linggo na ang katiyakan sa pagkain ay isa sa mga nangungunang prayoridad ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura (DA).

“Kaya kapag tinunghayan po natin ang kanilang budget sa General Appropriations Act of 2015, makikita po nating nakahanay doon ang mga kongkretong programa sa pagtiyak na magkakaroon tayo ng sapat na pagkain,” sabi Coloma sa isang pakipanayam sa media na inihayag noong Linggo sa pamamagitan ng dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Sinabi niya na ang kagawaran ng Agrikultura ay pinangunahan at kinunsidera ang mga likas na kalamidad na maaring tumama sa bansa.

“Isa na po diyan ‘yung pag-diversify ng ating mga supply kung sakaling tamaan ng bagyo o kalamidad ang isang lugar na hindi naman mawa-wipe out o mawawala ang ating inaasahang panggagalingan ng pagkain sapagkat nakapaghanda naman po sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanim sa iba’t ibang lugar ng ating bansa,” pahayag ni Coloma.

Ang Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Atmospheric Services Administration – Department of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST) ay nagbabala na maaring maramdaman ng bansa ang epekto ng El Nino sa darating na Hunyo at tatagal hanggang sa unang tatlong buwan sa darating na taon.

Ang El Nino phenomenon ay isang abnormal na babala ng temperature ng tubig dagat na makakaapekto sa mga bansa na nakapaligit sa Pacific Ocean na magdadala ng tagtuyot at magsimula ng abnormal na desinyo ng panahon. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Agusan River dredging to possibly push through

BUTUAN CITY, May 4 (PIA) - The much talked-about plans of performing a dredging activity in the Agusan River, after its initial arrangements were put off due to some circumstances that needed consideration, may possibly push through after all as members of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau arrived here to conduct necessary preparations for the said dredging.

          

The information was personally disclosed by city Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. in his speech during the groundbreaking and capsule laying ceremony for the construction of two multi-purpose halls in Brgy. Mahay, April 28.

          

The group, an affiliate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is now on its second phase of scooping to prepare the Agusan River for huge projects including the possibility of dredging or the process, as in the case of the Agusan River, of scooping out mud to deepen the river and prevent its waters from overflowing during rainy days.

          

The whole concept of dredging began when Mayor Amante, Vice Mayor Angelo S. Calo and Cong. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun explored possible solutions to the long-existing problem of flooding in Butuan. (LGU-Butuan City/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Saturday, May 3, 2014

PRC youth council spearheads World Red Cross Day celeb

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, May 3 (PIA) – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter’s Youth Council will spearhead in the celebration of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8 here.

According to PRC chapter administrator Teodoro Cairo, the local chapter will be participating the celebration to be led by the Youth Council. A series of activities was prepared for the event at the Robinson’s Place Butuan to start at four in the afternoon, Cairo said.

Cairo said, the celebration will emphasize the role of PRC members/volunteers in saving lives with the theme “My Red Cross Story.”

Red Cross is one of the humanitarian organizations that exist worldwide. Today, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have the world’s largest humanitarian network to provide relief. It is carrying out its activities and is present in more than 186 countries. It is the world’s largest force of unpaid assistance helping some 233 million recipients every year.

The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated in time with the birthday of the Father of the organization Henry Dunant, Cairo said.

It is celebrated annually by the international community together with the national societies, Cairo added. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Friday, May 2, 2014

Agusanons signify to protect the environment during the Earth Day celeb

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 2 (PIA) - Thousands of Agusanons join the celebration of the World Earth Day last week by planting and parenting their planted trees at the denuded area of Mt. Diwata where the signing of the covenant signifying their sincere intention to protect the environment also took place.

Originally, the plan to reforest the denuded part of Mt. Magdiwata was the initial activity identified by the Agusan del Sur Environment and Sustainable Development Council (ASESDC) knowing that the southern part was already denuded because of rampant cutting of trees and illegal mining when it was first declared for forest plantation by the National Development Council (NDC). Because of the absence of deep rooted trees that were cut, erosion became the main issue that Mt. Diwata is confronting.

Conflict of whoever is the right agency to safeguard and protect Mt. Magdiwata also surfaced when San Francisco Water District dispatched guards allegedly to protect the watershed area but as per investigation and research made by the San Francisco Environment and Natural Resources office (MENRO- LGU) and the ASESDC, it came out that there was once a council for the protection of Mt. Magdiwata that was organized by the municipal government of San Francisco but was disorganized naturally.

Presently, the ASESDC and the MENRO-LGU and the Mines and Geosciences/ DENR are conducting research on who has the responsibility to protect Mt, Magdiwata, including the existence of the of the council to protect Mt. Magdiwata so that if found out to be legal, the council will be activated and will become the official organization that has the right to protect, develop and conserve its natural habitat.

Before the tree planting or the tree parenting started, volunteers cast their signatures on the tarpaulin printed with a covenant entitled Kampanya Para sa Pagdumala sa Mt. Magdiwata (KP2M2). For organizations, companies, bankers organization, LGUs, business sector National Government Agencies including the Governor and the Vice Governor of Agusan del Sur with Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The covenant reads: “Kami, mga Agusanon ng nakaamgo sa kamahinungdanon sa Mt Magdiwata ug nakahibalo sa dili na maayong sitwasyon sa maong bungtod sa pagkakaron, naga deklara sa among hugot ug kinasingkasing nga suporta sa hiniusang Kampanya Para sa Pagdumala sa Mt. Magdiwata (KP2M2) (We, the Agusanons who were awaken by the value of Mt. Magdiwata and knew of the worsening situation of the said mountain at present, declare our strong and heartfelt support in the United Campaign for the Management of Mt. Magdiwata)."

“Atol sa pagsaulog sa Earth Day 2014, kami naga saad sa pagpaningkamot aron matagamtaman pa sa umaabot nga henerasyon ang kaabunda ug kaanindot sa GREEN MT. MAGDIWATA, GREEN SAN FRANCISCO, GREEN AGUSAN DEL SUR (In time with the celebration of the Earth Day 2014, we pledged to do our best so that the coming generation can still feel and experience the abundance and beauty of GREEN MT. MAGDIWATA, GREEN SAN FRANCISCO AND GREEN AGUSAN DEL SUR)." (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Surigao City strengthens incident command system

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, May 2 (PIA) – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) here in cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga underwent a three-day training on the incident command system (ICS) recently in order to capacitate its members and beef up the capability of the city to better respond to emergencies.

The three-day seminar workshop, which was held at the Surigao City Cultural Center featured eight modules of the basic incident command system course including group planning workshop, exercises and actual reporting.

The objectives of the ICS course is to enhance understanding of Incident Command System as a vital tool for effective disaster response, provide an overview of ICS its background, concepts, principles and features, capabilities, organization, facilities and common terminologies, and demonstrate knowledge of basic ICS functions through exercises and class discussion context.

Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) training officer Ryan Castañeda, one of the resource speakers, explained the importance of ICS.

Castañeda said that ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept that can be used by all DRRMCs member agencies and response group to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match the complexities and demand of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by agency or jurisdictional boundaries, and it will help to ensure the safety of responders, achievement of tactical objectives and efficient use of resources.

“ICS will meet the needs of incident in any kind or size, personnel from various agencies... it will also provide accountability and a planning process, logistical and administrative support to operational staff, and it is cost effective because duplication of efforts will be avoided.” Castañeda added.

A total of 57 participants from different member agencies of the CDRRMC, Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Council chairpersons and city department heads have successfully completed the above course and certified as ICS Basic Course graduates.

ICS is mandated under Republic Act 10121, series of 2010, otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework" and NDRRM Plan to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the consequences of disasters. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Forum on Senior High School implementation set in Butuan

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) – A forum on the implementation of Senior High School with the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical-vocational Institutions (TVIs) is scheduled on May 12 in one of the convention centers, here.

According to Engr. Ramil Sanchez, OIC Chief Education Program Specialist of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga, the said forum is in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” and in support to the implementation of the Department of Education (DepEd) on the Senior High School Program.

Engr. Sanchez said, CHED enjoins presidents and heads of both private and private HEIs to support and participate on the said forum.

"The event aims to disseminate the plans of DepEd Caraga in implementing the advance Senior High School for SY 2015-2016 and to give updates on the K to 12 Basic Education Program," said Engr. Sanchez.

The forum is a joint undertaking of DepEd, CHED, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, duly supported by the Regional Development Council of Caraga region. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

'Labak Butuan' for Brigada Eskwela

By Dr. Israel Reveche

BUTUAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) – A fun run dubbed as "Labak Para Hong Brigada Eskwela” (Run for Brigada Eskwela) is set on May 18 here.

According to focal person of Labak Butuan Ma. Cecile Plaza, the fun run aims to gather resources to support the Butuan City division and the conduct of the Brigada Eskwela on May 19 to 24.

Plaza said, a registration fee of three hundred pesos (P300) will be collected from the participants. The one hundred pesos will be for the participants t-shirts, 25 percent of the remaining two hundred pesos will be allotted for the Butuan City division’s operating expenses and medicines budget, while the 75 percent will be used for the conduct Brigada Eskwela.

The fun run will be participated by teachers, students, parents, school heads, representatives for the local government unit and non-government organizations. It will start at the Robinson’s Place Butuan at six in the morning going to the covered court of the Agusan National High School, Plaza added. (DepEd-Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 

Dog and other animal bites continue to pose a problem in SurSur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 2 (PIA) – Amid efforts to curb dog and other animal bites in Surigao del Sur—which some even lead to death due to rabies—the problem still remains.

According to a report issued recently by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) headed by Dr. Algerico Irizari, incidence of dog and other animal bites have been averaging by more than a thousand for the last three years, especially the former.

In fact, based on the same account, dog and other animal bites have, one time, exceeded the 2,000 mark in 2013.

Also, except for 2012, death due to rabies has been a common occurrence, although isolated.

Meanwhile, during the start of 2014, particularly in the month of January, no death has been posted.

Likewise, the IPHO records will bear out that only the cities of Tandag and Bislig have the highest number of dog and other animal bites cases in the province. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Surigao HS students participate in youth leaders, volunteers training

SURIGAO CITY, May 2 (PIA) – Around 30 high school students from the different schools in the city joined the two-day training on Youth Leaders and Volunteers held recently at the City Cultural Center, this city.

The activity, spearheaded by the city government here in coordination with the Commission on Population (PopCom) and the Surigao City Police Station, aims to intensify the campaign on gender and development, responsible sexuality, and anti-criminality, it was learned.

City PopCom Coordinator Jupiter Correos, in his message, said the city government thru the efforrt of City Mayor Ernesto Matugas is strengthening its campaign on youth's gender and development, responsible sexuality and anti-criminality for them to be well informed.

Surigao Youth Center representative Wennie Corneta, PO3 Laila Ballicud and Police Inspector Jennifer Ometer served as the speakers during the training. (SDR/MICO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Butuan City Division participates in National TOT

By Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

BUTUAN CITY, May 2 (PIA) - In response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd's) call in the progressive implementation of the K-12 curriculum, the city division participated in the 2014 National Training of Trainers (TOT) held at Lahug, Cebu City starting April 27 to May 3 for the Visayas and Mindanao group.

The said training aims to provide teacher-trainers with a concrete understanding of the Grade three Curriculum frameworks, learning standards and competencies, assessment and teaching plans.

Also, the TOT will provide participants with opportunities to acquire and demonstrate the cognitive and affective competencies needed by the Grade three teachers in the effective delivery of the curriculum and in their role as facilitators of learning as indicated in the DepEd Memorandum No. 15, series of 2014 dated February 7, 2014.

It is hoped that after the said training, a mass training of grade three teachers throughout the division will be conducted this month as a preparation for the school year 2014-2015.

The pool of trainers of the division was led by Education EPS-1 in English Dr. Maria Dinah abalos, together with her were the chosen school heads from various schools namely: Dr Alejandro macadatar, Dr. Jonas Jomonong, Dr. Marivic Cuizon, Mr. Rey Collado, Robina Agan, Marivic Pantonial, April Ann Bernabe, and Richard Duparco. (DepEd-Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

SurSur tourism industry starts to work wonders

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 2 (PIA) – The tourist spots in Surigao del Sur are getting a fair share in booking, especially in domestic tourists, according to Governor Johnny Pimentel.

In fact, he said that on May 14, two prominent delegations comprised of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) top hierarchy on the one hand and Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) on the other are coming over to the province each with a different agenda.

NEDA’s group, particularly the National Project Monitoring Committee (NPMC), which will be headed by Undersecretary Mario Relampagos will hold its 2nd Quarterly meeting with the NEDA Regional Office Caraga as host, while the CSFI that will be led by their President and Chairperson, Quezon City Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte, will at the same time visit the province for their Lakbay-Aral.

Pimentel assured that the wife of Surigao del Sur First District Congressman Philip Pichay, Mrs. Lilia Pichay, as well as the better half of Agusan del Norte First District Congressman Atty. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun, Ms. Marie Therese Fortun, CSFI Caraga Chapter Chair, are going to join and accompany their peers since the said chapter is the host for such activity this year.

He bared that the NEDA group, composed of some 30-35 participants from different government agencies like the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Presidential Management Staff (PMS) apart from the Regional Directors of NEDA itself, is going to stay overnight but the CSFI delegation will have to make their presence felt through a so-called “learning journey” for about four days.

Meanwhile, Pimentel pointed out that the tourist arrival in the province has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, recalling the figures since 2006 at 6,000 while in 2013 at 54,000, thereby saying that “Surigao del Sur is already on the map!”

The most favorite tourist spots in the province, but not in particular order, are Tinu-ay Falls in Bislig City, Enchanted River in Hinatuan, and Britannia Islands in San Agustin.

However, Gov. Pimentel admitted that simultaneous with this amazing development, Surigao del Sur, in partnership with the locality concerned, must start to devise a better master plan for the tourism industry in order to pave the way for putting up desirable accommodation facilities. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

US Embassy set to conduct ‘Tech for Resilience Week’ for a safer PHL

MANILA, May 2 (PIA) - In light of recent disasters, the U.S. Embassy in Manila is working with responders and affected communities to build a more resilient Philippines. The Embassy and its partners will work to put lifesaving tech tools into action by organizing “Tech for Resilience Week.”

"Tech for Resilience Week" starts with TechCamp on May 5 at Globe Labs, Globe Telepark in Valero St., Makati City. This event is the first of three linked events taking place during the week of May 5-11, all geared toward harnessing technology to empower Filipino Non-governmental agencies and local government units (LGUs) to build climate-resilient communities. TechCamp takes a unique approach to connect "non-techie" civil society representatives with technologists. To put lessons and new relationships into practice, TechCamp will be followed by an "App Developers' Challenge" 24 hour Hackathon on May 9 and 10, in partnership with Globe Labs and Google Developers Group. Visit http://goo.gl/QoH1Tu for more details.

The week concludes with a two-day Hackathon entitled “Readysaster: Hack for Resilience” that takes place on May 10 and 11.  A hackathon is an intense collaborative computer programming marathon where computer developers and enthusiasts engage to develop new digital applications and programs to achieve a specific goal and common good.

Readysaster is implemented by Open Data Philippines as part of a worldwide World Bank initiative, "Code for Resilience," along with Smart's Developers Network, Microsoft Philippines and Google Developers Group. Readysaster shares the goal of building a more resilient Philippines by connecting knowledge from the public to private sector technology and government data. More details can be accessed at http://data.gov.ph/events/readysaster.

These three events are designed to complement each other and to use problem sets drawn from conversations with community members in communities around the Philippines that have been identified as disaster-prone.  Tech for Resilience Week reflects a shared commitment to explore all solutions (especially technological solutions) to the risks and dangers posed by calamities. (US Embassy/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Pangulong Aquino: Reporma ng pamahalaan nagsimulang maramdaman sa laban kontra kahirapan

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 2 (PIA) - Ang mga programa ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Tuwid na Daan ay nakapagpakita na ng pwersa at nagsimula nang gumawa ng puwang sa laban ng pamahalaan kontra kahirapan, sabi ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III noong Huwebes.

Sa kanyang talumpati noong siys ay bumisita sa pagawaan ng Integrated Microelectronics Inc. (IMI) sa Binan, Laguna, sinabi ni Presidente na ang reporma sa agrikultura, imprastraktura, turismo at pangmasang serbisyo ay nakapagpababa sa bilang ng mga maralita.

Sa isang ulat ng National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), sinabi ng Pangulo na ang bansa ay nakapagtala ng tatlong porsyentong pagbaba ng mga Pilipino na namumuhay ng mas mababa sa linya ng mahihirap mula noong unang semester ng taong 2012 hanggang 2013.

Ang tatlong porsyentong pagbaba ay katumbas ng 2.5 milyong Pilipinona ang pamumuhay ay umangat sa huling dalawang taon, sabi niya.

“At ngayong higit pang nagbubunga ang mga repormang ipinatupad at ipinapatupad natin, tiyak na dadami pa ang mamamayang mabibigyan natin ng mas komportableng pamumuhay,” sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang mensahe.

“Kaugnay po nito, patuloy po nating paiigtingin ang pagkalinga at pagkakaloob ng serbisyo sa Pilipino. Ang nais natin: masigurong hindi na babalik pa sa dating kalagayan ang ating mga kababayan, sakaling tumama muli ang anumang sakuna.”

Nagpasamat ang Pangulo sa mga tao sa Laguna sa kanilang pagsuporta sa kanya at sa mga miyembro ng kanyang partido noong nakaraang halalan.

Pinayuhan din niya ang mga tao sa Laguna na pumili ng tamang mamumuno sa mga darating pang halalan para ang repormang sinimulan ng kanyang administrasyon ay maipagpatuloy.

“Ang pakiusap ko po: Kung naniniwala kayo na tama ang ating ginagawa, kung ayaw ninyong mabalewala ang maganda nating nasimulan sa tuwid na daan, piliin natin ang mga susunod na pinunong magpapatuloy at higit pang magpapayabong sa ating mga naipunlang reporma,” sabi niya. “Piliin natin ang karapat-dapat upang maging permanente ang malawakang transpormasyong tinatamasa na ng ating lipunan.”

Maliban sa IMI, binisita rin ng Pangulo ang Testec Inc. sa Calamba at ang Alliance Monsols, na nasa Binan din. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)