Thursday, May 8, 2014

Biomass power generation seen as sustainable energy source

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 8 (PIA) – In time with the Forum on Biomass Power Generation and Short Rotation Tree Plantations held on Wednesday in one of the local convention centers here, stakeholders from different sectors seen biomass as sustainable energy source in Caraga region.

Said activity was conducted by the Caraga Renewable Energy Corporation (CARE) and P.U.N.L.A. in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (NERBAC) Caraga.

Fernando L. Martinez, chairman and CEO of Eastern Petroleum Group bared that biomass is one of the safest energy producing technologies. "You will not see any form of pollution with the use of biomass. It's a better alternative source of energy and is viable, cleaner and more manageable," he said.

Martinez also revealed that the pilot area for this project is the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. According to him, their first choice was supposedly the municipality of Nasipit of same province, however, they saw some lacking important requirements to pursue the project, and to which they also realized that Buenavista is next most suitable for the project.

"With this project on Biomass Power Generation and Short Rotation Tree Plantations, we hope to multiply businesses to create opportunities for people and reduce the cost of energy. That is part of the core mission that we are looking into," disclosed Martinez.

When asked whether this biomass energy will cause conflict with the existing energy providers here, Martinez clarified that it definitely will not hinder the operations of the existing power producers. “We are here to complement. We are lack some 200 megawatts, so this will really help," he explained.

Also, Engr. Adel Garcia Jr., chairman and president of AVGarcia Power Systems Corporation discussed how this project will be implemented.

"The construction of this Biomass Power Generation and Short Rotation Tree Plantations Project here in Agusan del Norte is expected to be completed by at least within 27 months from now. It will cost some P4-billion and we are now considering factors to get it started," he said.

DTI-Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran expressed his optimism that the region will soon have a more productive, efficient and uncostly energy source. “The more variety of energy sources that we have, the better for us. This biomass power generation will surely provide sustainable energy source for all of us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dave Butler, representing Wellons Energy Solutions of Portland, Oregon in United States of America, manifested that biomass is a very clean technology. “Your region is blessed with many trees compared to other countries of the world and biomass power generation is just but suitable in your area,” he remarked.

BioPower is the use of biomass to produce electric power or heat. Biopower system technologies include direct-firing, cofiring, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Eastern Petroleum to invest P4.190-B biomass plant in Agusan Norte

By Venus L. Garcia

        

BUTUAN CITY, May 8 (PIA) –  Eastern Petroleum Corporation, a Philippine-based company that provides world-class and environment-friendly energy through its subsidiary Caraga Renewable Energy Power Corporation (CARE Corp.), will soon build a 23.5MW module of a planned 47MW wood-based Biomass Generated Power Plant amounting a total investment at P4.190 billion in a 20-hectare area in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

As revealed during the Biomass Power Generation and Short Rotation Tree Plantations Forum on Wednesday, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the project stands at around P2.931 billion which includes the electro-mechanical, civil and site works, 69kV TX line and capacity injection SS. Other project cost is at around P1.258 billion which covers capitalized interests and financial fees, professional fees, construction all risk insurance, equipment taxes/duties, start-up costs, land, proponents costs and contingency equity.

Caraga region, being known to be the wood and timber corridor of the Philippines, has been transformed into commercial tree farms and providing sustainable source of wood and timber materials though a successful tree farming program started in the area about twenty years ago. As such, the abundance of these kind of resources suggests a viable source of renewable energy.

“The tree farms are currently owned by a combination of local landowners and indigenous peoples who took participation in forest management programs of the government, in efforts to institutionalize the replenishment of forest covers of the region,” said Fernando Martinez, chairman and chief executive officer of Eastern Petroleum Group.

Martinez explained that about 10,000 hectares shall be initially converted into an Integrated Tree Plantation (ITP) as long-term fuel resource base. He added that the 23.5MW plant will require about 200,000 to 250,000 green tons per year of biomass feedstock. The captive fuel resource base covered by the initial ITP program is at least 10,000 hectares capable to sustain at least 2 x 23.5MW power generation units.

In addition, available wood waste product around Caraga such as saw dust and trimmings have substantial availability across the area.

According to Martinez, the officially termed BioPower is one of the safest energy producing technologies and is cleaner and more manageable.

The project shall use a well-established and matured technologies for a broiler and steam turbine and associated auxiliaries from the United States (US). It specifically intends to use the Wellons Boiler Technology from Vancouver, Washington.

Dave Butler, representing Wellons Energy Solutions in Portland, Oregon, USA expressed his support to the said project which shall utilize wood chips as primary fuel, to be sourced from the vast forest residues and commercial tree farms of the provinces composing Caraga region.

Recent developments showed that as of April 2014, the company has finished the site assessment and technical feasibility studies for the project. It has also finished the site survey; topographic map, water resource and fuel resource study; and bankable feasibility study which is ready for presentation to financial institutions. Caraga Power has also acquired through its sister company the 15-hectare project site which is part of the 100-hectare industrial and commercial estate in the town of Buenavista along the national road.

Martinez assured that the project shall be compliant to the renewable energy laws on registration, qualification, permitting and regulatory requirements and to the Philippine Grid Code as well. He also said that the approved tariff rate for electricity from biomass fired power generation facility is P6.63 per kWh.

“By proliferating BioPower projects, we hope to multiply commercial and industrial hubs to create more opportunities for people but with reduced cost of energy. That is part of the core mission that we are looking into,” remarked Martinez.

It was mentioned that the projected commercial operation period of the plant is 25 years. Start of EPC is by 2014 and commercial operation by 2017. The estimated manpower for the plant is at 81 employees. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

LGU reps undergo Biodiversity Monitoring System Enhancement Training

By Jimster B. Samson

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, May 8 (PIA) - Representatives from the eight-member municipalities of the Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) have completed the five-day training on Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) Enhancement held recently at Kasili Lakeside Resort, Mainit, this province.

According to LMDA Biodiversity Partnership Project Team Leader Omar Barillo, the five-day training was aimed to help local government units assess biodiversity and formulate plans and policy-making support to conservation.

"BMS as a resource monitoring tool is very important for the LGUs for it helps them assess their local biodiversity with primary consideration in planning and policy-making support to conservation," Barillo emphasized.

LMDA is an alliance of municipalities composed of Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte and Alegria, Mainit, Sison and Tubod in Surigao del Norte, government line agencies (DA, NEDA, DENR, BFAR, PIA, DOT) and civil society organizations in Lake Mainit area. Its significant role is to serve as the coordinating body of multi-stakeholders in preserving and promoting Lake Mainit ecosystem. (SDR/LGU-Tubod/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

5 govt agencies, 2 private orgs in SurSur ink MOA for police investigation and case build-up enhancement skills

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, May 8 (PIA) – Five government agencies and two private organizations have signed on Wednesday a “Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Police Enhancement Training Course for Chiefs of Police (COPs)/Investigators of Surigao del Sur” with the aim to equip law enforcers with the necessary know-how to pin down criminals before the law of justice.

The event which bore the theme, “Crime is everybody’s concern and public safety is a shared responsibility” highlighted the 1st Quarterly Meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Surigao del Sur Chapter that was presided over by Carrascal town Mayor Vicente Pimentel, Jr., its incumbent president.

Mayor Pimentel, who was so receptive to the idea, said in his welcome address that something has to be done in order to help the police close the gap in solving the increasing crime rates in the province, especially on illegal drugs.

The signatories to the MOA on the part of government agencies are Governor Johnny Pimentel for the Province of Surigao del Sur; Carrascal town Mayor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. for the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)- Surigao del Sur Chapter; Atty. Florito Cuartero for the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor; Provincial Director Pedrito Alacaba for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); as well as Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Also, on the side of the private sector, the signatories are Leodorico Avila, Jr. for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and Rev. Msgr. Arturo Langit for Saint Theresa Center for Ecology, Networking and Transformative Education and Research (ST Center).

During the detailed presentation of Atty. Gerardo Maglinte, the appointed Project Coordinator, he stressed that the IBP was prompted to do so in coming up with the initiative primarily due to the ”rising trend of crimes and increasing threat of drug-related cases and the inherent difficulty in the arrest and successful criminal prosecution of suspects.”

He likewise said that the launching and training of recruits is soon to follow next month. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Feature: Rough road to resilience and self reliance

By Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.

        

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, May 8 (PIA) - His parents were used to wallowing in precarious living and toiling, as if the daily grind has always been a Sisyphean climb.  Having seen how poverty wreaks havoc to the welfare and well-being of his family, Rodolfo G. Ebio, Jr. therefore resolved to firm up his personal life through capacitating himself.  And he found out that dreaming, coupled with patience and determination, is surely taking him to a better level, one step at a time.

Jong-Jong, as he is fondly called by friends and kin, is the third and youngest siblings in the family.  His father, Rodolfo, Sr., is a plain carpenter cum mason, but manages also to do other menial tasks ala jack of all trades if only to make both ends meet for the family.  His mother, Miladel, supports the family upkeep by doing household chores on a full time basis. While he breezed through in his secondary level studies, finishing at a very young age of 15 at the Buenavista Institute here, he was prevailed upon to postpone his dream of pursuing tertiary or post-secondary studies due to the unstable income of his father.  At least his two elder siblings were supported and allowed by his parents to continue with their studies, though they have to tighten their belts also.

Even if nothing productive seemed to happen in his four years of gestation period as an out of school youth, yet he found a way to get busy, and that was through doing extra work at an electronics shop located at a frenetic thoroughfare in Libertad, Butuan City.  Upon noticing that he got a potential to become a meticulous electronics technician, Michael Vagallon, an uncle of his that owned and managed the shop, took a liking of him.  Presto, he zinged his way as an apprentice with his uncle sharing with him important tips and methods on how to handle and troubleshoot broken or impaired household appliances, including other electronic gadgets, until the same would be repaired or restored to normalcy.  But for complicated cases, he would seek proper mentoring and tutelage from his uncle.  In between, he gradually learned also how to entertain customers’ complaints and handle demanding or abrasive clients. He enjoyed the exposure and experience while it lasted – until his uncle decided to fold shop and seek greener pastures abroad.  It seemed he’s back to square one once again.

But it wasn’t too long when his parents decided to support his new-found dream of becoming an electronics technician someday.  Thus, at 19 years of age, he strutted as a freshman at the corridors of the Philippine Electronics and Communications Institute of Technology (PECIT) in Butuan City and enrolled right away under the two-year Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II qualification beginning on June 2009.  Brimming with pride, he resolved to finish his dream in due time, though unbeknownst to him, the support from his parents might not be enough for the long haul.

Fortunately, two months after, the school opened its doors to accept able and willing applicants to become student assistants under the Alicia’s Foundation, so named in memory of the late matriarch of the school. With a strong endorsement from his instructor, he grabbed the opportunity, if only to ensure that he will make it through thick or thin. 

He was made to understand that his perks as a student assistant would include free tuition privilege, which was already a big help.  But at the reverse side, it would mean six hours a day, from Monday to Saturday, of vigilant and meticulous laboring as a maintenance guy of school laboratories and surroundings, plus being the first man in and the last man out during school activities, to include also other menial tasks as may be assigned by his superiors.

“The exposure and experience made me a better fellow,” he quipped, “because I have learned how to be time-conscious, patient, vigilant, flexible, and spend-thrift at the personal level.  At the social level, I appreciated my oozing self-confidence because I already got a knack in dealing with my superiors and instructors, as well as adjusting with my peers.”

A month after his graduation, employment was handed to him in silver platter by Zenergy, a company that offers cable and internet services and which is also a sister company of his alma mater located in the same compound.  Because of his performance and dedication as a Head End Technician, Marita Z. Corrales, his company manager, took notice of him, turning him into a regular employee a year after or effective May 2012.  This means that he would enjoy a basic pay plus incentives, and will be included in the coverage of Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and Social Security System.

On free days back in Purok 5, Barangay Manapa here where he resides with his family, he is actually a sought-after electronics technician in the community and he is making an average of a thousand bucks per month for doing what he enjoys best.

“As a Head End Technician,” I inquired, “what exactly do you do?”  In reply, “I actually maintain and sometimes troubleshoot the company’s cable nerve center.”  But he surprised me when he shared, “I also dabbled as a welder for the company on lean moments, because we need to install grills and other metal buffer as security measures for our sensitive and very expensive equipment.”

“Say, where did you learn welding?”  I followed up.  “I learned it,” he enthused, “the hard way, though, while volunteering for the company, if only to lessen the expenses.”  To which I countered: “So, you are making yourself relevant even if it’s hard. No wonder that your superiors like you.”  For said comment, he just smiled and nodded.

Still young and ambitious, he desires to proceed with information technology programming, because for him electronics operations in advance countries means being proficient also with programming.

“What about love life?” I egged him, because he’s now 24 years old.  “Not now, sir” he intoned.  “I still have amortizations to pay and I likewise give my share in our household expenses. I would like to save more also, so that settling down later would not be a burden.”

As a parting shot, he acknowledged that “I got employed easily because of my technical skills.”  And he’s endorsing it as “a good, viable alternative for others who lacked the resources, but who got the determination and humility to pursue it as a decent vocation.”  For those who are still in limbo or are indecisive, he argued rather: “Take it from me.”  Indeed, he knows whereof he spoke, because he tried dreaming with both feet on the ground. (TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Local media commits to advocate on gender equality

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) – Several media professionals of this city have expressed their commitment to advocate gender sensitivity, equality in their programs and publications, during the Seminar on Media and Gender Equality conducted by Paz y Desarrollo (PyD) held on Tuesday at the Caraga State University (CSU) here.

PyD National Program Coordinator Lilia Perez reiterated that its program in Caraga region is to promote gender equality in political participation and contribute to the realization of women's political and civil rights supporting initiatives that promote equal participation of women and men in good governance and democracy.

“With our ‘Female Forward’ program, we are promoting participation of women in the regional and national initiatives that act as debate and analysis forum to increase women’s political and civil participation; strengthen good governance for gender equality, promoting women’s participation and incorporating gender equality in the political agenda; and encourage initiatives on citizenship which promote women’s political and civil rights,” Perez emphasized.

Also, Prof. Adrilene Mae Castaños of CSU recalled that in 2010, PyD started a Regional Program to Promote Gender Equality in Political Participation in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, Timor Leste and Vietnam funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

"I was part of the team who did research on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) cases in Caraga region when PyD started its program on gender equality. ARMM and Caraga regions were the pilot areas of the research we conducted," she bared.

It was also learned that in the Philippines, the PyD’s Female Forward Program, as it is locally known, is focused in the provinces of Lanao del Sur (Marawi and Balindong) in the ARMM and Agusan del Norte (Butuan City, Kitcharao, Santiago and Tubay) in Caraga; and aims to contribute to the realization of women's political and civil rights.

Castaños also distinguished the definitions of sex from gender. “When we say sex, it is the maleness and femaleness of an individual. It is based on the chromosomes make up, and the external and internal organs of the individual, while the gender, it is the cultural construct of the maleness and femaleness of a person,” she clarified.

“As media professionals, you have a crucial role in influencing the public. That’s why we hope that you could help us in our campaign on gender equality. We are looking forward to working with you in our future activities,” added Perez.

During the healthy discussion on gender issues among media practitioners in their reportage, the participants representing different local print and radio stations voluntarily expressed their commitment by allowing officials of PyD and company to have a free air time program on a weekly basis, as well as a column on the publication at the respective media outfits. Posters of PyD’s ‘Female Forward’ program will also be posted outside the media offices.

PyD is a non-government development and gender-oriented organization founded in Cordoba, Spain in 1991. Over the last 20 years, PyD has worked with governments, civil society organizations and educational institutions from various nations in carrying out programs and projects that seeks to promote equality and social justice as a means to achieve social change. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PIA-Caraga intensifies advocacy on gender equality

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) – As an active gender advocate, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Abner Caga is intensifying its gender sensitivity and equality advocacy among men and women in the region.

On behalf of RD Caga, operations chief Nora Molde, concurrent information center manager of PIA-Agusan del Norte expressed the agency’s continued support and commitment to personnel of Paz y Desarrollo (PyD) during the Seminar on Media and Gender Equality held at Caraga State University (CSU) here.

“Promotion of gender equality is part of our priority in our information dissemination. We will continue to utilize our platforms for our advocacy on gender equality since we believe that peace and development will be sustained if gender equality is present in the community,” bared Molde.

PIA has been disseminating information through its Short Messaging Service/textblast, press and photo releases, One Mindanao Electronic News Magazine, Facebook and Twitter accounts, and the Power FM.

“We have been an active partner of the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee chaired by Commission on Human Rights Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor. PIA is constantly supporting and documenting all the gender-related activities of the committee,” added Molde.

Meanwhile, Arjay Arellano, Communication and Advocacy Officer of PyD extended his thanks to PIA for being an active partner-advocate. “This ‘Female Forward’ program of PyD, along with gender equality program is just a five-year implementation but we believe that with your help, this advocacy will continue as the PIA being the information arm of the government has also its mission to sustain lasting peace and development,” he remarked. 

PyD Philippines is working on the implementation of the “Female Forward! Stand Up, Step Up, Speak Up!” communication and advocacy plan. The plan foresees not only basic awareness raising activities but also capacity building trainings and workshops on Gender Sensitivity for Media. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

TUCP, JILAF to hold Constructive IR, Employment Security, Equitable Income NatCon

By Fryan E. Abkilan

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), in cooperation with the Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF) will hold the Constructive Industrial Relations, Employment Security, and Equitable Income national conference on May 13-14, 2014 at the Traders Hotel in Manila.

Former senator and TUCP president Ernesto Herrera said the two-day conference hopes to contribute to the achievement of decent work and inclusive growth for all and the strengthening of the TUCP and its affiliate federations and enterprise-based unions.

Herrera said the event also aims to provide an opportunity for union leaders to understand and analyze current labor and employment realities, issues, and challenges at the national and enterprise levels and explain/discuss TUCP’s perspectives and positions on industrial relations and decent work.

“The activity will also engage government and employers on discussions towards constructive industrial relations, including on employment security, equitable income, and decent work, among others; derive lessons from the experiences of Japanese unions and those of other countries where JILAF operates and develop a trade union action and recommendations towards achieving decent work, inclusive growth and workers’ rights,” Herrera added.

Some one hundred trade union leaders and activists are expected to attend.

It was learned that officials from JILAF, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Japanese Labor Attaché’ Hiroyuki Enoki and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz are also invited to grace the said event.

TUCP is an affiliate of the International Trade Union Council (ITUC), a worldwide umbrella association of labor unions. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)

AgSur vice gov to discuss leadership with PRC stakeholders

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 7 (PIA) - Some 36 stakeholders of the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) will benefit the training on leadership to be discussed by Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. in time with the celebration of the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day on Thursday, May 8, 2014.

The stakeholders/participants who will participate in the discussion are composed of Chapter Base Volunteers, Red Cross Action Team members, Barangay Captains from project areas of Bunawan and Esperanza and the Red Cross 143 Presidents and Coordinators with Maternal Neonatal and Child Health coordinators and partners for resilient projects and the PRC Agusan del Sur Chapter Board Members.

According to PRC-AdS Chapter Administrator Darwina Ligan, the May 8 celebration will be celebrated by 188 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies worldwide, including the Philippine Red Cross, being the birth date of Henry Dunant, father of the Red Cross who was born on May 8, 1828.

The PRC-AdS will also take the opportunity to give awards and recognition to members and volunteers who have one way or another, shared their spirit of volunteerism with the PRC-AdS in times of disasters and calamities, including those who have spent restless days and nights at the hard hit by typhoon “Yolanda” in Samar and Leyte.

Games and amusements will also take place in the afternoon after the formal discussion and awarding to keep the bonding of the Red Cross volunteers burning for another challenge that may come. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Easier compliance for pensioners seen with SSS-NSO partnership

MANILA, May 7 (PIA) - As part of measures to make transactions convenient for members, the Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with the National Statistics Office (NSO) in developing a data matching program that will regularly scan the civil registry for deaths and marriages of SSS pensioners to verify their continued eligibility to pension.

The SSS-NSO partnership was forged under a memorandum of agreement signed by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. and NSO Administrator Carmelita Ericta on February 14, 2014.

Rita Baloy, SSS Officer-in-Charge for Benefits Administration, said the SSS-NSO partnership may pave the way for the eventual waiving of the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) – or the required visit or submission of documents to reconfirm pension eligibility -- for certain types of pensioners.

The pensioner's death, remarriage of a surviving spouse and marriage of a dependent below age 21 are among the reasons for the permanent stoppage of pensions. However, monitoring other factors for pension cancellation – such as employment, cohabitation and recovery from disability --- still needs the ACOP since these cannot be checked using NSO data.

“While the development of the new SSS-NSO project is underway, ACOP compliance is still expected of all SSS pensioners at present to ensure the continued release of their pension,” Baloy emphasized.

During 'Phase 1” or the pilot implementation, the SSS-NSO data matching will initially focus on pensioners aged 80 and above who, in consideration of their health conditions, were allowed to submit their ACOP requirements through a representative or via mail.

“Under the pilot run scheduled this year, SSS will no longer require the yearly ACOP visit or submission of documents for pensioners aged 80 and above, since we will instead check their current status using NSO records,” Baloy said. “If the pilot implementation is successful, we shall proceed to 'Phase 2' that will involve NSO data matching for all SSS pensioners.”

With the wider access to NSO records, the SSS can readily secure the necessary certifications to verify the documents submitted by pensioners under the ACOP to ensure their authenticity.

Aside from helping pensioners with the ACOP, benefits of the SSS-NSO partnership are also seen to reach the greater SSS membership, since NSO will provide SSS a facility to secure certificates on behalf of transacting members and beneficiaries, thereby making the process more convenient for them.

The direct release of certificates from NSO to SSS will also help facilitate faster processing of benefit claims and other SSS transactions. NSO documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates are normally required by SSS to ensure the authenticity of claims filed by members and beneficiaries. (SSS/PIA-Caraga)

Agnor solon welcomes Agriculture department ‘clean up’

QUEZON CITY, May 7 (PIA) - Agusan del Norte First District Representative Lawrence ”Law” Fortun has welcomed the move of President Benigno S. Aquino III in ‘cleaning-up’ the Department of Agriculture (DA) “which has been wracked by charges of corruption and cronyism under Secretary Proceso Alcala.”

Reacting to the appointment of former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as Presidential Adviser on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization with specific instructions to do some serious “house cleaning” of the agency, Fortun said that this move of the President will be a big boost to the administration’s thrust of seriously combating corruption in the government.

With the appointment of Pangilinan, he will take over the supervision of the National Food Authority (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA). The said agencies have been hounded by various corruption scandals over the past years.

Fortun said that he is hopeful that this will address the problem of corruption and poor performance of these agencies, especially NIA which he assailed in a privilege speech before members of the House of Representatives. The solon lambasted the said agency for the unfinished projects in his district but was reported to be completed. It is expected that upon resumption of the session of the House, a full-blown investigation will be conducted by the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. (LAWig Katawhan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Surigao City steps up drive vs measles

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, May 7 (PIA) – Health personnel in Surigao City have stepped up their measles awareness and immunization campaign following the increase in the number of cases recorded from January to April, 2014.

Dr. Arlene T. Felizarta of the City Health Office and Family Medicine Expert, said during the recently held City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council emergency meeting that the disease has already claimed one life. "The victim is from Barangay Mapawa and died on April 2, 2014," said Felizarta.

As 5 p.m. Tuesday, Felizarta said they have recorded a total of 137 cases of measles.

“Most of the victims came from the barangays of Taft, Washington, Canlanipa, San Juan, Cagniog, Luna, Rizal, Mabua, Mat-i, Togbongon, Ipil, Mapawa, Trinidad, Cabongbongan, Capalayan, Nabago, Quezon, San Jose, Balibayon, Serna and Punta Bilar. Ages of cases ranged from one month to 54 years old and majority of cases were male with 53-60 percent, while 39 percent were female and 68 percent of cases belonged to 0 to 10 years age,” Felizarta added.

She also said that they have already visited several affected barangays to administer measles vaccines to the victims. "We have also set up two operations centers located in Luneta Park and Nueva Gym where suspected measles cases are handled and processed," Felizarta said. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

News Feature: MRDP2: Bridging Dreams to Reality

By Emmylou T. Presilda

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - “We have been dreaming of this bridge for as long as I can remember. Now it’s a reality.” Fifty-eight year old farmer Mateo Garcia of Nuevo Trabajo was teary-eyed as he tried to recall the hardships he went through over the years. 

“Many years ago when there was no hanging bridge yet, we have no choice but to carry our sacks of corn on our back while crossing the river knee-deep.  If there was an available boat, we would load our products at least four times and pay P50 per trip to the other side of the river," said Garcia.

“Our prayers are finally answered,” he added.

The hanging bridge, which was constructed wayback 1998 has offered a little improvement.  Although farmers’ products can already be transported in motorcycles, farmers have to spend the same for hauling.  For the elementary pupils, it has become a little safer since they no longer have to cross the river either by boat or by foot.

But the danger was not over yet until the local government of San Luis, Agusan del Sur was able to avail of the Rural Infrastructure (RI) fund under the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program 2 (DA-MRDP2).

DA-MRDP2 has recently turned over a 120 linear meter Single Lane pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) Bridge amounting to P45 Million. The longest PSCG Bridge constructed over Mindanao under MRDP2.

The project links the access road from the barangay proper benefitting a population of 1,289 comprising 267 households of mostly Indigenous People (IP).

“We are very happy that after many years of waiting, the bridge is finally here.  To us, this bridge does not only serve as support to agricultural productivity but more importantly, a means of saving peoples’ lives,” Barangay Captain Roberto Ceno said.

According to Ceno, the whole area of Nuevo Trabajo is prone to flooding.  Maasam river would always overflow when it rains heavily putting at risk the lives of the people especially the children who are studying at a nearby elementary school.  With the bridge already in place, people will already have an easy way out from the flood-prone area in times of emergency.

In terms of agricultural productivity, barangay Nuevo Trabajo is the production base for the municipality of San Luis with 220 hectares contiguous area for corn going to barangay Sta. Inez and Masalang with 700 hectares.  Rice area currently cultivated is 20 hectares and 3,000 potential areas to be opened for production.

The bridge’ benefit also include: reduce travel time from 25 to 10 minutes from the farm to the market; reduce freight and handling cost of agri products; eliminate damages of goods during hauling; and, facilitate immediate delivery of newly harvested farm products.

“I am truly happy right now to see the happiness in the faces of the people here and I am grateful that you have implemented this project very well as I can see in the quality of the bridge that has been built,” DA-13 acting director Edna Mabeza said during the turnover. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Being blind does not mean having no vision

By Gervacio C. Dauz, Jr.

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - During his heyday as a sighted person in his early 20’s, Mimsi Quiapo used to have a lady love, who owned a repair shop somewhere in Iligan City.  Their union as common law husband and wife netted for them a bundle of joy, whom they adorably christened to as Kimberly.

To support his growing family, Mimsi helped in her darling’s shop by attending to the clients’ needs and seconding likewise as a welder as the need arises.  Having no knowledge at all with the need and importance of putting on protective gears, he just blindly buckled to work and welded available jobs from sunup until sundown.  When he felt that his eyes got stuck with gravelly matters, making him ill at ease for a protracted time, still he consulted not the advice and expert intervention of an ophthalmologist.  His frail eyes further weakened until it gradually lost its sight.  Too late by then when he sought the doctor’s help as his eyes’ infirmity had already become irreversible.

On top of his predicament, his lady love who used to have an angel’s wings, had switched on to flying on her own via a broomstick.  Left alone, he pondered what life could offer him ahead because of the double whammy.  Good that in the ensuing severance of ties, his lone daughter sided and stuck it out with him through thick and thin – maybe because of pity or sympathy.

When I asked him if he had tried seeking for alms, as what many blind people are usually doing, he shook his head.  “Before my eyesight left me for good,” he shared, “I endeavored to undergo massage training in year 1994 under the auspices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Cotabato City.”  Thus, “when I became a full-pledged, through and through blind, I got comfort and dignity in being a productive person by offering my skills in massage to those who needed my services.”   And it has become his bread and butter ever since.

As one looking for a greener pasture, he got employed as a regular mainstay at the Golden Blind Massage in Capistrano, Cagayan de Oro City.  From there, he got pirated by another massage establishment, the Oro Blind Massage.  When it folded shop because the building at said lucrative location was purchased, he eventually transferred to the main branch of Oro Blind Massage in Butuan City.  Since 1996 up to this day, he has become a mainstay in said establishment with avid clients seeking his therapeutic touch when the tough gets going.

Even if he could be considered as an “old dog” already as far as the trade is concerned, yet he knows how to welcome some “new tricks” that would upgrade his services.  Having heard through word of mouth that the Butuan City Manpower Training Center here is dangling a special scholarship package in Massage Therapy NC II for blind people like him, he wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity.

Together with other blind hopefuls, he entered the portals of the training center, which is run and managed by the local government, somewhere in July 2012, breezed through with the skills training under the tutelage of Charlie Orias, and graduated in November 2012 as one confidently armed with a National Certification Level II in Massage Therapy.

When I asked whether there’s a plus factor in acquiring NC II or not, he quipped that “our government is already requiring it.  Likewise, it is also for those clients who are either fickle-headed or plain curious by asking blind fellows like me if we got some legal credentials up our sleeves.”

He got more accommodating when I shared that I used to have a blind auntie also and that on several occasions during my boyhood years I became her guide in order to seek for alms.  When I told him she died years ago, he did not pursue in quizzing me further.  In return, he shared that he is also getting “a modest income out of my massage venture – at least between two to four clients per night at P220.00 each, tips not included yet.  But this is towards the evening period.  By day, I would conduct my own home service to further augment my income.”

“What about Kimberly?” I hastened to ask.  “Ah, she’s still my able and willing guide if ever I need her eyesight,” he responded.  “But she’s already married and has her own family.  And I’m happy for her.”

“So, you must be a very responsible father after all?” I bantered.  He just smiled as one who appears to be fulfilled.

As the dusk started enveloping the veranda of Oro Blind Massage in Montilla Boulevard here, and the surprise blackout exacerbated further in obscuring my facility of journal writing, I toned down our conversation, courteously shook his hand as a sign of gratitude, and then thanked him for the time and effort he spent with me. 

When we parted ways and I got obscured by the darkness, I felt delighted from within . . . as if light had illuminated me, all because an inspiration just came from Mimsi.  That fellow educated me that being blind need not necessarily mean lowering one’s dignity nor acting apologetically and pitiable by scouring places like vagabonds in order to seek for alms from strangers.  Mind you, it seemed as if he’s saying to me: “Being blind does not mean having no vision.” In the same vein, Helen Keller, that blind but famous American author, has almost the same thing to share: “It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” (TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

SSS pilots collection agreement to reach workers in “unbanked” island province

MANILA, May 7 (PIA) - After expanding its network of tie-ups with informal sector groups, microfinance institutions and cooperatives, the Social Security System (SSS) has now rolled out new linkages with local government units (LGUs) in “unbanked” island provinces that do not have accessible banking systems and payment facilities. This is an alternative means to sustain active SSS membership by making regular payment of contributions and loans convenient and within reach.

“SSS partnerships with LGUs, especially those in island provinces and far-flung areas, strengthen our campaign to provide social protection to workers and their beneficiaries regardless of geographic location and economic status,” noted Josie Magana, SSS Vice President for Luzon Operations Group.

The LGUs in Alabat, Perez and Quezon – which are fifth-class municipalities comprising Alabat Island in Quezon province – have started collecting payments for SSS contributions and loans within the first quarter of 2014 as part of their respective Collection Agency Agreements (CAA) with SSS.

Alabat Island, SSS' pilot area for its CAA with LGUs, has an estimated labor force of 24,500, with fishing and farming as common sources of livelihood. It also has a flourishing cottage industry producing native bags, rice cakes, camote chips, cashew polvoron and espasol, among others.

“In the past, Alabat residents had to take a 50-minute RORO ride to Atimonan, Quezon to remit their SSS payments. One-way trip costs P95, and the RORO is scheduled to depart for Alabat only at 10 a.m. and go back to Atimonan at 12 noon,” Magana explained. “Although small boats are available an hour ahead of RORO schedule, Alabat residents are taking risks riding them due to the water current.”

“Alabat residents who miss the scheduled return trips are forced to stay overnight in Atimonan, incurring additional costs for food and lodging. But with an SSS payment facility right at their LGU, the money they can save may be used instead to augment their SSS contributions,” she added.

Employers, self-employed and voluntary members can now pay at the Municipal Treasurer's Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. As part of the CAA, the LGU will report their transactions to the nearest SSS branch on a daily basis via email to facilitate the quick posting of members' payments.

“By accrediting LGUs as SSS collecting agents, we help these workers from previously overlooked areas become covered – and more importantly, become active SSS members – so that they and their loved ones can avail themselves of SSS benefits in times of financial need,” Magana said.

Apart from bringing social protection closer to their constituents, accredited LGUs also benefit from the P6.00 service fee per successful transaction to be paid to them by SSS under the CAA.

The SSS has also incorporated security measures in the new LGU-based payment system to protect the remitted contributions and loan amortizations of members, Magana noted. (SSS/PIA-Caraga) 

Tagalog News: Bagong Presidential Assistant for Food Security sinabing tutukan niya ang pamumuslit ng bigas

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Sinabi noong Martes ni Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francisco Pangilinan na hindi niya hahayaan ang mga mamumuslit na siyang magkontrol ng suplay ng bigas sa bansa at diktahan ang presyo sa merkado.

Sinabi ito ni Pangilinan ilang sandali matapos siyang italaga ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa kanyang tanggapan at bigyan siya ng kapangyarihan na bantayan ang National Food Authority (NFA) at tatlo pang ibang ahensiya na dati ay nasa ilalim ng Department of Agriculture.

Sabi niya na noong nakaraan, ang mga nagpupuslit ng bigas ay ginagamit ang grupo ng mga magsasaka at negosyante ng bigas para magpapasok ng bigas sa illegal na paraan.

“Hindi tayo papayag na sila ay mangingibabaw dito sa sektor ng bigas at pag-import ng bigas,” sabi ng dating Senador na minsan ay naging pinuno ng Senado sa Komitiba ng Agrikultura at nangunguna sa imbestigasyon sa mga may katiwaliang transaksiyon sa sektor ng Agrikultura.

Tinanong kung ang kanyang kabuuang hangarin ay buwagin ang rice cartel sa bansa, sinabi ni Pangilinan na ang kanyang layunin ay seguradohing mas malinaw at organisado ang paraan para sa pagpasok ng bigas.

“Ang sa atin ay hindi natin sila papayagang diktahan ang rice trade sa ating bansa. Whether mabuwag sila o hindi, hindi ko masasabi, pero ang ating layunin ay magkaroon ng mas malinis na proseso ng pag-import ng bigas,” sabi niya.

Kinikilala ng pamahalaan ang problema ng pamumuslit sa bansa, sabi niya, tinumbok na may ginawa ng hakbang-reporma ang Pangulo sa Bureau of Customs para mapigil ang pamumuslit, hindi lamang ng bigas kundi pati na rin ang iba pang produkto.

Dagdag pa ng bagong itinurong opisyal na subukan niyang tutukan ang kakulangan ng capital ng mga magsasaka na siyang hadlang para dumami ang kanilang produkto at kita.

Ang kawalan ng mga pinaggalingan ng gagamiting pera tulad ng mga banko at kooperatiba ay pumipigil sa mga magsasaka mula sa pagkakaroon ng sapat na pera para suportahan ang kanilang pagkakitaan, sabi niya.

Sinabi ni Pangilinan na makipag-ugnayan siya kay Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala para tulungan ang mga magsasaka na magkaroon ng daan para sa suportang pinansiyal tulad ng loan at insurance. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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)