Thursday, June 26, 2014

RDC supports 19th Caraga Bizcon

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SURIGAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) – The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) has expressed support to the 19th Caraga Business Conference slated on Friday, June 27, 2014 to be held at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City.

During the 79th RDC meeting held recently at the Provincial Convention Center, this city, Engr. Epimaco Galero, representing the private sector, announced that this year’s conference is hosted by the Tandag Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated, in cooperation with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.

“The 2014 conference is anchored on the theme ‘Agri-Fishery and Tourism: Gearing Up for the 2015 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration,” relayed Galero.

RDC chair and Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas and the full council immediately expressed support to the region’s chambers and their activity on June 27, as well as the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference set on September 1-3, 2014 in General Santos City.

The governor also highlighted that with the business conference, other ASEAN-member countries will learn how competitive the Filipino businessmen and women are, and the same way Filipinos can also learn from other countries’ trade fair. With the ASEAN Integration by 2015, free flow of goods will be realized.

“The end-goal of ASEAN economic integration is the full realization of an ASEAN Economic Community, wherein the region will be transformed “into a single market and production base, a highly competitive region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy,” cited Matugas.

Among the topics to be presented during the activity are as follows: 1) Social Entrepreneurship, Way to Go; 2) Cooling the Fishery Sector via the Philippine Cold Chain Project; 3) Green Eco-Tourism as a Tool for Sustainable Community Development and Inclusive Growth; 4) Breaking into Business Ownership with a Franchise; 5) Asian Perspective Prospects and Challenges to ASEAN Regional Integration by 2015; 6) Improving Competitiveness Index for Cities and Municipalities; 7) Renewable Energy; and 8) Financing.

“Simultaneous with this one-day conference is the trade fair that will be held at the same venue while interested participants will just pay a registration fee worth P1,000.00 to defray the cost of food, kit and souvenir program,” Galero said.

On June 26, 2014, participants may also have a local tour spearheaded by the Bislig Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Norte guv sits as new RDC chair, acknowledges partners

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 26 (PIA) – "Thank you very much to my family and my allies for always being there. Through your help, assistance and guidance, the province have experienced many developments and we are to continue moving forward for more progressive province."

This was the statement of Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas, as she officially took oath as the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson for the period May 16, 2014 to June 30, 2016 being reappointed by President Benigno Aquino III, during the 79th RDC Meeting held at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City.

"I will remain bold in our advocacies. I will continue to be of service to you, we will do better and do more for the province. It is my responsibility, it is my commitment to do more," added Matugas.

The lady governor also assured that as the chair of the regions’ RDC, she will so her best to look for programs that would address to the needs of the vulnerable groups.

"I also would like to thank all our partners in the government service who are all present today to share with my happiness as the new RDC chair and for continuously trusting me. Thank you for your unconditional service to the public… I also appreciated much the presence of all our board members, as well as our non-government organizations and constituents. Rest assured that with transparency and good governance, we can all attain our common goals for the province and the region in general," she added. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

RDC-Caraga works out resolutions for region’s peace and order

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) – The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) chaired by Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas has continuously taken several steps to address problems on peace and order of the region.

In the 79th RDC Meeting held on Thursday at the provincial convention center here, crime incidence in Surigao del Norte and Surigao City has brought concern which need mediation from the proper authorities.

Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office was already directed by the Philippine National Police Regional Office (PNP-RO) to intensify crime prevention strategies and measures to minimize occurrences of crimes.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also has to look into the alleged organization of a political group claiming to represent the Indigenous Peoples in the province of Surigao del Norte.

Security plans were taken as well regarding high incidence of vehicular accidents involving motorcycles that have not been properly registered. The PNP has crafted a Command Memorandum Circular (CMC) for all task units. The CMC prescribed the policies, guidelines, and general procedure in preventing and suppressing the occurrence of vehicular accidents in the region and in ensuring road safety through the observance of responsible and ethical driving standards.

National Economic and Development Authority Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Carino said that the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology have recenltly sat down and formulated plans consistent to the peace roadmap.

Meanwhile, Regional Contingency Plan and actions undertaken for the Mindanao power situation were presented and discussed. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DepEd Caraga readies SHS implementation

By Nora L. Molde

SURIGAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) – “Department of Education is now ready for the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS),” says DepEd regional director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte during the 79th Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) regular quarterly meeting held at the Provincial Convention Center here.

Atty. Escobarte said, DepEd will pilot the implementation of SHS in school year 2015-2016 to determine the areas that would need strengthening and/or enhancement.

“The results of the piloting will be the basis for recalibrating the SHS,” Escobarte said.

According to Escobarte, a total of 41 schools in the region were chosen from among the 12 divisions to implement in advance the SHS.

Five schools each from the Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, and Surigao del Norte Divisions will implement the SHS; six from the Agusan del Sur Division; one each from Cabadbaran City and Tandag City Divisions; Dinagat Islands, Siargao, Surigao City, and Bayugan City Divisions will have three schools each; Bislig City with two schools; and four from Surigao del Sur.

Escobarte said the SHS will offer four tracks namely: Academic; Technical Vocational and Livelihood (TVL); Sports; and Arts and Designs.

The Academic track has four strands (Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and General Academics (GA), Escobarte added.

Also, the Technical, Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) has four strands, to include Home Economics, Agri-Fishery Industrial Arts, and Information and Communications Technology. "The sports track will prepare the students for a career in sports while the Arts and Design track will offer specializations in graphic or performing arts," Escobarte said.

Of the schools prioritized, Escobarte said, Caraga Regional Science High Schools will offer the Academic track; Dapa in Siargao Division will offer both Academic and TVL; Surigao del Norte National high School will offer Sports Track and the 38 schools will offer TVL.

Meanwhile, secretary Bro. Armin Luistro of DepEd enjoined the agency’s regional directors to implement the SHS in advance.

Director Escobarte is also soliciting support from stakeholders as they will embark and arrive for the attainment of the goals of the K to 12 Program for better learners and educational outcomes.

The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (RA 10533) expands the basic education system from a 10-year to a 12-year program with the addition to two years of Senior High School – Grades 11 and 12. As stipulated in RA 10533, the implementation of the additional two years or SHS will by school year 2016-2017 for Grade 11 and by 2017-2018 for Grade 12. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

OCD-Caraga to popularize disaster protocols through comics

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SURIGAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chaired by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Liza Mazo, aimed to popularize disaster protocols and drills through comics in the vernacular and this will be distributed at the barangay level.

This was learned during the 79th Regional Development Council (RDC) Meeting held on Thursday at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

According to Mazo, a workshop activity is set to be conducted by the RDRRMC to come up with a desired output in a layman’s version of disaster preparedness’ Information/Education/Campaign materials.

“It would be much helpful and easier to understand the disaster protocols if these are presented to the common public in the layman’s term. We will be working out with other partner agencies for this activity which is scheduled in the third quarter of 2014,” bared Mazo.

Mazo also said that OCD has already scheduled visits to local government units and its local chief executives especially that the conduct of capability-building activities is ongoing.

Mazo further urged the LDRRMCs to sustain the conduct of drills for all types of hazards at the local level. “Only fire and earthquake drills are regularly conducted at the local level. In Surigao del Sur, flood drills are conducted in flood-prone barangays. Starting this third quarter, flood and tsunami drills will be conducted in highly-vulnerable and high-risk areas. All of these activities are included in the RDRRMC Roadmap of 2014,” she reiterated.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has provided the RDC Secretariat with a printed copy of the comics relating to preparedness during occurrences of natural calamities. The secretariat has then furnished the provinces and cities with a copy of the said comics for reproduction and distribution using local funds. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)  

Empowering farmers boosts productivity in Agusan Norte

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 26 (PIA) – “Among the very important drivers of our economy are the empowered farmers,” Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba stated in confirmation for the fulfilled empowerment “when the province was able to distribute additional 3,091 hectares of land to 1,586 landless farmers which in effect transformed them into land owners.”

She claimed that the local government is already seeing some of the fruits of the strategy of empowering people where it can be gleaned on the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) beneficiaries.

Matba disclosed that last year the recovery rate of the P5M loan assistance extended to 1,033 members was three percent which is higher than the standard of 80 percent.

Matba said that the strategy to improve the productivity of producers especially the farmers, the fisherfolks have always been topmost in the province’s economic thrust.

Meanwhile, Matba revealed that the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office has doubled its remittances to P4M or a 200 percent increase.

“Providing funds for our various undertakings has always remained a challenged but by empowering producers like farmers, wise management and production is attainable,” bared Matba. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Price monitors instituted in Surigao Norte town

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, June 26 (PIA) - The local government unit (LGU) of Claver, Surigao del Norte has instituted local price monitors in order to track the movement of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in the municipality.  Claver is one of the fast growing areas in the province due to the presence of mining companies in the area.

To support the move, the Department of Trade and Industry-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-SDN) has provided the LGU with a Price Billboard which was placed in the vicinity of the Claver Public Market.  Prices of target commodities will be reflected in the billboard on regular intervals in order to guide consumers on the prevailing prices of selected commodities in the local market.

Mayor Eddie P. Gokiangkee showed his commitment to the initiative by appointing the Public Market Administrator, Jacinto S. Galagala, as supervisor in the regular updating of the price billboard.

To capacitate the price monitors, DTI-SDN conducted a briefing on price monitoring mechanism last May 27, 2014. Silvano S. Enaldo, the local Business Permit and Licensing Officer, Galagala and other LGU personnel who will be designated as price monitors were in attendance.

DTI-SDN provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan expressed his appreciation to the LGU of Claver led by Mayor Gokiangkee for their support to the intensified price monitoring and regular updating of price information in the price billboard.  He said that with the increasing economic activities in the municipality, the said program will help not only in monitoring price trends but also in increasing awareness among local consumers. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

DTI launches grassroots participatory budgeting projects in AgNor

By Cristina R. Dedel

BUTUAN CITY, June 26 (PIA) -  The Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-ADN) has launched six projects in four municipalities of Agusan del Norte to jump-start the agency’s 2014 grassroots participatory budgeting (GPB)  implementation in the province.

These projects released before end of May 2014 amounted to Php 4.3 million pesos.

The local government unit of Tubay received Php2.25 million for its three projects namely; Livelihood for Out-Of-School Youth (Coco Sugar and Honey), Pangkabuhayan Para sa Kababayen-an (Nutri Curls) and Social Mobilization for the Development of Municipal Mangrove Area.

LGU-Nasipit’s Training Center for Call Center Agent Non-Voice Business Process Outsourcing got a funding of Php 811,250.00.

One million pesos was released to LGU-Las Nieves for the establishment of two palay and corn buying stations.

LGU-Jabonga’s Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP) obtained funding support worth Php 260,869.57.

DTI-ADN has a total of 22 approved projects under the 2014 GPB for the province and Butuan City with a total project cost of PhP 30,541,283.66. The said projects are expected to generate 611 new jobs.

The GPB, formerly known as Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB), aims to help attain the Philippine Development Plan’s (PDP) goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

DTI-Caraga got PhP 87.96 million for the implementation of 130 projects in the region for 2014 with  DTI-ADN having  a 35 percent share.

As of end of May 2014, DTI-Caraga has released PhP 28.2 million for 72 projects across the region.  (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

4ID joins national tree planting day

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 26 (PIA) - In celebration of the National Arbor Day, the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division through its different line units in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of Regions – 10 and 13, Local Government Units, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry conducted a simultaneous tree planting activity at their respective areas on Wednesday, June 25, 2014.

Thousands of different tree species were planted in two regions. The was aimed to create awareness on the uniqueness and fragility of the ecosystem and biodiversity; to encourage the people to show concern about environmental protection and see these trees look like in the future; and improve landscape and aesthetics and adds tranquility to the surrounding areas.

“Let this activity bind us to become one nation with a common goal which is to bring back the lost glory of our Mother Nature. Your Army is more than willing to support this kind of advocacy as we are the steward of our country’s territory and the protector of the people and environment,” MGen Ricardo Visaya, commanding general, said.

Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It has been institutionalized to be observed every June 25 throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities. The necessity to promote a healthier ecosystem for the people through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment was stressed in Proclamation No. 643. (4ID PA/PIA-Caraga)

Grassroots-implemented day care centers open in 4 Bislig City brgys

By Eunice G. Montaos

        

BISLIG CITY, June 26 (PIA) - Four barangays of this city namely Burboana, Mangagoy, San Roque, and Tumanan, inaugurated recently the day care center projects implemented using the Community-Driven Development (CDD) strategy of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a flagship poverty-alleviation project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

These projects, implemented by DSWD through the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process program of the national government, cost around Php 3, 191, 625.31, roughly Php 800, 000 each unit.

Minda B. Brigoli, regional director of DSWD Caraga, said that a total of Php 2.9 M grant was allotted for Bislig City in the 2013 implementation of GPBP under the Department.

She also expressed her appreciation to the volunteers who spearheaded the completion of these projects.

“Credits must be given to those volunteers who manned all the transactions to be able to construct the buildings,” she added.

Librado C. Navarro, mayor of Bislig City, mentioned that the local government unit, from the city to barangay level, also provided counterpart amounting to Php 291, 625.31, including cash and in-kind contribution.

“The local government unit really supported this project since this is a new approach of development of which ordinary citizens are given a chance to choose and address the needs in their respective communities,” Librado expressed.

“Since they are the ones who facilitated this, from finances and procurement up to construction, they will be responsible in ensuring its sustainability for it to be used by many generations to come,” added Librado.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) city officer Olivia Bagasbas lauded the project for providing the ordinary people an opportunity to voice out their need for a day care center.

“I also appreciate the CLGU, especially Mayor Navarro, for not interfering and intervening in the process; he let the people decide for themselves what project to implement and he just supported through the provision of LCC.” she added.

Mangagoy punong barangay Rolando E. Millan also voiced his admiration to KC-GPBP that the people from the grassroots were empowered through the authority entrusted to them in implementing the day care centers.

“They were included in the planning, and control. In the Kalahi-CIDSS way, there is proper accountability,” he said.

“We can’t afford that this facility will not give its best service.  We were the ones who manned this; these projects are for our children,” testified Rafoncil C. Apique, Bids and Award Committee chairperson and day care worker in Sitio Mamparasan, Brgy. San Roque.

Along with the turn-over ceremony of the projects is the distribution of certificates of accreditation to day care centers and teachers.

GPBP, formerly Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB), is a program of the national government which is aimed at eradicating poverty by way of participation from the people in the grassroots in identifying, planning, and implementing projects which will directly address their needs of basic community facilities. (JPG/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano New: Buhatan sa Veterinary gipakusgan ang anti-mortem ug post-mortem inspection sa mga karne

SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 26 (PIA) – Gipakusgan sa buhatan sa veterinary ang ilang inspeksyon sa anti-mortem ug post-mortem sa mga karne nga ihawonon dinhi sa dakbayan.

Sumala ni Dr. Alan Quines ang nangulo sa City Veterinary Office nga mga nagkadaiyang klase sa karne sama sa baka, kabaw ug baboy nga gibaligya sulod sa merkado publiko ning dakbayan ang mipailawom gayod sa usa ka anti-mortem ug post-mortem inspection adesir edeliver sa merkado ang maong mga karne aron pagsiguro nga luwas kini nga pagakan-on sa mga mamalitay.

Gidugang usab ni Dr. Quines nga hangtod karon nagpadayon pa gihapon ang ilang pagmonitor sa mga karneng baligya sa merkado lakip na diha sa atong slaughter house o balay ihawanan aron masayran kon aduna bay sakit ang usa ka hayop adesir kini ihawon. (SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Butuan City official shares benefits of planting trees

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 25 (PIA) – City councilor Virgilio Nery Jr., chair of the Committee on Environment, on Wednesday shared several advantages how planting trees help the environment and the people.

“Trees provide habitats to a wide array of plants, ?owers, birds, mammals and insects. Without these vital habitats and the means to propagate and pollinate, many more of our valuable wildlife and plants would suffer as a direct consequence,” Nery said during the Arbor Day celebration at Bood Promontory Eco-Park in Brgy. Pinamanculan, this city.

Nery further said that trees vastly improve the natural beauty of the countryside and parks, and complement to the building developments "and they adorn our gardens for our children to climb and shelter under."

Nery added that trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees provide oxygen, in such a way that in one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

“What I’ve mentioned are just some of the benefits that living things get from the trees. Therefore, we should not stop planting trees for our next generation will also benefit from it,” stressed Nery.

Government employees, representatives from the private sector and environment advocates actively participated in the planting of Talisay trees in the said area. Being the lead agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) facilitated the provision of seedlings to all participating agencies and partners.   

Nery expressed his congratulations to all the participants of the Tree Planting activity for making it a memorable and successful one. "Thank you for your active participation and support for our usual tree planting activity especially in this year's Arbor Day," he said.

Arbor Day in the Philippines has been institutionalized to be observed every June 25 throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities. The necessity to promote a healthier ecosystem for the people through the rehabilitation and re-greening of the environment was stressed in Proclamation No. 643 that amended Proclamation No. 396, s. 2003. Proclamation No. 396 enjoined the “active participation of all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting activity. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PDEA-13 seeks public's help in fight vs illegal drugs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 25 (PIA) - "We all want to eliminate illegal drugs in our community, therefore it is a great challenge for us to take action. Let's all be responsible. If you know or have monitored people using or selling illegal drugs report it immediately to us so we can then give appropriate response."

This was the statement of regional director Erwin Ogario of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during his interview over Power FM – the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga's radio station here.

Ogario bared that the level of reinforcement against drugs has increased. "We had already conducted some 240 operations, while apprehended suspects and filed cases in the court also increased early this year," he said.

"This afternoon, we will be training and conducting orientation with the barangay officials in the municipality of Carmen in Agusan del Norte on how to intensify its Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs). Community action against illegal drugs is very vital especially when parents take responsibility in monitoring the activities of their children," emphasized Ogario.

Ogario added that BADACs as local councils are tasked to conduct information and education on illegal drugs and formulate plans and programs to prevent proliferation of illegal drugs in their barangays.

It was learned that there is a rehabilitation health center for illegal-drug victims installed in Surigao City. "There are also private rehabilitation health centers but it may be costly to the affected families," Ogario disclosed.

Meanwhile, Ogario also expressed support to PIA and Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) campaign on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. "As declared policy of the state to pursue biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation, our agency has been mindful also for the greening plans of our government safety would not only mean a drug-free community but can be attributed to resilient and adaptive society as well," he said. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DENR Caraga leads tree planting activity on Arbor Day

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, June 25 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office on Wednesday led the stakeholders from the various sectors of the society in the planting of Talisay trees at the Bood Promontory Eco-Park in the city in connection with the celebration of this year's Arbor Day.

“The activity is in support to the vision of the local government unit of Butuan City to become a 'Premier Forest City' by 2020 and the National Greening Program of DENR,“ said DENR regional technical director Maritess M. Ocampo during a short program held at the planting site.

Also, during the activity, advocates for a Green Butuan headed by city councilor Dr. Virgilo Nery, Jr. joined in planting the Talisay tree. Nery said the group are monitoring monthly the planted trees in the area in order to achieve the vision of the city.

Right after the short program, certificates of participation were distributed to the agencies and employees from the national government agencies, academe, private sector and non-government organizations who participated in the activity.

Meantime, DENR regional director Nonito Tamayo said during the celebration of the world environment day recently that the trees provide a very important role in carbon dioxide sequestration, the so called major factor in the global warming of the earth.

The activity ended with the singing of “Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran." (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Level of enforcement against drugs intensified – PDEA

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, June 25 (PIA) - The level of enforcement against the proliferation and distribution of illegal drugs in the province of Agusan del Sur and the entire Caraga Region has increased although the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has no base records on whether the distribution and the use of illegal drugs has decreased.

“In partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army, we have raided plantations of marijuana in the hinterlands of La Paz and Loreto and uprooted, confiscated and burned volumes of them. But I believe we have only destroyed part of the items because we have no basis whether there are more plantations around until we gather reliable information of their existence,” PDEA Caraga regional director Erwin Ogario said.

According to Ogario, they have already conducted some 240 operations this year, 2014, and have apprehended suspects while cases were being filed in court. Ogario also said once the suspects are already in jail, and sentenced were served, they have no more jurisdiction over the convicts because it is already the jurisdiction of the court.

“And sad to note, many who were jailed were released because of bail, and some are because of technical reasons,” Ogario added.

PDEA, according to Ogario, is not really running after the users but are serious in running after the pushers. PDEA’s operations, Ogario said, will sometimes take time because they cannot just charge any person who are high with drugs or are pushers of the illegal drugs.

“We have to conduct thorough surveillance and planning before we finally execute the operation, so that we will not miss the target. And with the help of our PNP, we have registered 240 operations to date,” Ogario said.

Ogario also said, there is a rehabilitation center for illegal drugs victims in Brgy. Anomar in Surigao City. There are also private rehabilitation centers but it may be costly for the affected families.

In Agusan del Sur, Dir. Ogario said Bayugan City ranked the highest on drug cases. Other municipalities on record are San Francisco, LaPaz, Loreto, Trento and Prosperidad. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DTI Surigao Norte transfers to new location

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, June 25 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office has recently transferred to a new location, at the 2nd Floor of Simtoco Building, Burgos Street here.

At 320 square meters, the new office is much larger and can accommodate more clients.  The new location is also nearer to the central commercial area.

Director Celestino L. Negapatan said the move is in line with the government’s thrust to improve service delivery to the public, more so to the agency’s clients – business owners and consumers.

The agency caters to clients applying for business name registration and accreditation of service and repair enterprises.  It also provides business development and advisory services, facilitation of consumer complaints, among others.

Being established within the office is a Business Resource Center (BRC) which will be operated by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) and the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).  The center is designed to host business organizations such as the SMEDC and SCCI with the provision of computer stations, internet connection and a number of reference materials on business development which include guides for start-up businesses, production and processing technologies, product development and packaging. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

SSS bares terms of higher EC pensions and funeral grants

MANILA, June 25 (PIA) - Following the recent Malacañang approval, the Social Security System (SSS) bared the terms of its new 10-percent across-the-board pension increase for work-related claims under the Employees' Compensation (EC) Program and the doubled EC funeral grant, which now stands at P20,000. Both increases will be implemented retroactively, with September 2013 as the date of effectivity.

Agnes San Jose, SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration, said the pension hike covers about 17,200 active EC pensioners under SSS as of August 31, 2013 for permanent partial disability, permanent total disability and survivorship. Meanwhile, SSS claimants of EC funeral grants for deaths dated September 1, 2013 onwards are entitled to the higher P20,000 benefit.

President Benigno S. Aquino III approved the EC benefit upgrades under Executive Order No. 167 issued last May 26. The EC Program – which provides additional benefits for employees with work-connected sicknesses, injuries and death – is administered by SSS for the private sector and by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the public sector.

“Claimants covered by the date of effectivity whose EC funeral grants of P10,000 were already settled by SSS will each receive an additional P10,000 in burial benefits, given the retroactive implementation of the increase,” San Jose explained.

“Pensioners will get higher EC pensions, as well as the additional benefits resulting from the retroactive date of effectivity, in September 2014 upon completion of our system changes,” she added.

The new increases stemmed from SSS' proposal to hike EC pensions and EC funeral grants for SSS members and beneficiaries, which was submitted to the Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) for approval. The ECC expanded the SSS proposal to also include higher EC funeral grants for those covered by the GSIS, and then endorsed the EC benefit increases to Malacañang for its approval for implementation.

In a related development, the SSS also recently announced another across-the-board pension increase – this time at five percent, effective June 2014 --- for 1.9 million SSS pensioners under the Social Security (SS) Program as part of SSS' commitment to enhance its members' benefits.

“SSS' sustained financial growth has paved the way for new benefit increases for members and beneficiaries. This year marks a significant period in our continuing campaign to provide more meaningful benefits, while balancing it with our duty to look after the fund's long-term viability,” San Jose noted. (SSS/PIA-Caraga)

Rise in teenage pregnancy in Caraga alarming

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 25 (PIA) – The incidence of teenage pregnancies in Caraga region is highly alarming, according to Mila Arreza, provincial population officer in Surigao del Sur.

In a report during the regular Monday flag ceremony program held at the capitol lobby this week, she pointed out that Surigao del Sur is partly contributory to the problem.

Arreza based her report on the 2013 Young Adult Fertility Sexuality Survey (YAFSS), saying that “Caraga was highest in terms of teenage pregnancy.”

“As one of the provinces in Caraga, we also contributed to this alarming situation,” she added.

She bared that partial report from local government units (LGUs) as of calendar year (CY) 2013 showed about 238 teenage pregnancy cases in the province.

More so, Arreza stressed that for second quarter of 2014 alone, the incidence has risen to 415 cases.

However, the situation is already being addressed by spearheading important activities through  establishment of Teen/Youth Center with trained peer facilitators at Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU); conduct of various Symposia & Orientations on responsible sexuality with discussions on How to Delay Sexual Encounters as well as holding of Life Skills Training & Summer Youth Camps; training of Parents with their adolescent children on Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) and Responsible Parenthood (RP) during Parent Teachers Community Association (PTCA) meetings. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AgNor utilizes DSWD’s Listahanan

By Maria Cecilia N. Sosas

AGUSAN DEL NORTE, June 25 – The programs and services of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte under the leadership of Governor Ma. Angelica-Rosedelle Amante-Matba utilized the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Listahanan database of poor families.

According to Daisybiel O. Demavivas, OIC-Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer, “Listahanan is very useful and helpful to us especially in targeting the right beneficiaries of our programs.  In fact, 29,061 poor households in the year 2012-2013 were enrolled to Philhealth Insurance Programs sponsored by the Province in which households were not covered by the funds of PhilHealth and Municipalities. Also, there were 2,712 Pantawid Pamilya couples were given the Responsible Parenting Movement Class.”

“Now, we are still using the data in our medical assistance program,” she added.

These Pantawid Pamilya couples were identified through Listahanan.

Further, the use of the Listahanan database by other Social Welfare and Development (SWD) providers ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and more positive impact for the poor.

DSWD Sec. Dinky Juliano-Soliman urged the Local Govenrment Units (LGUs) and partner agencies in the planning and implementation of programs and services to use Listahanan to avoid program/project leakage.

Listahanan is an information system that identifies who and where the poor are with the tagline “Talaan ng Pamilyang Nangangailangan.” (JPG/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao farmers coop now an organic fertilizer producer, distributor

By Herminio G. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, June 25 (PIA) - The Claver Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CLACOFARMCO) based in Barangay Daywan, Claver, Surigao del Norte is now producing Plantmate Organic Fertilizer and distributing it to farmers throughout the province.

The venture was a result of a business matching facilitated by DTI-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-SDN) between the cooperative and Dr. Elisio L. Ruiz, a Filipino agricultural scientist and President of the Richfund International Co. Ltd. during the Provincial Business Conference organized by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte in 2012.  Dr. Ruiz was one of the key speakers then.

Dr. Ruiz invented a Bio-Plus activator which is used in producing Plantmate Organic Fertilizer.  The said invention is now being marketed in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and the Middle East.

CLACOFARMCO availed of one million pesos technology package through a franchise agreement last year with Richfund International Co. Ltd. effectively making them the sole producer and distributor of the said organic fertilizer in the province.  The agreement was finalized with the assistance of the Claver LGU and DTI-SDN.

DTI provincial director Celestino Negapatan explained that aside from the income generated by the cooperative, the availability of the said organic fertilizer will be a boost to the local farmers particularly rice growers who are heavily dependent in costly inorganic fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers have been promoted as a better alternative as it improves soil condition leading to increased crop yields and higher income for the farmers.

Originally organized as a regular farmers’ cooperative, CLACOFARMCO ventured into coco coir production in 2008 making coco nets and other coco coir-based products which they sell to buyers in Caraga and other regions.  Their coco nets, also called as “geo nets” have been bought and used by mining companies in their mined-out areas for rehabilitation and soil management programs. (DTI-13/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: A Gateway towards Empowerment

BUTUAN CITY, June 25 (PIA) - The women of barangay Sta. Cruz in the municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur used to work at the farms if not at home doing household chores. But not anymore this time.

At 2012, 25 of them decided to participate in the Self-Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran (SEA-K) under the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development forming the Sta. Cruz SEA-K Association or the Sta. Cruz SKA. After thorough sessions and trainings, when they were deemed ready to start their business, their Capital Seed Fund worth P125,000 was released to them. It was on February 8, 2013 when SKA’s Sta. Cruz Cooperative officially started its operations.

The establishment of the cooperative is strategic. Brgy. Sta. Cruz is the gateway to five barangays in the municipality namely barangays Padi-ay, Perez, Magcalipe, Tabon-tabon and Sta. Maria. Because of its location the business is enjoying the benefit of not only serving the residents in their barangay but also the travelers that are going to and from the other five barangays. Also, some of the basic commodities which are not available in the few already existing sari-sari stores are offered in cooperative.  The latter also offers reasonable prices to their goods. They also allow creditors to their avid patrons.

Having their merchandise at prices lower than those of the competing stores, the number of patrons increases. Accordingly, their sales turnover is fast prompting the purchases of stocks to be done at least once a week to cope with the demands. While the other stores do not allow credit lines Sta. Cruz Coop does. The credit limit is P500 and non-members can avail of the same in the condition that a coop member acts as a guarantor.

They also have seven Board of Directors who render alternate duty every day in manning the store together with their regular salesperson. For this, the salesperson gets P1,500 every month as a salary while the BOD of the day gets P100 worth of goods at the end of each working day.

During the first two months of operation Sta. Cruz Coop sold around P24,000 making the members so delighted. They were even amazed when they got as much revenue during the month of May alone because of their fiesta celebration. It was also in May that the members decided to invest P15,000 to engage in a money lending activity. They offer 10 percent and 20 percent interest rates for coop and non-coop members, respectively (still, non-members have to have a guarantor from among the members to be able to avail). From P15,000 the capital has now grown to approximately P45,000.

As of now the total equity of Sta. Cruz Cooperative amounts close to P218,000 or around 74 percent up from the P125,000 capital seed fund and the association’s rollback to DSWD is up to date. The members are also planning to engage into falcatta trading in the coming year to expand their business operations.

The members of Sta. Cruz SEA-K Association are very grateful of the changes the Sustainable Livelihood Program has brought to their lives. Because of the program, they have additional source of income; in times of emergencies they are certain they have somewhere to run to for financial assistance; and they enjoy credit lines which they did not get from other stores before. And personally, they have discovered their hidden skills and abilities as the association and as the business operates daily. They are now doing more than farming and household chores. Now, they are managers, planners, businesswomen – truly empowered! (Social Marketing Unit/SLP/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

DAR Surigao Norte marks CARP Anniversary with distribution of titles to 212 beneficiaries

By Darryl M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, June 25 (PIA) – A total of 212 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) receive their titles through a Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) distribution ceremony held last June 19, 2014 at the Kapitolyo nan Siargao, Dapa, Siargao Islands, this province.

The distribution is in time with the 26th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), spearheaded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Surigao del Norte Provincial Office.

DAR Caraga regional director Faisar A. Mambuay together with Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Jamil P. Amatonding, Jr. and Governor Sol F. Matugas led the distribution of the titles covering 275.9046 hectares of land located in the seven municipalities of Siargao Islands namely Burgos (20.0093 has.), Dapa (103.6002 has.), Del Carmen (50.7988 has.), General Luna (33.8782 has.), San Benito (20.1954 has.), San Isidro (26.9987 has.), and Santa Monica (20.423 has.).

In his message, director Mambuay emphasized that the help of the government does not end in distributing the lands because support services will also be provided to the ARBs to augment their farm income.

PARPO Amatonding, on his part, said that through this CLOA distribution DAR has proved its commitment to promote social justice.

Meanwhile, Gov. Matugas, in her message, stressed that her dream for every Surigaonon to own their own land and not squatters of their own land is slowly becoming into a reality because of CARP.

Also during the distribution, an indemnity check of the partnership program of the DAR and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation amounting to P1,132,280.76 was also handed over to Antonio Pobe who represented the 179 beneficiaries who were victims of typhoon Agaton early this year.

Prior to the distribution, the said ARBs attended the Pre-Membership Education Seminar - this is in preparation for the beneficiaries to become members of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations which are also being assisted by the DAR.

During the said seminar the beneficiaries were also oriented on their roles and obligations as ARBs.

The activity was graced by Surigao del Norte 1st district representative Francisco T. Matugas, some board members, municipal mayors, officials and employees. (SDR/DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

DOST USec inspires PSHS scholars to strive & pursue their goals in life

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 24 (PIA) – “Scholars of the Philippine Science High School get the best education. It takes perseverance and hard work for students to survive and surpass all the challenges in PSHS.”

This was the statement of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Prof. Fortunato T. Dela Peña who reached out to the 72 scholars and inspired them to strive hard in their studies and pursue their goals in life, during the opening of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Caraga Region Campus (CRC) held at the Caraga State University (CSU) Gymnasium in Brgy. Ampayon, this city.

Dela Peña also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the city government officials for the fast realization of the campus and to DOST Caraga headed by regional director Dominga Mallonga where the PSHS is directly under their care.

Dela Peña also stressed that by year 2016, the PSHS will reach to 16 campuses nationwide. “The Philippine Science High School in Caraga region is the 13th campus in the country,” he added.

USec further bared that graduates of the PSHS are recommended to enroll science and technology, engineering and mathematics courses in college.

"We, as parents should let our children choose what course they would want to take up in college. I believe they have specific interest which they will really perform well. Let us help them excel in their studies. With PSHS, the students here are expected to do best in Science and Math," emphasized Dela Peña.

Also, the chosen 72 scholars with the presence of their parents expressed their commitment thru the scholarship pledge.

"The campus administrators with the faculty and staff of PSHS will do their best to ensure the safety and protection of the students while they are in the campus. We encourage the parents to let us know if you have any concerns, we are very willing to assist you," Dela Peña clarified.

He also introduced the Philippine Science High School System as a Service Institute of the DOST whose mandate is to offer on a free scholarship basis for secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the Sciences with the end view of preparing its students for a Science career.  This is according to Section 2 of Republic Act 3661 that established the first Philippine Science High School campus in 1964.

“PSHS Scholars receive an education that is humanistic in spirit, global in perspective and patriotic in orientation.  When they graduate, the scholars are expected to pursue degrees in Science and Technology at various colleges and universities both here and abroad.  It is hoped that with seeds of seal for the truth, the PSHS alumni will continue to contribute to the betterment of Philippine society through their engagement in research and development work and leadership in Science and Technology endeavors,” highlighted Dela Peña.

During the program, Dela Peña also shared how his children took the challenge as students in the PSHS in Manila and successfully achieved their goals in life. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

S & T Caraga chief acknowledges individuals, institutions for opening of PSHS CRC

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, June 24 (PIA) - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga acknowledges the contributions of individuals, groups and institutions for the successful opening of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) or Pisay Caraga Region Campus (CRC) on Monday here.

Director Mallonga, who will lead the supervision and monitoring of Pisay CRC, is very grateful to the local government of Butuan City headed by mayor Ferdinand Amante and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members headed by vice mayor Angelo Calo and its predecessor now congressman Lawrence Lemuel Fortun for pursuing the establishment of the school campus and allotted almost P2 million for the renovation of the classrooms, office, canteen and dorm for temporary use of the students while waiting for the campus to be constructed and completed.

Mallonga also expressed her thanks to former vice president Teofisto Guingona and his family for donating the 5-hectare lot located at barangay Ampayon. 

"I would also like to thank Caraga State University (CSU) headed by then president Johanna Cuenca and the current president Dr. Rowena Varela and Dr. Luisito Tabada taking turns as OIC presidents for allowing the use of its building as classrooms, dorm and office and for the CSU Board of Regents for the vote of approval and support," she said.

Also, Mallonga acknowledges the contribution of DOST undersecretary Fortunato dela Pena for seeing thru the preparations and fast tracking of efforts; and to secretary Mario Montejo for the approval of the establishment of the campus.

The Department of Education (DepEd) also contributed to the opening of CRC, for pushing quality basic education resulting to the 91 passers in the 2013 entrance/qualifying examination. A total of 72 scholars enrolled in CRC while the other 19 passers enrolled in other campuses in the country, Mallonga said.

Mallonga also acknowledges the contributions of Dr. Ruwena Gonzaga, the OIC Campus director for organizing and directing the activities together with the PSHS directorate particularly executive director Dr. Josette Biyo, Dr. Rod Allan de Lara and the faculty and staff for without them, classes of the Pisay campus will not be able to start Monday, June 23.

For his efforts leading to the establishment of Pisay CRC and for vigorously promoting science and technology education in the region, director Mallonga is also thankful to his former boss director Lyndo Villacorta and to her colleagues.

Mallonga said, the establishment of Pisay CRC is vested in Republic Act No. 3661. ”The purpose of this specialized high school is to offer, on a free scholarship basis, a secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences with the end view of preparing the students for a science and technology career," Mallonga added.

“As Pisay CRC begins its journey, I wish all the best and may this campus delivers students and graduates who epitomize the ideal educated Filipino,” Mallonga said. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Tandag City chief exec bares feat

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, June 24 (PIA) – City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel has bared it all yesterday when she delivered her first State of the City Address (SOCA) during the occasion of the 7th Charter Day celebration program held at 2:00 p.m. at the public gymnasium here.

In her 36-page report, she stressed that what guided her administration to succeed were the “six pillars of development” she vowed to sustain in her inaugural address:  increased production for food security and increased income; decreased illiteracy and improved skills among youth; healthy community and clean environment; support to social services for the marginalized groups; tourism and infrastructure; and peaceful, orderly and disaster-resilient community.

Alongside other commitments to pursue necessary reforms in local administration and fiscal management, with the promise “to mobilize local and external resources in implementing various development programs and projects throughout the 21 barangays” as well as “to harness public-private collaborations and active involvement of people in local governance and community actions,” Pimentel said that the city government has ensured the prompt, effective and efficient delivery of public service.

Earlier in her report, the mayor said that out of 122 Local Government Units (LGUs), Tandag City was declared by the National Competitiveness Council Philippines as the “45th Most Competitive City in the country for 2013.

Citing statistical data to support her claim how Tandag City has morphed into what it is now—from business, agriculture and livelihood, health and environment, support services, tourism and infrastructure, peace and order, and to future plans and programs—Mayor Pimentel stressed that all these cannot be achieved without the help and cooperation of all concerned in the community in general.

However, she named in particular the “workforce” behind her in the city government and other public officials like Governor Johnny Pimentel and Congressman Philip Pichay as well as head of national government agencies.

Also, with particular mention, the lady mayor said that her administration was conferred with the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” for two consecutive years now—2012 and 2013—by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the national government.

She attributed the feat to the “unqualified opinion” of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the fairness of the presentation of the financial statement of the city as of December 31, 2013.

Pimentel added that all transactions under her administration are transparent in compliance with the “Full Disclosure Policy” under the DILG Memorandum Circular 2013-140. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DA Caraga empowers women through livelihood training

By Aurelius P. Arais

TANDAG, Surigao del Sur, June 24 (PIA) - Recognizing the role of women in nation building, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga conducted series of livelihood training for Rural Improvement Club (RIC) and 4H members and Extension Workers in the region.

The AgriPinoy Corn Program is currently promoting value adding products utilizing cassava through cooking demo livelihood training in which the second batch was held in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur last June 17, 2014.

Similar training was also conducted late last year in Butuan City and more training are currently on the pipeline.

Participants were taught how to cook various cassava recipes such as pudding, cheese, hagik-hik (suman), toron and pitchi-pitchi.

Regional Corn Program Coordinator Abel Wagas emphasized that food processing is an opportunity for the farmer’s wives and the women in general to help augment the income of the family.

He urged the participants to strengthen their associations to engage in cassava food processing wherein ready market is just around in the locality such as restaurants, canteens and more.

A participant expressed amazement after learning that cassava can be processed into more mouth tantalizing menu and vowed to add cassava recipes during special occasions or gatherings.

Cassava is a healthy food alternative.  Cassava roots are a rich source of carbohydrates which is an energy source.  It is generally considered to have a high content of dietary fiber, magnesium, sodium, riboflavin, thiamin, nicotinic acid, and citrate.

Cassava is traditionally utilized as food source in broiled, steamed and boiled forms. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Chamber, AusAID to conduct Roads Forum

SURIGAO CITY, June 23 (PIA) – A one-day Roads Forum will be conducted on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 to be held at the Sagisi Hall, Gateway Hotel, this city.

The one-day forum is organized under the Coordinating Road Investments for Development (CRID) Project of the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCI) in partnership with the Asia Foundation and funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

The activity aims to discuss issues related to roads and propose plans to help address them to ensure convenience in the transport of goods and delivery of services.

The SCCI will also give updates of the CRID Project implementation; share to the stakeholders of Surigao del Norte the initiatives done by the Provincial Roads Investment Coordinating Committee and draw further support in the project.

Highlight of this event is the turn-over of the Digital Road Database of the Province to the provincial government through Governor Sol F. Matugas.

The forum is expected to be participated by the various stakeholders, local government unit executives and the Provincial Road Investment Coordinating Committee members and other partners in the province. (SDR/SCCI/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Travel Clearance: a must for minors traveling abroad

By Vilma Bare & Theresa D. Barsobia

BUTUAN CITY, June 24 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated to provide special protection to children from all forms of abuse and other conditions prejudicial to their development. In compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 7610, Article IV on Child Trafficking, a child shall not be allowed to travel to a foreign country without a travel clearance except for minors traveling with either mother or father. A travel clearance is also required by a minor who was born out of wedlock traveling with his/her biological father.

The primary objective of the issuance of travel clearance is to protect minors from trafficking, abuse exploitation or improper influence by person/s engaged in trafficking. A thorough assessment and review of the documents submitted will be made to ensure that a travel clearance will be issued to minors who are traveling abroad (MTA) for valid reasons.

Documents needed for issuance of travel clearance are authenticated Birth Certificate of the minor, Authenticated Marriage Contract by the biological parents (if married), Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from NSO for minors born out of wedlock, Death Certificate in case of deceased parents, Affidavit of Consent from both parents permitting their child/children to travel abroad stipulating the destination, departure, purpose and traveling companion, Two colored passport size picture of the minor, photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion, and filled-out application form. This program is under the Protective Services Unit through the Community Based Services.

One of the strategies made by the concerned community based social workers to facilitate immediate issuance of travel clearance is through coordination with the LGU Social Workers who are oriented about the program including the required documents so that they could also advise MTA applicants to comply first the needed documents before going to the DSWD satellite office for interview and review of the documents as basis for the issuance of travel clearance.

MTA applicants are advised to submit their complete documents at the DSWD Satellite Offices per province through the assigned community - based social workers for review and preparation of assessment report except in the province of Agusan del Norte where they could directly submit their application at the Field Office through the assigned Focal Person/community based social worker. Processing of travel clearance is at least two days upon completion of required documents.

From January 2014 to March 2014, a total of 52 travel clearance issued to minors.  Out of the 52 minors issued with travel clearance, 20 went for vacation, eight visited their parents and relatives, four went for a tour or leisure trip, four went for study tour or educational trip, four went for the completion of their International Student Convention, three attended the International Science and Engineering Fair, and seven for issuance of passport.

Agusan del Norte (AdN) ranked number one with highest cases of minors traveling abroad with a total of twenty 24, province of Surigao del Norte ranked number two with a total of 15, Agusan del Sur (ADS) ranked number three with a total of eight and Surigao del Sur with a total of five. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Pilipinas at Hapon nakapag-ambag sa kapayapaan ng rehiyon, sabi ng isang opisyal ng embahada

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hunyo 24 (PIA) - Ang pinagsamang depensa at seguridad sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Hapon ay patuloy na nakapag ambag sa kapayapaan at tatag sa rehiyon, sabi ng isang diplomatiko ng Pilipinas.

Gumawa ng pagsaayos ang dalawang bansa para sa kanikanilang nangungunang ahensiya na magsagawa ng pag-uusap sa regular na paraan, sabi ni Charge d' Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Gilberto G.B. Asugue sa isang panayam sa radyo at telebisyon ng Malakanyang noong nakaraang linggo.

Sabi ni Asugue na ang dalawang bansa ay nagkaroon ng pinagsamang pagtitipon sa antas na politikal: ang mga undersecretaries ng kani-kanilang mga foreign affairs ministers na gumagawa ng taunang konsultasyon para suriing muli ang kabuuang magkabilaang relasyon; at ang Department of National Defense ng Pilipinas at ministerya ng Hapon ay mayroon ding regular na pagpupulong.

“Ang Kalihim ng Depensa ng Pilipinas at ang Ministerya ng Depensa ng Hapon ay gumagawa ng regular na konsultasyon para mapag-usapan ang mga pang ehiyon na isyu ng bawat bansa para mapalakas ang rehiyonal na kapayapaan,” sabi niya.

Ang pagpupulong na  ito ay isang oportunidad para sa mga opisyal ng pangseguridad para maipakita kung papano sila makipagtulungan sa isa’t isa  sa pag ambag para sa rehiyonal na kapayapaan at para rin sa kanilang pagsisikap para matugunan ang iba pang may kaugnayan sa seguridad, hindi lamang ng rehiyon kundi pati narin ang iba pang parte ng mundo.

Sabi pa niya na ang pagtataling ito ay nagbunga sa Pilipinas at Hapon na magbigay suporta para sa pandaigdigang pagsisikap para labanan at pamimirata sa baybayin ng Somalia.

Ayon kay Asugue, ang Hapon ay nag-alay ng coast guard para sa pinagsamang pwersa na pandagat habang ang Pilipinas ay nag-ambag ng isang liaison officer sa pinagsamang pwersang pandagat.

Nakatakdang gumawa ng isang araw na pagbisita habang nagtatrabaho sa Hapon sa Martes para makipagkita kay Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at para na rin matugunan ang pangkapayapaang pulong ng Mindanao sa Hiroshima.

Babalik ang Pangulo sa Manila mamayang gabi, Martes, Hunyo 24. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)