(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Thursday, August 7, 2014

Caraga GAD Committee sets activities for this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End VAW

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA) – In celebration of this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) under the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) is once again setting activities for the said campaign from November 25 to December 12, 2014.

GADCC chair and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor reiterated that the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University in 1991. Participants chose the dates, November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women, and December 10, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a human rights violation.

“In the Philippines, the government has expanded it in 2006 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1172 to include up to December 12, which marks the adoption of the United Nation Convention Against Transnational Crime, thus making it an 18-Day Campaign,” recalled Pintor.

It was also learned that this year's 18-Day Campaign will kick-off early morning with a fun walk activity from the Capitol Grounds to the city's Guingona Park. A flash mob will also be conducted on Nov. 25. Pintor also bared that the guest speaker will be coming from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) or CHR, whichever is available.

Meanwhile, as planned by the members of the GADCC Caraga, the following activities will be conducted during the days of campaign: 1) Press Conference; 2) Oratorical Contest; 3) Gender Sensitivity Training for Media; 4) Reproductive Health Forum; 5) Info Drive Campaign in public and private schools; 5) Youth Forum; and 6) Capacity Building Training for GADCC members, among others.

Said campaign will also culminate on December 12 with a tree planting activity in one of the beach resorts in Butuan City. This is also in time with the International Day Against Trafficking. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DILG chief calls support for Vigan City in the Search for 'New7Wonders Cities'

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling for support for the Philippines’ City of Vigan to be one of the seven best cities in the world.

DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion is urging Caraganons to support the country’s lone survivor city – Vigan City to won in the Search for “New7Wonders Cities” in the world.

“Vigan City is one of the 21 cities left to vie in the international competition for the “New7Wonders Cities” by the New7Wonders Foundation and is in need of the support of every Filipino to push through as winner,” said Famacion.

The “New7Wonders Cites” is the third international competition by the New7Wonders Foundation, which aims to recognize the seven best cities in the world that has contributed immeasurable to human civilization.

The search is about to reach its final phase. From the 300 cities, which qualified in 2013, 21 cities are left and the city of Vigan is the Philippines remaining candidate, Famacion said.

Famacion said, just recently, DILG has issued Memorandum Circular 2014-91 dated August 1, 2014 to “Support to the National Promotion Campaign for the City of Vigan to be one of the new Seven Wonder Cities of the world.”

“We are calling on the full support of our countrymen for this cause and bring pride to every Filipino,” said Famacion.

The memorandum was issued to ensure that the City of Vigan will remain as finalist until the announcement of the Official New7Wonders Cities and hopefully win the competition on December 7, 2014. Thus, the DILG is calling all Local Chief Executives and all Caraganons to extend full support to this venture by undertaking promotional advertisements and campaigns to vote for the Heritage City of Vigan, Famacion added.

Voting can be done by visiting the New7Wonders Cities website at http://new7wonders.com/en/cities.

Famacion is hoping that all will do their share in the cause and do their part in voting and in campaigning for the city of Vigan to win. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


DOE holds info drive on coal mining in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, August 7 (PIA) – With the aim of curbing the proliferation of illegal coal mining and trading activities in the province, the Department of Energy (DOE) has conducted an Information, Education and Communication Campaign on the Department Circular No. DC 2012-05-006 or “Guidelines on the Accreditation of Coal Traders and Registration of Coal End Users” on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 in Bislig City.

The activity was participated in by 11 local coal mining stakeholders, some government line agencies and representatives from the city government of Bislig.

DOE Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada urged the traders and the coal end-users to follow the rules and regulations stated in the department circular.

USec.  Monsada emphasized that the agency’s primarily intention is to improve the quality of life of the Filipinos, “by formulating and implementing policies and programs to ensure sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, and accessible energy.”

She stressed that engaging in illegal mining spawns several problems including the use of unsafe methods of mining and the denudation of protected forest areas, among others.

“Also, the illegal coal mining has deprived the national and local governments’ rightful tax revenues,” Monsada said. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DOLE, partner-agencies intensify implementation of K-12 Program

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 7 – “There is no stopping the K-12 program.”

This was the statement of Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) director Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez during his presentation on the Tertiary Transition Sector Fund (TESTF) before the representatives coming from the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Caraga on the discussion relative to the K-12 and its impact, held recently at the LJ convention Hall, this city.

Benavidez also bared that K-12 is a crucial step for the country to be at par with the international curriculum standards. However, the transition would mean a 2-year gap of college enrollees in 2016, leading to a possible displacement of tertiary teachers.

“Come 2016, there will be no students enrolling in the 1st year college level and we do not want workers to be displaced by the implementation of the K-12,” Benavidez added.

To alleviate the negative impacts of the K-12, the Tertiary Transition Sector Fund (TESTF) was proposed to be presented in the congressional hearing.

A technical working group composed of Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was tasked to consult HEIs and other establishments nationwide to enhance the bill presented and ensure that their thoughts are reflected in the proposed bill.

Also, DOLE-Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson CaƱete highlighted that said activity is significant as it will avenue to the participants to discuss issues and concerns to further develop their learnings on the K-12. “This dialogue will be a very good tool and venue for all of us to share with each other,” he said.

BLE director Dominique Tutay also presented the action plan on the implementation of Republic Act 1055. She emphasized that both the teacher and non-teaching personnel should be consulted.

According to Tutay, there is an estimated 86,001 faculty members in private HEIs. Out of this number, 47,469 are full-time and 37,683 are part-time faculty members teaching from first year to fourth year college.

“For SY 2016-2017 and SY 2017-2018, half of the 47,469 or more or less 24,000 full-time faculty members who are teaching first Year and second year college may be retrenched due to foregone enrollment.  Part-time faculty members are excluded in the assumption as they are deemed engaged in other employment,” remarked Tutay.

A full-time faculty member receives a monthly salary of P30,000. The proposed TEST Fund bill intends to extend financial assistance to retrenched faculty members for a period of two years. Hence, the proposed 17.28 billion budget.

There is one non-teaching personnel for every four teaching personnel. Since there is an estimated 24,000 faculty members who may be retrenched, the assumption is that there would be 6,000 non-teaching personnel who may also be affected.

“A non-teaching personnel receives a monthly salary of P15,000. The proposed TEST Fund bill intends to extend financial assistance to retrenched non-teaching personnel for a period of two years. Hence, the proposed 2.16 billion budget,” Tutay said.

She also conveyed that BLE would be offering “Job Search Assistance and Livelihood Grants for the would-be retrenched teachers."

The Expanded Government Assistance for Students and Teachers in Private Education Act (E-GASTPE) or the SHS voucher scheme for the disadvantaged students of the 11th and 12th grades is also part of the action plan.

Tutay further said that there is also a plan of crafting a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Social Security Services (SSS), Home Mutual Development Fund (HMDF) and Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Incorporated for the implementation of emergency loans for the affected teachers. 

The DepEd on the other hand, according to DepEd Caraga assistant regional director Rebecca V. DeLapuz, shall formulate the design and details of the enhanced basic education curriculum but will closely work with CHED and TESDA.

CHED acting director Maricar Casquejo, presented the roles of CHED in the implementation of K-12. According to her, CHED is to conduct a systematic assessment/survey and profiling of HEIs, teaching and non-teaching personnel (using CHED Form E5) and to explain the Transition Plan of HEIs.

Meanwhile, TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio Sunico, Jr. assured the participants that TESDA would continue offering retooling and skills enhancement courses for the college teachers to be given a chance to teach Technical Vocational Courses to the Senior High School students.

“The bill once finalized will be posted in our website. The TESTF or Fund is established to enable qualified Senior High School students to enroll in eligible HEIs offering senior high school by providing complementary tuition or schooling subsidy in addition to the E-GASTPE,” announced Sunico.

This is also to ensure the provision of financial assistance to retained employees who are not transferred to teach and/or work in the secondary education of the same HEI (faculty development fund) and retrenched employees of HEI during the interim period (SY 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021).

Moreover, DOLE Usec. Rebecca Chato reminded the participants on the daunting problem on jobs mismatch. She put emphasis on the fact that the schools are producing skills that are not being needed by the current industry.

“We are the only one left that has not adopted K-12. It is high time that we embark on a journey to improve the quality of our graduates,” Usec. Chato said.

She also pleaded to the HEIs and national line agencies to ensure that the right information is being properly cascaded so that the impact of K-12 in not heightened. “Embrace K-12 with open heart and open mind.. when we solve youth unemployment problem then we will solve half of the unemployment in the country,” she added.

An open forum followed after all the presentations. The participants were then grouped by province to plot and present their suggestions on the TESTF. (JPG/ICA/DOLE-13/PIA-Caraga)


DOLE Caraga releases P144,720 for TUPAD beneficiaries in Surigao del Norte

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 7 - Sixty beneficiaries of Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte received their salaries for nine days amounting to P2,412 each with a total of P144,720.00 on July 14, 2014, a day before their fiesta celebration.

These beneficiaries were among the identified displaced workers affected by the Typhoon Yolanda’s devastating wrath.

They are also the first batch to have received the TUPAD program in provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

The said program was implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in partnership with the local government of Tagana-an through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) headed by HRMO/PESO Manager Jannecito L. Jalbo.

The temporary work program will be administered for 30 days starting July 1, 2014 until August 11, 2014.

Their job is to clean the streets, pavements and sidewalks and de-clog the canals within the municipal center and the major roads/streets.

In each implementation of the TUPAD program, it is mandatory to orient the beneficiaries on the Basic Occupational Safety and Health Standards and enroll them in the Philippine Red Cross’ insurance system. Personal Protective Equipment were also accorded.

The DOLE-SDN staff received positive feedbacks form the people during the conduct of their interview.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa opportunity na gihatag sa DOLE. Kani nga progama nagpalig-on sa amo as a community (I am so thankful for this opportunity given by DOLE. This program has strengthened our community)," articulated Maribeth P. Dumanacal, one of the beneficiaries.

Municipal Mayor Cesar A. Diaz also expressed his appreciation not only for the financial aid for the Yolanda affected beneficiaries but also for the positive results of the program in their municipality.

“The municipal streets, sidewalks and canals in the three poblacion barangays of Azucena, Aurora and Sampaguita are all cleaned-up and cleared from obstructions. Garbage which were identified to be the primary cause of flooding in the municipal center during rainy seasons especially when a typhoon hits the municipality are now properly disposed,” said Mayor Diaz. (JPG/ICA/DOLE-13/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur SP bares 2014 mid-year topnotch legislators; chief legislation

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, August 7 (PIA) – Monalisa Su, officer-in-charge (OIC) Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) bared the topnotch legislators in Surigao del Sur for the period January to June 2014 on matters of attendance and sponsorship/authorship of resolutions and ordinances while at the same time mentioned one of the most important legislation that the august body has enacted.

On the legislators, Su, who was appointed OIC Secretary on April 28 by virtue of a memorandum issued by Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. due to the retirement of Reynilda Cosare on April 17, said that board member Donnel Polizon got the highest percentage of attendance at 96.15 percent, closely followed by board members Tito CaƱedo and Mariano Atacador at 95 percent apiece.

She also cited that board member Henrich Pimentel holds the “most number” of resolutions/ordinances sponsored/authored at 145; followed by board members Mariano Atacador, Eleanor Momo, and Tito CaƱedo.

For the said period, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has enacted 255 resolutions and 13 ordinances in 23 regular sessions conducted, it was learned.

Regular sessions are held, at least, once a week—twice each in both Districts I and II, done in alternating pattern in accordance with Section 10, Rule IV of SP Ordinance No. 01-13 enacted on July 2, 2013 which adopted its House Rules.

Meanwhile, Su said that one of the most important resolutions that was passed is SP Resolution No. 73 dated September 9, 2013 on the “Granting of Amnesty on the Payment of Interest, Basic, and Special Education Fund of Real Property Tax Delinquencies for the Province of Surigao del Sur effective January to June 2014.”

However, the same was extended up to the end of the year “Due to requests from the different barangays and municipalities of the province” through SP Resolution No. 457 dated July 1, 2014, she pointed out. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


100Mth babies named in Caraga

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga identified the seven nominees of the region in the nationwide “Search for the 100 Millionth Pinoy,” as the Philippine population formally reached 100 million on Sunday, July 27, 2014.

Based on the documents gathered according to the guidelines set by PopCom, the official nominees from the provinces and Butuan City are the following:

AGUSAN DEL NORTE                                          
Arhea Jabonillo Damasco                       
July 27, 2014 at 1:02 a.m.                                    
Bgy. Tolosa Health Center                                              

BUTUAN CITY
Lyca Jane Geroy Rudado
July 27, 2014 at 1:04 a.m.
Butuan Medical Center

SURIGAO DEL SUR                                             
Zhyraiah Orillaneda Tranquilan              
July 27, 2014 at 1:05 a.m.                                      
Cortes Municipal Hospital                                   

SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Bella Christina Matugas Lincuna
July 27, 2014 at 1:34 a.m.
Caraga Regional Hospital

PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS                   
Queen Genyvic Malate Juanillo              
July 27, 2014 at 5:00 a.m.                                      
Dinagat District Hospital                                      

AGUSAN DEL SUR
July Marie Aquino Dahug
July 27, 2014 at 7:30 a.m.
D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital

The child, Chonalyn Sentino, born in Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital at 12:35 a.m. of the said date, received the designation of the “100 Millionth Baby.”

In a simple but apt ceremonies, each nominee was given a starter kit worth Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and awarded with free PhilHealth package.

PopCom Caraga regional director Makinano said that the symbolic baby will be closely monitored by PopCom in coordination with the Department of Health, PhilHealth, National Nutrition Council, local government units and other partner agencies, particularly in monitoring of his/her development throughout his/her life stages, especially in ensuring that his/her basic physiological (food, clothing and shelter) and psycho-social (health, education, and eventually, employment) needs are met.

“The progress of the symbolic baby and the milestones of his/her life shall be tracked by the regional population office and this will be highlighted during the celebration of the Population and Development activities,” Makinano emphasized.

Makinano pointed-out that the 100 millionth Pinoy is a symbol of hope and a challenge. It is a call to make every Filipino count in development by ensuring that each Pinoy is able to live in a healthy, productive, and livable environment. It is a call to make every child be born wanted and ensured of his/her basic needs, health, education, and other development concerns. It is a challenge to all institutions and every Filipino to count on each other to have a better Philippines - a home to well-planned, healthy, happy, and empowered 100 million Filipinos.  (PopCom/PIA-Caraga)


Mechanization, use of pre and post harvest equipment increase farmers’ income

By Menkent Jay Gumapac

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 7 (PIA) - Farmers here no longer have to rely on privately owned machineries when working in their ricefields. Not since they availed the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) project under the Department of Agriculture's Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP).

“The quality of our rice has improved because it (farming process) is now fast,” said Subangan ng Hubo Kamayo Irrigators Association, Inc.  (SHKIA) chairperson Gregorio Climaco.

SHKIA members were able to avail of financial assistance amounting to P1.5Million under the DA-MRDP.  With the said funding, the association was able to buy four threshers and five turtle tiller. They were also able to rehabilitate their irrigators building and multi-purpose drying pavement, and extended their mini warehouse to accommodate more room for their palay.
          
“Before, we had to pay Php250 per hour for the use of machineries (turtle tiller, thresher) now we only have to pay P180 as member-beneficiaries,” said Climaco.

The association holds 54 members serving a total area of 155 hectares from Barangay Poblacion, Otiezea, Kauswagan, Hornasan and Sto. Nino but the use of the machineries is open to non-members thereby earning more income from its rentals.

After a year of operation, they were already able to buy out from their savings additional equipment for carwash, vulcanizing, and welding which are used for the maintenance of their equipments and a service vehicle used for transporting goods.
             
“We are so grateful to the DA-MRDP for the opportunity being one of its recipients. It has greatly helped us in our farming for the assistance now is fast. Our income grew, our members increased and we can do our farming activities at a faster pace,” added Climaco.
          
Pre and Post Harvest Facilities (PPHF) in San Agustin is only one of the 104 PPHF sub-projects now operating in various municipalities in the region under MRDP2. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)


DILG chief elated over the establishment of prov’l training center in Surigao Norte

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 7 (PIA) - Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas expressed his elation over the establishment of the provincial community training center in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

In his message sent to the provincial government, the DILG chief congratulated the provincial officials led by Gov. Sol F. Matugas on another historic milestone, which, according to him is a pioneering local training facility organized through the private-public partnership.

Sec. Roxas said the establishment of the training center could not be more auspicious and relevant than at these times considering the resurgence of industries in the locality particularly mining and tourism, as well as the emergence of new ones like manufacturing and information technology, which creates demands for skills development.

At the macro perspective, Sec. Roxas said the provision of opportunities for human capital formation through education and training has always been a key strategy of the present administration in achieving inclusive growth. “Increased investments in the public education sector, training and skills development programs, scholarships and financial assistance have become a defining feature in our national budget,” Roxas said.

But while the country’s economy continues to sustain its performance as one of the fastest growing in the region, Roxas said this has not made a significant dent in the incidence of rural poverty. “Indeed, addressing poverty and joblessness remains as hurdles on the road to fully achieving rapid and inclusive growth… and local government units all have roles to play in this region,” Roxas added.

Sec. Roxas further said the training center finds significance and relevance in local governance by providing constituents with opportunities and expanding access to education, training, and skills development.

“Admittedly, given the huge investment requirements, this facility could not have been achieved by utilizing government resources alone. Thus, we hail the provincial government in its successful adoption of a PPP scheme by mobilizing support of the private sector particularly mining as a key stakeholder of this project,” Roxas said.

Furthermore, Roxas said the provincial government through Gov. Matugas has shown that with creative local governance strategies, big things can be done with less resources. “Indeed, many local government units can derive inspiration from this model of resource generation and mobilization to address specific local needs,” said Roxas.

Moreover, the DILG chief pointed out that the training center is as much a testament to good governance as a triumph of convergence of all sectors in responding to common concerns at the local level.

With these developments, Sec. Roxas hoped that the operationalization of the training center will go a long way in providing gainful opportunities for employment to the unskilled and unemployed constituents particularly the youths, and making a significant difference in their lives. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Malakanyang umaasa na ang pamahalaan at MILF ay magkasundo sa madaling panahon sa patas na binalangkas na batas ng Bangsamoro

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 7 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Palasyo na umaasa sila na ang pamahalaan at ang Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ay sa lalong medaling panahon papayag sa binalangkas na Bangsamoro Basic Law na isusumite sa Kongreso, para lahat ay maari ng magpatuloy ayon sa plano.

Sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa isang panayam sa media noong Miyerkoles na gusto ng Palasyo na makita ang binalangkas na batas na katanggap-tangap sa bawat panig.

Nagkomento si Secretary Lacierda sa pahayag na ginawa ni House of Representative Feliciano Belmonte na ang kongreso ay maaring hindi makayang maipasa ang Bangsamoro Basic Law sa buwan ng Disyembreng palugit dahil sa pakaantala ng pagsumite nito.

“Umaasa pa rin kami na ito ay mapadali. Ang aming pagkakaintindi sa sinabi ni Senator Frank Drilon ay dahil ginagawa niya ito ayon sa itineraryo mula, kung hindi sa katapusan ng Disyembre, hanggang sa unang tatlong buwan ng susunod na taon,” sabi ni Lacierda.

At dagdag niyang sinabing kahit na naipasa na ang basikong batas sa unang tatlong buwan ng susunod na taon, magsagawa pa rin ang pamahalaan ng plebesito sa loob ng panahong iyon, at magkaroon ng pagsaayos ng Bangsamoro Transitional Authority.

Ang sunod na hamon ay ang pagbigay ng kapasidad sa mga institusyon ng pamahalaan at mapagkunan ng pamamahala sa Bagsamoro Juridical Entity, sabi niya at dinagdagan na ang lahat ng ito ay bibigyan ng diin habang papalapit ang 2016.

Nangako ang Pangulo na maging patas at demokratiko ang pagsagawa ng halalan sa Bangsamoro sa darating na 2016.

Sineguro ni Lacierda na kahit may mga balakid, ang dalawang panig ay kumikilos pasulong at nangunguna sa isipan ng grupo ng gobyerno at MILF ay maseguro na ang Bangsamoro Basic Law ay makatarungan, patas at katanggap-tanggap sa lahat. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Skills dev’t program launched in Surigao del Sur

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) - A skills development program was recently launched in the province of Surigao del Sur through the Reaching Communities for Skills Development and Productivity Program (RCP).

This development came after the local officials headed by Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel of Tandag City has observed that high poverty incidence, unemployment rate, large number of school dropouts, pace and order and others are considered among the problems that pervade socio-economic growth of the city.

The political leaders in the province are convinced that in order to combat or fight these problems, there is a need to provide the Surigaonons with livelihood and employment opportunities.

During the launching of the program, Mayor Pimentel said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has been a regular partner with the city government of Tandag in the development of the area.

“Basta yaon permi gapaluyo sa ato si TESDA regional director Jun Sunico ug provincial director Rey Cueva, molambo gayud kita (As long as regional director Jun Sunico and provincial director Rey Cueva is always here to support us, we will have progress)," Mayor Pimentel said.

Pimentel added with unemployment remains to be one of the problems that the city is facing, there is a need for the local officials to find ways so that by giving them the opportunity to be employed, they will also be given dignity… As the saying goes, “To give dignity to our fellowmen, give them jobs,” Pimentel said.

The chief executive of the city likewise stressed that the skills development program is one of the priority programs of her administration as she believes that through this, the community to be empowered and likewise find stable and better job opportunities.

Pimentel further said during the previous year of her administration, she has continuously supported trainings in Computer Hardware Servicing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Consumer Electronic Servicing.

“Aside from these, we have provided community-based trainings like massage therapy, food and beverage services, table skirting, facial and foot care and housekeeping,” Pimentel said.

Mayor Pimentel is likewise hoping that through the RCP program, they would be able to chart the destiny of the youth especially those who cannot afford to continue college education because human capital development has always been viewed as the most important component in any nation striving for economic growth.

The official likewise pointed out that these efforts would not be made possible without the support of TESDA. “That is why we continued to include P1 million support to TESDA-LGU projects especially now that the RCP program has been established,” Pimentel said.

The RCP is designed to address the technical vocational education and training needs of the various sectors of the city in partnership with the national government agencies, barangays, people’s organizations, provincial government and industry.

At the end of every training period, the target beneficiaries would have been trained and certified that would prepare them for gainful employment and nhance their productivity.

Specifically, the program is aimed at conducting city-wide skills training, livelihood and capability building programs across a wider sector of beneficiaries. Likewise, it aimed to initiate the possible organization of a group of beneficiaries and establish a viable livelihood projects through the provision of starter kits and micro credit assistance.

The project involves three components: skills training, livelihood training program, and programs of other agencies/offices.

Skills training component covers the conduct of various skills training program in the barangays, including the provision of Assessment and Certification Services and Jobs Facilitation Assistance.

The livelihood training program includes short term training programs designed to encourage self-employment. Part of this component is the provision of starter kits to the graduates. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


PRO 13 hires 325 additional non-uniformed personnel anew

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY Aug. 6 (PIA) – Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) in Caraga headed by regional director P/Chief Supt. Dominador Eslava Aquino, Jr. is hiring anew additional non-uniformed personnel (NUP) intended to be utilized as crime registrar in police stations.

According to SPO1 Ranilo Malong, Public Information Officer (PIO) of Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) under officer-in-charge (OIC) provincial director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, 325 slots of the 7,439 vacant positions nationwide are up for grabs in Caraga.

He said that the PRO 13 has already started accepting applicants, adding that the deadline for the submission of application is set Wednesday, August 6.

Malong stressed that interested applicants are required to submit the following requirements: Letter of Application; Duly Accomplished Personal Data Sheet (CSC Form 212-Revissed 2005); Transcript of Records and Diploma; Certificate of Eligibility; Certificate of Training; Certificate of Employment, if any; an original together with an authenticated copy each of NBI Clearance; NSO Birth Certificate; and, NSO Marriage Certificate, if applicable, respectively.

“Interested applicants may call at 815-3325 and 815-1668/342-4570 or visit PIO PRO 13 and look for Mr. Gil Licayan (09217452960-Smart/09155250447-Globe) of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (R1) for more details,” he added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Surigao del Norte mining companies support establishment of prov’l training center

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) - Following the recent inauguration of the provincial community training center in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte, Gov. Sol F. Matugas said the establishment of the training center was made possible through the public-private partnership program of the provincial government.

The official said mining companies operating in the province have initially contributed some P15,4000,000 for the establishment of the building structures, as well as the facilities that are now placed in the training center.

The training center was established by virtue of Executive Order No. 1, proposing the operation on a co-management scheme between the provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Surigao City through forging a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

The Chamber of Mines of Caraga in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) – Surigao Chapter will rehabilitate the existing buildings in the area as a Practical/Workshop Area and likewise, construct new building for the Basic and Common Competencies including the first year operation.

The Provincial Government Office of Surigao del Norte initially transfers some qualification-offerings of the Provincial Manpower Training Center-Surigao del Norte including the trainers and likewise, allocate funds for the payment of the light and water bills, maintenance of the building and medical-dental services of the trainees until the PCTC can establish a self-sustaining scheme, with the assistance of TESDA.

The training center shall initially run by the Provincial Governor’s Office of Surigao del Norte through its Provincial Employment and Manpower Office (PEMO) and TESDA-Surigao del Norte through its Provincial Manpower Training Center in a complementation system until the PCTC can establish its own Governing Board and personnel complement.

The PCTC is generally aimed at serving the youths, unemployed and underemployed of the province and nearby provinces. It offers skills trainings on Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II on as the Distinctive Area of Competence (DAC) and its support qualifications namely: Automotive Servicing NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II, Driving, Garments NC II, and other mining-related qualifications.

The training center is proposed to be accredited as an Assessment Center in the aforementioned qualifications. The PCTC plays a major role in improving the way of life of the Surigaonons. It will pave the way for progress and development of the entire province of Surigao del Norte.

Meanwhile, Gov. Matugas added, the contributions of Silangan Mindanao Mining Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, and Platinum Gold Metals Corporation have paved the way for the Surigaonons especially the youths to fulfill their dreams and aspirations in lives.

The official therefore, is thankful that indeed, the public-private partnership that is initiated by the provincial government has gained an important milestone into the lives of the Surigaonon populace. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


1st Lawig Men’s Open Volley tourney underway

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PIA) - The first ever Lawig Men’s Open Volleyball tournament went underway last August 2, 2014 at Brgy. Baan Riverside basketball court and participated by teams coming from this city and neighboring municipalities in Agusan del Norte.

The annual tournament, which is supported by Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun, is planned to be held in other different venues with the aim of discovering new talents in the sport and promote competitiveness among the youth participants.

For this year’s initial staging, teams from Butuan City, Cabadbaran City and the municipalities of Tubay and Nasipit registered for the tournament. Teams such as the Placeros Team, composed of players from Barangays Obrero and Bading; Sta. Ana – Tubay and De Amigos make up the power house teams in this tournament which is also supported by the Philippine Volleyball Federation.

According to Fortun, supporting this kind of event for the youth is aligned with his campaign platform of youth empowerment through sports development. “It has always been my advocacy to empower the youth through sports development and this is one of them,” Fortun said.

“Through this kind of activity we will be able to hone the skills of our local volleyball players and help them be involved in sports activities and develop their whole being while veering them away from vices,” Fortun added. (LAWig/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Tagalog News: Palasyo pinagtanggol ang programang Conditional Cash Transfer (4Ps)

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 6 (PIA) - Marami ang nakinabang mula sa programang Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) nang ito ay pinalawak para masaklaw ang higit 4.1 milyong pamilya sa taong ito mula sa 1 milyon noong 2010, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo.

“Sa sunud-sunod na pag-aaral ng World Bank, AusAID at iba pang internasyonal na ahensya, napatunayan din na napabuti ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng mga kabahayan o mga pamilyang benepisyaryo ng Conditional Cash Transfer program,” sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa mga mamamahayag sa isang panayam sa Malakanyang noong Martes.

Nagkokomentaryo si Secretary Coloma sa mga tawag na itigil na ang programang CCT na ginawa noong Kontra-SONA na binigkas ni minority leader Cong. Ronaldo Zamora.

Idiniin ni Zamora na ang programa ay nabigong iangat ang mga benepisaryo mula sa kahirapan.

“Mula noon hanggang 2012, naibaba lamang mula 32 percent hanggang 27.9 percent. Ibig sabihin, sa loob ng 21 taon, ang ibinaba ng kahirapan ay 5 percent. Pero doon sa isang taon, mula 2012 hanggang 2013, ang naitalang pagbaba ay 3 porsyento na kaagad. Kayo na ang magpasya kung aling programa ang naging mas epektibo,” sabi niya.

Natandaan niya na ang puntirya ng gobyerno ay ibaba sa 32 porsyento ang kahirapan noong 1991 hanggang 16.1 porsyento sa taong 2015.

“May 19 na taon na ang layunin na ‘yon mula 1991. At ipinunto ko nga, 5 porsyento lang ang ibinaba niyan sa loob ng 21 taon. Pero doon sa ating nabanggit, naibaba ‘yan ng 3 porsyento sa loob ng isang taon,” paliwanang ni  Coloma.

“Kinikilala naman natin na malaki-laki na rin ‘yung nabawas kung tutuusin sa maikling panahon ng aming panunungkulan,” dagdag niya.

Inulit ni Secretary Coloma na minomonitor ng Department of Social Welfare and Development ang mga benepisaryo ng CCT.

Kaya nga ito tinawag na conditional cash transfer. Ibinibigay lang ‘yung benepisyo kung tiyak na ginagampanan nila ang kanilang responsibilidad bilang benepisyaryo,” sabi niya.

Sabi niya na balak ng pamahalaan na palawaking pa ang programa para umabot sa 5 milyon ang tatanggap sa taong 2015.

“Nananalig kami na sa pagtutuos ng mga datos at aktuwal na naging resulta ng conditional cash transfer ay patuloy na bibigyan ito ng suporta ng ating Kongreso sa pagpasa ng pambansang budget para sa taong ito,” sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Tagalog News: Gobyerno gumagawa ng hakbang para mapabuti ang sektor ng agrikultura

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 6 (PIA) - Gumagawa na ng hakbang ang gobyerno sa pagsisikap na mapabuti ang katayuan ng mga mamamayan sa sektor ng agrikultura, sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng magkaroon ng panayam sa media noong Martes sa Palasyo.

"Ang isinasagawang istratehiya ng pamahalaan ay mayroong spatial or area focus. Tinutukoy kung nasaan ang pinakamaraming mga mahihirap," sabi ni Secretary Coloma.

"At batid naman natin na ang mga magsasaka ay kabilang doon sa hanay ng mahihirap, kung saang mga probinsya sila naroroon."


Sabi niya na inases na ng gobyerno ang 44 na mga lalawigan base sa mataas na lawak na karukhaan, bilang ng mga mahihirap at ang kanilang pagkakataong malapit sa natural na sakuna  na naging ambag sa kanilang karukhaan.

Ito ay magiging tulong din sa mga magsasaka na tumaas ang kanilang ani at mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong magtanim ng mga pananim na may mataas na ani para tumaas din ang kanilang kita, sabi niya.

"Kaya ito ay bahagi ng istratehiya para sa agricultural sector, na hindi ganoon kataas ang naging paglago noong mga nakaraang taon," dagdag pa niya.

Komento niya sa mga batikos na ang sektor ng agrikultura ay dati ng kulang ang suporta mula sa pamahalaan sa matagal ng panahon. Sinabi ni Coloma na ang datos mula sa National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) ay maaring mag-analisa kung ang kita ng mga magsasaka ay tumaas. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: Buhatan sa mayor mipagawas og Memorandum kalabot na sa R.A 9485 o Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007

SURIGAO CITY, Agosto 6 (PIA) – Ang buhatan sa mayor ning syudad bag-ohay pa lamang mipagawas og memorandum ngadto sa tanang empleyado sa gobyerno kalabot na sa R.A. No. 9485 o Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007.

Ang  maong memorandum nga gipagawas pinaagi kang Mayor Ernesto Matugas ngadto sa tanang empleyado sa gobyerno ning syudad kalabot na sa hugtanong pag- implementar sa R.A. No. 9485 kun Anti Red-Tape Act of 2007 partikular na sa section 11, sub. sec. (b) Grave Offense (Fixing or collusion with Fixers.

Subay sa maong memorandum nga ang makalapas sa maong balaodnon pwede matangtang ug ma-diskwalipikar sa trabaho.

Samtang  ubos usab section 12 of sa maong balaodnon adunay dugang nga penalty o silot nga pagkapreso  sa dili mulapas sa 6 ka tuig o multa na dili muobos sa P20,000 mil ka pesos ug dili mulapas sa P200,00 mil ka pesos.

Ang maong balaod nagpahinumdum usab sa tanan nga ubos sa Rule V, Section 1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 9485 nga ang nangulo sa matag buhatan o ahensya sa gobyerno maoy responsable sa maong implementasyon ug ang tanang transaksyon ug proseso gikonsiderar nga adunay permiso gikan sa hepe sa maong buhatan o ahensya sa gobyerno.


Ang makalapas nga bisan kinsa nga empleyado sa usa ka buhatan, ang mapahamtangan sa maong silot basi sa nasampit nga balaod. (SDR/MICO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

LGU reps ink manifesto for climate change adaptation mechanisms, access to PSF

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) – The representatives from the nine local government units (LGUs) in Caraga region have recently signed a manifesto that would put forward their ongoing initiatives to establish appropriate mechanisms to adapt to the looming impacts of climate change.

These LGUs are Hinatuan, Lanuza and Marihatag, all in Surigao del Sur; Jabonga, Kitcharao, and Las Nieves, all in Agusan del Norte; Prosperidad and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur and Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

As contained in the manifesto, the parties will take pride and actions in pursuing comprehensive climate and multi-hzard assessments significantly involving vulnerable communities under the project, “Building Resilient and Adaptive Communities and Institutions,” an Australian Aid support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade implemented by Oxfam and partner non-government organizations.

“The project has helped them develop a comprehensive concept on adaptation wherein priority adaptation and risk reduction actions are integrated and funded under their local disaster risk reduction management plans despite limited resources,” said Dante Dalabajan, Mindanao Coordinator of Oxfam Philippines.

The partakers, however, have recognized that their existing initiatives are not sufficient to attend the wide range of adaptation projects that would benefit more vulnerable communities. But they identified that these communities have the capacity to adapt and would be able to experience economic growth amidst limited resources to fund such adaptation projects.

They were putting high hopes on the Peoples Survival Fund (PSF) as a finance mechanism that would help LGUs address the challenges of increasing capacities of vulnerable communities.

Thus, the signifying parties expressed their interest and readiness to submit proposals to access the PSF as it should be made available and accessible while mechanisms should also be in place by now to ensure that the funds go directly and transparently to adaptation and risk reduction projects based on the comprehensive assessment of climate change and disaster risks in highly vulnerable communities.

“As cited in the manifesto, it also calls on international donor agencies to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in their development investments,” added Dalabajan. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


DA-MRDP turns over P6M worth of livelihood subprojects to Las Nieves

By MJ Gumapac

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture - Mindanao Rural Development Program – Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (DA MRDP-APL2) recently turned over seven sub-projects under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) to the seven People’s Organization (PO) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte with a total funding cost of P6 Million.
           
“It is fast, it has changed,” said Alma Agad, chairperson of San Isidro Farmers Association as she expressed her deep gratitude in her acceptance speech to the Local Government of Las Nieves and the DA MRDP.

“The face of our farming has changed, unlike before it was disorganized and scattered, but now it is fast,” Agad remarked.

The sub-projects consist of Rubber-based Plantations for Marcos Calo Farmers Association and Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association; Construction of Multi-purpose Drying Pavement with Mini-Warehouse for Pinana-an Farmers Association; Construction of Spillway and Acquisition of Farm equipment to Support Rice Production for Katipunan Farmers Association; Construction of Two Small Reservoirs and Two Submersible Pumps to Support Rice Production for the Poblacion Farmers Association; Establishment of Mini-Feed Mill for E.G. Montilla Farmers Association and Cluster Corn Mechanization and Support Enhancment San Isidro Farmers Association.
          
The LGU of Las Nieves even added P1M to the overall budget apart from their 20% counterpart to further expand the project and reach more beneficiaries. The said sub-projects are now being used in the seven barangays, especially in Barangay Pinanaan with their solar dryer and warehouse and also in Barangay San Isidro with their tractor and other production support enhancement machineries.
          
“Now that it has finally arrived, we should all take care of it for it is ours,” said Las Nieves Vice Mayor Manuel N. Biong who led the turn over ceremony together with its Sangguniang Bayan members.
          
The province of Agusan del Norte represented by OIC Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan also witnessed the said ceremony as part of the workforce who facilitated the implementation of the project in support to the municipalities under MRDP2. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Livestock creates business opportunities

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

Simple interest becomes a thriving business enterprise.

A growing number of women in Surigao City are now engaged in meat processing, contributing to the rise of this industry in the city.

City Veterinarian Dr. Allan F. Quines revealed that in 2010, several vendors selling various processed meat products sprouted in the local market. Resolved to help improve the quality of their products, the Local Government Unit of Surigao City through the City Veterinary Office coordinated with the Department of Agriculture -13 and proposed for training on meat processing.

AgriPinoy Livestock Program with its Animal Product and By-product Utilization (APBPU) Component has given them the opportunity to capacitate their women.  APBU, is a post-harvest component of the DA-Livestock Program which aims to support the livestock and poultry production and growth of meat and by-product industry.  It has two components, the Waste Management Program and Meat Development under which meat processing falls.

It was in November 2010 when the first Meat Processing Training was conducted by DA-RFO 13 in coordination with Surigao City Veterinary Office. The training equipped the participants with knowledge on meat hygiene and sanitation, cutting and proper handling.

After that training, the 17 participants organized themselves to form the Association of Meat Processors of Surigao City (AMPS). They then started their own livelihood. To assist them, the LGU of Surigao City facilitated the establishment of a meat processing laboratory.  With that initiative, the Department of Agriculture through the Livestock Development Council (LDC) provided the equipments which included meat slicer, meat grinder, silent cutter, tie linker, smoke house, cooking vat, vacuum sealer and stuffer. The LGU also granted AMPS a start-up capital of P100,000.

Because of the growing interest meat processing, DA has provided in addition a refer van or cold storage unit amounting to P1.5Million in support to the slaughter house and meat processing lab in Surigao City.

Over the years, the association has expanded its membership and has continued to produce processed meat products to cater the growing number of buyers. Among AMPS’ market is the Surigao City Trade School where they deliver 30 kilos of embutido, and 5 kilos of longganisa, hotdog and chorizo twice a month.

Recently, they were able to make a deal with the Taganito Mining Company to deliver weekly 20 kilos each kind of their meat product to the company canteen.  In addition, the women also took opportunities to sell during special events in the city such as City Charter’s Day where they were able to gain P10,000 daily sales.

Some members of the association also do their own processing at home like Ruena De Paz who sells her products weekly at her husband’s office.  She would process 5 kilos of embutido which makes 40 rolls at P65 per roll and earns for her P2,600 a week.

“Dako gajud nga tabang sa among pamilya ang akong pagpamaligya ug embutido kay madugangan man akong kita (It has greatly helped my family because by selling embutido my income increased)," Ruena said. 

Dr. Maridel Zerda of the City Veterinary Office said that to date, there are about 200 swine raisers including backyard raisers, in Surigao City and meat processing is a viable way to augment their income particularly the smallholders/ backyard raisers. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)


New TESDA deals focus on medical transcriptionists, bartenders

By Lisa Rivera

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) - Looking to further strengthen and expand its partnership with the private sector, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has inked agreements with two organizations to enhance the skills of potential workers.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP) will involve P16.275 million worth of scholarship vouchers that will train 1,550 individuals.

This will be sourced from TESDA's Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

The MOA with Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) Inc., on the other hand, will provide training and livelihood opportunities to 180 beneficiaries in selected areas through the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP).  The project is in celebration of Ginebra San Miguel’s 180 years.

"TESDA's continued partnership with the private sector is a display of palpable sense of optimism in the country's technical vocational education and training," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.

"Here's an assurance that investments in the Filipino skills will always yield quality workforce needed by the industries," Villanueva added.

The 180 beneficiaries under the agreement with GSM will undergo entrepreneurial and bartending training course.  TESDA will conduct the training, while the beverage firm will provide the fund, for training and livelihood opportunity through the provision of a mobile bar, including needed materials such as one set of uniform for each trainee, mobile bar tools, and a set of starter products.

With HIMOAP, TESDA will tap its partner technical vocational institutions to provide Medical Transcription Finishing Course NC II to the 1,550 beneficiaries.  The training duration will be 160 hours.

According to the agreement, the partners committed an employment rate of at least 80 percent within six months from the scholar's graduation. HIMOAP also pledged to formulate a fund replenishment scheme to extend the mileage of the scholarship program.

A contribution to a Talent Development Fund will be made by a HIMOAP-member company every time it absorbs or hires successful graduates. The Talent Development Fund will be developed, managed, and utilized solely by HIMOAP to sustain training of their needed workforce.

Signing the agreement were Villanueva for TESDA, Josefina Lauchangco for HIMOAP, and Bernard Marquez for Ginebra San Miguel.  (TESDA/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: DILG prepares 1.2B 2016 GPB Run

By Bryan F. Edulzura

Banking on lessons learned during the Bottom Up Budgeting (now Grassroots Participatory Budgeting or GPB) 2013 and 2104 run, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 commenced preparation for the approximately P1.2 Billion 2016 GPB Run with the Provincial Focal Persons and Community Mobilizers Meeting last July 30, 2014 at the Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) in DILG 13 Regional Office, this city.

The planning process for identification, endorsement and approval of 2016 projects will begin this August and the priority list is expected to be submitted on the first quarter of 2015 for the inclusion in the 2016 General Appropriation Act (GAA).

Though the DILG, National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are still enhancing the Joint Memorandum Circular 5 for the 2016 GPB run, the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team (RPRAT) of Caraga Region is taking a step ahead in beefing up the mechanisms to smoothen the GPB program implementation.

Taking into previous experiences, the RPRAT through the DILG is expected to receive about a thousand (1,000) anti-poverty projects covering all 6 cities and 67 municipalities in the region. In 2015, the budget for Caraga region is pegged at P1.2 billion with an average of P15 million per local government unit (LGU).

Gaining Grounds and Inclusive People Participation

According to RPRAT chair and DILG Caraga regional director, Lilibeth A. Famacion, GPB is slowly gaining ground as it becomes more popular among civil society and local governments.  Field reports are showing that more civil society organizations especially on the basic sectors are taking active role in project identification.

“With the latest development, going along with GPB’s popularity is imperative. People participation is the lifeblood of GPB, hence; as early as now we took initiatives in preparing the ground for a more meaningful and genuine people participation. Aside from engaging community mobilizers, we also install coordination mechanisms with the department’s field workers and that of other participating agencies to streamline communications at various levels,” said Famacion.

“Cascading right information to the grassroots community ensures support and sustainability of the program,” said Urban Poor representative Johnny Serrano.

Malicious Issues against GPB

The GPB Process is not void of malicious gossip and wrong information circulated in communities.  Among the issues hurled against GPB is that it is the pork barrel of Mar Roxas and funds for these projects are funded under Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).  “The rumor is ridiculous and is entirely not true,” Famacion points out.

"We know that the project identification is lodged under civil society rganizations (CSOs) and LGUs. DILG is only one, among the GPB participating agencies which include DOH, DSWD, DTI, DA, DAR, DOLE, DOT, NEA, TESDA, DepED, and DENR. We also know that GPB funds are operationalized through the General Appropriation Act.  As civil servants it is our duty to correct misconception and it is our moral obligation to tell the truth, nothing but the truth," she said.

Famacion also recognized that the program implementation in the previous years are not perfect.  "We are confronted with problems that somehow slowed down implementation.  Problems on project identification, change of project, LCEs influencing project to be implemented are few of the challenges we tackled. But we are installing mechanism to minimize if not eradicate these problems,” she said.

"The bottleneck of this program is on the ability of the stakeholder to identify projects that really address poverty situation in the countryside.  Notable in the previous years’ proposal is the lack of projects for the fisherfolk and their families," Famacion added.

The Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) whose members include 50% from the CSOs and 50% from the LGU, are the one to endorse the projects for funding.  The challenge is the ability of the CSO to articulate the projects they really need and generate support from the LGU.

Surigao del Sur Persons With Disability (PWD) federation president William Aguilar vowed that they will push for more projects that will benefit the fishermen and PWD sectors.

More than just Anti-Poverty Projects

GPB is actually more than just an anti-poverty initiative but it is also a good governance program as well. It encourages transparency and people participation in the local planning process. “We recognized that the poor knows better what projects to implement to free them from the claws of poverty and that corruption is curbed when people are involved in government finances,” said GPB regional focal personJocelyn Jayoma.  

“We need to inculcate that good governance means more access to incentives to fund development projects,” she added.

Bracing for more

“We expect that more stakeholders are interested to look into the GPB process considering that PDAF and DAP projects are under fire.  We welcome those interested parties – supporter and critics alike to really look into the program. With this, we give more meaning to people participation in local governance,” Famacion concluded. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


Newly-established prov’l training center in Surigao del Norte, inaugurated

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 5 (PIA) - The provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have recently inaugurated the newly-constructed provincial community training center located at Bad-as, Placer town.

In her speech, Surigao del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas emphasized that this undertaking is another milestone under the livelihood component of the HEALS Development Agenda. HEALS is the province’s flagship program which means Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aquaculture, Livelihood, Tourism, Social Welfare, and Spiritual Renewal.

“Our province-wide vision takes us towards a God-centered, empowered, and globally-competitive and prosperous Surigaonons. Keeping this in the heart of all our undertakings in serving our people, we have not gone away with our accountability for those who are in the deepest need of an avenue wherein they can achieve self-enhancement opportunities,” Gov. Matugas said.

The province’s chief executive also stressed that to be able to fully accomplish something as great as the establishment of the provincial community training center is very fulfilling, knowing that everything will be for the good of the sector we deem important in our journey towards “Ang Bag-ong Surigao.”

The official further said the youth sector specifically the out-of-school youths and the province’s constituents who are in extreme need for skills enhancements will be helped with the operation of the training center. “In here, will our beneficiaries be given the chance for better job opportunities fitting the skills they will be learning in the acilities,” Matugas said.

Matugas likewise pointed out that the Surigaonons are grateful indeed, that though the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) with the mining companies, the province has already reached this far in giving light to the dreams of their constituents.

“In behalf of the constituents in Surigao del Norte, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the mining industries who have been very much active in partnering with us, supporting our big leaps in bringing forth our plans, programs and projects that promotes the welfare of our province,” Gov. Matugas said.

With the strong partnership that the provincial government has created with the private sector, Gov. Matugas said Surigaonons have become all the more assured to be able to bring greater dreams into reality, and the inclusive growth the people wanted to achieve will finally be on hand.

The lady governor likewise vowed to have more projects that will pave better roads for the brighter future of the people in the province. “Thank you everyone, and rest assured that this structure will certainly still be followed by more projects that would help us pave better roads for the brighter future of our populace,” Matugas said.

The two-day affair was graced by TESDA Deputy Director-General for Field Operations Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua and Cong. Mel Sarmiento, Vice Chairman of the Commission on Appointments, who ceremonially cut the chain, signifying the opening of the training center’s operation. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Gobyerno determinado sa paglikas ng mga Pilipino mula sa Libya, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 5 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Palasyo noong Lunes na determinado ang gobyerno na dalhin pauwi ang mga Pilipinong manggagawa (OFW) na nanganganib ang buhay sa Libya.

“Para doon sa mga nakakita ang kanilang sarili na talagang nasa panganib na kalagayan, gusto talaga ng pamahalaan na makauwi sila ng ligtas,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa mga reporter noong siya ay nakipanayam sa Malakanyang.

Ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs, (DFA) humigit-kumulang mga 831 na Pilipino ang nakabalik mula sa Libya hanggang Agosto 3, 2014.

Subalit napansin din ni Seretary Lacierda na marami ang dahilan kung bakit ang ibang Pilipino sa Libya ay ayaw umuwi.

“Halimbawa, marami sa kanila ang nakapga-asawa ng taga Libya mismo. Kaya mahirap biyakin ang pamilya ‘pag ganoon ang situation,” paliwanag niya.

Para doon na takot na makakaharap ang kawalan ng trabaho sa kanilang pagbalik, sinabi ni Lacierda na ang Department of Labor and Employment ay maaring tumulong sa kanila na makahanap ng trabaho dito sa bansa o kaya sa labas ng bansa.

"Nangyari na sa atin ito. Kung inyong matandaan, sa ating alitan laban sa Taiwan, tinitingnan na natin ang ibang bansa na gustong kumuha ng ating mga OFW. Halimbawa, sa Batangas, may kompanya doon na tinatawag na AG&P na siyang kumuha ng maraming OFW para sa kanilang kalakal,” sabi niya.

Sabi niya, ang pamahalaan ay sinusubukang makontak ang mga OFW sa pamamagitan ng pakipag-ugnayan sa mga komunidad ng Pilipino sa Libya, pati na sa kanilang mga kamag-anak dito sa Pilipinas. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: District Convention sa Free and Accepted Masons of the Phils nagmalamposon

Ni Mary Jul E. Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Agosto 5 (PIA) – Malamposon nga gipahigayon ang usa ka district convention nga gipasiugdahan sa Masonic District RXIII-A bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa Philippine Gateway Hotel, ning syudad.

Ang usa ka adlaw nga kalihukan nagdala sa tema nga, “Serbisyong  Makatotohanan Para sa Kapatiran at Mamamayan.”

Sa iyang mensahe isip pinasidunggang mamumulong si Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas miingon nga  mao kini ang unang higayon nga siya nakatambong sa maong kalihukan sa Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines diin siya nakadayeg sa ilang guiding principles nga mao ang brotherly love, relief ug truth.

Nagpasalamat usab ang gobernador kang Cesario Espejon ang nangulo sa Mt. Diwata lodge No. 236 sa Surigao sa opurtunidad nga siya nakatambong sa maong kalihukan diin iya usab gipaabot ang mga plano, programa ug proyekto sa panggamhanan sa probinsya ubos sa iyang HEALS plus agenda.


Ubay ubay nga mga mason ang nakadayeg sa programang HEALS plus sa gobernador diin ilang nakita ang tinud-anay nga pagserbisyo ug ang kinatibuk-ang pag uswag sa katawhan ug sa lalawigan sa Surigao del Norte.

Mitambong sa maong okasyon ang mga miyembro ug delegado sa Free and Accepted Masons of the Phils. nga naglangkob sa Agusan ug Surigao. (SDR/PIO-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)