Thursday, August 14, 2014

CSC Caraga pushes institutionalization of PGS 

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) – After completion of the initiation, compliance and proficiency stages of the Performance Governance System (PGS) Pathway, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga pursued its position for the institutionalization of a competency-based human resource system.

In May 2010, the CSC adopted the PGS, the local adaptation of the Balanced Scoreboard developed at the Harvard University. In treading the PGS process, the CSC has directed its vision, identified a new core purpose and set of values, and outlined strategic objectives and measures leading to the fulfillment of its vision. “Thus, PGS is gearing towards improved public service delivery and establishing transparent and accountable system of governance,” said CSC Caraga regional director Resurreccion Pueyo.

Pueyo said that when CSC adopted the PGS, the agency restated its vision, mission, and core values. A strategy map was crafted that outlined the direction of becoming the Asia’s leading center of excellence for strategic human resource (HR) and organizational development (OD).

“We wish to align CSC’s new initiatives, thrusts and programs to the national leadership. PGS is centered to the objectives of shaping high performing, competent and credible civil servants - more citizen and client-centered; more strategic in terms of formulating and implementing policies; more results-oriented that overly-focused on procedures; and more empowering and entrepreneurial,” remarked Pueyo.

Strategic initiatives under PGS were carried out to respond to the growing need for reform. CSC, as the lead implementer of Anti-Red Tape Act or ARTA, sought to promote transparency, simplify procedure, and expedite transactions. Pueyo underscored that it is necessary to keep effective practices to prevent graft and corruption.

Starting July 2010, the CSC has administered the Report Card Survey (RCS), a mechanism provided in the ARTA used to rate agency performance and client satisfaction in terms of frontline service delivery. Agencies are rated for compliance with the requirements of ARTA and client satisfaction.

Pueyo revealed that part of its creative program is the conduct of ‘ARTA Watch,’ where CSC officials make a surprise visit to the frontline service offices at noon time to check their compliance with ARTA such as the posting of Citizen’s Charter and observance of the ‘No Noon Break’ policy.

Also, in terms of ensuring fairness and efficiency in performing quasi-judicial functions, CSC targeted to shorten the resolution time for administrative cases, from 60 days as prescribed by the 1987 constitution to 40 days.

Included in the array of objectives also are ensuring efficient management of financial resources and cultivating partnership with local and international institutions measured by the number of priority programs implemented through technical cooperation with local and international partners, stated Pueyo.

PGS is a performance management and measurement tool that aims to translate organizational goals from ‘qualitative and word-based interpretations’ to ‘measurable targets and metrics. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

PopCom chiefs meet in Caraga

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga will host the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RP-FP) mid-year assessment workshop of the Mindanao-based Regional Population Offices on August 14 – 15 in one of the establishments in Agusan del Norte.

PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that all PopCom regional directors and assistant directors in Mindanao, together with the staff of PopCom Central Office will convene to ensure and determine the progress of the guidelines implementation.

Makinano further said that the activity will not only focus on the guidelines but also in assessing the RP-FP accomplishments vis-à-vis its target and identification of common issues and concerns in the guidelines implementation.

RP-FP is one of the components of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) under the Commission. It aims to help couples, parents and individuals to achieve their desired timing, spacing and number of children and to contribute to the improvement of their Maternal Nutrition and Child Health Nutrition status.

It can be recalled that PopCom issued Implementing Guidelines No. 01 on February 3, 2014 known as “Guidelines to Reduce Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning.”

PopCom official emphasized the importance of attaining the goals for the reduction of FP unmet need from 22 percent to 11 percent which is one of the desired outcomes of the Responsible Parenthood / Family Planning (RP-FP) program. (PopCom/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur DENR gears up to join world record-breaking bid on tree planting

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Surigao del Sur headed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Rosendo Asunto has already started to lay down the groundwork for their agency’s bid to break the “Guinness World Record” on tree planting dubbed as “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow.”

Asunto broke the news on Tuesday during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting chaired by Governor Johnny Pimentel.

He said that finalization on the details of the “Guinness World Record-Breaking Attempt” is set, citing the regional conference schedule on Thursday, this week.

PENRO Asunto also gave a brief backgrounder of the plan that will be carried out on September 26, the culmination day of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) month celebration.

It was also learned that apart from such main objective to “Break the record for the Most Trees Planted Simultaneously in Multiple Locations by India,” the DENR also aims to “Achieve the 2014 National Greening Program (NGP) target of Mindanao; Contribute to Mindanao’s target of 841,288 hectares planted by 2016; and, Campaign for nurturing our waters thru tree growing.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Pimentel assured that the council will be behind the simultaneous tree-planting activity, adding that the DENR can also count on the provincial government to mobilize its people aside from providing for the transportation needs.

For his part, Marihatag Mayor Alan Pelenio, who is a known agro-industrialist prior to becoming a town chief executive, aired his desire to plant “cacao” especially in the MACASALTABAYAMI area—an economic cluster of seven municipalities in the central part of the province comprised of Marihatag, Cagwait, San Agustin, Lianga, Tago, Bayabas, and San Miguel.

He said that initially, the entire cluster can plant up to 7,000 cacao trees—1,000 trees for each cluster member.

As early as last Monday, during the regular flag ceremony program, Gov. Pimentel told capitol employees that he wants Surigao del Sur to get a share of the pie for the 100,000-hectare target cacao plantation in the country—at least 10,000 hectares.

This time, he added that there are only an estimated 8,000 hectares of cacao plantation nationwide.

Referring to this new thrust, he said that he “has already requested the seven mayors of MACASALTABAYAMI.” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

FP event calls for better life

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - The goal of ensuring better quality of life among Filipino families marks another height as the whole country celebrates Family Planning (FP) month this August.

This year’s theme, “Ang planadong buhay ay maayos na buhay” emphasizes the importance of family planning so that every Filipino would enjoy the benefits of good health, improved economic condition, happy and harmonious family relationship.

Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano articulated one of the program components of the Philippine Population Management Program which is the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning that deals with issues related to sexual and reproductive health, including fertility and family planning concerns which primarily aims to help couples realize their desired timing, spacing, and number of children in accordance with their socioeconomic, emotional, and psychological capacity.

In the observance of the event, Makinano said that RP-FP program gives the necessary information to the couple and helps them decide as to the number of children they wanted to have. “Couples are encouraged to achieve their dreams for a quality life through proper birth spacing of at least three to five years,” Makinano emphasized.

In Caraga Region however, only 55 percent of married women age 15-49 use some method of family planning, according to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). More than a third of women (38 percent) use modern methods, while 18 percent use traditional methods.

Some survey revealed that, Caraga Region had 54.2% of married women age 15-49 who are currently using any family planning method, while 45.8% have no method at all.

“If the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) of a certain country or region is low, that means only few are using family planning methods and with that, there will be probabilities of unintended pregnancies among women and would likely result to high population growth rate,” Makinano emphasized.

Among the FP methods, the pill is popular among women age 20-39, among educated women, and among women with 1-4 children in Caraga region. Traditional methods are more popular among educated women in the region and those who have had at least one child.

Makinano stressed the benefits of Family Planning for these are essential to securing the well-being and autonomy of women, while supporting the health and development of communities. “Family Planning prevents pregnancy-related health risks in women. It reduces infant mortality; helps to prevent HIV/AIDS. It empowers people and enhances education. It reduces adolescent pregnancies and slows population growth,” he added. (POPCOM/PIA-Caraga)

DOST 13 supports Climate Change advocacy

By Margarette Faye Urbiztondo

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - “Nagbabago na ang Panahon.. Panahon na para magbago…”

This was the striking statement posted on uniform tarpaulins region wide advocating climate change.

“We are running out of time… We need to educate our people. Let us act now for the welfare of our children,” Butuan City mayor Ferdinand Amante exclaimed as he welcomed guests and participants during the Regional Information Officers’ Summit on Climate Change Advocacy held recently in one of the convention centers here.

According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga regional director Dominga D. Mallonga, who was also one of the speakers of the said summit, “Not all hazards spell disaster. It could only be a disaster if we are not able to cope with such changes spontaneously occurring in the environment.”

She further discussed on the DOST outcomes/projects, as a product of science and technology, intended for disaster risk reduction.

One of DOST’s major projects for said purpose is the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) which “aims to provide assistance and assessment to disaster prevention and warning against possible floods, typhoons and other disasters.”

“Are we ready for the next Yolanda?” she purposely asked.

“We may not be able to stop the occurrence of climate change, but at least we find ways on how to adapt to such changes, reducing risks brought by extreme disasters,” Mallonga added.

Other speakers for the said summit were Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr; DENR Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo; Oxfam Mindanao Coordinator Dante Dalabajan; Board Secretary Earl Dela Victoria; Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Caraga’s Grace Abella; PIA-Caraga regional director Abner Caga; PIA-11 regional director Efren Elbanbuena; PIA-10 regional director Thelma Oliver; and PIA-9 regional director Noemi Edaga.

Inspired with the theme, “Strengthening partnerships among communities for climate change adaptation and mitigation,” said event was realized through the efforts of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga, supported with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 13, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and other private sectors; Mary Kay, PLDT-Philcom and Bayan Telecommunications. (DOST-13/PIA-Caraga)

Agusan solon files heritage bill anew; seeks to declare Balangay as ‘National Boat’

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - “The Philippines is an archipelagic country and seafaring is in the blood of the Filipino...the Balangay is a source of true national pride that should not be forgotten. It is time to formally include it in our roster of national symbols” said Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun.

Fortun on Wednesday filed House Bill 4879, declaring the Balangay, also known as the Butuan Boat, as the National Boat of the Philippines. Just last week, he also filed 4823, declaring Butuan as heritage tourism zone.

In his explanatory note, Fortun articulated the Balangay as a demonstration early Filipino boat-building genius and seamanship expertise during the pre-colonial times, it being known as the first-ever wooden watercraft to be excavated in Southeast Asia. “The technology used in building this boat is unique to the Balangay. The vessel is a plank boat adjoined by carved-out planks edged through pins and dowels. It is a finely built boat designed for long-distance navigation made without the use of blueprints and was taught to be made from one generation to another using an ancient technique that has been preserved and is still employed by boat makers of Sibutu Island,” Fortun explained.

Found only in the Philippines where flotilla of such ancient boats exist, the Butuan Boat was utilized by early ancestors to maintain trade relations with neighboring islands around the country and empires around Southeast Asia. The extensive utilization of the boat for this purpose confirms the active involvement of our forefathers in robust commercial activities in Asia as early as the 10th and 11th centuries. The boat was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest watercraft found in the Philippines.

“As demonstrated by our ancestors, building a Balangay and sailing it in the high seas entail solidarity and harmony among boat builders and seafarers. It is for this reason that it is now used by the Philippine Government as a term to refer to the smallest political unit, now popularly known as the barangay. The Balangay is a symbol of the Filipino community’s character of unity, cooperation, determination and resilience” Fortun added.

It can be recalled that then President Corazon Aquino decreed on March 9, 1987 Presidential Proclamation No. 86, declaring the Balangays as “national cultural treasures” and the vicinity of its excavation as “archeological sites.” Every year, Butuanons pay homage to the mighty Balangay, naming after it its month-long festivity during May. Last 2010, three replicas of Balangay, the Diwata ng Lahi (Spirit of the Race), Masawa Hong Butuan (Radiance of Butuan), and Sama Tawi Tawi (People of Tawi Tawi) completed the 14,000 kilometers ‘Voyage of the Balangay,’ symbolizing great feat of the mighty Balangay believed to rule Southeast Asian waters.

“The Balangay deserves its rightful place, not only in the museums, but also more importantly, in the consciousness of every Filipino. Declaring it the country’s national boat will ensure that future generations of Filipinos will recognize the invaluable contribution of our forefathers in shaping our maritime tradition and passing on the values of solidarity, harmony, determination, courage and bravery,” he said.

Once passed, the Balangay will be formally included to the roster of national symbols. Concerned agencies such as National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum and the Department of Education, among others, are directed to promulgate necessary rules and regulations. (LAWig Katawhan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Dinagat Islands is least drug-affected province in Caraga, says PDEA

By Ma. Jane Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Aug. 14 (PIA) - The province of Dinagat Islands has registered the lowest percentage of drug-affectation among the five provinces in Caraga Region, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

During the recently held Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meeting, PDEA Caraga regional director Erwin S. Ogario reported that as of July this year, the province has the least drug-affectation with only five percent compared to the other provinces in the region.

Ogario also reported that the province has zero or no report of seizure during their operations conducted in the province from the year 2007 to 2013. "In 2014, there were only 3 reported arrests," said Ogario.

During the said meeting, the council discussed several important matters relating to the organization, operation, and proliferation of prohibited drugs in the province.

The meeting was presided by Dinagat Islands Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo and participated by the administrative board, executive committee members, and the working committee. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

MARPOL bill now ready for second reading; Fortun positive for its immediate passage

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - Appropriations committee of the lower house approved, without question, House Bill 861, or the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Act of 2013, now readied for second reading.

The said bill was earlier approved by the Committee on Ecology and was likewise cross- referred to the appropriations committee to discuss and iron-out budgetary issues. During the hearing today, the committee finding merit on the legislative measure, prompted a smooth and unanimous green signal to proceed to second reading.

It can be recalled that Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun filed the said legislative measure days after assuming office. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ecology last July 24, 2014.

HB 861 aims to remedy the shortcomings of the 1976 Presidential Decree 979 and more significantly, seeks to implement the provision of the MARPOL 73/78, otherwise known as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as amended by the Protocol of 1978.

While the Presidential Decree 979, or the Marine Pollution Decree of 1976, was promulgated in 1976 to address the calls for protecting marine and coastal resources from ship’s pollution, the decree has become too general in its implementing regulation or standard and no longer responsive to the prevalent threat of pollution from ships.

Renewed calls for strengthening the marine and coastal protection from pollution of ships was made anew after the confirmed dumping of toxic wastes in Subic by a US Navy contractor and the many incidents of oil spills just this year.

Fortun, through this bill, wants to implement provisions of MARPOL 73/78, a convention entered into by the Philippines in 1973 and was subsequently ratified by the Senate in 2001. “One of the highlights of the said measure is to establish guidelines for the identification of harmful substances,” Fortun said. It also seeks to set emission standards for ship plying Philippine seas.

Fortun expressed his high hopes for the timely passage of the bill in the coming sessions of the current Congress. (LAWig Katawhan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Solon seeks probe on hospital’s alleged negligence

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun has filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1379 directing an investigation on the reported failure of the Department of Health (DOH) to strictly implement, monitor and ensure strict compliance by hospitals and medical clinics with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 8344, law prohibiting the imposition of any deposit or down payment as prerequisite to a patient’s confinement in, or admission to, a hospital or medical clinic or the administration of medical treatment or support in emergency or serious cases, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The resolution directs the House Committee on Health to investigate, in aid of legislation, the reported practice of non-compliance with impunity and wanton disregard by some hospitals and medical clinics of the provisions of RA 8344 and the failure of the DOH to properly implement, monitor and impose appropriate sanctions on the erring hospitals and medical clinics.

Section 1 of RA 8344 reads: "In emergency or serious cases, it shall be unlawful for any proprietor, president, director, manager or any other officer, and/or medical practitioner or employee of a hospital or medical clinic to request, solicit, demand or accept any deposit or any other form of advance payment as a prerequisite for confinement or medical treatment of a patient in such hospital or medical clinic or to refuse to administer medical treatment and support as dictated by good practice of medicine to prevent death or permanent disability..."

Since last week, netizens volunteered sentiments over post on Facebook of a certain Tutz Salarda-Chan and she shared grief with the passing of her daughter 'Yanna'. Story of Yanna spread like a wildfire as both national and local dailies started to catch her sad fate.

Jannary "Yanna" Chan, a critically-ill 10 year old child, succumbed to a heart ailment in the early hours July 16, 2014, after Butuan Doctors Hospital in Butuan City reportedly denied her admission for medical treatment due to insufficient money to pay for the hospital's pre-admission required deposit of P30,000.00.

Yanna accompanied by her mother, came all the way from San Francisco Doctors Hospital on board an ambulance with complete medical certificate and referral documents. Despite the presentation of said documents, the critical situation of the child and the entreaty of the parents, hospital personnel refused admission, forcing the family to look for another hospital in Davao City - that required another few hours of travel and on their way thereto, the child perished.

"Prior to this incident involving the death of Yanna Chan, there have been earlier accounts and reports of hospital and medical clinics rejecting or refusing to administer medical treatment and support on account of their inability to pay the required deposit or downpayment," Fortun in his explanatory note.

“This is wanton disregard of a law passed by Congress for the preservation of human life regardless of a patient’s economic status,” Fortun added.

Parallel to filing of HR 1379, the solon also wrote the DOH Caraga to immediately conduct an inquiry on the alleged refusal of Butuan Doctors Hospital to admit Yanna. In his letter, Fortun aptly wrote: "I respectfully urge you to act on this concern with haste and urgency as part of the mandate of the Department to monitor and enforce the provisions of the law (RA 8344)." (LAWig Katawhan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DepEd conducts District PATUBO competition

By Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) - The Department of Education (DepEd) Southwest Butuan District conducted its first District PATUBO competition held at the West Central Elementary School last August 11, bearing the theme,"Pahawagon Ta ang Kulturang Butuanon Kaiban Ang Pagpatubo Hong Kakahuyan."

The said activity aims to raise the level of awareness and give value to Butuanon culture and its dialect and its restoration among the participants.

Seven schools under the district namely: West Central Elementary School, Mandacpan Elementary School, Maon Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Villa Kananga Elementary School, Bit-os Elementary School and San Roque Elementary School competed in the quiz bowl, balak, poster making contest, sayawit, and playlet. It was learned that the contents of the different categories were in Butuanon dialect as part of its preservation.

Meantime, the winners of each category were as follows: balak was won by San Roque Elementary School followed by Bit-os Elementary School and Maon Elementary School, respectively.

For the poster making contest, West Central Elementary School garnered first place, Bit-os Elementary School as second and Maon Elementary School, third.

In addition, Maon Elementary School bagged the first place in the quiz bowl followed by Bit-os Elementary School as second and West Central Elementary School as third.

For the sayawit category, West Central Elementary School won fisrt, San Vicente Elementary School, second and Mandacpan Elementary School as third.

Lastly, Mandacpam Elementary school garnered first in the playlet followed by San Vicente Elementary School and Villa Kananga Elementary School second and third, respectively.

Top performing schools will represent Southwest district to the upcoming 1st division PATUBO competition come August 14 at Butuan Central Elementary School.

Project PATUBO stands for "PAHAWAGON TA Ang TURISMO HONG BUTUAN (Let us promote Butuan's tourism)," which is one of the flagship programs of the Butuan City division. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Tagalog News: Gobyerno handang ipagtanggol ang mga kamag-anak ng mga biktima ng Maguindanao massacre, sabi ng Malakanyang

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 14 (PIA) - Ang Kagawaran ng Katarungan (DOJ) ay handang magbigay ng proteksyon sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima ng Maguindanao Massacre, kasunod ng ulat tungkol sa bantang panunuhol sa isang biyuda ng naulilang biktima, ayon sa isang opisyal ng Palasyo.

“Isa sa mga bagay na talagang aming ginawa ay gawing segurado na ang mga saksi ay nasasakop sa ilalim ng Witness Protection Program,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa isang panayam sa media noong Miyerkoles.

“Ito ay napaka importante para sa amin – na ipagtanggol sila. At para doon sa mga hindi sakop ng Witness Protection Program, hinihikayat at hinihiling naming sa kanila na sumali sa programa, para hindi sila malagay sa kapahamakan,” dagdag niya.

Pinayuhan ni Lacierda yung mga inalok ng pera kapalit ng kanilang katahimikan na maghain ng reklamo sa korte para makapag-imbistiga ang Department of Justice.

“Kung hindi, hindi rin kami makapag pasiya sa bagay na iyan,” sabi niya.

Subalit sinabi ni Lacierda na hindi pa malinaw sa ngayon kung kailan ginawa ang tangkang panunuhol, dahil kung tutuusin, tapos ng naepresinta ang ebidensya ng prosekusyon.

Ang publiko, sabi niya, ay naghihintay na sa depensa para magpresenta ng kanilang mga ebidensiya. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

CSC Caraga ready to embark on COMEX system

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 PIA – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga is glad in informing the public that the Computerized Examination (COMEX) System will be finally launched here on Thursday, August 14, 2014.

COMEX is a new system designed to unite all existing stand-alone examination processes into a single examination system that would run though wide area network environment where the regional testing centers shall be connected to the central server located at the central office, revealed CSC Caraga regional director Resurreccion Pueyo.

The COMEX automates and integrates each step in the administration of computerized examination making the entire process faster and easier.

Aside from these, the COMEX system will be activated under these features: Allows applicants to apply and reserve a slot for an examination 24/ online; links to CSC’s existing database that allows for more accurate cross-checking of information; permits an examinee to complete the examination process from application to results generation, all on the same day; ensures reliability of the conduct of examination; and uses up-to-date software that meets the specifications of modern computers and servers.

Pueyo is advising applicants to take note of the five important steps of COMEX process:

Step 1: Examination Account Registration (EAR) – Individuals register to create a user account; online registration via CSC-COMEX website; provide personal information

Step 2: Examination Slot Reservation (ESR) – Notification of online offerings on the type of examination, number of slots, date and time of appearance, date and time of examination, and examination venue; registered user reserves an examination slot online

Step 3: Examination Slot Confirmation (ESC) – Confirmation of application; completion of remaining stages of application (verification of applicant’s identity, payment of examination fee and capturing of applicant’s photo, biometrics and digital signature)

Step 4: Actual Test Program (ATP) – Assignment of each examinee to a test form and a testing computer; authentication of examinee’s biometrics; examinee takes the actual test

Step 5: Test Result Processing (TRP) – Processing of examination results; generation of examination reports; examinee gets the test result online.

According to Pueyo, the online registration will be available with a fee of P600 after it is being launched.

It was also learned that CSC Caraga has a new testing center in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur in addition to the existing three in cities of Tandag, Surigao and Butuan.

The COMEX system launching will be graced by CSC Commissioner Robert Martinez. There will also be a press conference at 2:00 p.m. on the same day at the CSC HRD Center. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Dengue cases in Caraga still on the rise

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) – Cases of dengue in Caraga region continue to increase and now with 77 percent higher compared to same period last year.

From January 1 up to August 9 this year, the Department of Health - Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (DOH-RESU) reported a total of 3,810 dengue cases admitted to different disease reporting units regionwide.

For the same period last year, DOH-RESU recorded a total of 2,143 cases.

The province of Agusan del Sur remains to have the highest number of cases, now with 1,008 followed by Butuan City with 824; Surigao del Sur with 442; Surigao del Norte with 267; Tandag City with 255; Agusan del Norte – 250; Bayugan City – 205; Surigao City – 197; Bislig City – 191; Cabadbaran City – 152; and Dinagat Islands with 19 cases.

Based on the report, hot spot of cases was noted in the following barangays: Telaje and Mabua in Tandag City and clustering of cases in the following barangays: Bag-ong Lungsod, Bongtud, Dagocdoc, all from Tandag City in Surigao del Sur; and San Agustin Sur in San Miguel, still in Surigao del Sur and Rosario in Agusan del Sur.

Ages of cases ranged from less than one month old to 90 years old and the majority of cases were males which is 51 percent.

Forty percent of the cases belonged to zero to 10 years age group.

Also, for a period of January 1 to August 2 this year, a total of 18 deaths were reported from the different Disease Reporting Units regionwide with case fatality rate of 0.47%. Deaths came from: Butuan City with seven deaths (Barangay Pangabugan – 1, Silongan – 1; Ambago – 2, Amparo – 1, Baan Riverside – 1, and Ampayon – 1); Barangay Poblacion 3 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte with 2 deaths; Cabadbaran City with three deaths (Barangay Putting Bato – 1, Cabinet – 1, Barangay 4 – 1); Barangay Poblacion in Bislig City with 2 deaths; Agusan del Sur with 2 deaths (Barangay Bahbah in Prosperidad – 1, Barangay Libuac in Rosario – 1); and Surigao del Sur with two deaths (Barangay Palo Alto in Lingig – 1, Gamut in Barobo – 1). (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Chamber holds business enhancement seminar

By Ma. Jane Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Aug. 13 (PIA) - The Dinagat Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DIPCCI) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently organized a two-day Business Enhancement and Education Seminar for Business Enterprise and Cooperatives at Aurelio Gym, San Jose, this province.

DIPCCI president Leonel Rojo, in his message said, the event is significant to the businessmen and cooperative officers since it will give them further knowledge on how to manage their businesses and cooperatives towards growth.

During the seminar, BIR revenue collection officer Angelita Escatron and BIR Surigao revenue officer Eddie Felicilda discussed about invoicing, tax filing, tax exemption, tax mapping, and new BIR forms.

The said seminar was participated by around 200 business enterprise owners and cooperative officers from the seven municipalities of the province. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

News Feature: 307 households benefit from Esperanza potable water project

By Bryan F. Edulzura

ESPERENZA, Agusan del Sur, Aug. 13 (PIA) - At least 307 households comprising 1,639 individuals in barangay Remedios in this municipality benefited from the water project under the SAgana at LIgtas Na TUBIG para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Ten months after the project completion and turn-over to the barangay, the project continues to provide clean and potable water to the barangay.

“We are happy that the waterless barangays in Agusan del Sur have decreased, but more than that, we have greater joy in witnessing how this project addresses social and health needs of the community,” DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion said.

The residents’ anxiety of contracting diarrhea and other water-borne diseases from drinking water in the river has also been addressed because they trust the water source. Households chores become easier and lighter for women as they do not have to walk for kilometers to fetch water for drinking, cooking and washing.

“We will not go to Ojot River to wash our clothes and beddings anymore,” said Gemma O. Andoy, a mother and project beneficiary.

“We now have clean water in our own backyard,” she added.

For Maria Luisa A. Mondejar, elementary school teacher-in-charge, the project has also improved cleanliness, hygiene and health seeking behavior of the barangay residents especially to those members of the indigenous peoples’ community. In addition, “pupils also now have ample time to study and play because they no longer have to walk for hours just to fetch water for drinking, cooking and washing,” Mondejar said.

The water system is managed by the Barangay Water Association-REWASA. Though the water system is sufficient to meet the demands of the consumers, they are facing some challenges to effectively sustain the operation of the water system. Milagros Mondejar, REWASA head, aspires that the organization board members will be capacitated in handling water issues and concerns.

Also because of the project, beneficiaries have been encouraged to cooperate in barangay projects, participate in the maintenance and protection of the water system facility and religiously pay their monthly water bills. (DILG Caraga with reports from Shiela Jaramillo/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD-13, GIZ launch P.E.A.C.E. for Veruela project

VERUELA, Agusan del Sur, Aug. 13 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga forged another partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of the said town for the German agency-funded Peace for Economic Advancement and Community Empowerment (PEACE) project.

“This development project is a networking initiative of DSWD, in partnership with the Deutsche of Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (GIZ-COSERAM) program which provided an amount of P4, 037,750.00 for its five month-implementation,” said DSWD Caraga regional community development specialist Elsa T. Montemor.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing was done during the formal project launching held last August 12, 2014 in time with the 17th charter day and 44th Fiesta of Barangay Sampaguita, Veruela.

Present during the activity were DSWD-Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli, municipal mayor Salimar T. Mondejar, GIZ- Civil Peace Service (CPS) expert Hans Ulrich Krause, other LGU officials, representatives from the DSWD, and community residents.

Brigoli congratulated the municipality for a productive collaboration with DSWD in implementing the agency’s social protection programs, most especially the KALAHI CIDSS- National Community-Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP) PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA).

“This PEACE project is another opportunity for further development of this town as this is mainly aimed at capacitating communities in peace building and peace education,” said Brigoli.

Mayor Mondejar also voiced his sincere thanks to DSWD and the GIZ-COSERAM for considering their municipality to be a recipient of the project.

“PEACE for Veruela will in one way or another address one of our poverty problems which are caused by its high susceptibility to violent conflicts, and high level of leftist activities which affect and divide the local communities,” expressed Mondejar.

The newly-launched project will benefit six conflict-affected barangays. It will implement three components namely capacity development on peace education concepts and approaches, implementation of Quick Impact Measure (QIM) for better access to livelihood opportunities, and documentation of learnings. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

PHL exports 400 MT premium rice

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture said today that for the first time in 30 years, the Philippines has been able to export high quality rice.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the country has already exceeded earlier projections on the volume of premium rice the country can export.

“Ang amin pong naunang projection ay ang maka-export ng 100 metric tons of premium rice, but we have already exported 400 metric tons of premium rice—red rice, black rice and organic rice—and the year is not yet over,” Alcala said.

The secretary said that in the event we hit rice self-sufficiency and there is already adequate buffer stock, rice farmers will be encouraged to cultivate more premium rice for export.

According to Alcala, Hong Kong and Singapore have large requirements for premium rice but they don’t have any production.

He added that it is good sign that we were finally able to export rice because it has become somewhat embarrassing that for more than 30 years, we have been importing rice and among the world’s top importers of rice.

Earlier the DA said the Philippines saved not less than P147 billion on rice importation from 2010 to 2013 because instead of buying rice from our Vietnamese and Thai neighbors, Filipino farmers had a good harvest and were able to meet part of the demand.

The country used to rely in imports to stabilize rice supply and price with an import dependency ratio of 13.57 percent from 2001-2010.

The past administration spent more in National Food Authority imports than in production support from 2001-2010—105.6 billion for production compared to P292.5 billion for NFA imports, making production grow at a rate of only 2.27 percent or a little over 313,000 MT annually.

From 2008 to 2010, the amount paid for rice imports worth P176.18 billion was eight times the amount of P22.06 billion paid for the period 2011-2013.  Payments for rice imports were 2.8 times the level of support for rice programs from 2001-2010.

This was reversed from 2011 to 2013 with support for local producers at 3.9 times that of payments for rice imports which drove our farmers to deliver the performance in the last three years with a higher annual average growth rate of 5.37 percent, equivalent to 889, 029 MT. (DA-OSEC/PIA-Caraga)

Planning and Development Office cites SurSur gains in agriculture

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 13 (PIA) – Esmeraldo Raymundo, agricultural technologist and Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) provincial coordinator detailed at the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), has cited gains primarily on agriculture when he rendered a performance report during their office’s hosting of the regular Monday flag ceremony program this week.

Focusing on the top two of the six “development” objectives, the MRDP provincial coordinator pointed out that agriculture, among others, has contributed much to the growth and development of the place.

The two leading objectives he mentioned are “Reduce Poverty Incidence” and “Maintain and Improve Ecology.”

However, the rest of the six development objectives that Raymundo had outlined are:  Intensify Delivery of Basic Services, Provide Adequate Infrastructure Facilities and Utilities, Strengthen Development Administration, and Maintain Public Order & Safety.

Under agriculture, he particularly tagged rice as the main crop, but put an extra stress on other agricultural commodities wherein the province was said to be “the largest producer and supplier of the following crops in the whole of Caraga Region:  45.8% of total copra production; 67.5% of total abaca fiber output; 75.6% of green coffee harvested; and 100% of soybean supply.”

On rice production, Raymundo stressed that the province has posted an increased yield of 1.4 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively, in irrigated as well as rainfed areas, resulting to an “85 percent on self-sufficiency in rice in 2013, a dramatic increase from 72 percent level in 2010.”

He noted that this upswing in production was brought about by the continuing increase in “Budget allocation for Rice Self-Sufficiency Program from 2007 with P2,955,660 until 2012 with P10,229,222. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DILG distributes checks for potable water system projects in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 13 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional office through Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion distributed yesterday nine Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) checks of varied amounts intended for potable water system (PWS) projects in Surigao del Sur.

The event took place at the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting chaired by Governor Johnny Pimentel that was held at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) conference room.

The recipients include Bislig City-P480,000 together with the towns of Marihatag-P1,275,000; Barobo-P850,000; Hinatuan-P500,000; Tagbina-P810,250 and P425,000 for two respective barangays; Cagwait-P900,000; Lanuza-P500,000;  P300,000; and, P400,000 for three respective barangays; Tago-750,000; and, San Agustin-P675,000.

Meanwhile, Ma. Lourdes Martinez, DILG provincial outcome manager here said that there are yet other municipalities to receive checks for the said purpose, but compliance to requirements is still on process.

Surigao del Sur is comprised of two cities and 17 municipalties. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SNCAT celebrates 1st Harvest Festival

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) - Administrators, faculty, staff and students of Surigao del Norte Colleges of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT) recently celebrated its first Harvest Festival.

The activity which is anchored on the theme: “Improving Agricultural Productivity for Environmental Sustainability, Food Security and Economic Opportunity,” was graced by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) deputy director-general for TESD Operations Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua.

In his keynote speech, DDG Pascua emphasized the need to strengthen the advocacy campaign of promoting agriculture course to students so that they will be encouraged to enroll.

DDG Pascua also shared his experience when he ventured to agriculture by planting small peppers. He said that with one hectare, he can gain income to at least P70,000 per harvest.

The official further said if students can only realize that there is really money in agriculture, they will be enticed to enroll courses or trainings pertaining to it.

In a related development, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga regional director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. likewise pointed out that there seems to be a trend of declining of enrollment in Agriculture training and education all over the country. Sunico added because of this, concerned government officials should find a way to address this challenge.

The TESDA chief of the region likewise stressed there is a need for agricultural training institutions to take the challenge that is happening now where majority of the youths doesn’t have interest on enrolling agricultural trainings and courses.

Sunico said it is not enough for the training institutions to teach the students how to produce the agricultural crops but also on how to market their produce. “There is a need for our students to know how are they going to market the agricultural crops they have produced as a way of their livelihood,” Sunico added.

In this way, Sunico said the students will have the idea of gaining income from agriculture. “We have to show to students the idea that we can make money in agriculture and if we don’t do this, we continue them to shying away from the toils of the earth,” Sunico said.

Harvest Festival is a celebration of the food grown in the land. This is the time of the year when all the crops have been harvested. It also reminds the SNCAT community of the good things God has given them.

For SNCAT being an agricultural learning institution, this activity is very remarkable because is one of the most effective advocacies highlighting the importance of agriculture in the country’s economy, thus, addressing hunger and achieve food security.

After the opening program, DDG Pascua together with Sunico, provincial directors of TESDA-Caraga, SNCAT officials and students went to the school’s field garden and harvested agricultural products such as eggplants, bell peppers, squash, among others. They also planted seedlings of different species. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)

Cabadbaran to recognize topnotchers

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) - The city government of Cabadbaran, with the leadership of Mayor Dale B. Corvera, is set to give due recognition to its residents who will top the national government examinations.

A new City Ordinance No. 2014-008, authored by Councilor Alicia C. Funcion, institutionalized the giving of recognition to all Cabadbaranons who made in the top 10 positions in the Bar, Board, Civil Service and other national professional government examinations taken in the year 2013 and onwards.

The legislative measure aims to recognize the topnotchers of government examinations by awarding a citation of excellence for the rare honor and distinction the awardees have brought or accorded to the City of Cabadbaran.

Provincial Board Member Rodulfo A. Pitogo, chairman of the Committee on Education and Culture, pushed for the approval of the said city ordinance and which was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 51st Regular Session. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Tagalog News: Ang pagkakadakip kay Palparan ay nagpapakita ng determinasyon ng pamahalaan sa reporma ng sistema sa Hudikatura, sabi ng isang opisyal

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Agosto 14 (PIA) - Ang pagkakaaresto sa retiradong heneral ns si Jovito Palparan noong Martes ay nagpapakita ng determinasyon ng administrasyon sa pagreporma ng sistema ng Hudikatura para maseguro ang pantay na proteksiyon sa bawat isa, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo.

"Matibay ang determinasyon ng ating Pangulo na iharap sa hukuman at panagutin ang mga mayroong usapin sa paglabag ng mga karapatang pantao at sa paglabag ng batas," sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang panayam sa media noong Martes.

Sinagot ni Secretary Coloma ang tanong kung ang pagkakaaresto kay Palparan ay isang babala sa mga gumagawa ng kasalanan na pumapatay ng walang habas.

Sabi niya, ang administrasyon ay naniniwala na ang mabuting pamahalaan ay kailangan din na maseguro ang pagpatupad ng batas sa bansa.

"Isa rin ‘yan sa pinakamahalagang aspeto ng plataporma ng Pangulo ‘nung siya ay kumandidato sa pagka-pangulo—‘yung paggawad ng pantay-pantay na hustisya, paggawad ng katarungan sa ating bansa," sabi niya.

Habang ang pagkadakip kay Palparan ay isang maliit na tagumpay sa sistema ng Hudikatora sa bansa, sinabi ni Coloma na ang pamahalaang Aquino ay pusposang nagtatrabaho para magkaroon ng epektibong sistema ng hudikatora para sa mga kriminal na pangmatagalan.

Ang pagseseguro na mahatulan ang mga nagkasala sa batas ay isang pangunahing konsiderasyon ng pamahalaan, sabi niya, at dinagdagan pang sabihin na ang pangako ng pamahalaan na maseguro ang pagpatupad ng batas ay isang pangunahing hakbang sa pagbasag ng kultura ng impunidad o kaligtasan sa parusa sa bansa.

Ang pinakamataas na tinawag na kultura ng impunidad ay nangyari noong 2009 ng ang isang angkan ng mga warlords ay gumawa ng masaker sa Maguindanao, sabi niya.

Tinandaan niya na ito ay dahilan kung bakit ang isinusulong ng Pangulo ang reporma sa Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Sineguro rin ni Coloma noong Martes na ang pamahalaan ay patuloy na tinutugis ang mga matataas at kilalang mga suspetsado na nanatiling nakakalaya.

Kasama sa mga matataas at kilalang mga nagtatagosa batas ay ang magkapatid na Reyes mula sa Palawan at ang charismatic na lider na si Ruben Ecleo. May pabuya ang otoridad para sa kanilang pagkahuli.

Si Palparan ay iniugnay sa 2006 na pagkidnap at seryosong illegal na pagdetene sa dalawang babaeng estudyante ng University of the Philippines. Siya ay nagtago pagkatapos na mailabas ang warrant para sa kanyang pagkaaresto noong Disyembre, 2011. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)