Wednesday, September 10, 2014

LMB commends DENR Caraga

By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga was awarded 1st place in the Timeliness of Approval of Projects and High Absorptive Capacity in the Implementation of Cadastral Survey Projects for CY 2010-2014 and 2nd place in the overall implementation of the project Land Administration and Management System (LAMS) for CY 2012-2014 during the 113th anniversary celebration of the DENR-Land Management Sector (LMS) last September 2, 2014 at the Land Management Bureau (LMB) building, Binondo, Manila.

During the commemoration, Land Management Bureau (LMB) recognizes Regional Land Management Services’ efforts and contributions in the completion of the cadastral survey program and the computerization of public land records.

In its over a century of public service, the bureau wants to ensure land tenure for the Filipino people as well as attainment of economic development.

“Truly, best practices in land administration and management coupled with good governance are key factors in achieving the mandates of the LMB making headway in economic and sustainable development and better lives for the Filipino people, ” LMB OIC-Director Ralph C. Pablo said.

Director Pablo and OIC-Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance Corazon Davis spearheaded the awarding of plaques of recognition to the Regional LMS best performers in the implementation of Cadastral Survey Program and the LAMS.

Among the regions given with awards for the over-all implementation of LAMS for CY 2012-2014 are the following: Region 6 - 1st place; Region 13 - 2nd place and Region 10 - 3rd place. In terms of the implementation of the Cadastral Survey Projects for CY 2010-2014, Region 13 bagged 1st place; Region 2 got 2nd place; and Region 6 in 3rd place.

“The completion of the cadastral survey is an integral part in the computerization of land information. Through the Land Administration and Management System (LAMS) all land-related information are integrated within a system that will make all land-related transactions easier and will benefit everyone from personnel of the DENR and LMB to the field officers to the clients,” Director Pablo concluded. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

DTI, LGU-Placer conduct Business Consumers Forum

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 10 (PIA) - The municipal government of Placer in coordination with the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) recently conducted a Business Consumers Forum held at the Municipal Function Hall, Barangay Magsaysay, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

The forum, which was attended by the owners and representatives of business establishments and household consumers, was aimed to provide inputs and tackled vital issues on the proper conduct of business that will operate along the context of consumer welfare and protection.

The forum centered on the discussion of fair trade laws, the rights and responsibilities of consumers as well as other relevant policies and mechanism that governs the proper conduct of business.

Placer Mayor Felimon V. Napuli, in his welcome message, stressed that the only way for business to grow is to provide better products and services to attract more buyers and assured that his administration will always support such kind of activity to educate the business sector and consumers because of the increasing economic activity of the municipality.

During the activity DTI-Trade and Industry Development Specialist Rodrigo R. Matabaran explained that Dthe agency is addressing the national goal on poverty reduction and inclusive growth in two ways such as business development, and consumer welfare and protection.

He also explained that parallel efforts to educate the business sector on fair trade laws and consumer welfare policies, as well as the consumers on their rights and responsibilities were done intensively to enable every household get the best value of their money.

Other topics discussed during the said activity include, the Consumer Act, Price Act and Product Standards, Mechanism on resolving consumer complaint by DTI-Trade and Industry Development Specialist Josephine D. Gabutin.

Gabutin stressed that in case of defective products, consumers can avail of either the three possible options like repair, replacement and refund.

During the open forum one of the issues raised is the prices of LPG which is not adjusted when there is a price rollback.

It was explained that the Department of Energy has jurisdiction over fuel products but the LGU through the local price coordinating council can address the issue by calling the attention of the concerned business establishment. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Butuan bishop urges faithful to participate in tree planting activity

By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) - Most Rev. Juan de dios Pueblos, DD of the diocese of Butuan has called on the faithful to actively participate in the massive tree planting event on September 26, 2014 that would attempt to break the Guiness World Record of the most number of tree seedlings planted in a span of one hour.

During the press conference and launching of the Mindanao-wide campaign dubbed as "TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW" held on September 4 at the Robinson's Place here, Bishop Pueblos encouraged the citizens of Caraga to take responsibility in the stewardship of the environment as it will also save people from any disaster.

“By planting more trees, we will also be able to save more lives. Let's all participate in this noble activity with hope that this will be a successful one and that we can also break the record," Pueblos said.

More than 200,000 planters are expected to troop to different planting sites on September 26, aiming to plant 4,636,000 tree seedlings in one hour from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in a total land area of 9,200 hectares all over the six regions of Mindanao.

To date, India holds the World Record of the most number of tree seedlings that have been planted in one hour when the 340,200 participants planted 1,945,535 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on August 15, 2011. That record is being held, by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, a social reformer, preacher, spiritual leader and the head of the India-based socio-spiritual organization Dera Sacha Sauda.

DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo emphasized that this event will not only focus on tree planting but on tree growing as well.

"With or without this record breaking event we will continue to reforest our environment. We shall hit our target before 2016. With the help of our LGUs, we will make this possible. Let's make everyday an Arbor Day here in Caraga region," he said. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Palasyo sinabi na ang kasalukuyang reporma na ginagawa sa pambansang pulisya ay naglalayong linisin ang mga tiwaling opisyal

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Setyembre 10 (PIA) - Pinatotohanan ng Palasyo na may mga seryosong pagsisikap sa loob ng Philippine National Police (PNP) para linisin ang katayuan ng mga tiwaling pulis.

Sa isang panayam sa media noong Martes sa Malakanyang, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. na itong kakaunting bilang ng mga tiwaling pulis ay hindi dapat dungisan ang imahe ng buong organisasyon ng pulisya.

“Kakaunti lamang sila kung ikumpara sa buong pwersa ng PNP,” sabi ni Coloma.

Siyam na mga opisyal na pulis, pito sa kanila ay miyembro ng La Loma Police station, ay naiugnay sa kasong pagnanakaw at illegal detention. Dalawa sa kanila ay naaresto.

Tinanong ng mga mamamahayag kung naniniwala siya na ang Setyembre 1 na pangyayari sa kahabaan ng EDSA ay isang malaking dagok sa 125,000 na miyembro ng organisasyon ng pulisiya, sinabi ni Coloma sa isang malaking kapabayaan kung walang pagsisikap sa parte ng mga pamunuan ng PNP para linisin ang kanilang hanay.

“Gaano kaya kalaki ang dagok kapag may mga sitwasyon na ganyan at hindi ginawa ng PNP ang kanilang tungkulin,” sabi niya.

Ginagawa ng PNP ang kanilang tungkulin, sa ibinigay na hamon sa napakaraming tao na kanilang binabantayan at kulang ang kanilang tauhan at mga kagamitan na kanila pang tinutugunan, sabi niya.

Kahit sa ganoong pangyayari, gumagawa ang pulisya ng mga hakbang para makuha ang kompyansa ng publiko, sabi ni Coloma, na binibigyan ng diin ang kahalagahan ng koordinasyon ng pulis at komunidad para labanan ang kriminalidad.

Para gawing mas mabisa ang PNP, gumagawa ng hakbang ang pamahalaan na dagdagan ang kanilang miyembro, bumili ng mas maraming armas at kagamitan, at habulin ang mga hindi lisensyadong armas, sabi niya. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog News: Pinal na draft ng Bangsamoro Law ay isusumite sa Kongreso sa Miyerkoles

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Setyembre 10 (PIA) - Ang pinal na draft ng Bangsamoro Basic Law ay pormal na ipepresenta kay Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at sa Kongreso ngayong araw, Miyerkoles, isang opisyal ng Malakanyang ang nagsabi kamakailan.

“Isang paglilinis na lamang, kasunod ng pagpupulong na isinagawa noong nakaraang linggo. Kaya, sa Miyerkoles, (Setyembre 10), magkaroon ng isang turnover ceremony sa Malakanyang,” sabi ni Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles sa mga mamamahayag noong nagkaroon ng panayam sa Davao City.

“Ang mga namumuno at ang ating inaasahang magagaling sa Kongreso ay pupunta sa Malakanyang at nagpasiya ang Pangulo na siya mismo ang mag endorso ng banghay sa Kongreso,” dagdag niya.

Noong nakaraang Marso 27, ang Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro ay nilagdaan pagkatapos marating ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front at ang pamahalaan ang kasunduan na naglalayon na dalhin ang panghabangbuhay na kapayapaan sa Mindanao.

Ito ang nagbukas ng daan upang balangkasin ang Bangsamoro Basic Law na isusumite sa Mababang Kapulungan at sa Senado para ratipikahan. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

TESDA-Caraga recognizes institutional awardees, partners

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) – Highlighted on the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga was the giving of recognition to the agency’s partners and stakeholders who have been regularly supporting its programs in the region during the Awarding Ceremony held in one of the convention centers here on Monday.

TESDA-Caraga regl director Florencio Sunico, Jr. said that the agency's achievements and success would not have been possible without the support of partner stakeholders in empowering fellow Filipinos in honing their skills.

"With their technical competence we take pride in preparing our way to ASEAN recognition as we thrive for relevance and meaning in all our efforts,” he said.

TESDA-Caraga conferred plaque of recognition to the following 2014 Regionall Idol/ Kabalikat Awardees: Ronnie Abao-Regl TESDA Idol (Wage-employed Category); Hinatuan Mining Corp. - Regl Kabalikat Award (Industry Category); AMA-CLC, Agusan del Sur (Institution Category); Provl Govt of Agusan del Norte (LGU Category); and Surigao del Sur 1st Congressional District (Legislative Category).

Sunico personally handed-over the token of recognition for the 2014 Reg IDOL/Kabalikat Awardees.

As one of the provincial awardees from Surigao del Sur province, Surigao del Sur First Congressional District Representative Philip Pichay expressed his gratitude. "Education and training is our priority because it has developed our people in Surigao del Sur. We will always be here for TESDA as partner in continuously providing technical education and skills development to the marginalized sector," he said.

Pichay was also the guest of honor during the event. Local Chief Executives from different provinces are also in attendance together with other partner stakeholders in the government, private sectors and local media. TESDA-Caraga also paid tribute to their loyal employees.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Abner Caga duly received an award for its invaluable support extended as partner in the information and communication efforts in disseminating TESDA's thrust, mandates, and programs; bringing the government closer to the people.

This year’s TESDA Caraga anniversary celebration is anchored on the theme, “20 Taong World-Class na Pagsasanay Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan at Pamumuhay.” (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur guv guarantees steady support for tech-voc education

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) – Being previously recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga as the 2012 National Kabalikat Awardee for local government unit category, Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel expressed incessant efforts and support to sustain its technical-vocational (tec-voc) education programs.

In his testimonial message during the 20th Anniversary Celebration and Awarding Ceremony of TESDA-Caraga held here on Monday, Pimentel said that one of the priority programs for the province is to help the marginalized sector including the out-of-school youth.

"Jobs through technical vocational program contributed a lot in addressing the needs of our out-of-school youths. They may have missed out on schooling but have seen a better future on tech-voc education. We also provided trainings to our marginalized sector which include the women," he cited.

Pimentel disclosed that the provincial government of Surigao del Sur has provided a building for TESDA provincial office, provided them free water and electricity among other logistics because they have seen the need for a better office building in the area.

He underscored as well that as the local government’s way of helping the indigents/marginalized sector they conceptualized Jobs though Tech-Voc Programs (JTP) producing around 9,636 graduates to date and they now have their own job and are earning.

"I can say that we are successful with our objective and I'd like to assure TESDA-Caraga that the LGU-Surigao del Sur will continue to help uplift the lives of our constituents by facilitating livelihood trainings and technical-vocational education," remarked Pimentel.

Meanwhile, TESDA-Caraga regional director Florencio Sunico, Jr. said that what lies ahead of the reforms in TESDA requires a lot of responsibility from its personnel together with its partners in the government and private stakeholders. 

"Through this simple ceremony, we pay honor to your efforts in providing the programs and services to our clientele. We certainly have done good jobs for the previous years and definitely more jobs are to be done," expressed Sunico. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

SURSECO II assures sufficient power supply in the next 20 years in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 9 (PIA) – The Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II) assures the public of sufficient supply for the next 20 years, an official said recently.

This was reveled by SURSECO II General Manager Engr. Iglorio R. Hinayon during the press conference conducted in time with the celebration of their 35th Founding Anniversary held recently at the board Room of the SURSECO II Main Office in Tandag City.

Engr. Hinayon said, “by 2015 SURSECO II will have a secured power supply because right now we are entering into a contract with the different private power companies.”

He cited the following companies: the Therma South Incorporation which will operate accordingly on the last quarter next year; the GN Power which will commence its operation on 2017; the 640 KW Sagbayan Hydro Power Plant which will operate probably next year; and the 7.8 MW Surigao del Sur Power Plant which will commercialized this year.

“The average contract period of these power plants will last for at least 15 years,” Hinayon said.

Accordingly, the present peak demand of SURSECO II covering the 1st district of this province composed of 13 municipalities and Tandag City reaches around 13 MW with a five percent (5%) increase of demand per year.

Manager Hinayon further explained that it is the responsibility of SURSECO II to secure its power supply by entering into power supply agreements with the private companies. The power rate will be higher as he emphasized because these power plants are expensive compared to the hydro-run electricity.

The consumers should also weight the impact of the higher power rate versus less frequency of brownouts which will give considerable effect to the economy and the consumers themselves, he added.

“Surigaonons are really secured as far as the demand for the power supply is concerned," Hinayon said. (NGBT/with a report from Aguinaldo L. Jaluag-SURSECO II/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur-CSC reiterates reminder on Sept. 11 deadline on CSE-PPT application filing

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) – Provincial Director Ruth Beniga of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Surigao del Sur has reiterated her call on interested examinees for the Career Service Examination-Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) for Professional and Sub-Professional Levels set on October 26, 2014.

She reminded that there are a couple of days more left to beat the deadline on September 11 for the application filing, adding that they are aiming to get 1,400 applicants.

In an earlier announcement released by her office, it was noted that “Acceptance of applications shall be on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis and shall be closed any time before the deadline if the CSC Regional/Field Office has already reached the target number of applicants.”

During the nationwide conduct of examination, Butuan City, Tandag City, and Surigao City are the only identified testing centers in Caraga region. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA Surigao del Sur)

DAR Agusan Norte gears up personnel for cooperative training

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - Some 25 personnel of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte provincial office underwent a five-day training workshop on Trainers’ Training on September 2-6, 2014 held at Benjamin Garden Resort here.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega, CESO V, said that the training aimed to equip the participants with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in conducting community development and capacity building ideas.

“This training will enable participants to become the most effective speaker on the subject assigned for a target class of participants,” PARPO II Atega added.

Romy Dahuyag, one of the resource speakers, told that the said training is part of continuous learning process of DAR personnel to strengthen their capacities to become an effective cooperative trainer.

The training drew interesting output that includes Skills in Developing Training Needs Assessment; Preparing Training Modules; Demonstrate Training to Adults and Coaching and Mentoring.

The activity is in partnership with the DAR this province and Propegemus Foundation Inc., who unleashed the skills of DAR people to become an effective cooperative trainers. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Cebuano News: Hisgutanay sa PAMANA Project gilusad

Ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - Malampusong gilusad ang "Hisgutanay Sa Proyektong PAMANA Para Sa Kalamboan" sa Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, mahitungod na sa proyektong Construction of Cabadbaran City-Puting Bato-Lanuza Road kon diin usa kini ka Multi-million project.

Ang maong proyekto ubos kini sa Office of the Presidential Adviser in Peace Proces-Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (OPAPP-PAMANA), kon diin usa kini ka hiniusang programa sa nasudnong panggamhanan kansang tumong mao ang pagpaabot sa mga batakang serbisyo, paghatag ug kahigayonan alang sa ekonomikanhong kalambuan alang sa mga lumolopyo sa mga lugar kon diin adunay nahitabong kagubot nga maoy nag-unang hinungdan nga nagpabilin pa gihapon ang kalisod sa maong lugar.

Ang maong hisgutay gipangunahan kini ni Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, uban sila si PNP Provincial Director Ariel Francisco D. Marbel, 29th IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Adonis G. Orio, DILG Provincial Director Romeo A. Solis, PENRO Agusan del Norte Forester Elvie Deberto, Ms. Rosemarie Mordeno sa NCIP Agusan del Norte, Mr. Jezzle Encabo sa OPAPP-PAMANA, Mr. Rofel C. Cabaltera - Provincial Planning and Development Officer, Mr. Alvin P. Aclan - Provincial Agriculturist, Ms. Erma R. Suyo - PDRRMO, City Officials, Barangay Council Members ug uban pang mga bisita.

Dul-an sa 400 ka mga residente sa maong lugar ang mitambong aron magpakisayod sa tumong ug kaayuhan sa maong proyekto, mipartisipar pud ang mga residente pinaagi sa pagpadayag ug mga pangutana aron hingpit nila nga masabtan ang kabililhon niini. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Cebuano News: Agnor medical ug dental outreach program gipahigayon

Ni Roselyn Gangca-Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) - Malampusong gilusad ang Medical and Dental Outreach Program sa Barangay Marcos ug Barangay Sto Rosario , Magallanes Agusan del Norte, kon diin gipangunahan kini sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Government pinaagi sa Provincial Social Welfare Population and Nutrition Services Office ug sa Provincial Health Office.

Kini usa ka tinuig nga kalihukan sa Provincial Government ubos sa programang "Sagip Sa Kalusugan Sa Barangay" ni governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, pinaagi sa paghatag ug libreng serbisyo medical sa katawhang Agusanon kon diin usa kini sa iyang mga priority programs atol sa iyang administrasyon.

Subay niini mapasalamaton sila si Marcos Barangay Captain Hon. Briccio Evanoso Burias ug Santo Rosario Barangay Captain Allan Duria sa Provincial Government kon diin gatusan sa ilang mga katawhan sa barangay ang nakapahimulos sa libreng serbisyo sama sa medical check-up, ibot sa ngipon, x-ray ug libre nga mga tambal.

Mapasalamaton usab sila Kapitan Burias ug Kapitan Duria sa personal nga pagbisit ni Gov. Matba sa ilang Barangay aron ilang mapaabot usab ang mga nag-unang problema sa ilang barangay. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Monday, September 8, 2014

DILG calls LGUs to participate in TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 13 (Caraga) is calling-out to all local government units in Caraga region to participate in the Mindanao-wide campaign dubbed as “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW” on September 26, 2014.

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas issued Memorandum Circular No. 2014-103 dated August 27, 2014 enjoining all Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of Mindanao, specifically of Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and ARMM to support the event by planting trees in a 5-hectare public land of their provinces, municipalities and/or cities.

DILG 13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion already issued Memorandum dated September 3, 2014 to direct all LCEs in the region to actively take part in the event as it will support the Department’s outcome of achieving Environment Friendly, Disaster Resilient and Climate Change Adaptive LGUs.

This event is aimed to break the Guinness World Record from India for most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations in just an hour. The target for trees to be planted in whole Mindanao is 4,636,000 on the said date.

In Caraga region, a target of 500,000 trees will be planted in 1000 hectares by 25,000 planters. Species of plants include cacao, coffee, mangrove, timber and other fruit trees which are of economic value and benefit to the people.

The world record attempt is to raise environmental awareness and instill consciousness to the people, as well as to achieve at least 30% target of forest cover envisioned in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

DILG 13 to LGUs: Help stop HIV, AIDS

By Bryan F. Edulzura

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) - In response to the increasing number of HIV cases in Caraga Region, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 has urged local government units to help stop the proliferation of HIV and AIDS.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 123 Persons Living with HIV (PLHIVs) were recorded as of July 2014, 23 of which are cases from January to July, this year. This translates to an average of 3 - 4 new infections every month.

DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion said that HIV and AIDS is not just a public health threat but a governance issue as well.

"The proliferation of HIV and AIDS will have direct impact on poverty, social services delivery and public safety. With this, we wanted to strengthen our support to this program through the establishment of Local Aids Council (LAC) and encourage LGUs to do their share,” she said.

In 2009, the DILG has issued a memorandum enjoining LGUs to create Local AIDS Council (LAC) to function as coordinating body in implementing HIV and AIDS program, however, not all LGUs responded accordingly due to lack of information and urgency. Hence, the DILG regional office took upon itself to push the advocacy of establishing LAC in every LGU.

"Through the years, we allocate funds, assign a focal person for the program and conduct advocacy and orientation to LGUs, prioritizing those with highest number of cases," Famacion said.

This year, the Department has oriented more than 200 participants from various backgrounds and sectors to include Mayors, SB members, teachers, religious members, young people, civil society leaders and gay communities.

"We will continue to encourage LGUs to make HIV and AIDS program, a priority program for health," Famacion added.

The DILG-initiated advocacies generate warm support and positive responses from the Local Chief Executives.

Bayugan City Mayor Kim Lope Asis said that the Bayugan City Local AIDS Council will spearhead an orientation to the different schools in the city.

Mayor Deo Manpatilan of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur also pledged to significantly increase the budget for HIV and AIDS program.

"With all the help from LGUs, we have high hopes that HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in the region will eventually decline, if not stopping new cases at all," Famacion emphasized. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

DOH-RESU in Caraga calls attention of IPHO in SurSur on measles cases

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 8 (PIA) – The Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga Region has called the attention of Surigao del Sur Provincial Health Officer Dr. Algerico Irizari on “Measles Surveillance Update" as of August 30, 2014.

The said report dated September 2, 2014 that was addressed to Governor Johnny Pimentel cited that among the five provinces and six cities comprising the region, Surigao del Sur has topped not only on the number of deaths reported region wide—five, but also on the highest number of “Suspect Measles Cases” including the “Laboratory Confirmed Cases” with 393 and 14, respectively, in the area of “Geographic Distribution.”

Prior to this, particularly on Morbidity Week 33 or from the period August 10-16, it was pointed out that “Clustering of cases was detected at” five barangays in Tandag City, namely: Dagocdoc, Bag-ong Lungsod, Quezon, San Agustin Norte, and Mabuhay.

It was learned that “A total of 1,389 were admitted to different disease reporting units region wide from January 1 to August 30, 2014” with a reported total of 10 deaths.

Meanwhile, the month-long conduct of “Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio mass immunization campaign” in Surigao del Sur has now entered on its second week of implementation. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

EMCH launches exclusive breastfeeding program

By Hazel Bruzon

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Sep. 8 (PIA) - The Esperanza Medicare Community Hospital (EMCH) in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur purposely opened two breastfeeding rooms for lactating mothers to ensure privacy as a way of significantly launching the exclusive breastfeeding dubbed as “Tama, sapat at eksklusibo (TSEK) program” recently with the theme “Walang Mahalaga pa sa Gatas Ina.”

According to Dr. Elsa Gunay, the opening of the two breastfeeding rooms is the better way to let lactating mothers feed their infants in a healthy manner without necessarily exposing themselves from the eyes of the public.

Program in-charge Cynthia Silen said both rooms are complete with facilities necessary for lactating and milk banking. The lactation management seminar participated by the hospital personnel and staff, pregnant women and lactating mothers become the highlight of the launching since it unexpectedly built a bond between the hospital and the community of lactating and expectant mothers.

“The program aims to encourage expectant and lactating mothers to exclusively breastfed their babies from birth up to six months. Breastfeeding TSEK program was initiated by the Department of Health in response to the country’s millennium development goals 4 and 5 which is to reduce child mortality rate and improve maternal health,” Dr. Gunay said.

As pay off to all the efforts and active participation of the facility holistically, EMCH once again passed the renewal for breastfeeding accreditation recently.

“Let us all join hands in promoting breastfeeding for a healthier community,” Dr. Gunay added.

The launching was held at the hospital’s mess hall with hospital’s chief Dr. Elsa Gunay, program in-charge Cynthia Silen and Gloria Baluca, both nurses of the hospital facilitating. (PIO, Esperanza Medicare Community Hospital/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Dinagat Islands farmer orgs undergo CDA mandatory seminar, trainings

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Sept. 8 (PIA) – A total of 16 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Dinagat Islands Provincial Office recently underwent different trainings to enhance and capacitate their officers in the management of the cooperative.

The Rules and Formulation Seminar for the Election Committees of the ARBOs were conducted on August 11-12, 2014.

The seminar was aimed to equip the cooperative officials of the necessary knowledge in the conduct of their election. A total of 48 election committee members were present

On August 13-15, the Audit Management Seminar was conducted to enhance the skills and knowledge of the audit committees of the respective ARBOs in the auditing and inventory of the cooperatives’ funds and resources.

Meanwhile, the training on Internal Control which was attended by 48 audit committee members of the said ARBOs was conducted last August 19-21, 2014.

The objective of the said training was to improve the knowledge of the audit committees in the control of their respective cooperatives’ funds.

The trainings are mandatory requirements of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) that need to be undertaken by the ARBOs to renew their registration with the CDA.

The series of trainings were all conducted at the Function Room of Justiniana Pension Hall in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. (SDR/PIO-DAR Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Friday, September 5, 2014

‘TreeVolution’ gains support from various local communities

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) – The TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW, an attempt to plant 4.6 million trees simultaneously in multiple locations in Mindanao in just one hour to beat India’s Guinness World Record of 1,945,535 trees is getting an increased number of partakers and volunteer planters who will join on September 26, 2014 at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Speaking from religious sector, Butuan Auxiliary Bishop Zacarias Jimenez declared that “launching the ‘TreeVolution’ brings us into a deeper level of our action. As we plant trees we plant for ourselves and the lives of our children’s children and as we engage in this unique unified action we start a new story of creation. We will be giving birth to new species of creation as trees multiply, breath out new energy to the world, and breathing in fresh inspiration from our unity with each other and with creation. Blessed be God, Allah, Magbabaya.

 The Samahang Magdalo Butuan Balangay chapter regional coordinator Michael Leo Torralba also said that “like any other types of revolution, it is high time that we join and combine all strengths to a revolution that will crosscut in all our endeavors as humans and shall sustain our existence as one with nature.” He also declared commitment of the Samahan to participate during the event.

By putting best regard to its ecological responsibility, Romeo Pendon, Mindanao Operation Area Manager of Kennemer Foods, a private company in cacao business and exporting cacao beans expressed that the activity is one of the ways that could help counter the effects climate change. “Our organization is willing to conduct training on how to plant cacao trees to those interested planters and help them earn extra income. We will be participating in this big event not only in Caraga region but also in Sarangani province,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, DENR Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo said that the agency has committed 500,000 seedlings to be planted in 1,000 hectares distributed in five provinces within the region. “In fact, many DENR stakeholders in region 13 are coming in to join the record-breaking tree planting rite in time with the Civil Service Annivesary,” he said.

It was revealed that the planting areas are classified into three categories and these are the National Greening Program (NGP) areas, local government units’ designated areas, and private areas registered by companies, schools, plantation and other non-NGP areas.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Caraga area manager Cecil Triño also called on volunteer planters to register on the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW . The following are the hotline numbers to contact for TreeVolution inquiries: 0933-4744252; 0915-6630826; 0949-3557235. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

TESDA bares 'STEP' training programs for SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 5 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur headed by provincial director Rey Cueva bared recently the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) that will be carried out for the rest of 2014 in the province.

"With a budget allocation of P6,534,000, the 484 target STEP beneficiaries must be 15 years of age upon entry," he clarified.

It was learned that the two districts comprising the province will split the total number of trainees with 242 apiece.

However, Cueva pointed out that trainees in both districts will have to go separate ways on the “Qualification/Program” offered except for one—Maintenance and Repair of Electronically-controlled Domestic Appliances leading to Consumers Electronics Servicing.

It was learned that Wiring Devices Installation together with Lighting Systems leading to Electrical Installation and Maintenance is set to be offered for trainees in District I; while Dressmaking and Wellness Massage are going to be taught for trainees in District II, he stressed.

"A corresponding National Certification II (NC II) will be issued to successful training beneficiaries," Cueva stressed. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Dinagat officials lead culmination rites of Dinagat Islands' Athletic Meet

By Ma. Jane Mayola

CAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands, Sept. 5 (PIA) - Dinagat Islands lone district representative Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao and provincial vice governor Benglen B. Ecleo led recently the closing ceremony of the 1st Dinagat Islands Provincial Athletic Meet (DIPAM) 2014 held at the Cagdianao Central Elementary School in Cagdianao, this province.

The activity was formally closed by extinguishing the friendship torch and awarding of trophies to all the winners and awardees.

In here message, Bag-ao congratulated Governor Glenda B. Ecleo, Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo, Schools Division Superintendent Marilou Dedumo, Cagdianao Mayor Marc Adelson D. Longos, all the athletes and coaches for the success of the first-ever Dinagat Islands Provincial Athletic Meet.

She also congratulated the delegation of San Jose for being the over-all champion of the DIPAM 2014 with a total of 101 gold medals.

First and second runners up went to Cagdianao and Dinagat delegations, respectively. 

During the culmination ceremony Cong. Bag-ao happily informed everybody that the host of the next DIPAM 2015 will be her hometown, the municipality of Loreto. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Dengue incidence in SurSur starts to go down

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 5 (PIA) – The incidence of dengue plaguing the province of Surigao del Sur has already started to go down, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Algerico Irizari early this week.

However, based on the Disease Surveillance Report of the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development-Caraga Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) tagged as “Dengue Update as of Mobidity Week 35” or from August 24-30, 2014, Surigao del Sur is still prominent.

In fact, it was cited that “For the month of August, a total of 961 cases were reported mostly from Butuan City (253) followed by Surigao del Sur (177).”

The report likewise pointed out that “A total of 5,199 suspect Dengue cases were admitted to different disease reporting units region wide from January 1-August 30, 2014,”  adding that “This is 118% higher” as compared to the same period last year with 2,388 cases.

Meanwhile, it was learned that since the year started, Surigao del Sur has already claimed nine of the 25 total deaths that was allegedly caused by dengue in the entire region—five of which occurred in Bislig City while the rest took place in the towns of Lingig-1; Barobo-2; and Hinatuan-1. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Health on Wheels served Tandag beneficiaries

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 5 (PIA) - Various health services and information were received by about 1, 200 youth, mothers, fathers, and elders during the recent DOH on Wheels: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Roadshow in Tandag City.

On its part, the Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga handled two sessions – U4U Teen Trail Initiative and Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Obligasyon at Responsibilidad sa Pamilya (KATROPA) - for communities 2 (youth) and 3 (men) in the said city. PopCom tapped the trained U4U Teen Facilitators in Surigao del Sur State University (SDSU) in managing the teen trail.

Population workers are hopeful that the life skills of the young people of Tandag City were enhanced particularly their abilities to manage emotions and cope with stress and pressures in their daily life as well as in solving problems of their own. This also empowered youth to identify and respond to community needs for this will help them become compassionate and reflective individuals. Likewise to men, the session will help in making them more empowered and equipped with skills on how to become more responsible sexually, physically, emotionally, psychologically in providing the needs, especially the health and total well-being of the family.

PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano articulated that with men’s enormous power over many aspects of women’s lives, men’s active involvement in all efforts to achieve maternal health, women empowerment, and gender equality is of utmost importance.

Makinano emphasized the importance of involving the youth in such activity for it provided valuable insight into the needs of their fellow adolescents; it also built the leadership and communication skills of the young people.

Kalusugan Pangkalahatan is the Aquino administration’s universal health care agenda which seeks to ensure equitable access to quality health care by all Filipinos especially those who are in the grass roots level. This also aims to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 – the reduction of child mortality and the improvement of maternal health in the Philippines. (PopCom/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Pangulong Aquino gustong makulong ang mga hoarders, tagamanipula ng presyo, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Setyembre 5 (PIA) - Patuloy na minomonitor ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga paratang na pang-abuso sa pag-angkat at pangangalakal ng mga pangunahing bilihin at nagbabala na usigin yung makikitang lumabag sa batas, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo noong Huwebes.

Ang Department of Justice noong Miyerkoles ay inilagay na dahilan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bawang ilang buwan ang nakaraan sa sabwatan sa pagitan ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaan at mga importer ng bawang.

Noong nagkaroon ng panayam sa media sa Malakanyang, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. na ang nakita ng DOJ ay resulta ng patuloy na pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na matigil ang pang-abuso na nagbunga ng katayuang di nakakabuti at pinsala sa masa.

Sinabi niya na noong nakaraang buwan, tumawag ng isang pagpupulong ang Pangulo sa mga sangkot na ahensiya, lalo na ang Department of Agriculture (DA) na tutukan ang suplay ng mga bilihin at ang kanilang mga presyo lalo na at malapit na ang pasko.

"Nagpatawag na ang Pangulo ng pagpupulong at mahigpit ang pag-uutos sa lahat ng mga ahensiya, lalung-lalo na ang Department of Agriculture na tutukan ang supply and price situation, lalung-lalo na at padating ng holiday season at tiyak na mag-i-increase ang demand," sabi ni Coloma na ang tinutumbok ay ang suplay ng karne ng baboy manok at ang nakaugaliang Noche Buena.

Para duon sa mga lumabag sa batas na gumawa ng panininggal at nagmanipula ng presyo, isinampa na ang kaso laban sa kanila, base sa kautosan ng Pangulo, sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)