(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 11 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Tagum City to host 2015 Palarong Pambansa

By Rhoje R. Lustiva

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) – Tagum City in the province of Davao Del Norte will be the host of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

The Palarong Pambansa is held in May with hosting duties rotating yearly among the island groups.

There are five bidders for the hosting of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa: Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Koronadal City, Lanao del Norte province, and Caraga region, it was learned.

The Department of Education (DepEd) together with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials inspected each of the bidders on December, last year before the selection of venue. The inspection was conducted to check if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate.

Part of the rating system during the inspection include international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others.

The billeting areas which are evaluated are based on the adequacy of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

In the Palarong Pambansa Law, it states that the Palarong Pambansa 2015 will be the first national games to be held under the Palarong Pambansa Law (R.A. 10588) signed on May 27, 2014, which mandates the creation of a Palarong Pambansa Board as the lead policy-making and coordinating body for the preparation and conduct of the games. The board shall be composed of the DepEd Secretary as chairperson, a DepEd undersecretary, two DepEd assistant secretaries, the chairman of the PSC, the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


FNRI develops food bar suitable for emergency feeding, calamity victims

By Josefina T. Gonzales

MANILA, Jan. 20 (PIA) - The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) developed a food bar suitable during emergency to help victims of calamities and disasters like typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and armed conflicts obtain appropriate nourishment.

The rice crispy bar is made from expanded cereals and flour from legumes and oilseeds which provide energy and adequate protein.

It comes in chocolate-coated, peanut-flavored and tropical fruit variants that provide delicious and quick sources of calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat.

A 25-gram portion of tropical fruits-flavored food bar provides 4 percent of the protein and 5 percent of the energy requirement of a 4-6 year-old child daily.

Rice crispy bar is ready-to-eat, appealing, and nutritious and light, therefore, easy to handle and transport.

These bars are of good quality and are affordable emergency foods as well as excellent snacks for long distance travel and when caught in traffic.

The intended market for rice crispy bars are government and non-government institutions involved in food assistance during disaster and emergency situations. These can also be marketed in supermarket as convenience foods.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact:  Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


DILG 13 ready for bottom-up budgeting 2015 implementation

By Bryan F. Edulzura

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 is all set to implement the Bottom – Up Budgeting (BUB) 2015.

With around 800 individual projects totaling to P1.004 billion, to be implemented by the participating agencies, the department engages more community mobilizers to assist the local government units (LGUs) and communities in implementing and monitoring BUB projects.

“We double the number of Community Mobilizers (CM) to assist Caraga Region’s 73 LGUs to implement the BUB projects. From six CMs we hired in the first semester of 2014, we increased it to 13 CMs in 2015,” DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion said.

“We value the importance of organizing the communities to deepen their participation and improve the efficiency in reaching the poor. These are the very essence of the BUB process,” Famacion stressed.

For 2015, all cities and municipalities will receive at least P12.5 million worth of projects. This money will be used to fund community-determined, anti-poverty interventions - such as agriculture and fisheries support, potable water supply, public healthcare, local access road, basic education, and disaster preparedness and response.

These projects were identified and unanimously endorsed by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) which is composed of 50% LGU representatives and 50% civil society organizations. 

Now on its 4th year, BUB puts emphasis on the deepening participation of stakeholders in public spending.  The BUB seeks to amplify the voice of the grassroots in the allocation and management of public funds, as well as to promote a greater sense of understanding and ownership of the budgeting process among the public.

“This year, we will face another challenge as we implement the projects; but with the engagement of community mobilizers and support from the participating agencies,  LGUs and civil society organizations, we are ready for the 2015 BUB run,” declares DILG-BUB Regional Focal Person Marilou Autor-Salado.

The oversight agencies of BUB 2015 are DILG, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

The participating agencies are Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Education (DepEd), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

Full list of 2015 BUB projects can be viewed at www.caraga.dilg.gov.ph and www.dbm.gov.ph. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


TESDA-13 chief bares 2014 accomplishments

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) – Regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga today bared the accomplishments of the agency for 2014.

In an interview, Dir. Sunico said in terms of enrollment rate, TESDA-Caraga was able to accomplish 99.7%, explaining that the 100% allotment of the government for the region was almost perfectly utilized.

The official added the absorption rate of the region was almost perfect considering that the scholarship slots utilization was granted to those who qualified based on the qualifications set in each scholarship program.

For the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Sunico said the allocated amount of P24 million were used allowing the Caraganons especially the youths avail of such privilege. He added the TWSP is the biggest scholarship program that is implemented by TESDA.

As to the completion rate, Sunico said the accomplishment rate is posted at 89%. This means that of those who were enrolled in 2014, 89% of them were able to finish the different trainings. He explained further that since the last batch of enrollees last year was in December, “this means that the training is not yet finished until now. However, he said the accomplishment will be carried over in 2015."

The TESDA chief of the region is hoping that the completion rate will still increase after the trainings will be completed in the first quarter of this year. “Ideally, TESDA only allows a maximum of 5-10% dropouts, thus, we are targeting for a 95% completion rate,” Sunico said.

The certification rate, according to Dir. Sunico was posted at 84%. These are the graduates who were able to pass the assessment examinations that were conducted in different qualifications/courses. “This means that of the 10 graduates who took the assessment, eight of them passed,” Dir. Sunico said.

Sunico further explained the national average of the certification rate is 85%. “Thus, we still lack one percent to meet the national average and this can be obtained after those that are enrolled in December 2014 will take the assessment this year and hopefully pass,” he said.

For the employment rate, Dir. Sunico said the national data revealed that Caraga ranked second to Region XII having accomplished 74.7%. He explained the data was a result of a scientific study used in tracing graduates of TESDA, dubbed as “Impact Evaluation Study” that was conducted last year. “The baseline of the data is 2013, meaning that during this year, Caraga ranked second in the employment rate based on the national figure… The national average is posted at 65%,” Sunico said.

With these developments, Dir. Sunico acknowledged the agency’s partners and stakeholders for the unwavering support rendered to TESDA-Caraga, hoping that the partnership will still continue this year in developing human resources of the region in support to the Human Development Cluster of the Philippine Development Plan. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Dinagat Islands conducts SPMS orientation

By Ma. Jane A. Mayola   

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Jan 20 (PIA) – The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) recently conducted a one-day orientation on Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) and Synchronization of Provincial Activities for the 2015, held at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol Compound, Brgy Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.

The event aims to enhance the performance and commitment of all government employees and to reorient them with their key responsibilities since the SPMS of the province was already approved by the Civil Service Commission-Caraga Region.

Other goal of the one-day activity is to synchronize the different activities of the province for the year 2015 in order to harmonize the utilization of manpower and resources of the province.

Participants of the said activity are department heads of different offices and the administrative officers of the province. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)


Surigao Norte vice guv explains sisterhood deal

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 20 (PIA) - On behalf of Governor Sol Matugas, Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. addressed members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, national line agencies and team capitol family during the Monday Morning Sharing (MMS) held at the Provincial Convention Center on January 19, 2015, this city.

Vice Gov. Egay narrated the events in Siargao from January 12 to 16 this year which was capped by the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing of the sisterhood agreement between the province led by Governor Sol and Camarines Sur, headed by Gov. Luis Miguel Villafuerte.

Egay further narrated that Gov. Villafuerte was accompanied by Vice Gov. Fortunato PeΓ±a and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of CamSur when the sisterhood covenant was inked at the municipal gym of Dapa.

“Villafuerte, the youngest governor in the country today was impressed that we have two capitol buildings, one in Surigao City and the other one,  Kapitolyo nan Siargao (KNS), situated at the heart of Dapa," Egay noted.

During the said events major economic drivers such as tourism, education, livelihood, agriculture and infrastructure were also given due consideration by the two provincial leaders.

In his message, Gov. Villafuerte said the surfing capital of the Philippines meets the wake-boarding capital of the country.

“I am truly proud to announce the sisterhood agreement of CamSur and Surigao del Norte. Together we can take advantage of our competencies and commonalities to benefit our tourism and economic programs. I love Siargao," Villafuerte said.

Meanwhile, Egay revealed that a hidden paradise for surfing enthusiasts can be found in Guian, Dapa which really has great waves.

He also said that Gov. Villafuerte enjoyed basking on the sunshine and exploring the wonders of Siargao through extreme ocean-sports almost everyday.

"Gov. Villafuerte and his company praised Siargao because the adventures that they experienced were simply amazing. Also, they wanted to navigate to the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Islands, but they were advised to call it off due to giant waves and tropical storm 'Amang' which hovered the shores and the eastern seaboard,” Egay said.

Vice Gov. Egay also said that the province is exploring more innovative ways on how to benchmark in select places of CamSur to learn from their best practices.

He mentioned the PeΓ±afrancia Basilica Minore, in Naga which is positioned along Balatas road, named after the Patroness of the Bicol Region and home to the Divino Rostro (Holy Face). The feast is celebrated during September of every year.

Egay also talked about the beautiful tourist spot of Caramoan Islands, off Bicol, which gives life to a seemingly untouched nature and extraordinary destination for kayakers, and the once-in-a –lifetime breath-taking ocean experience that can surely wow the tourists.

The MMS was hosted by the Office of the Provincial Administrator headed by Atty. Premolito Plaza. (SDR/PIC-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Caraga police, military top officials vow to pursue ‘normal operations’ with the lifting up of truce

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) - Top police and military officials in the region said Monday morning that they will continue pursuing the normal operations mandated to them with the lifting up both of the suspension of police operations (SOPO) and suspension of military operations (SOMO) here in the region.

The month-long unilateral suspension of military and police operations declared on December 19, last year ended on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015.

PCSupt. David Y. Ombao, Caraga PNP chief in an interview, right after the Monday flag-raising rites held at this camp said that the police will “continue with the normal police operations such as doing patrol in the provinces, cities and the rest of the places in the region, anti-criminality campaign, anti-illegal activities campaign, peace and security efforts, community information, education outreaches, medical and dental missions.”

According to Ombao, this will include all the necessary measures and efforts which will ensure the safe release of their three police personnel who are still in the hands of their captors since their alleged abduction more than two months ago.

”Until this time, I’m hoping that our friends from the other side will finally release our personnel soon. I understand that sincerity from both sides is already there. Let us just open all the peaceful channels, exhaust all peaceful efforts and to pursue the negotiations for their safe release,” Ombao said.

On the part of the military, Brig. Gen. Gregory M. Cayetano, Brigade Commander of the 401st Brigade who was the guest of honor and speaker of the Monday flag-raising ceremony also said during a post-rites separate exclusive interview that the military will “pursue with the focused military operations coupled with the community organizing for peace and development at the conflict-affected areas of the region.” According to the military official that the AFP will continue working and encouraging those involved in the armed struggle to return back to the folds of the law through their “Balik-Loob” program, provide livelihoods to those who wanted to live with the society’s mainstream.

Together with the PNP, the concerned agencies and other stakeholders, "we will continue to work for peace and development in the region and to leave a legacy of peace to our next generation,” Cayetano said. “We still have to face some great challenges ahead but together with the PNP and other partners, we are determined to pursue and achieve long lasting peace,” Cayetano continued.

BGen. Cayetano also said that like the PNP, the military here is also looking forward to the safe release of the three PNP personnel. He said that they had shared with the agony and the apprehensions and assured that the military here is doing their best to help resolve the impasse and come up with positive results.

During the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) press forum last week attended by RPOC chair Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., 4ID commanding officer MGen. Oscar T. Lactao, 402 Brigade senior officials and other RPOC members, it was mentioned that the negotiation for the release of the three police personnel is now in the level of the Provincial Management Crisis Committee of Surigao del Norte.

PO1 Jorie M. Amper of Malimono Municipal Police Station Malimono, Surigao del Norte was abducted allegedly by the rebels while in the performance of his police work to a neighboring village while PO3 Democrito B. Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel U. Contemplo assigned with the Alegria Municipal Police Station in the town of Alegria of the said province were abducted while on their way to conduct village visitation over a month ago. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Opisyal ng Palasyo ibinigay ang kredito sa kooperasyon ng publiko sa matagumpay na pagbisita ng Santo Papa

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Enero 20 (PIA) - Tinukoy ng Palasyo ang kooperasyon ng sambayanan sa mga otoridad na isang malaking sanhi ng matagumpay ng limang araw na pagbisita ni Pope Francis sa Pilipinas.

"Sa amin, ang pinakamalaking sanhi ng tagumpay ng pagbisita ng santo papa ay ang mga tao mismo. Kasi kinusa nila na ito ay maging maayos, maging matagumpay," sabi ni Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang panayam sa media sa Villamor Airbase.

"Lahat ng pagsisikap ng pamahalaan ay balewala kung hindi nakiisa ang bawat Pilipino at kung hindi naging maayos ang pagdalo sa misa," sabi niya.

Kasama ang iba pang bilang ng miyembro ng mga secretary ng gabinete at mga katolikong Obispo ay sumama kay Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III noong seremonya ng paghatid para ka Pope Francis.

Umalis si Pope Francis pauwi ng Roma ng mga 10:12 ng umaga noong Lunes, at tinapos ang kanyang masiglang-masiglang pagbisita sa pinakamalaking katolikong bansa sa Asia.

"Gusto naming pasalamatan ang ating mga kababayan sa kanilang buong kooperasyon. Ang panawagan po natin sa kanila: Makiisa, makisama, makipagbayanihan," sabi niya, na estrikotong sinunod ng mabuti ang mga panuntunan na inilatag ng mga otoridad. 

Pinuri rin si Coloma ang mga unipormadong lalake at babae na nagtrabaho ng maigi, kahit masama ang panahon para mapanatili ang kaayosan at maseguro ang kaligtasan ng Papa.

"Saludo po kami sa inyo at maraming salamat po. Sa lahat po ng pagkakataon, kapansin-pansin ang dedikasyon, sipag, pagiging masigasig, at mapagpasensiya ng ating mga sundalo at pulis," sabi niya.

Kahit na napakalaki ng pinagagawa sa kanila, ang mga sundalo at mga pulis ay ginawa ang kanilang trabaho ng mabuti dahil sa kaibuturan ng kanilang puso, hindi lamang sila gumagawa ng kanilang trabaho kundi pati na rin ang naranasang sandali ng kanilang pananampalataya, sabi niya.

Bago dumating ang Santo Papa noong nakaraang linggo, sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino na 25,000 ang militar at pulis na ikakalat para bantayan ang seguridad ni Pope Francis at ng publiko. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)