(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 13 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).


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Surigao Norte literacy rate improves due to 4Ps

By Simplicia C. Cebreros

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – The literacy rate of some of the municipalities of Surigao del Norte has increased because of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

This was the finding of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) Technical Working Group (TWG) during the four-day validation held recently to assess the implementation of the livelihood opportunities and other projects implemented by the different government agencies in the region under 4Ps.

According to DSWD undersecretary Milo Gudmalin who presented the group’s evaluation findings, the TWG has found out that the literacy rate of elementary pupils and high school students have increased because the dropout rate has also decreased.

He added because of the 4Ps, the parents are now seriously sending their children to school because they already have allowance for their fares and even snacks during break time. “With this, DepEd is outstanding in providing education for all,” he added.

Gudmalin is confident that with the K-12 and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Program (IPED), the literacy rate of Filipino children including the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Children in Conflict (CIC) will also increase tremendously “hence this convergence initiative should be given policy support and funding,” he said.

In other developments, it was found out that the schools in some municipalities of Surigao del Norte are located far from the IP community.

Because of this, the NAC-TWG through Usec. Gudmalin said the DepEd and other concerned agencies and local government units should support for the establishment of schools in these communities. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Butuan City declared under state of water crisis

By Ma. Lourdes P. Apego

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) - Butuan City is now under the state of water crisis.

This after a special session of the Sangguniang Panglunsod approved a resolution declaring such in view of the lack or total loss of water supply experienced by residents in the different parts of the city.

In an interview with Councilor Ryan Anthony B. Culima, chairman of the SP Committee on Public Utilities and primary author of the resolution, he revealed that under the state of water crisis, emphasis will be put on giving immediate attention to the crisis such that that the resources of the local government will be focused on giving solution to the problem.

Culima explained further that the resolution was also a fulfillment of the requirement of Budget secretary Butch Abad to effect the release of a financial assistance requested by the city government of Butuan to address the crisis to include the procurement of a mobile water filter.

Further, Culima also said that the resolution also aims to appropriate the necessary funds needed to purchase tankers, water tanks, water trucks and other equipment needed to address the water crisis  considering  that funding for such crisis is not specifically stipulated in the 2015 Annual Appropriations of the city government.

Under the state of water crisis, the city government through the city mayor can make use of the resources of the government, Culima added. (Radyo ng Bayan-Butuan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Seminar-workshop series for educators set

By Rhoje R. Lustiva

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) – The Enlightened Group for Quality and Excellence in Education, Inc. has lined-up series of international seminars/workshops for educators on March, this year.

On March 7 to 9, an International Seminar on Outcome-Based Assessment of Teaching and Learning with the theme: “Redefining Quality Education in the 21st Century” will be held in Vigan City.

Said training aims to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different kinds of data; to leverage outcome-based data to communicate the effectiveness and value of teaching and learning; and to design and evaluate outcome-based objectives.

Also, on March 20 to 22 in Baguio City, an International Seminar-Workshop on Promoting Positive Mental Health in Schools with its theme, “Preventing and Dealing with Bullying and Cyber Bullying for All" will be held.

The event is aimed to apply a positive psychological school base intervention in preventing bullying and cyber bullying in schools; and to enhance mental health and empower the administrators, teachers, educational staff and students.

Target participants of the seminars/workshops are teachers, school administrators, academic heads, head teachers, principals, subject area coordinators, guidance counselors, district and education supervisors, directors and owners of private schools, from both public and private elementary and secondary schools, graduate and undergraduate students specializing in elementary and secondary education.

For more information, they may call Elaine Angelica D. Muan, RPT Seminar Coordinator of the Enlightened Group for Quality and Excellence in Education Inc. at 0977-211-3155; 0920-211-9358; 0943-488-9586 or email at enlightenedgroup14@gmail.com.

The information is embedded in the Department of Education (DepEd) Advisory No. 9, series of 2015, dated January 14, 2015 informing DepEd officials, personnel and staff, as well as the concerned public. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


OSHC conducts appreciation course on safety and health in Dinagat Islands

By Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Jan. 28 (PIA) - The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), an attached agency under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), conducted an appreciation course on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for micro-enterprises on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 held at the 4G Building, this municipality.

OSHC-National Capital Region representative Rev Jose Soriano during the said activity discussed the principles of OSH towards micro-entrepreneurs.

"OSH is very important to prevent accidents and injuries within the workplace as well as ensuring safety and productivity of all workers and owners," he said.

Soriano also discussed on matters concerning occupational safety and industrial hygiene which include lectures on biologic and ergonomic hazards, and emerging OSH issues in the informal sector. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)


ConsumerNet to release resolution related to Butuan's water crisis

By Ma. Lourdes P. Apego

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) - The members of the ConsumerNet, a regional aggrupation of government agencies and public utilities in Caraga region, have agreed to release a resolution that will deal on the water problem experienced by the residents of the city.

In their first meeting for 2015, the members agreed to first, ask the water service provider - Butuan City Water District (BCWD) not to impose the minimum rate but only the actual consumption in the water bills  for the meantime that the water problem is ongoing; Second, urge the BCWD to look into consumers' previous water bills, average this and subtract a certain percentage from the bill until water situation has returned to normal and, third, ask the BCWD to implement a moratorium to their water payment collection in the areas where there is no water supply or in areas where there is water rationing.

As stated, the ConsumerNet's objective is to learn about the consumer related updates, and address issues and concerns of each member agency.

Among its members are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), National telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of Health, Philhealth, PAG-IBIG Fund, BCWD, Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), PIA and Radyo ng Bayan. (Radyo ng Bayan-Butuan/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


1,515 lumads leave AgSur villages due to NPA threats

By Maj Christian C Uy

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Jan. 28 (PIA) - Around 222 households or 1,515 individuals to include children left their homes from the different far flung sitios of San Luis, Agusan del Sur and consolidated at Balit Urios Elementary School, Brgy. Balit the same town on January 23, 2015 after being threatened by NPAs' tactical offensives.

The lumads were forced to leave their homes because of the fear that they would be caught in cross fire when the NPAs conduct tactical offensives against the soldiers who are conducting community service to them.

The soldiers of 26th Infantry Battalion together with other stakeholders have been in the area for almost a year conducting various community services through the Community Organizing for Peace and Development program. 

Col. Alexander Macario, commander of 401st Infantry (UNITY) Brigade has given orders to the 26th Infantry Battalion to help the local government unit of San Luis for the immediate support to be given to the evacuees.

“We are happy that together with the LGU and all concerned agencies, they are keeping our fellow countrymen safe and providing the necessary support while they are in the evacuation area. We will ensure our people that together with the stakeholders, we will continue our services and help in the speedy resolution of this unfortunate situation,” said Lt. Colonel Rolly Dumawa, commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion.

MGen Oscar Lactao, commander of 4th Infantry Division, enjoined the people of Caraga to appeal to the NPAs to stop the violence and give peace a chance. "We urge them to stop the armed struggle and embrace a peaceful and progressive life with our people,” MGen Lactao added. ((INF) PA/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur coastal LGUs recipient of community fish landing centers

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 28 (PIA) – Seven coastal areas in Surigao del Sur are among the 252 municipalities/cities nationwide prioritized for the establishment of Community Fish Landing Centers “as provided for in the 2015 General Appropriations Act,” according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga Regional Office.

Dr. Nerio Casil, BFAR Caraga regional director, informed Governor Johnny Pimentel in a letter dated January 22, 2015 that the municipalities of Cortes, Cantilan, Marihatag and San Agustin in the 1st District as well as the towns of Barobo, Hinatuan including Bislig City in the 2nd District are recipients.

The BFAR chief likewise invited Gov. Pimentel on February 6, 2015 for the official program launch at Tanza Oasis Hotel in Tanza, Cavite.

Casil pointed out that “The P2.85M Fish Landing Center will serve as the hub for landing and auction of fish caught by municipal/artisanal fishermen and as training center for fish processing and value-adding, conservation and protection of fisheries resources and other undertakings that would help improve the plight of fisherfolk families.”

Moreover, he stated that “This important project for our municipal fisherfolk communities had been made possible through the support of your Congressional Representative to which we are very grateful.”

Along with the activity is also the “launching of Boat Admeasurement Mobile Application and  hosting the Awarding Ceremony of the Top 100 municipalities first to complete the municipal fisherfolk registration program or FishR,” Casil added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Tagalog News: Palasyo nanawagan sa mga mambabatas na itutok ang kanilang hangarin na dalhin ang matagalang kapayapaan sa Mindanao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Enero 28, 2015 (PIA) - Hinikayat ng Palasyo noong Martes ang mga mambabatas na bumawi ng kanilang suporta sa Bangsamoro Basic Law na ituon ang kanilang hangarin na makamit ang matagalang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.

“Habang kinikilala ang mga hamon sa bayolenteng pangyayari sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao, mahalagang isaisip ang mga mahalagang mithiin na makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan, matatag at progreso sa Mindanao,” sabi ni Sec. Coloma sa kanyang pahayag.

Nagkomentaryo si Coloma sa mga ulat na dalawang senador ang bumawi ng kanilang pagiging may-akda ng inimungkahing BBL dahil sa engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga pulis at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) noong nakaraang Linggo na humantong sa pagkamatay ng 43 miyembro ng Special Action Force (SAF) ng pulis.

Ang pagbawi ng mga senador sa kanilang pagiging may akda ay hindi gumagarantiya ng mayoriyang boto sa Senado.

“Iyong mga nagpahayag ng pagreserba tungkol sa pagsuporta ng pagsasabatas ng iminungkahing Bangsamoro Basic Law ay maaring naisin ang mga pagsalungat sa mga pangyayaring hindi ituloy ang proseso ng kapayapaan, tulad ng pagbabalik sa lumang ayos na inilalarawan ng “warlordism,” pagka walang batas, maling paggamit ng publikong pundo at ang malapit na pagbagsak ng pamahalaan,” dagdag ni Coloma.

Ayon sa napabalita, sina Senador Alan Peter Cayetano at Senador Joseph Victor Ejercito ay binawi ang kanilang pagiging may akda ng BBL dahil sa pangyayari sa Maguindanao.

Ang dalawa ay kasama sa 13 na mga senador na lumagda bilang co-authors, na siyang nagdala paitaas ng mayoriya ng 24 senador para maseguro ang pagpasa ng binalangkas na batas.

Ang tsirman ng Komitiba ng Senado para sa Pamamahalang Lokal na si Senador Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ay nagpahayag din na itigil niya ang konsultasyon sa Senado kaugnay sa pagpasa ng BBL.


Ang mga miyembro ng SAF ay nasa operasyon para ipatupad ang batas sa Mamasapano para arestuhin ang suspetsadong teroristang si Zulkifil bin Hir, na kilala ring si Marwan, noong Linggo ng ang sinasabing operasyon ay humantong sa sagupaan laban sa mga miyembro ng MILF. (DMS, PIA-Agusan del Sur)