By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) - In celebration of
this year's 117th Philippine Independence Day, government officials, employees,
veterans, students, partner stakeholders and media gathered early morning on
Friday for a short program at the Guingona Park, this city.
The said celebration started in solemn prayer,
thanking for the blessing of independence for the beloved nation Philippines,
for the bravery and leadership of our heroes.
City mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr, together with
other officials led the flag raising ceremony. He also bared that it was agreed
that all cultural and traditional celebrations shall be hosted with the
Department of Education (DepEd) in coordination with the local government unit.
"Let's think of what we can do to give value
this hard-earned independence that we are enjoying. We may be far from the 1st
world country but we are starting to feel the effects of the developments in
our city... Caraga region is also gaining momentum. Finally, our region is now
one of the fastest growing regions in the country. We already reached the one
million tourist target for 2014,” underscored Amante.
Amante further encouraged all the Butuanons to continuously
acknowledge the independence that all are experiencing today, and to
acknowledge those unsung heroes. “We honor the sacrifices of our heroes and the
liberty that we are enjoying now. It is our task to preserve this hard earned
freedom. Indeed it cannot be denied that we are experiencing development but
the challenge is how to sustain this in order to achieve an inclusive growth.
Now that we are on our way to reach the seal of good governance, Caraga region
is gaining momentum because our region is gaining the attention for being the
fastest growing region. However, we cannot claim that we are truly free until
our people is free from poverty. Let us remember that this is not just to honor
our valiant heroes but for us to become modern heroes as well," Amante
shared.
Also, Butuan City vice mayor Angelo Calo revealed
that this is an annual celebration honoring the heroic deeds of our ancestors
for us to enjoy this freedom. The significance of independence is not only for
the society's liberation but also based on combating the problems of poverty
and climate change.
“Let's do something today for the sake of our
tomorrow… Presently, one of the significance of independence is our long fight
against poverty. We are also the first generation to feel the effects of
climate change and the last to do something about it. Having said that, we
already had initiated activities to adapt to the changes... Be with us in doing
missionary works for our environment. Your small acts count. At the end of the
day, what matters most is the seed you plant to grow," expressed Calo.
To show the value of freedom, the Caraga State
University (CSU) cultural dancers perform an interpretative dance which caught
the attention of the participants for its meaningful presentation of how
courageous the Filipino people are.
Meanwhile, the celebration concluded with the
releasing of freedom balloons. (JPG/DJA/VLG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
AgNor celebrates 117th Phil. Independence, 48th
Anniv
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) – In time with the
celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day, the provincial government
of Agusan del Norte also marked on Friday the opening of the weeklong
celebration of its 48th anniversary or Araw ng Agusan del Norte with the theme
"Kinaiyahan Amomahon, Kulturang Agusanon Tagdon, Katawhang Lumadnon
Panggaon."
Officials and employees of the provincial
government of Agusan del Norte headed by Governor Ma. Rosedell Amante-Matba,
together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Red Cross
(PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter gathered at the capitol grounds
early morning on Friday for the flag and wreath-laying ceremonies and short
program.
Gov. Matba with vice governor Ramon Bungabong and
other officials led the hoisting of the provincial, city and municipal banners
at the same venue.
Right after the ceremonies, a Thanksgiving Mass
was also celebrated at the Capitol Covered Court. The celebration was indeed
solemn and peaceful.
Gov. Matba expressed her thanks to all her
constituents for their active participation and support. She further encouraged
Agusanons to participate in the lined-up activities for the weeklong
celebration of the 48th Araw ng Agusan del Norte. (JPG/DJA/VLG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
PAGBA encourages Caraganons to join its 2nd
Seminar in Baguio City
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) – The Philippine
Association for Government Budget Administration (PAGBA) Incorporated under the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) encouraged Caraganons to join the
second PAGBA quarterly Seminar and Meeting on July 22-25, 2015 at the Crown
Legacy Hotel in Baguio City.
With the theme “Planning, Budgeting, Execution and
Monitoring for Results – Pillars of a Strong Public Financial Management,”
PAGBA has invited distinguished speakers who will discuss on various topics,
such as: Updates on Compensation Matters; Highlights of the Calendar Year 2016
Budget; K to 12 Implementation Plans, Issues and Challenges; Savings and Realignments
for 2015; Civil Service Commission (CSC) Strategic Performance Management
System; Checkless Payment System by national government agencies; Gender
Planning and Budgeting; Buttoms-Up Budgeting (BuB): Strengthening
National-Local Governance Relationships; and Territorial Disputes in West
Philippine Sea – Historical Truths and Lies.
Also, According to PAGBA president Mario
Relampagos, this is an opportunity for the Budget/Finance Officers,
Accountants, Administrative/Personnel Officers, Cashiers/Treasurers,
Comptrollers, Planning Development Officers, Fiscal/School Administrators and
other officials to respond to the continuing and current requirements in public
service and governance, particularly on effective implementation of various
reforms on Public Financial Management.
“This is an opportunity for them to be part of
this very relevant, useful and learning experience with other government
officers and PAGBA members. Your active participation as well as inputs during
the seminar-workshop will be highly appreciated by everyone,” emphasized
Relampagos.
It was also learned that for this seminar, each
participant shall pay a registration fee of P4,800.00, annual dues of P300.00
and membership fee of P200.00. Check/cash payment should be issued/addressed to
the Philippine Association for Government Budget Administration (PAGBA) Inc.,
through the Land Bank of the Philippines Account No. 1692-1000-30.
For more details, visit the PAGBA website at
www.pagba.com or call at (02) 9525700 local 3112 or 0919-5588599.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
AgNor opens Agri-Trade Fair
By Daisy Jane M. Apit
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) - The provincial
government of Agusan del Norte formally opened on Monday its Agri-Trade Fair at
the Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.
The trade fair will run from June 15-18, it was
learned.
Booths and exhibits were put up by the National
Food Authority (NFA) - Agusan Norte office, Department of Education (DepED)-
Alternative Learning System (ALS) provincial chapter, Provincial Fisheries
Office, DOST Caraga and local government units (LGUs). The booths presented
their best local delicacies and agricultural and aquatic products.
One of the highlights during the opening was the
selection and identification of the "pinaka" among the participating
exhibitors like that of squash, watermelon, banana, coconut, sweet potato, and
milkfish.
Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell
Amante-Matba, other AgNor provincial and Caraga State University (CSU)
officials visited the booths in the morning for judging.
The said event forms part of the week-long
celebration of the 48th Araw ng Agusan del Norte. (DJA/PIACaraga)
DENR calls support for decarbonized economy
By Johny S. Natad
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) - The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) strongly supports and advocates
decarbonizing economy by replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of power
such as hydro, geothermal, wind, solar, and bio energy in running the economic
activities and by planting more trees that can absorb carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases (GHG).
In a press statement during the World Environment
Day Media Conference held at DENR-13 Regional Learning Center, DENR Caraga
regional director Nonito M. Tamayo said that every locality must adopt a
decarbonized economy in order to have sustainable economy without degrading the
environment.
“World leaders from 196 nations will gather in
Paris on December 2015 to primarily discuss the Earth Statement on Eight
Essential Elements of Climate Action, which could be an environmental blue
print for new Millennium Development Goals or MDG. Some of these essential
elements include recognition of the government commitment to limit to below two
degrees Celsius heat and the assistance to poor countries through overseas
development assistance (ODA) for decarbonized economy,” Tamayo revealed.
Tamayo said that new strategies and sources of
climate finance for developing countries are needed to facilitate hasty
conversion to zero-carbon and climate-resilient societies.
Reflecting from the Earth Statement, Tamayo said
the global carbon which anthropogenic (human) activity can still produce in the
future must be controlled to below 1000 giga tons (Gt) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
to get chance to hold the 2°C limit.
“Humankind has already emitted around 2000 Gt CO2
since the beginning of industrialization. Respecting the global carbon budget
means leaving at least three quarters of all known fossil fuel reserves in the
ground. With current emissions trends, the remaining 1000 Gt CO2 would be used
up within the next 25 years,” Earth Statement says.
According to scientist projection, decarbonizing
economy will not only save the planet from dangerous level of global warming
and climate change but it can help save 71 trillion US dollars by 2050.
With the 2015 world environment day theme “Seven
billion dreams. One planet. Consume with care,” Tamayo said the urgent need to
decarbonize the economy as a very crucial decision to help save our environment
and natural resource with love and action to mitigate and successfully address
global warming and climate change.
"We are reminded once again that as people
living in this planet earth, we have decisions but whatever it maybe, our
choices shape the world around us. Whatever our decisions maybe as consumers,
multiplied by millions, it has a big impact on our environment - some of them
contribute to the further depletion of natural resources, others help to
protect the delicate and fragile ecosystem. The choice is ours - every time we
make decisions," Tamayo said.
Decarbonized economy, which is also known as low-carbon
economy (LCE) or low-fossil-fuel economy (LFFE) is an economy operated by
utilizing low carbon power sources that has minimal to zero output of GHS
emission into the environment biosphere. A decarbonized economy that is
globally applied is expected to avoid catastrophic climate change in the Earth
as a result of zero-carbon-running-economy and therefore, it reasonably help
preserve every single life living with sustainable development on Earth. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Environment month celebration kicks-off in Butuan
By Johny S. Natad
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) - More than 400
participants coming from local government units, government line agencies,
Philippine National Police, academe and private companies join with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga on the “Lakad
para sa Kalikasan” (Walk for Environment). The activity marked the official
opening of the World Environment month celebration held recently from Guingona
Park to Agusan del Norte Provincial Covered court, this city covering a
distance of about two kilometers.
Realizing the spontaneous increase of human
population of more than seven billion in Earth, who consume natural resources,
DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo, in his message, explained that
it is important that everyone, not only the DENR and government agencies act
for the environmental protection and conservation. He thanked all participants
on the environmental activities and encouraged the people to be more pro-active
actors and environmental heroes in preserving and protecting the environment
and natural resources and by utilizing it with care.
“Our environment day reminds us that everyone has
a crucial role on how to take and use our natural resources wisely to achieve
inclusive growth in our economy in the best possible and sustainable way,”
Tamayo said.
Tamayo further explained that the total well-being
of humanity and operation of sustainable economy depend upon the responsible
management of the environment and natural resources. “Consuming more than what
the planet can sustainably provide is very dangerous to Earth’s biological
diversity including human race,” he added.
Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Sangguniang
Panlalawigan member Elizabeth Marie “Babette” Calo who graced the activity in
behalf of Provincial Governor Angel Amante-Matba said “It is very important to
strictly enforce environmental laws in the localities to safeguard our
environment and natural resources.”
“We need to implement the Philippine environmental
laws to excellently sustain and manage our environment. We have Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act; Philippine Clean Air Act; Philippine Clean Water
Act; Philippine Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Act; Climate
Change Act, Environmental Awareness and Education Act, among others, which if
we implement can really provide us a healthy, clean safe and sound environment
and better place to live in,” Calo added.
World Environment Day is annually celebrated on
June 5 as the United Nations’ major vehicle and advocacy for encouraging
worldwide responsiveness and action for the environmental cause. This year’s
environment day theme is "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with
Care”.
The month of June of each year is also declared as
the Philippine Environment Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 237
signed in 1988 by then President Corazon C. Aquino.
The DENR has organized various events to highlight
the environment month including media conference on June 5; Philippine Eagle
Week on June 4-10; World Ocean Day on June 8; Coral Triangle Day on June 9;
DENR 28th anniversary (Fiesta sa DENR) on June 10; DENR-13 Sports Fest on June
22-24; and Philippine Arbor Day on June 25. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DENR 13 celebrates 28th founding anniversary with
fiesta atmosphere
By Johny S. Natad
BUTUAN CITY, June 15 (PIA) - The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga employees gathered on Wednesday
at the DENR Caraga Covered Court for the “Fiesta sa DENR” in celebration of the
28th founding anniversary of the agency with the theme, “Alay sa mga kawani:
Katuparan ng mga Minithing Pangarap.”
DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo, in
his message, congratulated the employees of the DENR Caraga for being declared
as one of the best performing regions in the country.
“The DENR Caraga once again got the award and
bested other DENR regional offices nationwide. We got the same award in 2013
but we lose it to region 11 in 2014, nevertheless we got it again this year.
Thanks for your dedication, all out support and job well-done,” Tamayo said.
Tamayo cited the most significant regional
milestone accomplishment, to include the 100 percent cadastral survey to 73
cities and municipalities, exceeded its National Greening Program (NGP) target,
and the lowering statistics of confiscated illegal logs which shows successful
implementation of the anti-illegal logging campaign in the region.
Tamayo also recognized the need to urgently
complete the rationalization plan of the agency in the region and promote
highly qualified people to perform the mandates of the DENR.
“I’m hoping that before the end of June this year,
our rationalization plan will be completed and filled the vacant positions with
highly competent personnel based on standard qualification and merits. I expect
everyone to be more active, dedicated, and inspired in public service,” said
Tamayo.
Tamayo manifests the critical role of the DENR
employees in the responsible management, protection, and conservation of
environment and natural resources.
“We celebrate the 28th DENR anniversary as part of
the environment month celebration. The main purpose of the celebration is to
draw attention that the people can be responsible to the environment,” he said.
"We are now on the tipping point toward
destruction of the Earth, that is why it is our responsibility to save our
natural resources. Let us be an active agent of change toward sustainable
management of our environment,” Tamayo added.
The whole day “Fiesta sa DENR” celebration kicked
off with the ribbon cutting followed by an opening program, Zumba fitness dance
competition, laro ng lahi, recognition of DENR environmental partners, the
Voice contest, raffle for minor items, search for Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan,
musikahan at sayawan.
The DENR was officially created in June 10, 1987
by virtue of Executive Order No. 192 signed by then President Corazon C.
Aquino. The agency's humble beginning dates back in 1863 during Spaniard
regime. It was during the American regime when the Commonwealth Act No. 2666
was enacted to establish an agency tasked to primarily focus on fishing,
forestry and mining which was the Department of Agriculture and Natural
Resources (DANR). (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DTI warns public on two price tags in business
establishments
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, June 15 (PIA) –
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial director
Celestino Negapatan reminds all business establishments that putting two price
tags on products they are selling is prohibited.
Negapatan said that the buying public should be
aware that whether the payment is made in cash or through a credit card, the
amount they should be paying should be the amount reflected in the price tag.
If in case there are two price tags, the lowest
price should prevail as basis for the payment of the product being bought.
On similar incident, consumers are encouraged to
notify immediately the Consumer Welfare Desk Officer of the DTI Provincial
Office through telephone number 826-6129 or cellular number 09195971199.
For those interested to learn on matters about
consumer rights, please feel free to visit DTI’s office located at the 2nd
Floor, Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, this city. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del
Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Northern Mindanao Development Council supports corridors
strategy
DAVAO CITY, June 15 (PIA) – Northern Mindanao’s
Regional Development Council (RDC-10) recently expressed its support for the
implementation of the Mindanao Development Corridors, citing it as an
innovative strategy that responds to the development needs of the
island-region.
In a resolution signed on March 19, 2015, RDC-10
members and stakeholders are enjoined to ensure complementation,
synchronization, and convergence of resources with the existing development and
physical framework plans, and other ongoing initiatives and emerging trends in
the country that affect Mindanao.
“We are fully supportive of initiatives that
promote sustainable development in Northern Mindanao, and anchoring our efforts
to the Mindanao Development Corridors is one of the efficient ways of achieving
our goals,” said RDC 10 Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid
Dimaporo.
He added the Northern Mindanao Development
Corridor (NMDC) has potentials of developing into a world-class industrial and
services center, owing to its public infrastructure that is suited for
industrialization.
“The presence of eco-zones and the location of
industrial and agribusiness enterprises in the region, coupled with a strong
agricultural sector and a budding business process outsourcing industry makes
NMDC a key player in Mindanao’s socioeconomic development,” said Dimaporo.
The NMDC comprises the province of Misamis
Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del
Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte. Among the major programs and
projects identified under the NMDC are the Panguil Bay Bridge, which will
provide uninterrupted access from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities to Tangub,
Oroquieta, and Ozamiz cities and the rest of Misamis Occidental and the
Zamboanga Peninsula; the development of the airports in Ozamiz, Surigao, and Laguindingan;
the construction of the Northern Mindanao High Standard Highway, and the
construction of the 1st segment of the Mindanao Railway System.
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA),
through the Mindanao Peace and Development Framework Plan or the Mindanao 2020,
adopts the Mindanao Development Corridors as a key spatial strategy aimed to
improve infrastructure, establish connectivity, and spur the development of
growth clusters within the island-region, allowing it to achieve balanced and
inclusive growth among its regions.
The corridors approach divides the island economy
of Mindanao into three development corridors namely the Northern Mindanao
Development Corridor (NMDC), Southern Mindanao Development Corridor (SMDC), and
Western Mindanao Development Corridor (WMDC).
“Our regional development councils and local
government units know their territory better, which make them among our
strongest allies in Mindanao’s development planning and in integrating the
corridors initiative,” said MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.
Antonino added the initiative also aims to
position Mindanao as a single, integrated economy that is able to leverage and
fully participate in economic groupings such as the BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN, and the
rest of the global economic communities.
“This strategy will transcend regional boundaries
in terms of commodity flow and industry integration which will make regions in
Mindanao more commercially viable,” she said.
RDC 10 joins Region 9, 12, and the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao in supporting the Mindanao corridors program.
(MinDA/PIA-Caraga)
Tagalog News: Opisyal ng Palasyo sineguro na
nakahanda ang Pilipinas sa MERS-CoV
Ni David M. Suyao
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Hunyo 15 (PIA) -
Isang opisyal ng Palasyo sineguro noong Lunes na ang bansa ay nakahanda na sa
Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
“Ang Pilipinas ay nakahanda na sa MERS CoV at inilagay
sa wastong lugar ang lahat ng kinakailangang paraan ng pagsawata, kasama na ang
contact-tracing at iba pang pagkontrol na protocol ng impeksyon na para
maibukod iyong nagpakita ng sintomas ng MERS-CoV,” sabi ni Communication
Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang pahayag.
Natatandaan ni Coloma na mula pa noong unang
tatlong buwan ng 2014, ng unang naiulat ang MERS-CoV sa Middle East, ang
Department of Health (DOH) ay nagsagawa na ng matinding pagsiyasat at
pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa mga Pilipino lalo na ang mga nagtatrabaho ay nasa
pangkalusugan at mga empleyado ng hospital.
“Maaring maalaala natin na noong nagdaang taon,
ang DOH ay nagsagawa ng matagumpay na contact-tracing at pagbubukod sa mga ito
ng malaman na ang isang Pilipino ay naging positibo sa MERS-CoV sa Middle East
ay pumasok sa bansa. Ang pasyente ay ipinasok sa Research Institute for
Tropical Medicine (RITM) at napag-alamang ito ay negatibo ayon sa pagsusuri.
Kaparehong kaso ang naiulat noong Agosto 2014 at Pebrero 2015 na matagumpay na
nasaklaw,” sabi niya.
Sabi ni Coloma na ayon kay Health Secretary
Janette Garin, ang Pilipinas ay nanatiling “libre sa MERS-CoV.”
“Bilang miyembro na bansa ng World Health
Organization, ang Pilipinas ay sumusunod sa mga alituntunin na ituloy ang
pagmamatyag sa mga may acute respiratory infections,” sabi niya.
Sinabi din niya ang binanggit ng WHO sa pagsabi
nito na dahil sa kulang ng ebidensiya na nagkaroon ng tao sa tao na paglipat sa
South Korea, hindi ito nagpapayo ng espesyal na paraan at punto ng pagpasok, o
pagbiyahe o kaya pagbabawal ng kalakalan sa bansang iyon.
Pero inuli-ulit ni Coloma ang panawagan ng
pamahalaan para sa lahat ng Pilipino sa Middle East at iyong mga nagbibiyahe
patungo sa South Korea na patuloy na mapagmatyag, gumawa nga mga paraan sa
pag-iingat, sumunod sa mga lokal na pangkalusugang regulasyon, pagiging malinis
sa pangangatawan.
“Ang mga Pilpino na nagmula sa South Korea ay
pinapayuhan na dapat ay tama ang paggawa sa porma ng kwarentina para mapadali
ang contact-tracing," dagdag pa ni Coloma. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
