(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 09 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 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 ITCZ. 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—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

DOST chief leads blessing of metrology lab in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Mario Montejo led recently the blessing of the Regional Standard and Testing Laboratory (Metrology Laboratory) situated beside its regional office inside the Caraga State University (CSU) Campus, Ampayon, this city.

Montejo was assisted by undersecretary Carol Yorobe, assistant secretary Raymund Liboro, and Caraga State University (CSU) president Dr. Anthony Penaso.

DOST-Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga said the Metrology Laboratory is specifically designed to cater to the various calibration services required in the region.

“With its existence in Caraga, any operation which requires the use of a measuring instrument be it in scientific, industrial, or commercial applications becomes meaningful since instruments will then indicate precise results. Performing calibration works will also establish the traceability of any equipment to that of an internationally accepted standard,” stressed Mallonga.

Mallonga recalled that the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) of DOST-Caraga was established in 1999 as a Chemical Testing Laboratory and expanded into Microbiological and Metrology Laboratory in 2002 and 2004 respectively. Through the years, the RSTL-Caraga continuously develops new testing services to cater the needs of its clientele in the region.

The following are the calibration services being offered: Mass Calibration (Test Weights, Balances and Scales) – this calibration test is for determining the accuracy of test weights and various types of weighing instruments; Volumetric Calibration (Big Volume Calibration) – this calibration is performed on calibrating buckets and proving tanks. The test measures the validity in the volume of the fuels being dispensed and sold to consumers, (Volumetric Ware Calibration) – this is another type of calibration test conducted to ascertain that all laboratory glassware utilized for measuring volumes are accurately indicating its specific capacities; and Fuel Dispenser Calibration – this test serves as a validation for the correctness in the performance of fuel dispensers. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Peace Caravan ignites unity, cooperation and genuine peace in Loreto, Agusan del Sur

By  David M. Suyao

The long absence of rains made the rough roads going to Barangay Banawe, Loreto, Agusan del Sur looks like thick brown clouds of dust as early as 5:00 in the morning of May 29 as vehicles loaded with people from Sta. Teresita, Johnson, Mabuhay and Sabud rushed to Barangay Banawe where the second day program of the Caravan for Peace will take place.

Even with the burning heat of the morning sun, members of the army led by 26th Infantry Battalion Commander Rolando Dumawa briskly prepare the landing site of choppers that will carry the dignitaries from Manila led by Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, Secretary Teresa Deles.

Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza arrived ahead on board the first helicopter that landed. Followed by flock of local residents, the governor proceeded to the venue where the second day of the caravan took place.

“No one will be left behind. Our work in the government cannot stop. We are here to work for the people,” said Manny Bautista, Executive Director of the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace, where the theme of the activity was derived, and as commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino to the Filipino people.

In his message to his constituents, Gov. Plaza lay down his challenge saying that the activity is just the beginning of the struggle to gain lasting peace.

“Always remember. Peace is everybody’s concern and struggle. We can never attain economic development if we will not work and aim together for lasting peace. We, both in the national and local governments cannot do something if you will not cooperate with us. We are always here with you to work with you for peace and development. So we are calling you to give your share in order that we can attain our objective. To have a better and peaceful life,” Gov. Plaza said.

Sec. Deles personally handed over 900 educational kits to grades 1 and 2 children with Gov. Plaza, Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza and other dignitaries assisting. Sec. Deles escorted by Gov. Plaza also rounded the tents surrounding the multi-purpose building where various agencies were rendering their services to some 1,500 local residents from the five barangays of Loreto.

In the afternoon of that second day, 154 rebels who showed themselves and laid down their intention to return to the folds of the law were presented to Sec. Deles and other dignitaries.

“After the legal processing and evaluation, you will be living back to normal lives. Then you can feel how the government cares for you. Anything that you feel that are not in the proper process, you can call USEC Bautista here and tell him. I know he will act on your needs immediately,” Sec. Deles said. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


55th 'Araw Ng Surigao del Sur' celebration to offer mobile passporting, PRC licensing services

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, June 3 (PIA) – Provincial chief agriculturist Marcos Quico bared that among the major activities for the 55th 'Araw Ng Surigao del Sur' celebration on June 19 are Mobile Passporting as well as Mobile Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Licensing on June 13-14 and June 17-19, respectively, at the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) located at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) building here.

Both mobile services will cater to applicants for new or renewal of either passport or professional licenses, he clarified.

Quico further explained that mobile passporting normally takes place during weekend in order not to compromise regular working days.

Meanwhile, being also tasked to take the lead for the celebration at the usual venue—Vicente L. Pimentel, Sr. Boulevard, popularly known to locals as “Boulevard,” the agriculture chief, who holds the concurrent capacity as PESO provincial manager, admitted his office was also in charge of the program of activities lined up for the three-day event that will formally kick off on June 17.

This includes the exhibit of sorts for homegrown agricultural products from every town and every city province-wide as well as the showcasing of locally-made handicrafts.

Copies of the official program of invitation, which contain more information on the series of activities, are now undergoing printing, it was learned.

The theme for the celebration is “Kalambuan Palig-onon, Maligdong Nga Panggamhanan Ipadayon,” according to Marjorie Pagaran, secretary to Governor Johnny Pimentel. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DOST upgrades Guerta Enterprises twice

BUTUAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) - A total of P886,856.71 worth of assistance under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was released to Guerta Enterprises in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

Said amount was utilized in the procurement of a more advanced mechanical equipment including milling machine that is capable of doing diverse machining operations; shaper that will be used to produce gears, internal and external splines; and a bigger diameter capacity lathe machine which can accommodate metal workings with up to 36’’ maximum diameter.

Last 2013, the enterprise received its first fund release amounting to P483,000.00 for the improvement of their motor vehicle repair services through acquisition of crimping machine, and hydraulic hose fabrication equipment. They were also able to acquire a free consultancy service through DOST’s Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program which enabled them to increase income by up to 30 percent.

Guerta Enterprises is a family-run firm specializing in steel and hydraulic hose fabrication and machining and repair of motor vehicles. Its major services include repair of gas tanks, replacement of loss thread bolts and damaged bolt nuts, worn out tires, brake pads, tensioning belts or chains, and cleaning of carburettors. It is among the successful SETUP beneficiaries in SDS and an active project partner who fulfils obligation to DOST SETUP within the prescribed period.

Romeo Guerta, proprietor, said in an interview, “The assistance we received from DOST Caraga through SETUP enables us to address our technical problems and lack of appropriate machining and fabrication equipment.”

He further said that the program clearly helps in upgrading the capacity of small entrepreneurs because of its interest-free and reasonable payment scheme.

DOST SETUP is a nationwide strategy encouraging and assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and increase their productivity and competitiveness. (IRMillan, DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Lady foresters dare danger to get crucial data about forest land use

By Eric Herson Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) - It takes lady foresters of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office to cross danger lines inside forest jungles in Agusan del Sur to get crucial data on forest land use needed in management decision.

“We spend lot of hours hiking in the forest jungle without minding the danger that lurks somewhere to assess the forest resources particularly about the National Greening Program (NGP),” Forester Marlyn delos Arcos said.

Arcos is assigned at the Conservation and Development Division, Technical Service of the DENR 13 where data and information about the status of the planted seedlings and the tree stands are constantly monitored to guide the top management in making decisions.

“We go to places where men dare not owing to critical security condition," Arcos said.

The lady forester was referring to the presence of the armed rebels who patrol the forest apparently evading the pursuing government troops. “We avoid the conflict as possible,“ Arcos said.

"We’re not afraid facing an NPA cadre if the situation warrants although most often they understand our job," she added.

Arcos said the Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) is so important in the forest land use. Its activities involve collecting, managing and analyzing data and information about forest resources. Information from sample plots and tracts, the measurement of biophysical properties and feedback from forest users are very crucial in the management of tree resources.

“We focus in particular about the changes in land use and the existing vegetation inside a forest area,” Arcos added.

She said 26 sample tracts in Caraga Region are currently being assessed and evaluated by the DENR team. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Mamumuhunang Hapones sinisilip ang pagpalawak ng negosyo sa Pilipinas

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hunyo 3 (PIA) - Mga mamumuhunang hapones ay nagagalak sa kasalukuyang estado ng kalakal sa Pilipinas at nagpahayag ng malakas na interes na magtayo ng bagong negosyo o kaya palawakin ang kanilang operasyon sa bansa, sabi ng isang opisyal ng Palasyo.

Kaagad pagkatapos na dumating sa Tokyo, Japan para sa apat na araw na pagbisita, maraming pagpupulong tungkol sa negosyo si Pangulong Aquino kasama ang mga nangungunang mga kompaniya ng Japan.

Si Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., na sinamahan si Pangulong Aquino sa mga ginawang pagpupulong ay nagsabing ang Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd ay nagpahayag ng kanilang interes ng pagpalawak ng kanilang puhunan sa Pilipinas.

“Sobrang nasiyahan ang Kirin sa pamumuhunan at klima ng negosyo sa Pilipinas,” sabi ni Secretary Coloma.

Nakipagkita rin si Pangulong Aquino kay Terou Asada, ang tsirman ng Marubeni, na may 105 ng presensiya sa Pilipinas.

Sinabi ni Coloma na si Marubeni ay mataas ang pagtingin tungkol sa kanyang pamumuhunan sa Pilipinas sa kasalukuyan tungkol sa enerhiya, pagpaunlad ng enerhiya, patubig, at malawakang transportasyon (MRT at LRT 2  extension).

Nagpakita rin ng malaking interes ang kompanyang Hapon sa paggalugad ng bagong larangan ng kaunlaran ng negosyo sa Pilipinas gaya ng komersyal na sasakyan. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)