PIA-13, 4ID Phil. Army to hold IP Reg’l Youth
Leadership & Communicators Summit in AgNor
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) - The Philippine
Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, in partnership with the 4th Infantry Division,
Philippine Army is spearheading the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Regional Youth
Leadership and Communicators' Summit on December 18-21, 2015 to be held at
Tiberias Retreat House in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.
IP youth coming from the areas with Certificate of
Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) in Caraga region will be attending said event.
Also, the closing program and awarding of certificates to the participants on
December 21, 2015 will be held in the city.
According to LTC. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of
4ID Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (4ID),
Philippine Army, the said event will equip the youth with the right information
that will guide them in deciding their future and to give them hope and keep
them away from crime, drugs and help them secure a better future.
"The youth's idealism, thirst for adventure
and inquisitiveness form part of their strength that drive them to aspire to
achieve greater heights and accomplish greater things as they continue to
define the life that they chose to have in the future. Bearing that in mind,
the unit came up with the conduct of such activity that shall become a platform
for positive reinforcement to prepare the IP youth in their role as movers and
shakers of this country," Pasco remarked.
It was learned that the major major ethnic tribes
in Caraga region that will be participating are the following: Manobo,
Higa-onon, Mamanwa, Banwaon, Talaandig and Mandaya/Kamayo. Caraga Region has 21
approved CADT and two CADT applications.
"The IP Regional Youth Leadership and
Communicators' Summit on Dec. 18-21, 2015 is generally aimed to enhance the
potential of the Indigenous Peoples - Youth to become an agent of peace and
development in their respective areas. Specifically, it is also intended to
develop the IP youth to become responsible individuals and to empower the youth
as advocates and conduits of peace and development," disclosed Pasco.
Meanwhile, PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga
expressed his optimism that the participating youth will be fully-equipped as
effective communicators at the end of the summit.
“This will be the first IP-youth activity, which
will focus on the development of their skills as communicators. They will
undergo various basic workshops in the field of communication during the summit
that will arm them to become good and effective communicators (writers,
speakers, journalists) in their respective communities,” said Caga.
Also, the said summit will be conducted in four
phases and will be done in coordination with the members of the Regional
Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) for Indigenous Peoples in Caraga, Caraga Council
for Peace and Development and 5th Civil Relation Service of AFP.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
150 Surigaonons gather for a dialogue on human
rights, environment, IP issues
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) - Some 150 participants
comprising students, professors, representatives from government agencies, and
media attended the Forum on Human Rights, Environment and the Indigenous
Peoples (IP) on Thursday, held at the convention hall of SDSSU, Cantilan Campus
in Surigao del Sur.
Said event is sponsored by Vicariate Social Action
Center, United BARDUGS International Association of Cantilan, Inc., Tubig
Kinaiyahan Panalipdan Coalition, and Cantilan Women's Club.
Vicente Cirilo Iriberri, president of United
BARDUGS International Association of Cantilan, Inc. said that in order to
address the issue on the alleged conflict between the military and the IPs,
stakeholders from the different sectors intentionally convened to voice out
significant concerns and give clear solutions.
Iriberri added that with the aggressive entry of
mining operators in our communities, a bleak human rights and environmental
destruction have amplified and even the proliferation of firearms has caused
conflicts and warfare. He also stressed
that the issue of human rights is very critical that it requires different
stakeholders to rally together to address the risks/threats, to avoid
displacement, and therefore coordination is deemed needed to build unity.
It was also emphasized by Jose Melvin Alfante
Lamanilao, consultant of Resource Governance/Bantay Kita the importance of
human rights and the environment. According to him, while people practice their
individual rights, they should also know their limitations.
Rowil Aguillon, Woods Division head of Sudecor’s
management committee also pointed out that it is not yet too late for them to
finally attain lasting peace. He said that they should all work together as one
and set aside their personal interests.
Meanwhile, according to Major General Oscar
Lactao, commander of 4th infantry division, Philippine Army, they facilitate
civil government in the delivery of the basic needs of the people through
'Bayanihan.' He also bared that the AFP will not tolerate any violation of
human rights and will follow the international humanitarion law. “Human rights
is imperative and there is no national security when there's no human
security," he said.
Lactao further reiterated that the army does not
create policies for mining, however, they have the responsibility to protect
the people. “I am a believer of giving value to our natural environment. We
have to advocate in preserving the wonders of nature and proper utilization of
these resources. Let us condemn injustices, violence, arm struggle, and protect
our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Everything starts in the mind and by
putting them in action through dialogue and consensus, peace and development
can be achieved,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Datu Rico Maca, the municipal tribal
chieftain of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur explained why there are still hundreds
of IPs still staying at the evacuation center in Surigao del Sur. He strongly
emphasized that it is because of the intervention and manipulation of some
sectors – religious/faith-based and non-government organizations who just want
to take advantage of the situation in order to get donations from other
countries for their personal interest and not for the benefit of the IPs.
Maca further acknowledged that the government is continuously
providing the IPs the needed programs and services despite the resistance of
some progressive groups in the area. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)
OWWA holds ‘OFW Family Day’ in Surigao City
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) – The Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA) conducted a one-day event dubbed “OFW Family Day”
with the theme, "Magsadya ug Maglipay kita sa pagsaulog sa pasko kauban
ang pamilyang OFW" (Let's Be Merry and Be Happy in Celebrating Christmas
with our OFW Family) on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Provincial
Gymnasium, this city.
The one-day event is OWWA's institutionalized
program to give tribute to the OFWs and their families. It also aims to promote
the importance of spending quality time and togetherness among OFW (Overseas
Filipino Workers) families through enthusiastic participation in various
activities during the one-day event.
Hundreds of OFW families from all over the region
participated in this year's OFW Family Day celebration.
OWWA administrator Rebecca J. Calzado in her
welcome message delivered by OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel Madrid welcomed
the OFW families, beneficiaries and dependents to the OFW Family Day
celebration in Surigao City.
She congratulated all the families, dependents and
beneficiaries for being strong and united in the past year.
Calzado encouraged all to pay tribute to all OFWs
around the world for their remarkable contribution to the economic growth of
the nation.
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte governor Sol F.
Matugas in her keynote speech said that families, beneficiaries and dependents
of OFWs must acknowledge and be thankful to the sacrificies of their loved ones
who worked abroad.
She appealed to the hundreds of families of OFWs
attending the said celebration to protect and keep their families intact and
take comfort in the thought that, the government especially the provincial
government is trying its best through the HEALS Plus program (Health Education
Agri and Aquaculture Livelihood and Social Services) that in the future, no
member of the family will be forced to go abroad for livelihood.
Also, during the said activity participants were
treated with various activities which include free medical and eye check-up,
blood testing, blood typing and chemistry, pampering booth, health and beauty
clinic (massage, facial, haircut and pedicure/manicure, free five-minute
overseas calls, parlor games, raffle draw, among others.
As part of the festivity, different OFW families,
beneficiaries and dependents organizations all over the region presented their
talents for the OFW Got Talent contest.
Other goverment agencies like the Philhealth,
Pag-IBIG, Provincial Health Office of Surigao Norte, and private institutions
like SMART Telecommunications, Ford Philippines, Motortrade Corporation,
Camella Homes and other establishments have also set-up booths offering OFW
services and business opportunities. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
549 set for TESDA mass graduation in SurSur
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 14 (PIA) – A
total of 549 beneficiaries under the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) here are set for the mass graduation at the Provincial Social
Hall at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015.
According to Rey Cueva, TESDA provincial director,
these individuals who gained various skills training would be conferred with
their respective certificates of graduation.
In his letter dated December 4, 2015 to Governor
Johnny Pimentel, TESDA Director Cueva had invited the former to be their guest
speaker.
TESDA Provincial Office here has always been “in
partnership with various Tech-Voc Institutions” province-wide.
Since the occasion would be held in Tandag City,
the agency’s partners during the set graduation include Access for Youth
training and Employment Center (AYEC) and Jobs through Tech-voc
Program-Provincial Skills Training Center (JTP-PSTC).
Meanwhile, Cueva claimed TESDA, this year, had
continued to be more productive.
In closing, the TESDA chief had called on the
attention of other youths to avail of their skills training.
Meanwhile, Nancy De Guzman, TESDA administrative
officer V, said their office, in collaboration with the 36th Infantry Battalion
(36IB) under Lt. Col. Randolp Rojas, Surigao del Sur State University headed by
president Dr. Basilides Estal, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) with
P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting at the helm, is going to sponsor a “concert for a
cause” at the SDSSU Gymnasium on January 8, 2016.
She said proceeds would be used to finance the
“Bayanihan Team Activity” for the benefit of “Habal-habal Drivers/Operators in
four barangays of Tago town, this province, particularly the barangays of
Anahao-Daan, Lindoy, Caras-an, and Layog.”
A mini-hardware for spare parts and vulcanizing
shop would be set up in each of the places mentioned, De Guzman pointed out.
Each ticket is sold at P25 in exchange for
watching a live entertainment care of “Valor Band and SDSSU Talents,” it was
learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
AgNor SP approves P883M budget for 2016
By Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) - The Sangguniang
Panlalawigan (SP) recently approved the budget for calendar year 2016 in the
total amount of P883,675,754.02 covering the various expenditures for the
operation of the provincial government and P6,505,467 as support for the
economic programs and projects of the province.
Said budget came from various sources including
local tax revenues – P14,375,027.00, permits and licenses – P1,770,00.00,
service income – P28,837,906.00, hospital fees – P72,897,698.00, interest
income – P 1,000,000.00 and external sources – P764,795,123.02.
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 404-15 approving
the said budget, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, special
provisions were included complying the following budgetary requirements: a) the
five percent Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund in the amount of
P44M was provided. Utilization of which shall be in accordance with Joint Memorandum
Circular 2014-1, dated March 25, 2013, with projects and activities based on
the approved LDRRMP as integrated in the approved AIP; b) the 20% Development
Fund amounted to P152.5M as mandated under Section 287 of the Local Government
Code addressing priority programs and projects that contribute to the
attainment of desirable socio-economic development and environmental management
outcomes as provided for in Joint Memorandum Circular 2011-1 dated April 13,
2011 and c) aid to the 167 barangays at P1,000.00 per barangay was provided in
the total amount of P167,000.00.
As to non-office expenditures, the budget was
divided and allocated accordingly. General Services budget got P95,803,931.42,
Social Services got P37,603,712.00, Economic Services got P26,520,881.00 and
Infrastructure, Outlays and Other Development Programs and Projects got
P103,761,440.00.
The approved budget is a 5.73 percent increase
from the 2015 annual budget. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Cebuano: AgNor nagpahigayon sa 'international day
of disability'
Ni Jessica O. Mellejor
BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 14 (PIA) - Nagmalampuson nga
gipahigayon sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang selebrasyon sa 'International
Day of Disability' niadtong December 4 didto gipahigayon sa Provincial Training
Center, Capitol, sa tema nga “INCLUSION MATTERS: Access and Empowerment for
People of All Abilities.”
Ang maong kalihukan gitambungan sa nagkalain laing
mga Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) o adunay mga kapansanan sa napulo ka mga
munisipyo ug usa ka syudad nga sakop sa probinsya.
Ang mga aktibidadis nga gihimo mao ang paghatag og
pabibo para sa mga PWDs, anaay mga games nga mag create sila ug device PWD
accessibility, chorale singing ug uban pa. Ila kini gihimo pasabot nga kaya
nila buhaton o dulaon ang mga games nga gipabuhat sa mga normal nga mga tao.
Ang mga premyo nagagikan kini kang Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M.
Amante-Matba.
Atol usab sa maong General Assembly gipahigayon
ang “PWD Experience” sa may Lobby Capitol nga diin miduyog ang provincial
government hilabina ang mga empleyado nga gipangunahan ni Provincial Board
Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, ang MSWD Focal Persons, MSWD Officers ug ang
PWD Officers.
Matod pa ni BM Calo nga dili gyod diay lalim nga
mahimo ta sama nila kay dili nato mabuhat ang atong gustong buhaton kay samtang
nitisting siya pagsakay sa wheel chair iyang nasinati nga dili diay lalim kung
kita anaa sa maong sitwasyon.
Ang mitambong sa maong kalihukan ang National
Anti-Poverty Commission o NAPC representative nga si Matlin Esima, CSWD Focal
Person, Ms. Lorna Bandola, PWD Regional Federation Governor, DSWD Staff Ms.
Mayette Handayan ug si OIC Provincial Social Welfare & Development Officer
Daisybiel Demavivas, nga nag representar kang Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M.
Amante-Matba, nga nagpakita sa ilang dakong pagsuporta hilabina sa tabang
pinansyal. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
