(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 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 Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Monday, March 23, 2015

6 of 10 young Pinays are mothers - PSA

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 23 (PIA) – Six in 10 Filipino young women started childbearing between 15 to 24 years old, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here.

“Of this, at least one in 10 Filipino young women age 15-19 has begun childbearing and five in every 10 young adult women age 20 to 24 are already mothers,” said Lovervelle Olaco of PSA Surigao del Sur during a forum on Sex-Disaggregated Data on Thursday as part of the Women’s month celebration here.

Based on the statistical records presented, the initiation of sexual activity before age 18 is more common among young adult women with less education and those in poorer households. "Of which seven percent with college education against 40 percent with elementary education, while 10 percent from the highest quintile against the 36 percent lowest wealth quintile," she said.

Olaco said that the early pregnancy and motherhood varies by education, wealth quintile, and region.

Furthermore, Olaco added that females are fewer than males in Surigao del Sur with a ratio of 106 males per 100 females, while on education, more females (59 percent) than males (41 percent) had attain higher level with a difference of 18 percent.

According to provincial statistics officer Ruel Dres, early childbearing is also more common in Caraga with 38 percent and Cagayan Valley with 37 percent than other regions in the country.

Meanwhile, the data presented was based on the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) that was designed to provide information on fertility, family planning, and health in the country and the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) which was conducted last May 1, 2010.  (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


SurSur PNP beefs up security as March 29 NPA anniversary nears

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 23 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur claimed it has always been ready for any eventualities that the New People’s Army (NPA) might carry out to mark their 46th anniversary celebration on March 29.

P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, acting PNP provincial director, confirmed on Thursday that NPA rebels have indeed stepped up their offensives in the province.

Just a day earlier, Col. Alexander Macario, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, whose area of responsibility (AOR) still includes Surigao del Sur, issued a similar statement.

Surigao del Sur will be the sole area of responsibility (AOR) of 402nd Infantry Brigade soon, it was learned.

During the past two weeks, the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) under the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA), had several encounters with the NPA in the northern part of Surigao del Sur, notable of which was the recent clash in Carmen town where a 17-year old female rebel was killed.

Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr., 36IB commander, even condemned anew the rebel groups for keeping on enlisting and employing minors in furthering their “nonsense ideology.”

A week before, a statement of condemnation against the NPA was already issued by the same army official due to the use of landmine particularly with the ambush of a private vehicle where a 17-year old boy was hurt.

However, Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, 36IB civil military officer (CMO), said in his latest feed that the landmine victim has already died of fatal neck injury.

Meanwhile, the most recent atrocities perpetrated by NPA in the AOR of 401st Infantry Brigade happened in Agusan del Sur.

Col. Macario bared in an interview that armed rebels were behind the burning of five construction equipment in La Paz town owned by Madyaw Construction and Development Corporation.

Citing the series of incidents, the provincial chief cop here reiterated the alert status of the province has never ever been downgraded since he held his post almost a year ago.

Verdadero also said the proximate period to the founding anniversary of the rebel group is critical.

Despite the increased sightings and all, he assured peace and order situation remains manageable and under control. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DTI now accepts BMBE renewal application

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 23 (PIA) – Based on the recent memorandum, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial offices are now accepting applications for the renewal of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) that expired from January 13, 2015 and onward.

The directive from the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development officer-in-charge assistant director Jerry T. Clavesillas for the issuance of a provisional BMBE Certificate of Authority is an interim measure while waiting for the formal guidelines to be issued by the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10644 otherwise known as the Go Negosyo Act.

The Go Negosyo Act, which was enacted into law on July 15, 2014, is aimed to support the development of micro, small and medium enterprise throughout the country.

Among the provisions of the law is the transfer of registration of BMBE from the local government unit to the DTI.

In this regard, DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan encouraged entrepreneurs having BMBE related concerns to just visit the DTI provincial office located at the 2nd Floor of Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, Surigao City and look for Engr. Ma. Theresa Z. Calang, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist-Business Development Division. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao Norte veterinary office trumpets 'Marajaw Kahayupan' program

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 23 (PIA) - On top of the national distinction earned by the province government, the Provincial Veterinary Office unveiled its year-round program dubbed “Serbisyong Panghayop sa Barangay (animal services in the barangay).”

Provincial Veterinary officer Dr. Life Sheila Laugo said, the implementation of the said program is in line with the declaration of Governor Sol Matugas that the year 2015 be called the "Year of the Barangay" and its sincere desire to bring public service to all barangayanons.

She said that early on, they have already initiated the program in the municipalities of San Francisco on March 17- 20, Tubod on March 11 -13, Sison on February 24- 27, and Claver on February 4-6, this year.

Laugo further said that the province won the national award for having Bucas Grande Island officially proclaimed as a rabies-free zone all over the country and Governor Matugas was also honored with Gawad Pangkalahatan trophy, in sync with the municipalities of Alegria, Tubod and Socorro.

Further, the Provincial Veterinary Office calendar of activities for the "Sebisyong Panghayop sa Barangay" are as follows:  March 25 to 27 - Placer; April 3 - Pilar; April 8 to 10 - Burgos; April 15 to 17 - Sta. Monica; April 22 to 24 - San Benito; May 11 to 13 - General Luna; May 22 to 24 - Del Carmen; May 29 to 31 - San Isidro; June 3 to 5 - Bacuag; June 8 to 11 - Gigaquit; June 24-26 - Alegria; July 7 to 10 - Mainit; July 22 to 24 - Malimono; July 29 to 31 - Socorro; and August 12 to 14 in Malimono town.

Dr. Laugo, however noted that the schedule is subject to change without prior notice. (SDR/PIC-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


SurSur treasury confirms move on tax amnesty extension

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 23 (PIA) – In response to the request of some sectors, especially the mayors, to extend the real property tax amnesty that was carried out last year, Wenifreda Perez, Surigao del Sur Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO) chief, has confirmed move at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to extend the same for this year.

Both Marihatag and Cortes towns have respectively sent their resolutions to this effect, it was learned.

In fact, the request of the former has already been acted upon by Governor Johnny Pimentel by endorsing it to the SP early this year.

Meanwhile, exactly a month ago, during the PTO hosting of the Monday flag ceremony program led by no less than the governor, himself, Cortes Mayor William Angos has expressly sought the extension of Provincial Resolution No. 232 series of 2014.

The certified public accountant (CPA)-lawyer town chief, pointed out in his impromptu speech that such amnesty has made their treasury accomplished a lot.

Cortes town was among the top five achievers to have received a special cash award and a plaque of recognition during the occasion which highlighted the giving of such honors not only to mayors but at the same time to treasurers and assessors alike.

In an information sent to the office of the governor, the treasury chief stressed that they “were able to collect Real Property Tax (RPT) in the amount of P113,899,457.32 or 155.05 percent” as against the “collection target of P73,460,181.19 for CY 2014,” an outstanding feat the PTO has accomplished, Governor Pimentel lauded.

Meanwhile, Perez said granting a request for extension like the case at hand requires a justifiable cause, hinting that it is up to the legislative body.

She cited that last December 29, 2014, the province was devastated by Typhoon Seniang, prompting it to declare a state of calamity. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Saturday, March 21, 2015

ASELCO conducts 4th joint stakeholders forum

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 21 (PIA) - The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO) conducted its 4th Joint Stakeholders Forum on Friday at the ASELCO Main Office, here.

With the theme, “Aligning Inside to Win the Outside,” a total of 872 attendees composed of representatives from the Barangay Power Association Presidents and Treasurers (BAPA), ASELCO Accredited Barangay Electricians (AABE), Multi-sectoral Advisory Council (MSEAC) members, and ASELCO scholars were welcomed by the board of directors headed by Dir. Corazon D. Cullantes, board president, and the ASELCO management led by Engr. Emmanuel B. Galarse as they graced the annual bustle of getting coordinated, informed, and empowered of the latest operations and events in ASELCO and the power industry.

The event was more highlighted with the presence of Congressman Edgardo R. Masongsong, 1-CARE Partylist Representative who strongly reminded the member-consumer-owners (MCOs) to be much aware of the privilege they have as members of the cooperative. He also encouraged them to create a strong organization with elected officers to serve as Chapter Representatives who will represent Agusan del Sur in the National League of EC-MCOs. Masongsong pointed out that organization of the member-consumer-owners will lead to a much greater awareness and sense of ownership for a better cooperative.

Along with the event, a ground-breaking ceremony was done thereby showing the general public on the proposed multi-purpose building to be built in the premises of the cooperative. The project was made possible through the General Appropriation Act (GAA) Fund Allocation of Cong. Masongsong of 1-CARE Partylist having Barangay San Isidro in cooperation with the cooperative to take custody of the building to be used in gatherings initiated by the management and the members.


The program ended with a synthesis of comments and suggestions that are hoped to further strengthen the partnership between the coop management and the valued MCOs. (ASELCO Publication Team/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, March 20, 2015

Caraga Reg’l Advisory Committee on 4Ps launches its 2015 breakthrough goals, directives

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 20 (PIA) – The Regional Advisory Council on Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga launched on Friday its breakthrough goals and directives for 2015.

In time with the committee’s first quarter meeting, DSWD-Caraga regional director Brigoli presented its breakthrough goals and directives. According to her, the department aimed to raise the level of well-being of 88,103 Pantawid Pamilya families by end of 2015 (in sets 1-6); complete the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) tool administration to 159,967 Pantawid Pamilya Program families in sets 1-7; and ensure that 16,000 families are engaged in sustainable and productive activities.

“We also aimed to increase the number of National Housing Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR)-identified poor families covered by at least two SWD Programs from 193,000 to 209,071 by end of 2015. We want to ensure that 50 local government units are utilizing the NHTS-PR data in the provision of SWD programs and services, as well as to provide monthly technical assistance to 73 Municipal/City Action Teams to ensure compliance to the City/Municipal Transition Plans,” disclosed Brigoli.

Brigoli also said that the committee aimed to increase the number of provinces with fully functional Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs) by the end of 2015. “We will provide technical assistance and resource augmentation to 46 LSWDOs and complete the baseline assessment of the remaining 32 LSWDOs,” she added.

Meanwhile, the good director also revealed its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) agenda for this year.

“With our aim to be ISO-certified, the department has also to intensify the implementation of various social protection programs and services to increase people’s resiliency to address the situation of poverty and effects of climate change in the region; synergize and strengthen cooperation, collaboration and partnership with various stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of social protection programs and services; and operationalize dully and sustain functionality of developed systems and procedures to make them more efficient in ensuring the desired outcomes at all levels,” highlighted Brigoli.

Brigoli further emphasized that the department will continue to strengthen management support processes, policies and structures to veer towards internationally accepted standards. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)


AgSur guv confers 134 graduates of basic search, rescue training

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 20 (PIA) – Governor Adolph Edward Plaza confers this morning the 134 graduates of Basic Search and Rescue course that will automatically become members of the Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS) teams of the different municipalities where they respectively reside.

In a simple but solemn ceremony, the graduates, clad in orange, sat silently waiting for their names to be called to receive the certificate of completion while members of their families who supported them for the whole 10 days duration of the training surrounded them to witness their commitment of their noble cause of volunteerism. 

In his message, Gov. Plaza thanked the trainees for responding to the call of the government as volunteers in times of disaster and calamities in order to save lives and properties.

“Indeed, it is very heart-warming to see willing and able faces of people like you who sacrificed to participate in this 10-day training. Leaving your families and personal responsibilities behind, you voluntarily came here to personally signify your spirit of volunteerism to act as front liners during disasters and calamities so that others will live. Because of what I witnessed, I am contemplating that all the SARAS will again have a refresher training on November so that your skills in the search and rescue operation will be enhanced while developing closer camaraderie and cooperation. I will also do my best to produce additional equipment so that you will also become more effective in the discharge of your responsibilities.  Again, from the bottom of my heart, congratulations to all of you, newly graduates,” Gov. Plaza said.

In response, three of the participants responded almost the same with each other, saying they do not expect that the training was as rigid as they experienced.

A lady trainee said, she was made to eat food that never in her entire life have tasted it, but it added energy and strength to even perform better.

The new year (2015) of Agusan del Sur was greeted by typhoon Seniang that caused landslides and floods. Millions worth of properties, roads and bridges, farm products were damaged and most of all, lives were lost. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


OWWA-13 organizes lecture seminar on health issues, HIV-AIDS awareness

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 20 (PIA) - In line with the 2015 Women’s Month celebration and Gender and Development (GAD) activity, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office-13 organized a one-day seminar on Menopausal-Andropausal Health Issues and HIV-AIDS awareness held recently at OWWA training hall.

The activity aimed at promoting awareness on the pressing health concern confronting the men and women going through the menopausal and andropausal stage. The HIV-AIDS was also tackled to create consciousness among the participants with the gradual increase of cases in the region.

Around 30 OFW Family Circle (OFC) members consisting of mostly women coming from various barangays of the city and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and some OWWA personnel participated in the lecture seminar.

Emmie Marie Cabahug, Training Specialist III and Family Planning Coordinator of Caraga Regional Health Office served as the resource speaker.

Highlighted in her discussions are the symptoms of menopausal and andropausal, approaches to manage it and what to do to maximize health at this stage.

Cabahug also presented the statistics of HIV-AIDS cases in the country during the last 30 years (1884-2014) and as well as the cases in Caraga for the last 19 years (1995-June 2014) which has shown alarming increased.

She also expounded how HIV-AIDS affects the body and how it can be prevented, treated and managed.

In his message, OWWA OIC regional director Eduardo Bellido said that the concept of the seminar is an offshoot of the consultative meeting with OFW Family Circles in Agusan del Norte held last February.

Bellido expressed that the topic relates to the men and women’s life as part of the human cycle.

“For me, when you aged up, you age gracefully. It is only a normal cycle of human life and we have to face ultimately out there,” conveyed Bellido.

Likewise, he advised the participants to be preventive and encouraged them undergo regular check-up.

After the discussions, an open forum was also facilitated to clarify the queries of the participants.

While aside from initiating the said activity, OWWA-13 also participated earlier in the color fun-walk activity which served as the kick-off ceremony on Women’s Month Celebration in Caraga spearheaded by the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) chaired by Atty. Marlyn Pintor.

The observance of National Women’s month every March is in line with Proclamation No. 227 promulgated in 1988. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Juana, ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na” and pays tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Norte provincial tourism office bares 2015 tourism projects

By John Glenn Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 20 (PIA) – The Provincial Tourism Office here recently introduced and piloted giant projects for the province in line with its flagship program dubbed “Marajaw Turismo Advocacy.”

Provincial Tourism officer-in-charge Arturo Cruje said that the provincial government is happy to announce four epic tourism projects approved for implementation this year.

Cruje said that in Socorro town, a floating restaurant is in progress on top of the development of Sabang Mangrove Forests and Park, construction of Busay Falls and creation of “Bahay Turista” which he described as "well-advanced and well-situated."

“There are projects approved under the bottom-up-budgeting (BUB) of the Department of Tourism. Several projects were also implemented last year under this scheme,” Cruje asserted.

In the municipality of Bacuag, Tranquility Beach Road is set to be improved while tourism cottages will also be constructed and in San Francisco, the establishment of Tourism Information Center and purchase of equipment will also take their course.

Moreover, a Tourist Assistance Center will be built in Pilar worth P420,000.

“These are tourism initiatives of said municipalities to boost tourism in their respective areas. And as to visitor arrivals and investments, we are growing fast in the last five years,” Cruje affirmed. (SDR/PIC-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


DepEd, BSP award best finance educators in elementary schools

MANILA, Mar. 20 (PIA) - Teachers from Butuan City, Baguio City, and Alaminos, Laguna emerged as the national winners of the 2014 GURO NG PAG-ASA (Gantimpala para sa Ulirang PagtutuRO ng PAG-iimpok at Araling PanSAlapi) in awarding ceremonies held Wednesday at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) here.

The 2014 GURO ng PAG-ASA National Winners are: Angelie C. Alvizo of Butuan City Special Education (SPED) Center, Butuan City for Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP); Juana Nimfa P. Abrigo of Alaminos Elementary School, Laguna for Araling Panlipunan (AP); Danilo B. Bambico of Baguio City Special Education (SPED) Center, Baguio City for Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP).

A new award, the Bida sa Pag-iimpok at Pangkabuhayan Award (BSP Award), was also given this year to honor the best sustained savings and entrepreneurship program implemented by a teacher/student/class or school.  The BSP Award was given to Rexza Mae C. Panaligan, a grade 5 student of Santa Barbara Central Elementary School, Iloilo for her peer tutoring program where she demonstrated resourcefulness in managing her own finances and strong commitment to promoting financial skills to her peers. 

On its third year, GURO ng PAG-ASA is an annual rewards program of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for the best teachers who teach and integrate lessons in saving, money management, and entrepreneurship in the elementary curriculum through three entry subjects: Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan.

The most nominations were received this year which include entries from twelve (12) regions out of seventeen (17) in the country. The nominees were narrowed down by the screening committee composed of representatives from DepEd and the academe.

This year’s winners were chosen not only for their exemplary performance in teaching financial lessons to their pupils but also for their exceptional dedication to extend financial education to their respective communities. Area Finalists include Jose Michael C. Gaje of Santa Barbara Central Elementary School, Iloilo, and Maria Lucille V. Gabriel of San Ildefonso Elementary School, Bulacan for EsP, Jeanette Z. Bagtas of Caba Elementary School, La Union and Brigida P. Borra of Passi I Central Elementary School, Iloilo for AP, and Darwin T. Tadifa of Tubungan Central Elementary School, Iloilo for EPP.

The Board of Judges, chaired by former DepEd OIC Dr. Fe A. Hidalgo, also include Dr. Wilma S. Reyes, Philippine Normal University Vice President for Research, Planning and Quality Assurance, and Dr. Marilette R. Almayda, Director III of the Bureau of Elementary Education-DepEd as members. (BSP/PIA-Caraga)


Feature Story: HOPE revives farmers' dignity

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

Gone are the days when farmers look down upon themselves and depend solely on dole-outs from the government for their needs.

In San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, farmers have proven that it is possible to be self-reliant. Thanks to the efforts of the Hugpong sa Organikong Pagpanguma ug Edukasyon (HOPE). HOPE is an organization of farmers from the said town who are practicing and at the same time advocating organic farming.

The group was organized in 2012 during the conduct of a Farmer’s Field School (FFS) on rice conducted by the Municipal Agriculture Office of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. At the said FFS, farmers were taught about organic farming technologies. Having understood the benefits and value of organic agriculture, the said farmers decided to create their organization with the primary aim of educating their fellow farmers about the benefits of organic cultivation and encourage them to shift into organic farming.

According to HOPE Adviser Faith Aurora Dicang, numerous trainings were conducted in the municipality and they have also been invited to conduct trainings in neighboring towns. “Farmers feel that they can relate with our speakers because they are also practicing farmers so they know what they are talking about,” Dicang said.

Practicing what they preach, the group is producing and selling their own vinegar and organic concoctions as an income generating activity. Every three months, they produce an average of 200 liters of each kind of concoctions including Oriental Herbal Nutrients, Fermented Plant Juice, Fermented Fruit Juice, Calcium Phosphate, Indigenous Micro Organism, and Fish Amino Acid. They also ventured into organic vegetable and organic rice production. The group received various assistance from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13 including a shredder, tractor and a thresher which they use in their organic farming endeavors.


“We are happy to see the change in the attitude of the farmers because we feel that we have achieved our goal,” Dicang said. As a next step plan, they are now pushing for the establishment of an organic trading center in the municipality so that farmers practicing organic farming will have a venue to sell their products and more farmers will be encouraged to shift from conventional to organic agriculture. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)