Monday, April 13, 2015

PIA Caraga to install AFEBS Network in Malimono town

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 13 (PIA) – As the agency continues to innovate and reach out to the most vulnerable areas of Caraga region to make them an informed citizens, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga will soon launch the Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network in the municipality of Malimono.

The municipality is located in the southwest part of the province of Surigao del Norte and 32 kilometers from Surigao City.

“PIA Caraga team will soon be installing the Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting Network (AFEBS) Network to the municipality of Malimono. With the agency’s capability using the AFEBS technology, we can assist the people of Malimono to be well-prepared in times of disaster and be empowered and resilient,” underscored deputy regional director Fryan Abkilan of PIA Caraga.

Abkilan further bared that the agency has already conducted series of consultations and meetings with the town’s vice mayor Ricky Caga and fellow council officials for the adoption of the AFEBS Network in their municipality.

It can be recalled that vice mayor Caga and his fellow town officials in Malimono have initially sought the idea of PIA Caraga team on how they can extensively utilize the AFEBS in their municipality, that is so much prone to disasters.

Through the extra effort of vice mayor Caga, the town will definitely level-up its disaster response services wherein the lives of people living in their locality are of utmost regard.

“I believe there is a need to put substance to my contract as government official to our constituents. Our municipality’s development will not just rely on the common projects that are usually set but we have to initiate and dedicate in improving the safety and security measures for our fellow brethren,” said vice mayor Caga.

Caga added that the gradual state of growth of their municipality gave him the passion to introduce better alternative systems. “Empowerment should not only be for the wealthy individuals but must equally be earned by everyone regardless of his status in life. Indeed, exercising true public service takes altruistic acts to sustain real progress,” he emphasized. (VLG/JPG, PIA-Caraga)

Outstanding tech-voc grads in Butuan honored

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 13 (PIA) - Two graduates of Automotive Servicing NC II received Tatak TESDA medallions during their graduation rites held recently here.

Jhon Michael G. Longakit and Vincent P. Musico received the Tatak TESDA medallions after having been endorsed by Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) during the 43rd Commencement Exercises held at the school’s newly-constructed covered court. The school has been internationally-certified by ISO 9001:2008 since 1999.

According to Prof. Renato D. Tesaluna, SJIT Human Resource Development Officer and Tech-Voc Coordinator, the two tech-voc graduates were chosen because of their exemplary performance in both theoretical aspect and hands-on application in the entire duration of their training.

Tesaluna further acknowledged the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the leadership of Sec. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva and Caraga regional director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. for coming up with an idea of honoring tech-voc students who have excelled academically.

“This award can boost more the morality and integrity of the students for them to strive hard to be at par excellence, thus achieving the mission of the national government and TESDA to encourage Filipino workforce to have world-class competencies,” Tesaluna said.

Meanwhile, Longakit and Musico thanked TESDA Caraga, saying that they did not expect to receive such award because they were not informed by Tesaluna.

“I really did not expect this award. We were not informed by our Tech-Voc Coordinator that we can receive this award today. We were also amazed because the medals we received are bigger than those medals that were awarded to other graduates in the degree programs. This is bigger than the medal awarded to our Batch Cum Laude this year,” Longakit said.

Musico likewise stressed that his mother was so happy upon knowing that she and his father can go upstage to award his medal since his name was not placed in the program as one of the awardees.

It was learned that the souvenir program was already distributed a day before the school coordinated with TESDA-Caraga for the award. Upon receiving the endorsement of the school, TESDA-Caraga through the Provincial Office of Agusan del Norte approved such endorsement before the Holy Week.

Honoring of tech-voc graduates who have excelled academically was initiated through the Public Information Office of TESDA Central Office in Taguig City, Manila. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur PDRRM office to spearhead training on incident command system

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 13 (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Surigao del Sur will lead the conduct of a three-day Basic/Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) training course from April 15-17, 2015 at La Entrada Resort in Britania, municipality of San Agustin.

Around 40 participants are expected to attend the said training, it was learned.

The three-day activity aims to enhance the council members to have a common understanding of command, control and coordination of response as they work toward the common goal of stabilizing the incident or disaster.

"This is also part of the country's on-scene disaster response system to ensure the effective consequence management of disasters or emergencies," said Provincial DRRM officer Abel de Guzman.

De Guzman further said that in the recent years, the destruction caused by disasters (man-made and natural calamity) highlighted the number of gaps in the existing DRRM system particularly in the early warning system in terms of policies, institutional coordination and operational protocols. (NGB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AgNor aims for a drug-free workplace

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 13 (PIA) – Agusan del Norte Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo thoroughly explained to the provincial officials and employees the contents and highlights of the newly approved Provincial Ordinance No. 367-2014, “An Ordinance Establishing a Mechanism for the Adoption and Implementation of a Drug-Free Workplace Policy in the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte” during the Monday Convocation at the Provincial Capitol, here.

Under said ordinance, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte aims to safeguard its integrity and protect the physical and mental well-being of its employees from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their development.

The province of Agusan del Norte sees the need to enhance further the efficacy of the law against abuses and illegal use of dangerous drugs in the province particularly to its employees.

Toward this end, the provincial government shall pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances especially at the workplace within its offices through an integrated system of planning, and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs and projects in line with the national law. (LGU-Agusan del Norte, PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Coop leaders join organic fertilizer forum in Surigao City

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 13 (PIA) – A total of 54 cooperatives and farmer leaders and agricultural workers throughout the city and neighboring municipalities attended the Plantmate Organic Fertilizer Forum held on March 31, 2015 at the City Cultural Center, here.

The forum was organized by the Surigao City Informal Waste Sector Association (SUCISAWA) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry to promote the use of organic fertilizer for various agricultural crops such as rice and vegetables.

Locally produced in Claver by the Claver Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CLACOFARMCO), the Plantmate Organic Fertilizer production process makes use of the coco dust agricultural waste in their coco coir and coconet processing project.

The fertilizer is produced by using the bio-plus activator from the Agroman Bio-Systems Corporation to accelerate the organic matter decomposition process.

Roel Flauta of the City Agriculture Office explained the benefits of using organic fertilizer in producing agricultural products that is of good quality and healthy food items, while, Engr. Angelita M. Espinosa, project caretaker of CLACOFARMCO Plantmate Organic Fertilizer explained the unique qualities of the product and its efficacy in maintaining soil fertility and increase production.

DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, in his message, stressed the importance of managing their respective farming endeavours into sustainable business enterprises.

He encouraged the cooperatives to help facilitate the distribution of the organic fertilizer which can be viable business that can support their farmer-members in terms of adapting environment friendly and cost efficient farming technologies that will sustainably increase their farm productivity.

The farmers and agricultural workers appreciate the effort of the sponsors in sharing the product and its potential benefits.

With regards to the apprehensions of participants on the drawbacks of reduce production at the initial stage while using organic fertilizer, Engr. Espinosa recommends to religiously adapt the Plantmate Organic Fertilizer crop production protocol to ensure attainment of optimum yield level as experienced by rice farmers in Nueva Ecija that were able to produce 300 cavans of palay per hectare. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tagalog News: Pamahalaan, pinaigting ang paghahanda laban sa epekto ng ‘El Nino’

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Abril 13 (PIA) - Pinaigting ng pamahalaan ang paghahanda laban sa masamang epekto ng El Nino phenomenon, sabi ni Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. noong Linggo.

"Patuloy na pinaiigting ng pamahalaan ang mga paghahanda upang labanan ang epekto ng El Niño sa bansa at masiguro ang katatagan ng produksyon ng pagkain, partikular ang palay, sa iba’t ibang bukirin at sakahan," sabi ni Coloma sa isang panayam sa radio sa pamagitan ng dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Nailahad niya na ang kasangkot na mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay sama-samang nagtatrabaho para maibsan ang epekto ng El Nino.

"Kumikilos na ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura upang bigyan ng karampatang tulong ang mga magsasaka at manggagawa sa kabukiran, tulad ng pamamahagi ng mga drought resistant na punla ng palay, maging ang pagsasaayos ng kanilang mga cropping season upang maiwasan ang mga tinaguriang disaster-prone na mga buwan alinsunod sa inilatag na El Niño mitigation and adaptation plan," dagdag niya.

Ang Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, kasama ang National Irrigation Administration ay siyang mamamahala sa suplay ng tubig para sa mga irigasyon ng pananim habang ang lebel ng patubig ay bumababa sa tagtuyot na ito.

"Handa namang magpatupad ang pamahalaan ng iba pang mga hakbang, tulad ng cloud seeding operations kung kinakailangan, lalo na sa mga lugar na nakararanas ng matinding panunuyo ng pananim," sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Saturday, April 11, 2015

NGP transforms life timber poacher to forest defender

By Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 11 (PIA) - A complete transformation from being notorious timber poachers into defenders and protectors of forest by a group of lumads in Barangay Padi-ay, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur is unfolding before the eyes of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 13 officials as offshoot of the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government.

“I am happy to know that the NGP has able to change the behavior and attitude of a group of Indigenous People known for their notoriety as illegal loggers and poachers,“ DENR 13 regional director Nonito M. Tamayo said.  

Tamayo was referring to the Sibagat Federation of Tribal Community Agro Farmers Development Association, Inc. (SFTCAFDAI), a group of  21 peoples organizations ( PO) headed by Arnold M. Acebido also known as Datu Subang who called on him at his office early this week to personally convey the agreement reached by the leaders of the federation in the “pulong-pulong” they conducted that night. The federation, in a show of sincerity and appreciation to the NGP,  would like to confer upon DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje and Director Tamayo the title of “Datu” and “adopted brothers” of the Manobo tribe under the jurisdictions of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) No. 116 covering 20,000 hectares and CADT 039 covering an area of 51,000 hectares.

According to Datu Subang their lives have been changed completely to better owing to the NGP of Secretary Paje. 

He said the whole members and families of the Manobo indigenous people of the two CADTs are forever grateful to Secretary Paje who introduced the program to the tribe through the DENR Regional officials.

“We thought in previous years that no government program was good enough to solve our financial needs until the implementation of NGP in our area proved us wrong." Datu Subang said. “We realized the NGP is more beneficial,“ he added.

Datu Subang is now maintaining a 70-hectare coffee plantation in barangay Padi-ay, where virgin forests are still intact. “Realizing that I am being left behind among my neighbors of the packages of opportunities to earn income through the NGP offered by the DENR, I finally joined the stream,” he said.

He said new learnings about business opportunities through cash crop plantation like coffee was shared by Senator Bam Aquino in a seminar. Hence, he said, the 21 chairmen of their federation went with him to attend a short course about sustainable coffee plantation at Musuan State University sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Fresh from the seminar, Datu Subang requested for coffee seedlings of Arabica and robusta varieties which he planted in between the trees on a virgin-forest land in that mountain village.  “Since the trees are very helpful in the growth of coffee, we never thought of cutting but  protected and preserved them,“ he said.

Datu Subang said at the height of illegal logging activities in Agusan del Sur, the members of the federation were engaged in timber poaching. “We cut those trees inside our ancestral domain,” he said.           

“We felt bitter when EO 23 was imposed by the DENR hence, we could no longer trade freely those trees that we harvested,” Datu Subang said. He said that he even bought a bulldozer to scrape those standing trees in that vast virgin forest lands but he decided to resell the heavy equipment at a much lower price when he thought otherwise the DENR operatives will catch their activities up sooner or later.

He said the members of the federation are fully convinced of the NGP. They are maintaining at least 1,200 hectares of rubber and coffee plantation in that area. “We are waiting for the right season to harvest coffee," said Datu Subang. By that time, he said, most of the members of the federation will be millionaires.

Director Tamayo on the other hand offered the technical expertise of the DENR to develop the area through the NGP. “We can still develop more areas for expansion of the coffee and rubber trees within the ancestral domain of Datu Subang,“ he said.

Director Tamayo said the DENR has intensified the anti-illegal logging drive in Caraga Region which is aimed at eliminating timber poaching and illegal logging activities by June 30, 2015.

He said Datu Subang could enlist some members of the federation to be trained and deputized as forest officers to strengthen the campaign. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, April 10, 2015

AgSur gains good practices from PPRMF aside from multi-million infra projects

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, April 10 (PIA) - Agusan del Sur has acquired good and efficient practices from the Philippines Provincial Road Management facility (PPRMF) aside from the multi-million worth of infrastructure projects that give access on the towns of Sibagat and Esperanza to Bayugan City, which are mostly agricultural and forest production areas.

Sibagat is the abaca and coconut production and processing center, while Esperanza is the source of rice, corn as well as fresh and processed tilapia. The Rehabilitation with Minor improvement (RMI) project of the PPRMF has improved the transport of agricultural produce of these towns toward Bayugan City and Butuan City as centers of market and trading.

Aside from the access roads in Sibagat and Esperanza amounting to P6,678,251, there are four other projects that are funded by the PRMF in Agusan del Sur amounting to a total of P27,897,611 and another two projects that were financed by the RMI Incentive Fund for the province amounting to P13,662,859. All in all, the total cost of projects spread in the province reached up to P48,238, 721.

Aside from the infra projects, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) has acquired and improved nine governance systems brought by the PRMF. First is the increased budget for road rehabilitation and maintenance, registering an annual allocation of P15 million in 2011 to P120.9 million in 2014, indicating a boost in local road investment. Second, the province has improved skills in road planning and design where the Provincial Engineering Office started designing roads upgrading projects with the help of computer-aided design technology provided through training and coaching by the PRMF.

Third, the province has employed safety and environmental safeguards in road construction. PGAS has organized an Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM) team under the Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Group (PMEG) to ensure environmental compliance of road projects. The fourth is the increased income through improved revenue generation strategies noting that from 2011 to 2013, PGAS has generated a local income in the amount of P95 million, P132.4 million and 140.4 million, respectively.

PGAS has also improved audit monitoring system where the Provincial Internal Audit Office, together with the Provincial Information Management Office (PIMO) has developed and operationalized a computer based Audit Recommendation Monitoring System. Another innovation is that PGAS has developed an e-procurement system where the Bids and Awards, together with PIMO on the front line to ensure a more transparent procurement process, in compliance with the provisions of RA 9184.

PGAS has also improved its human resource development and management. Through the PRMF, the system was enhanced and is being upgraded to cover all functions of human resource development and management.

With the help of PRMF, PGAS has improved information system and procedures where the provincehas developed various information system. Real Property Tax was also enhanced and replicated in the municipal level and lastly, PGAS has improved its monitoring and evaluation skills. With this, the Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Group (PMEG) reports are used as reference in determining appropriation of funds for road rehabilitation and maintenance projects.

Because of these improvements and incentives, Agusan del Sur ranked first among the ten partner provinces in the incentives performance assessment and was awarded RMI Incentive Fund amounting to P13,662,859 for another two projects. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

300 job vacancies at mini-job fair in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 10 (PIA) - More than 300 job vacancies from the two local employers are available at the mini-job fair slated in two separate schedules at the city gymnasium, here.

Tandag Public Employment Service Office (PESO) officer Lorna Novo said, the Prince Warehouse Club Incorporation, located at Moonglow, Bag-ong Lungsod, this city is scheduled to accept applicants from April 14 to 16 for several positions. While on April 16-18, the Gaisano Capital Tandag, which is set to open within this year, is looking for around 300 workers.

Novo said interested applicants may visit the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur provincial office or call telephone number (086) 211-3378 or at the PESO Tandag at telephone number (086) 211-5169. (NGB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur agri office continues to gear up for El Niño

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 10 (PIA) – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in Surigao del Sur has continued to set up mitigating measures to cushion the possible impact of El Niño phenomenon here.

Marcos Quico, OPAg chief, reiterated mustering efforts through the help of counterparts at the city and town levels.

Among the steps made, he confirmed, was the compliance to the request last month of Regional Executive Director (RED) Edna Mabeza of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) in Caraga regarding the submission of the “list of area” that could “possibly be affected including operational/non operational NIA water service station.”

El Niño is described as a phenomenon characterized by severe climate disruption particularly to countries in and beside the Pacific.

However, despite reports of El Niño now affecting some areas in the central and western parts of Mindanao, so far, OPAg has not yet  issued any information to this effect, it was learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

8th Siargao international game fishing tournament opens

By Mary Jul Escalante

PILAR, Surigao del Norte, Apr.  10 (PIA) – The 8th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament opened on Thursday, April 9, the activity will run until April 12, 2015 at the town of Pilar, Siargao Island.

Around 40 anglers from Philippines, Japan, Dubai, Hungary, Australia, USA, England and Singapore competed for the following categories: Biggest Billfish, Biggest Talakitok, Biggest Wahoo/Tangigue and Biggest Dorado.

The opening ceremony was graced by Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant secretary Arturo Boncato, 1st district representative Francisco T. Matugas, governor Sol F. Matugas, vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and mayors from different municipalities of Siargao Island.

A fifteen-minute firework display highlighted the said event.

The event is a joint undertaking between the DOT Caraga, the province of Surigao del Norte, and the local government unit of Pilar. (SDR/PIC-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PRO 13 reg’l chaplain on solo countrywide bike tour as tribute to “44 Fallen SAF” commandos

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA) - Police Superintendent Fr. Joselito D. Borja took a leave from his chaplaincy duties as the regional chaplain of Police Regional Office 13 starting Thursday in order to embark on a solo countrywide bike tour as a tribute to the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) Commandos and those SAFs who were wounded in action during the tragic January 25 encounter at Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, the regional chief spokesperson of PRO 13, in an interview this morning, said that Supt. Borja’s 17-days and 1,276 kilometers Philippine Bike Tour dubbed as “PADYAKBAYANI: A TRIBUTE TO THE 44 SAF COMMANDOS,” will cover some selected places from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao starting today and will culminate here at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez in the morning of the 25th of April.

Fr. Borja’s purpose of the countrywide bicycle tour, which kicked-off today in time with the celebration of the “Araw Ng Kagitingan” is a personal expression of the sympathy to the families of 44 SAF heroes killed in action and wounded in action (WIA). It will also be done in order to perpetuate their heroic memory. The bike tour is also a call to every PNP member to be true to their sworn duties which is: “To Serve and Protect.” It is also a call to every Filipino to love their policemen and women and be a partner in solving crimes and also a call on every Filipino to strive and make positive changes in whatever endeavor.

The first day of Borja’s bike tour will include his flight from Butuan to Manila in the morning, and in the afternoon, a visit to the wounded SAF troopers now confined at the PNP General Hospital which will be followed by a concelebrated mass at the Chapel in Camp Crame and receive the blessings from the chief of the Directorate of the Chaplaincy Services.

The Luzon tour will commence on Day 2: (Friday, April 10) at Camp Crame, Cubao, Quezon City-Luneta Park, Manila-Tagaytay City-PNPA-Tanuan City, Batangas (98 kilometers); Day 3: (Saturday, April 11) Tanauan City-Batangas Port, Roro Batangas Port-Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Puerto Galera-Calapan City (87 kilometers); Day 4: ( April 12 Sunday): Early morning bike with PNP and Civilian Bikers ( 20 kilometers) and a Holy Mass at Camp Navarro, PRO 4B. Day 5: (Monday, April 13) Calapan City-Roxas, Mindoro, Roro Roxas, Mindoro-Caticlan (120 kilometers). Day 6: (Tuesday April 14) Caticlan-Boracay-Caticlan.

The Visayan tour will start on Day 6 p.m. from Caticlan to Kalibo City, which will cover (72 kilometers); Day 7: (Wednesday, April 15) Kalibo City-Passi City (107 kilometers); Day 8: (April 16, Thursday) Passi City-Iloilo City (48 kilometers) and Day 9: (April 17, Friday) an early morning bike with PNP and civilian bikers (20 kilometers) followed by a Holy Mass at Camp Delgado, PRO 6. Day 10: (April 18, Saturday) Roro Iloilo City-Bacolod City Bike Tour; Day 11: (April 19, Sunday) Bacolod City-Kabankalan City (82 kilometers); Day 12: (April 20, Monday) Kabankalan City-Dumaguete City (126 kilometers); Day 13: (April 21, Tuesday) Roro Dumaguete-Dapitan City.

The Mindanao tour will commence on the afternoon of the 13th day Dapitan City-Dipolog City (13 kilometers). Day 14: (April 22, Wednesday) Dipolog City-Oroquita City (98 kilometers); Day 15: (April 23, Thursday) Oroquita City-Ozamis City, Roro to Mukas, Lanao Norte (38 kilometers) and in the afternoon Mukas, Lanao del Norte to Cagayan de Oro City (Camp Alagar) (144 kilometers); Day 16: (April 24, Friday) Cagayan de Oro City-Balingoan, Misamis Oriental (89 kilometers) and Day 17: (April 25, Saturday) from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental – Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City (114 kilometers). (PNA/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City Police groundbreaks P16M HQ building

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA) - The Butuan City Police Office (BPCO) held on Wednesday the groundbreaking rites of its P16 million city headquarters building, on a lot donation by one of the prominent city business scions engaged in hotel business here.

The ground breaking ceremony was held at the 2,000 square meters lot donated by the Malvar family, represented by Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar, proprietor of the well-known Balanghai Hotel here in the city, at Brgy. Limaha. Attending the ground breaking rites was Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., who was the guest of honor and speaker during the event; senior regional police officials led by Caraga PNP chief PCSupt. David Y. Ombao; Butuan City Police Officials and personnel led by Butuan City Police Director PSSupt. Nerio T. Bermudo and Limaha Brgy. Capt. Raymund Caraboyna.

Officiating the ceremony was Fr. Joselito D. Borja, Police Regional Office 13, regional chaplain.

Mayor Amante during his message wishes that more business people in the city will emulate the generosity of the Malvar family who has the good heart of sharing their possessions for the good of the community. “There are few people like the Malvar family, who have not hesitated to donate a lot as spacious as this one, located in the center of the city, knowing the city business is booming and the price of lot here is increasing,” Amante said.

According to him, the donation was timely as the transfer of the city headquarters of the Butuan City Police Office near the city’s Guingona Park is now being hastened. It was learned that the National Historical Institute is planning to develop the present office of the BCPO into a heritage, cultural and arts site. Amante also said that the proposed police office is suitably located at a serene and breezy place. The Malvars started planting the vicinity with trees three years ago, which are growing up now. Amante challenged the PNP to plant some more trees in the area and make their city police headquarters “a police station in the forest,” in line with the city’s vision to “plant a million trees.”

PCSupt. Ombao thanked the Malvars for the right time has come for the city police to transfer their headquarters to a more suitable location. According to him that as a good gesture of recognizing the donors’ wish for more visible police presence, peace and orderliness, a crime-free and drug-free Butuan City as among the motivations of their family donation, he will augment possibly by next week the city’s police force.

According to Ombao, a two-storey “Class A” PNP Building project will soon be constructed in two-phase, with a cost of P16 million pesos, of which the first phase, which may cost P14 million will be funded by the PNP. The second phase, which costs around P2 million pesos is allotted for the finishing touches and to be funded by the city government and may be separately bid out. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)

DILG 13 reveals Lupong Tagapamayapa 2015 regional finalists

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA) - After thorough deliberation of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Regional Awards Committee headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion as chairperson, the LTIA Regional Finalists for C.Y. 2015 are finally revealed. This after having assessed last March 30, 2015 the different provincial winners who in turn were the regional level qualifiers.

For the Highly Urbanized Cities Category, Brgy. Tiniwisan of Butuan City although by default is the sole entry, was still assessed by the RAC and deemed fit for the national search. Brgy. Tiniwisan is a new entry for Butuan City after Brgy. San Vicente consistently landed among the top 3 finalists at the national search for three consecutive years and is currently vying for national champion title for the assessment last year to land it the Hall-of-Famer status in the category.

For Component Cities Category, Brgy. Mabini of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte bested the other provincial winners, namely: Brgy. Taft, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; and Brgy. Telaje, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

For 1st – 3rd Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Alegria of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur won over Brgy. Macalang of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Cabungaan of Cagdinanao, Dinagat Islands; Brgy. Urbiztondo of Claver, Surigao del Norte; and Brgy. Poblacion of Barobo, Surigao del Sur.

And for 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Tagmamarkay of Tubay, Agusan del Norte trumped Brgy. Sta. Cruz of San Jose, Dinagat Islands; Brgy. Poblacion, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte; and Brgy. La Purisima, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

These regional winners also serve as qualifiers/finalists to the national search where they will compete against other regions for the top three spots per category. The National Winners will be awarded in December this year at the Malacañang Palace.

The LTIA Regional Assessment was held at DILG Regional Office – Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) with the presence of the Regional Awards Committee (RAC): DILG RD Famacion; Atty. Marigel D. Hugo, LTIA RAC Vice Chairperson and OIC-Regional State Prosecutor of the Department of Justice XIII; and RAC Members Atty. Cisco Franz S. Maclang of the Branch 1, Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region; PCI Amadeo A. Meude, Jr. of the Philippine National Police XIII; Exec. Dir. Arnold L. Tapere of Propegemus Foundation, Inc. and Dir. Mary May R. Cadosales-Diaz of the Educational Discipline in Culture and Area-Based Development Services, Inc. (EDCADS).

Three major criteria, to wit (1) efficiency in operations, (2) effectiveness in securing Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) objectives, and (3) creativity and resourcefulness of the Lupong Tagapamayapa were followed in the assessment.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) was established since 1997 as a means to institutionalize a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to the Lupong Tagapamayapa that demonstrates exemplary performance in settling disputes at the grassroots level. These Lupons, comprising of the Punong Barangay as chair and 10-20 members, are based on the mandate of the barangays to enforce peace and order and provide support for the effective enforcement of human rights and justice as stipulated in Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the 1991 Local Government Code. Decentralization has facilitated the recognition of the Katarungang Pambarangay or Barangay Justice System as an alternative venue for the resolution of disputes. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Inauguration of PRO 13 officers memorial highlights regional police 73rd “Araw Ng Kagitingan” celebration

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 10 (PIA) - Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) marked its “Araw Ng Kagitingan” celebrations with the inauguration and wreath laying of its “Police Regional Office 13 Officers Memorial.”

The inaugural rites was presided by Caraga PNP chief PCSupt. David Y. Ombao, heading the PRO 13 command group, the directorial staff, personal staff and support office, PRO 13 regional headquarters personnel, the battalion commander of the regional public safety battalion, officers and personnel and the national support units.

The guest of honor and speaker of the inaugural and wreath-laying rites was Hon. Emmanuel E. Escatron, chairperson of the Regional Police 13 Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and the Vice-Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court 2/3. Rev. Fr. Felixberto M. Floreta, Parish Vicar, Sto. Nino Church in Brgy. Libertad officiated the blessings, attended by the kindreds (or representatives) of the fallen officers, chiefs or representatives of some line government agencies, barangay officials led by Libertad Barangay Capt. Vincent Rizal C. Rosario and the members of the Police Regional Advisory Council (RAC).

Hon. Escatron led the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and unveiling of the marker assisted by CSupt. Ombao and the families of the fallen officers. It was followed by the wreath-laying rites highlighted by the marching offertory of four selected police non-commissioned officers, followed by the marching of the all-female police platoon serving as the wreath-laying guards. The act of laying of the wreaths was led by Judge Escatron assisted by CSupt. Ombao and the families of the fallen officers. The sound of the tap by a member of the PRO 13 band and a three-volley fire gun-salute performed by seven all-female police volley firers followed by the flower offerings of the families of the fallen officers concluded the wreath-laying rites.

In his message, Hon. Escatron reviewed the heroism of the Filipinos and American soldiers during the Japanese occupation on World War II, when Major General Edward P. King of the United States Army was forced to surrender with 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese and American soldiers to the Japanese at dawn of April 9, 1942. The soldiers were then forced to take the 90-mile (about 145 kilometers hike) to Camp ‘O Donnel in San Fernando Pampanga. Thousands, according to Escatron, died during the death march due to maltreatment, starvation and dehydration before they could reach the camp. “After 73 years had passed but the act of bravery and heroism of our soldiers were not forgotten…a constant reminder to us that there were heroes who fought, sacrificed and offered their lives so that we can attain freedom and democracy,” Escatron said.

Escatron also said that along with the national observance of the “Araw Ng Kagtingan” the Thursday morning gathering for the inauguration, blessing and wreath-laying of the newly finished “PRO 13 Police Officers Memorial” was also a commemoration for those police officers in this region who were killed in the performance of their duties. He commended the regional police headed by CSupt. Ombao in coming up with the project “which served as a memorial fitting to honor, the heroism and bravery of police officers who offered their lives in the performance of their duties, whose names were inscribed in the memorial wall.” According to him that the memorial will constantly remind us Caraganons and as Butuanons in particular and as Filipinos in general on the heroism and sacrifices of our police to protect us from lawless elements.

“May this memorial be also an inspiration and a source of courage and pride to our police officers to continue protecting and serving the country and the community with so much dedication,” Escatron said. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)

SURSECO II set to hold BOD polls, 4 members due for election

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 10 (PIA) – Four out of the 14-member board of directors (BOD) of Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative II (SURSECO II) are due for election this April 2015, according to Macedonio Andoy, Jr., BOD secretary.

In a letter dated February 25, 2015 informing Governor Johnny Pimentel of the event, he cited the dates of the BOD polls on April 11, 12, 18, and 19, respectively, for Carrascal, Cortes, Tago, and Bayabas.

Notably, such schedules fall on weekends—either Saturday or Sunday.

“We would like to inform you that this coming April 2015, Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative II (SURSECO II) will be holding again an election for the members of the Board of Directors for four (4) districts/municipalities,” Andoy  pointed out.

Meanwhile, based on the final screening of candidates, only one for each district has come out to have qualified for the upcoming BOD polls.

Aguinaldo Jaluag, SURSECO II information officer, agreed that apparently these qualified candidates are already sure winners.

In the meantime, Lourna Padro, Institutional Services Department (ISD) manager, certified true and correct the information regarding the list of qualified candidates.

This includes both incumbent BODs-candidates Celso Azarcon of Carrascal and Reynold Dumagan of Cortes; besides candidates Marcel Laurente of Tago and Isidro Quimpan of Bayabas, who are both aiming for their maiden term.

Earlier, it was learned that both “second termer” Bayabas and Tago BODs, in the persons of Macedonio Andoy, Jr. and Nicolas Laurente, are already barred from running owing to the new Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC’s) policy regarding state employees, including espouses, if married, whose positions carry the salary grade (SG) of 16 and above.

As far as Carrascal and Cortes districts, Azarcon and Dumagan, both re-electionists, will surely keep their respective posts since the challenger for the former was said to have been disqualified while the latter is unopposed.

BOD Azarcon is currently gunning for his last term while BOD Dumagan is going for his second term, it was learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, April 9, 2015

DENR Caraga chief visits 82-year old NGP beneficiary

By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 9 (PIA) – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo on Wednesday visited a senior folk at the remote barangay of Sangay in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte to commend him for a successful endeavor in maintaining a perfect survival rating of the tree seedlings that he planted through the National Greening Program (NGP).

The DENR official congratulated Juan Acero Galon, 82 years old and his wife Teofila for the 100 percent survival rating of the falcata seedlings on their one-hectare farm.

“This is the essence of the NGP, which is to reduce poverty in the countryside by giving them the means to earn income,” Director Tamayo said. The other goals of the NGP are to promote food security, environmental stability, biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“My wife and I are happy that we were able to participate in the NGP,” Galon said. “We expect to earn income from those falcata trees once they mature in about six years from now,” he said.

Mang Juan as he is fondly called by his peers admitted he can hardly afford to provide decent meal for his nine children before he joined the program. “The NGP helped us sustain our daily needs,” he said.

Mang Juan is an active member of the Sangay Watershed Planters Association (SAWAPA) People’s Organization. The association maintains 58 hectares of falcata plantation under the NGP.

The program taught him to diversify his tree farm through planting cash crops such as banana and corn although he opted for banana. “This is where we get our income to survive while waiting for the falcata to mature,” Mang Juan said.

The elder couple which will celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary this year can still outpace the much younger age in hiking uphill and manage to work in the farm from sunrise to sunset. “This is the secret of long life, which is to live a healthy lifestyle in a clean environment,” Mang Juan said.

Director Tamayo said the couple is a role model of NGP who despite their advance age could maintain a 100 percent survival rate of the tree seedlings that they have planted. “NGP is more than climate change mitigation,” he said. “The program helps the people in any possible way it can to give the people in the hinterlands a better living condition,” added Tamayo.

He said the DENR is happy to note that there are people like Mang Juan who are dedicated in pursuing the success of the NGP. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

223 Agusanons complete STEP training, receive toolkits from TESDA

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 9 (PIA) - A total of 223 Agusanons have recently completed their skills training and received toolkits from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The first batch of scholars in Caraga Region under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) received toolkits and Certificate of Training Completion from TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr., and Agusan del Sur 1st district representative Ma. Valentina G. Plaza during the program's Closing and Awarding Ceremonies at the Bayugan City Gymnasium, Agusan del Sur.

The program was initiated by TESDA-Agusan del Sur and the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) being the training institution, in partnership with the Congressional Office of Ma. Valentina G. Plaza of the First District of Agusan del Sur.

The program was also made possible through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Bayugan City Division, and the Local Government Units of the Municipalities of San Luis, Esperanza, Talacogon, and Prosperidad.

For Bayugan City, 24 finished Carpentry NC II; Masonry NC I - 24; Install Lighting System/Electrical Devices - 28; and Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I - 29.

In San Luis, 30 beneficiaries have finished Install Lighting System/Electrical Devices. Further, 30 beneficiaries from Esperanza graduated in Masonry NC I.

Furthermore, 28 beneficiaries from Talacogon have finished in Carpentry NC II, while 30 beneficiaries from the municipality of Prosperidad finished Shield Metal Arc Welding NC I.

The Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) is a community-based specialty training program that will address the specific skills needs of the communities and promote employment, particularly through entrepreneurial, self-employment and service-oriented activities.

Training programs are generally short-term and shall use the cluster of competencies prescribed in the Training Regulations promulgated by TESDA whenever applicable. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Police Regional Office 13 to hire 947 police rookies

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, April 9 (PIA) - The Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) announced recently that it will be hiring 947 qualified applicants for police rookie positions for this year.

”This is in line with the Philippine National Police (PNP) program to look for new sets of police officers in the entire country for this year 2015,” said PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, the chief regional police spokesperson in an interview on Monday.

According to Gamba, any physically fit male or female and graduate of any four year college course, who wishes to join the profession of public service will be eligible applicants. He added that the regional police office is accepting police young applicants every day, those who have the desire and determination to undergo the underlying trainings to become part of the police force. The applicants will possibly be divided in three batches, with the first batch possibly on the month of July, another batch sometime on October and the third batch possibly on December of this year, Gamba said.

At present, the regional headquarters has already received about 600 application folders because of their continuing reception of police applicants every day, “But we need more than this present number so that we may have a wider choice of the most qualified young applicants to enter the police service,” Gamba said.

The general qualifications and standards as set forth by the PNP and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) includes: Filipino citizenship, good moral character, baccalaureate degree holder from a recognized learning institution, must possess any of the following eligibility, NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination, R.A. No. 6506 (License Criminologist), R.A. No. 1080 (Bar and Board Examinations of Baccalaureate Degree), P.D. 907 (Granting of Civil Service Eligibility to College Honor Graduates), civil service professional examination. The applicant must not have been dishonorably discharged from military employment or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government, must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, at least 1.62 meter in height for male and 1.57 meters for female, weighing not more or less than 5 kilograms from the standard weight corresponding to his or her age, height and sex and must not less than 21 nor more than 30 years of age.

Other documents to be photocopied which must be issued and authenticated by the issuing office will include (initial requirements) such as: duly accomplished personal data sheet (CSC Form 212), birth certificate authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO), reports of rating of eligibility authenticated by the issuing authority, transcript of scholastic records and diploma duly authenticated by the school registrar and a certification authenticated and verified (CAV) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

According to Supt. Gamba, that interested applicants may call at 815-3325; 815-1668; 342-4570 or visit PRO 13 Office and look for SPO1 Josephine Mante of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (R-1) for more details. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

PIEP to conduct ‘Capability Building Course on Environmental Planning’

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 8 (PIA) – The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) will conduct a Capability Building Course on Environmental Planning (CBCEP) on April 20-24, 2015 at Dottie’s Place Convention Hall, this city.

“The course is especially designed for those who wish to acquire basic education or knowledge on the practice of the environmental planning profession in the Philippines to improve their competencies as professionals, and for those who wish to obtain a deeper appreciation of theories, tolls, techniques, as well as laws, regulations and policies related to environmental planning,” said Larisa Glenda de Castro, environmental planner and president of PIEP.

The Environmental Planning Act of 2013 mandates that “after the lapse of five years from the effectivity of the Act, only registered and licensed environmental planners shall be appointed to the position of heads and assistant heads of groups, departments, divisions in government offices, agencies, bureaus or instrumentalities thereof, including GOCCs, provinces, cities and municipalities, and such other positions which require the knowledge, skills and competencies and qualifications of registered and licensed environmental planners (EnP).”

Thus, CBCEP also intends to prepare those participants who are interested and qualified for the EnP licensure examination to take the exam scheduled on June 9-10, 2015.

For reservation and inquiry, interested parties may contact Arlene Ty at telefax 02-9209705 or e-mail at secretariat@piep.org.ph; or EnP/Dr. Ego Mallonga at 085-341-2694 with e-mail address mcs_inc2014@yahoo.com.ph.

The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) was an offshoot of Republic Act 4341 which was signed into law on June 19, 1965 and provided for the establishment of the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planning as an academic unit of the University of the Philippines. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan Bishop tells inter-faith crowd: ‘Be the first to love…’

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 8 (PIA) - Most Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos, bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, tells hundreds of inter-faith crowd gathered on Black Saturday as part of the city Lenten celebration composed of youth, priests, nuns, church leaders, military, police and representatives from the government agency, academe and media to be the ”first to love…”

Bishop Pueblos was the main speaker of the ecumenical gathering for worship and prayer initiated by the Diocese of Butuan in partnership with the Butuan Evangelical Ministerial Association, Inc. (BEMAI) and the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) dubbed as “Butuan Youth Arise” at Guingona Park, 4:00 a.m. Saturday.

Seen also attending the event were contingent from the 402nd Philippine Army Brigade led by its commander Col. Isidro Purisima and the staff of the Philippine Information Agency 13, led by Regional Director Abner Caga.

The event started with praise and worship songs led by the “Love and Mercy” Community Charismatic Worship Team and the “Jesus Is Lord” Worship Team.

Bishop Pueblos during his message praised God for sparing the region from typhoon “Cheding” and blessing Caraga region with fine weather during the observance of the Lenten season. He challenged everyone present to heed what Pope Francis said “To live the faith…everything should be part of our faith.” According to him that living the faith should start in the family and that everyone must be the first to show love as shown by Christ’s sacrificing, satisfying and sanctifying love. “Be the first to love…” Bishop Pueblos said.

The bishop pointed out that youths are usually the subject of people scheming evil especially those who proliferate illegal drugs. “Be the first to fight illegal drugs,” he challenged. According to him that the illegal drug problem in the city and even in its peripheries are getting worse, and that the fight against that menace to the society should start from the family. He said that the family has a vital role in molding good character of its members in order to create a strong community. He said that in the basic ecclesiastical communities (BECs) under the diocese, no drug problem has been noted. “Parents must always be there to give love, care and constant guidance for their children…let us create a new and vibrant future that is free from corruption. We should start to reflect and renew our commitment to catalyze a positive change, starting from own selves, then to our families and to our communities. We should continue to draw other young people and to heed this call ‘Butuan Youth…Arise, and Standup!’” Bishop Pueblos challenged.

Among the highlights of the event was the challenge to pray given by BEMAI President and Jesus Is Lord Regional Minister Rev. Nolan Lloren and the challenge by Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase to wake up and to stand for righteousness, especially to the youth.

A tableau was also presented by the youths of the St. Joseph Cathedral Parish which theme revolved on love and forgiveness.

Then a prayer for the six categories such as the: family, education, media, peace, order and security, environment and the church was offered led by the youth representatives backed up by their priests, nuns, pastors or church leaders. Bishop Pueblos then prayed for all the church priests, nuns, pastors and leaders present. (PNA/PIA-Caraga)

DENR Caraga initiates simultaneous tree planting activity

By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 8 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office headed by regional director Nonito M. Tamayo and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Nasipit conducted tree planting and coastal clean-up activities simultaneously along the beaches of Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen in Agusan del Norte in celebration of the International Day of Forests with the theme, “Forests | Climate | Change.”

To give meaning to the celebration, each participant was required to plant 21 seedlings to symbolize the annual celebration of the International Day of Forests which is every 21st day of March.

The activity, which was initiated by CENRO Norman Asugan began at 5 a.m., participated by more than 300 individuals including the DENR personnel, Local Government Units, fisherfolks, private sectors, non-government organizations, and young volunteers.

A total of 15,880 seedlings of Rhizopora, Brugeria, Talisay, and other indigenous species were planted in a total land area of 7.52 hectares. The participants also conducted clean-up in the four beaches and collected 183 kilograms of non-biodegradable wastes.

“This activity is a good start for the region’s contribution to the 1 Billion Peso Mangrove Rehabilitation Project of the agency,” RD Tamayo said.

He said that a total of 14,880 mangrove propagules were planted in those different sites. “These mangroves would be our first line of defense against natural calamities such as storm surge,” he added.

The International Day of Forests (IDF) was observed for the first time on March 21, 2013 thru a resolution established by United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012. This year’s IDF theme emphasizes the ways in which forests and climate change are linked and to gain support in the advocacy to make greater actions to create change.

“We should initiate more activities like this as contribution to the adaptation and mitigation measures that we are doing to cushion the impact of climate change. Forests sustain life on earth and therefore the protection of forests must be considered over and above our daily chores,” Tamayo said. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

217 graduate from TESDA in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 8 (PIA) – A new batch of trainees at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur headed by Provincial Director Rey Cueva has successfully completed their chosen field of skills training.

According to Celestino Ares, senior TESD specialist, some 217 trainees have earned their training certificates on March 30, 2015 during the formal ceremony held at 1:00 p.m. at the Provincial Social Hall just across the Capitol grounds.

Toolkits have also been distributed to graduates of electronics- and electrical-related fields, he clarified.

The affair was attended by 1st District Congressman Philip Pichay, Governor Johnny Pimentel, Bayabas Mayor Ma. Clarita Garcia-Limbaro, Marihatag Mayor Alan Pelenio, and Tandag City Councilor Imelda Falcon representing Mayor Roxanne Pimentel.

It was learned that other dignitaries also graced the occasion, particularly TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio Sunico, Jr.

The TESDA provincial office here works hand in hand with the Jobs through Tech-voc Program-Provincial Skills Training Center (JTP-PSTC) at all times; also with the Access for Youth training and Employment Center (AYEC) in Tandag City if there are enrollees coming from this place.

Under the JTP-PSTC, 57 have been listed to have passed driving lessons while five have finished as heavy equipment operators.

On the other hand, AYEC has backed up 84 trainees for electrical installation and maintenance; 47 for maintenance and repair of electronically-controlled domestic appliances; six for computer hardware servicing; and 18 for personal computer operation, Ares added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DOH, PHO strengthen disease surveillance in Dinagat Islands

By Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Apr. 8 (PIA) - A two-day refresher course on Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) was recently held at the Provincial Guest Center, here.

The seminar-workshop aims to strengthen the Local Government Units (LGUs) in performing disease surveillance and response in the province.

The PIDSR System is being used to improve the current disease surveillance system as well as to strengthen the capacity of LGUs for early detection and response to epidemics.

During the two-day activity, DOH-Caraga PIDSR/Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) officer Michelle Que discussed on the different types of notifiable diseases which include the bacterial and viral-causing diseases, and mosquito and food-borne diseases as well as to their definitions, classifications and confirmations.

Topics on recent communicable diseases which include Ebola Virus, MERS-CoV, HIV, several vaccine preventable diseases and the basics of Epidemic Surveillance and Response (ESR) were also discussed.

The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga and participated by health personnel of the seven municipalities of the province. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)