Tuesday, August 25, 2015

DTI, GIZ conduct follow-up on PROGED workshop in Surigao Norte

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 25 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and GIZ (Gesselschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) in behalf of the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany in its continuing advocacy effort on the Promotion of Green Economic Development (PROGED) conducted on Monday a follow-up workshop for the Tourism Sector at Parkway Hotel, this city.

The activity was conducted to monitor the progress of the implementation of greening measures and strategies of some tourism establishments to improve their overall competitiveness, while reducing cost and generating savings in their business operation.

It is expected to provide a venue for assessing projects implementation at the firm level as well as looking into various concerns and issues on the overall efforts of adapting climate smart and green economic development strategies industry wide.

Similar activity will also be conducted on August 26, 2015 at Ocean 101 Resort in General Luna, Siargao Island for the Siargao Island and Bucas Grande Islands tourism establishments and stakeholders.

DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan encouraged the participation of all concerned stakeholders to be able to come up with a workable action plans for the remaining months of 2015 and the succeeding year. (SDR/DTI-SdN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PNP bares peace and order situation in Agusan Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del  Sur, Aug. 25 (PIA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial headquarters bares the peace and order situation of the province during the Peace and Order Council meeting here held on August 20, 2015 saying the province is peaceful.

According to the report of PNP provincial director P/SSupt. Joseph Plaza, the total crime volume ending August 15 this year has reduced by 142 incidents compared to the same period last year (2014) with 1,660 incidents.

“Province-wide, we have recorded 645 index crime since January to August 15 this year while our record shows 791 on the same period last year. On non-index crime, we have a very minimal increase of only five incidents this year with 874 incidents compared to 869 last year,” P/SSupt. Plaza said.

Reports also show that physical injury ranks first on the crime committed with 278 incidents followed by murder with 102 incidents. Ranking third is theft with 95 incidents, robbery with 55, homicide with 52, rape with 37, carnapping with 22 and cattle rustling with four incidents.

“Of the 13 municipalities and one city, Bayugan City got the highest number of crime committed with 497 incidents, followed by Prosperidad with 228. Ranking third is San Francisco with 201 crime incidents and Bunawan with 127, Trento with 80 and La Paz with 60. The lowest is Veruela with 13 crime incidents,” P/SSupt. Plaza said.

“We have also conducted operations against illegal drugs. In fact, from January to August 19 this year, we have conducted 163 operations resulting to the arrest of 242 persons and confiscating 1,384.9157 grams of shabu and 825.1821 grams of marijuana with a total cost of P14,492,274.15 for both shabu and marijuana,” P/SSupt. Plaza added.

P/SSupt. Plaza said they are in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the quest to control the illegal trade and use in the province, which they believe is one of the major causes of criminality not only in Agusan del Sur but in the whole world. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

TESDA to mark 21st anniversary celebration in Caraga

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 25 (PIA) – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is set to join the 21st Anniversary Celebration activities to be spearheaded by its Caraga Regional Office under Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. on August 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. to be held at Almond Inland Resort in Butuan City.

According to Rey Cueva, TESDA provincial director here, “One of the highlights of the activity shall be the giving of recognition to the TESDA’s partners of their contributions to technical education and skills development.”

However, the program of invitation is yet to be sent out along with the official list of awardees, said Nancy De Guzman, administrative officer V of TESDA in the province.

Meantime, TESDA here has continued to carry out its mandate under the vision of “leading partner in the development of Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values” and mission to provide “direction, policies, programs, and standards towards quality technical education and skill development.”

Also, TESDA Provincial Office here was among the top agencies cited by Governor Johnny Pimentel in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on August 18 owing to its “relentless efforts… exerted for the advancement of technical-vocational education and training through ‘Jobs Tech-Voc Program.’”

To date, according to Governor Pimentel, a total number of 2,030 persons have been profiled under Youth Profiling for Starring Careers (YP4SC) in the entire province;  13,863 trained in various skills/qualifications; 13,143 have graduated in various skills/qualifications; and 3,869 are now currently employed here and abroad, making special mention of Director Cueva. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano News: DepEd Siargao nagsaulog sa ika-48th anniversary

Ni Mary Jul E. Escalante

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte, Agosto 25 (PIA) – Malampuson ug mabibong gisaulog ang Ika-48th nga Founding Anniversary sa Department of Education (DepEd) Siargao Division kagahapon nga adlaw, Agosto 24,2015 didto sa Dapa Gym, ning probinsya.

Ang maong selebrasyon nagdala sa temang, "DepEd Siargao @ 48: Reminiscing the Past.. Celebrating the Gains...and Moving Forward with Excellence..."

Mismo si Gobernador Sol F. Matugas ang pinasidunggang mamumulong ug kini gitambungan sa syento porsento nga attendance sa mga magtutudlo ug school administrators sa maong isla.

Nagpasalamat ug nalipay ang mga magtutudlo sa gasa nga gihatag sa gobernador sa matag distreto nga tag 20,000 mil ka pesos apil na ang Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) ug 100,000 mil ka pesos alang sa ilang division office. (SDR/PIC-SdN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Monday, August 24, 2015

DTI Caraga delivers SME programs to Marihatag residents

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN ISIDRO, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 24 (PIA) – In time with the Peace Caravan (Serbisyo Caravan) spearheaded by the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga extended its Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Programs to the residents of Barangay San Isidro, this municipality.

Jorge Silaga, PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan (PAMANA) Focal Person of DTI-Caraga relayed that the SME Development Programs of the department focuses on the following: Design and Development Assistance; Entrepreneurial and Product Development Trainings; Trademark Registration; Export assistance; Investment Consultancy; Shared Service Facility; Host to loan facility of small business guarantee fund for financial assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; and other programs such as Buttoms-Up-Budgeting (BuB), and Go Negosyo Center.

“With our aim to promote the welfare of our consumers and entrepreneurs, we are always ready to extend help and assistance to them. And this time, we would like to improve the lives of the marginalized and most vulnerable sector in this barangay here in Marihatag, as well as in other barangays to let them know that the government is doing all its best to provide the services and programs for them. We hoped to see them starting to put up their own businesses and livelihood not only for their family but for the community,” expressed Silaga.

She further relayed that the department has just recently launched the Go Negosyo Centers that features locally-made products of the different residents in the provinces of Caraga.

Silaga also disclosed that for the local business, DTI provides repair shop accreditation; construction industry; product standards; and product development.

“For us also to be effective as consumers and at the same time entrepreneurs, it is also very important to know well how to handle complaints; be well-aware of the ‘No Return, No Exchange’ Policy; as well as the Price Tag Law; Deceptive Sales Acts and Practices; Warranties; Credit Cards Policy; Sales Promotion; Senior Citizens privileges; Balikbayan Boxes; Exports; Investments; and Patents and Trademarks,” added Silaga. 

The said DTI representative also encouraged the local residents to know their rights as consumers and prevent themselves from being a victim of any scam by the different groups illegally circulating and operating in the region.  

“We will conduct orientation-seminars and trainings that will enhance their business skills and will help them sustain whatever business they would like to indulge into. We have partners in the government who will also provide you with your other needs. Distance may separate us but we will always find ways to reach you,” stressed Silaga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH brings ‘High Impact Five’ scheme to Marihatag local residents

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN ISIDRO, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 24 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga joined in the Peace Caravan (Serbisyo Caravan) on Monday spearheaded by the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) together with other government agencies bringing their newest scheme dubbed as “High Impact Five.”

“In pursuit of peace, justice and sincere commitment to the provision of direct and improved health services to target areas in the region, the Department of Health is here participating in the Peace Caravan for the benefit of our locals in Marihatag today and Lianga, Surigao del Sur by tomorrow,” said Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr, regional director of DOH-Caraga.

Llacuna stressed that the Peace Caravan is only a segment of the Whole of Nation Initiative which is a wide-scope strategy to maintain peace and order to target communities while giving them proper services related to livelihood, agricultural, educational and most of all their health needs.

“The continued dynamism of the department has improved with our newest scheme – the ‘High Impact Five.’ This scheme supports the Whole of Nation Initiative to allay the effects of armed conflict areas, specifically in some municipalities of the region. This mechanism also aims to provide specific, direct and enhanced health services in terms of Maternal, Infant and Child Care, HIV Counseling and Testing and a finer Service Delivery System,” disclosed Llacuna.

Llacuna added that the services groomed does not only revolve in these areas because the locals in target communities deserve a broader coverage of health and health-related services, “which is why notwithstanding from the five main services declared, the DOH regional office will cater medical consultation, dental services, blood donation services, immunization for senior citizens, and distribution of family and hygiene kits, toilet bowls, Jerycans, visual aids and advocacy materials."

“We will never stop giving you (residents) the services you deserve. As we promote peace and order, we also promote good health and healthy living. Continue to support us and make use of our free services in the Peace Caravan today,” Llacuna added.

The good director further emphasized that to further bring and emphasize the accessibility of these services, instead of the people going to health facilities, the DOH will also bring these services to the people by means of a customized bus called “Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Bus,” that will serve as multi-channeled tool and health services in congruent to the government’s health reform agenda of universal access to health care.

“As a whole, the DOH led by Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin is expanding all opportunities and all our best efforts to maintain and improve mediocre health status and health care system especially to the farthest areas of local communities. With the intensified programs of the agency and the helpful hands from partners, a better quality life is envisioned not just by Caraganons but for all Filipinos,” Llacuna underscored.

The DOH has a vision of a global leader for attaining better health outcomes, competitive and responsive health care system, and equitable health financing. Its mission is to guarantee equitable, sustainable and quality health for all Filipinos, especially the poor, and to lead the quest for excellence in health. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

108 Tagbina farmers get land titles from DAR

By Joie L. Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) – A total of 108 farmers from Brgy. Quezon in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur received land titles from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) covering 214 hectares last August 19, 2015.

Margarita Caindoy, 67, one of the recipients, expressed so much joy receiving her parcel, along with eight other members of her family. “I have been a farmer all my life. Thanks to DAR, now I have a land I will call my own,” she added.

The distribution ceremony, which was attended by Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel, Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso, DAR Caraga regional director Julita Ragandang and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Benjamin Mataksil, is part of the 1st Araw ng Brgy. Quezon celebration.

Governor Johhny Pimentel said that this distribution of land title is a proof that the government under the Aquino administration is doing its job.

Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso said, that indeed, the 1st celebration of the Araw ng Brgy. Quezon in Tagbina is a celebration of joy. (DAR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur vice-gov bares feat in 2014 Annual Legislative Accomplishment Report

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 24 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. has brought the best out in the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan in his 2014 Annual Legislative Accomplishment Report (ALAR) delivered during the opening of the 102nd Regular Session on August 18 held at the Capitol Seminar Hall.

Addressing everybody from the highest official of the province down to the marginalized sector, Vice-Governor Alameda took pride in saying that “The year 2014 was another momentous year for the Legislative Department as new initiatives were positioned to improve service delivery and bring about far-reaching and significant changes not just during the year in review but for the years ahead.”

“It is therefore noteworthy to say that this Annual Legislative Accomplishment Report is a salute to the hard work, commitment, honesty and integrity of the Provincial Governor who showed his sincere efforts and sense of unity by spearheading the Legislators in order to have an authentic public service without politics and self-serving interest,” he pointed out.

He split his 14-page ALAR into three main parts:  The Vice Governor’s Report alongside his accomplishments plus other programs he had engaged in; the accomplishments of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, starting off from individual and then as a collegial body; and finally, the accomplishments of the Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (TSP) Officers, Staff and Employees plus other related tasks.

The vice-governor stressed that “Development had been our major agenda for every action we took to alleviate the conditions of the community and most of all to the people we are serving.”

Being the vice-governor and presiding officer, he cited that as a lawmaking body, “the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan chalked up a record of 48 Regular Sessions in 2014 held alternately in the Cities of Tandag and Bislig as mandated by Ordinance No. 1 series of 2013.”

“In the second legislative year of the present set of lawmakers, a total of 515 Resolutions and 31 Ordinances were passed and approved,” he added.

However, being composite member of the august body and chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Alameda said he was able to pass four vital legislations, citing Resolution Nos. 549; 550; and 570; aside from Ordinance No. 28.

His ALAR culminated with a vow to “deliver legislations that matter and promote welfare.” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Sunday, August 23, 2015

SurSur all set for peace caravan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 23 (PIA) - The different agencies of the government have once again come together to conduct a 2-day Local Government Unit (LGU)-led Peace Caravan in Caraga Region under the theme: “Nagkakaisang Bayan para sa Kapayapaan: The Government is Committed in Pursuing development that can be enjoyed by all.”

The said activity aims to serve the needs of the residents of Barangays San Pedro, San Isidro, Mahaba, Mararag, Bayan, Amontay  of the municipality of Marihatag on August 24, 2015,  Barangays San Isidro, St. Christine and Diatagon of Municipality of Lianga and Barangays Janipaan, Pong-on and Buhisan of Municipality of San Agustin on August 25, 2015.

The activity also seeks to assert the government’s goal in giving services to all communities, especially those affected by armed conflict and assure that with the convergence of the various agencies, no community will be left behind. An activity like this, however, is just one of the steps to addressing peace-building gaps.

The caravan is expected to serve more than 1,000 households consisting of approximately 15,000 individuals including children. The recipients may avail of services focused on health, livelihood, education, grooming, legal and veterinary consultations, land concerns, hauling services, voter registration, distribution of food packs, birth registration, feeding, advocacy orientation and dialogue.

Led by Governor Pimentel, a total of 29 local and regional government agencies and civil society organizations (CSO) have committed their participation.

Also expected to attend the caravan are the various officials from Cabinet Cluster the national offices namely, Secretary Teresita Quinto-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Secretary Roland Llamas of the Office of the Presidential Assistant (OPA) and Secretary Virgilio R. Delos Reyes of DAR. (NGBT/OPPAP/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Preparations underway for 2015 TESDA C Games

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 22 (PIA) - In time with the 21st celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, all personnel from the different Operating Units of TESDA-Caraga will converge in a Sports Fest on Monday, August 24, 2015 at the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Prior to the activity dubbed as "TESDA C Games" (C for Caraga), a thanksgiving mass will be conducted. Afterwhich, an opening ceremonies will be held which features the different Athletic Delegations as they parade during the Delegation Entrance.

The following are the composition of the different teams: BLUE EAGLES - (RO, TESDA-Agusan del Norte, PTC-Agusan del Norte, TESDA-Dinagat Islands); YELLOW TIGERS - (TESDA-Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades); RED PANTHERS - (TESDA-Surigao del Norte and Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries);  GREEN SCORPIONS - (TESDA-Surigao del Sur, PTC-Surigao del Norte and NMSF).

Meanwhile, four gorgeous ladies will vie for the first ever "MISS PALARONG TESDA" title. They will compete in the Sportswear and Question & Answer.

The four teams will be competing in BANNER-RAISING, CHEERDANCE, BASKETBALL (Men Only), VOLLEYBALL (Women Only), BADMINTON (Mixed Doubles), DART (Men Only) and DAMA (Men and Women).

At the end of the day, a team with the highest number of points will be declared OVERALL CHAMPION who will receive the TESDA C Games Cup Trophy. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, August 21, 2015

AgSur elementary school receives additional classrooms from ASELCO-Aboitiz CSR

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Aug. 21 (PIA) - After a year of preparing and constructing, the San Isidro Elementary School Teachers and Students can finally use the two classrooms turned over to them last August 17, at Barangay San Isidro by the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO) being one of Aboitiz’ clientele in its energy services.

The turn-over program was attended by various individuals from the public and private sectors.

A year ago, San Isidro Elementary School run short of classroom and could not sufficiently cater the increasing number of students enrolled in the institution. “We received a call from Aboitiz in the person of Roy Renconada asking us of the possibility of having these classrooms. We, right there and then, prepared the requirements in a snap and e-mailed it. From then on, this project commenced,” Jimuel V. Quejada, SIES school principal narrated.

These 1.7 million classrooms were the first to be constructed as project of Aboitiz in Mindanao Area. “We give you the idea that Aboitiz is not only after of marketing energy. It is also duty bound to take progress into the place we get in as a way of giving back to the people through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” Bisnar explained.

ASELCO has signed with Aboitiz through Therma South Inc. (TSI) for the power supply in the next 25 years. With this, the cooperative’s partnership with Aboitiz will continue in the long term and is projected to have all the places especially education institutions in Agusan del Sur as beneficiaries of Classroom Projects.

“Charity begins at home. Since ASELCO is a resident of Barangay San Isidro, we took the initiative of having the first project initiated here. After all, this is no better way than starting everything in the roots,” ASELCO general manager Emmanuel Galarse proudly said.

The Classroom Project and Computerization Program are joint CSR of Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in the province of Agusan del Sur. (ASELCO/PIA-Caraga)

Thursday, August 20, 2015

MARINA 13 to open extension office in Butuan City

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 20 (PIA) - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office XIII will expand its services in Caraga region with the opening of its extension office on August 26, 2105 in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City.

MARINA Regional Office XIII supervisor in-charge Maria Roselyn P. Castaño said that part of its opening activity is the one-day processing of seafarers identification record book (SIRB), domestic certificate of competency (D-COC), and seafarers identification book (SIB).

"There will also be an scheduled examination for certificate of marine profession (CMP) for deck officers such as major patron, minor patron, boat captain 3, and boat captain 2, and engine officers such as marine diesel mechanic 2, and marine diesel mechanic 1 during the said opening," she said.

Castaño advised those interested applicants to submit their application before August 26, 2015 at MARINA Regional Office XIII located at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) compound, this city. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SurSur guv cites gains in SOPA

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 20 (PIA) – Summing up the feat his administration has achieved for the past year 2014, Governor Johnny Pimentel cited “UNITY IN GOVERNANCE” in a 27-page State of the Province Address (SOPA) as the “operating guide” that brought Surigao del Sur to its current pedestal.

He bared before the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan members assembled on Monday during its 102nd Regular Session at the Capitol Seminar Hall joined in by the cross section of the society that becoming “more closely-knit in the face of challenges and adversities…has been the key to our strength and adherence to the principles of good governance that has become the laid foundation for our progress.”

In his discourse, Pimentel pointed out seven significant areas of triumph—Food Sufficient Province; Enhanced Small and Medium Enterprise Livelihood Activities; Expanded Health, Social Services and Education;  Wider Infrastructure Projects Implementation; Promoting Peace for Surigao del Sur; Environmental Protection, Conservation and Wise Utilization; and, Efficient Tax Collection—where his administration had posted a significant leap, citing the reduction of poverty incidence and the maintenance as well as improvement of ecology as the two most important developmental objectives.

“Allow me to present my humble accomplishments last year that I earnestly believed have contributed to sustain Surigao del Sur as a vibrant province constantly moving forward to desired progress and growth capable of confronting challenges even in trying times guided and embraced by a competitive and responsible leadership,” he stressed.

Among the seven areas mentioned, three of which—Food Sufficient Province; Expanded Health, Social Services and Education; as well as Wider Infrastructure Projects Implementation—have been lengthily presented.

On Food Sufficiency Province, Pimentel made mention of the “Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever’s Award” given by the Department of Agriculture (DA) that the province had bagged in 2012 along with other nine others in the league due to numerous achievements.

He said that “Production area increased by 4 percent or 421.56 hectares for irrigated and by 25 percent or 2,768 hectares for rainfed which translated to a total increase of 11,640.42 metric tons of palay harvested in 2011; Yield also increased by 1.4 percent in irrigated and 1.6 percent in rainfed areas; and, Posted 85 percent self-sufficiency in rice in 2013, a dramatic increase from 72 percent level in 2010.”

“Despite natural calamties, which thinly spread-out limited resources to various areas of concern, the agriculture sector in our province remained steadfast and posted significant gains in 2014,” Pimentel remarked.

Under Health, Social Services and Education, the governor stressed “I lead the bureaucracy in undertaking effective, responsible and appropriate social services.  These are strong and continuing programs on health and nutrition, social welfare and education.”

He then cited “Alay ng Probinsiya Scholarship Program” allotted with P2 million; Jobs through Tech-Voc Program (JTP) with TESDA; full implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); and Health support and sponsorship programs.

On “Wider Infrastructure Projects Implementation,” Pimentel had recited in particular a litany of priority projects implemented aside from regular rehabilitation and maintenance of roads and bridges amounting to a total of P105.844 million on provincial funded projects.

Before embarking on a more than an hour and 15 minutes delivery of his SOPA, he first expressed deep gratitude to the key political leaders in the province and everybody else including employees of all National Government Agencies (NGAs) for what he described as “consistent support for the realization of numerous government projects and programs that have benefited our people and sustained our developmental efforts for our beloved province of Surigao del Sur.”

In closing, Pimentel, speaking in local dialect, urged his fellow leaders to continue the valuable sense of unity that empowers them to generate more projects that are essential to the people now and in the coming future. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

PhilHealth officials recognize media, govt IOs as partner health advocates

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) – “Media’s task is to report and ours is to provide content. Media relay our members’ concerns and we address them.”

This was the statement of Maria Sophia Varlez, Senior Manager of Corporate Communication Department in the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation during the one-day Orientation on Social Health Insurance Education Series (SHInE) for Caraga region held on Tuesday in one of the local convention centers here.

“We are expressing our thanks and gratitude to our partner media, as well as the information officers in the government for their strong support and for continuously disseminating vital information to the public especially our health programs and services so that the most vulnerable sector in the remote community will be aware and can avail of the government’s health programs,” added Varlez.

The said official also recognized the effort of the information officers in the government sector for religiously promoting the welfare of the people and co-workers and letting them know about their benefits in PhilHealth. “Media uphold their stake as members while we in the government service live up to our mandate,” she stressed.

“PhilHealth has its action center which provides immediate response to e-mails, SMS, phone calls, letters and assistance to walk-in clients. The media interviews also enable us to respond directly to our public’s concerns. We also do referrals to concerned regional offices to generate immediate action on complaints/queries,” disclosed Varlez.

Varlez further emphasized that PhilHealth and the media shall continue to work closely together to uphold principles of social solidarity and Bayanihan spirit; advance heightened awareness and appreciation for benefits; and promote the National Health Insurance Program for the benefit of every Filipino. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Del Monte OFW family org elders train in IT

By Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 19 (PIA) -  The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in its pursuit to promptly respond to the eager aspiration of its members for organizational development, rolled off the 4-day Information Technology (IT) Training for the Del Monte Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Families Organization (DMOFO) on August 10-13, 2015 at the Barangay Hall of Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

 In the vision to familiarize the basic commands in operating a computer and gradually be able to utilize the advent of technology in bridging the gap between their loved ones abroad, some 18 members with ages ranging from 40-60 participated in the information technology training conducted by OWWA.

Having seen the need to cope up with the fast advancement of technology, Ariel N. Arreza, the president of the organization, shared his gratitude for having been afforded with the training that will help them in the necessary preparations for the realization of their organizational visions. He also added that it is never too late to keep up with the information age.

More than just the orientation to the social media and the internet as the main use of computers, Vincent B. Mahinay, IT Instructor of OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga discussed five modules which included the computer fundamentals 1 and 2, the internet and Microsoft Office i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The graduation program, which was attended by the barangay councilors of Del Monte and the municipal PESO Manager of Talacogon, Engr. Remigio Remidio, paved way for the introduction of the ideals of the organization in continuously enhancing their livelihood and in amplifying their contribution to the economy through utilization of the lush soil of the locality.

Furthermore, the newly elected officers of the Talacogon OFW and Dependents Association (TODA) from Poblacion, Talacogon also joined the program for their induction ceremony.

In order to keep abreast with the very competitive world of today, OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid stressed the importance of coordination to maintain cohesiveness among the Talacogon OFW organizations to be able to create a more intensified influence and yield a better outcome. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur guv calls for peace caravan final meeting

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 19 (PIA) – Governor Johnny Pimentel has called a final meeting on Monday for the two-day peace caravan that is going to be held in the towns of Marihatag and Lianga here to serve a total of 12 barangays of said local government units (LGUs) including three barangays of another adjacent San Agustin town on August 24-25.

For the past several weeks or so, a series of meetings have been held with the representatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other national and local government agencies for the success of the endeavor.

The governor, who presided over the meeting, himself, wanted a “seamless” conduct of the entire activity, making sure that everything is going to be in order.

Everybody in attendance, who will have a crucial role especially in the delivery of basic services during the two-day affair, was asked about the status or progress of their respective preparations as well as their readiness.

With the theme “Nagkakaisang Bayan para sa Kapayapaan: The Government is Committed in Pursuing Development that can be Enjoyed by All,” the peace caravan, according to organizers,  has three objectives, to wit:  To reinforce the gains of peacebuilding initiatives in conflict-affected areas; To take advantage of the opportunity to provide a convergent delivery of basic services of all participating government agencies; and To instill in the minds of the communities the genuine kind of government which is seriously working for them.

Meanwhile, an estimated 8,360 community participants are targeted to be served based on documentation, broken down as follows:  Marihatag Cluster with six barangays (Amontay, 220; Mahaba, 621; Mararag, 663; San Isidro, 1,689; Bayan, 250; and San Pedro, 765) has 4,208 and San Agustin-Lianga Cluster with three barangays each (Buhisan, 681; Pong-on, 120; and Janipaan, 412 for the former; and San Isidro, 922; St. Christine, 823; and Diatagon, 1,194 for the latter)  has 4,152.

During the meeting, rundown of all regional line agencies (RLA) as well as their respective counterparts at the local level, which committed to bring their services, have been crosschecked.

These include, among others, the Department of Agriculture (DA) for livestock services and distribution of assorted vegetable seeds and coffee planting materials; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for distribution of sewing machines to women’s association of Diatagon, Lianga and for the promotion of advocacy on Kasambahay Law;  Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the distribution of 7,000 packs of complementary food for babies, the same amount of packs for nutria curls, and for the distribution of  information materials on DOST services; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for passporting; Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for voter registration; and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for the distribution of 3,200 coconut seedlings in Marihatag and 2,300 of the same in Lianga. 

The holding of peace caravan here is a goodwill gesture of promoting peace, first and foremost, making the people aware that government and all its instrumentalities are one in taking care of the constituents in conflict-affected areas by bringing in basic services, it was learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tadag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano News: HEALS Plus victory forum gipahigayon sa brgy. Camp Eduard

Ni Mary Jul E. Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Agosto 19 (PIA) – Malamposong nga gipahigayon ang HEALS Plus Victory Forum, Governor's Dialogue, ug Panambay sa Barangay niadtong Agosto 17, 2015 didto sa Brgy. Camp Eduard, Alegria, sakop ning probinsya.

Kauban sa lakaw sa gobernador mao sila Cong. Francisco T. Matugas, Vice Governor  Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. Board Member Simeon Castrence, Mamerto Galanida, Mayor Dominador Esma, Col. Arsenio Sadural sa Phil. Army, Surigao City Schools Division Superintendent Fidela Rosas ug ang Team Capitol.

Atol sa maong okasyon, nag apod-apod og mga food packs sa mga lumulupyo, nag turn over ug tseke kantidad 150,000 mill ka pesos alang sa pagtapos sa Brgy. Multipurpose Hall.

Mipasalig usab ang gobernador nga magbutang og school stage sa Camp Eduard Elem. School, hand tractor nga ilang gipangayo para sa pagtanom ug giawhag sa gobernador nga magtanom ang mga estudyante ug mga rambotan nga prutas sa dakong luna sa ilang eskwelahan.

Ang Brgy. Camp Eduard usa usab sa makadawat ug proyekto kantidad ug P50 milyones alang sa road concreting ubos sa PAMANA DILG nga pondo nga gikatakdang i-implementar karong tuiga.

Dako gayod ang pagpasalamat ug kalipay ni Punong Brgy. Randy Sambuang sa maong barangay nga gibisitahan sila sa gobernador tungod kay si Gov. Matugas pa ang nakaabot nga gobernador sa ilang lugar ingon man usab ni Cong. Matugas nga nakabisita usab sa panahon nga siya pa ang gobernador sa probinsya ug giisip nila kining makasaysayanong panghitabo nga nakaabot gayod ang gobernador sa ilang lugar dala ang serbisyo sa kapitoyo ug uban pang mga kaayuhan ug kalambuan para sa ilang barangay.

Sa samang higayon, mibisita usab ang team capitol sa lugar diin nanimuyo ang mga mamanwa o mga lumad  alang sa posibleng core shelter project nga gihangyo sa ilang tribu pinaagi sa ilang lider nga si Bae Arlinda Soriaco. (SDR/PIC-SdN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)