(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Thursday, March 10, 2016


NYC launches Search for Youth Goodwill Ambassadors

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 10 (PIA) - The National Youth Commission (NYC) thru Evanesa Pasamba, cluster head of Northeastern Mindanao disclosed recently that the annual search for youth goodwill ambassadors who will join to the 2016 Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program (SSEAYP) has started.

Dubbed as the “ultimate cruise experience,” Pasamba explained that the SSEAYP continuously gives opportunity for the youth delegates on board MV Nippon Maru to discuss issues affecting young people in the ASEAN region and propose measures to address them. Aside from the activities on board the ship, participating youth are also treated to unique country programs in each port of call where they get to immerse with local youth and share best practices to foster youth development.

“SEAYP is a flagship program of NYC, which is now on its 43rd year. It is annual cultural exchange program which started in 1974 as a joint statement between ASEAN Member States and Japan. Participated by young people from these countries, the program’s objective is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among them and the local youth in their respective countries. The Japan Government is the main sponsor of the yearly implementation of the program,” relayed Pasamba.

It was also learned from Pasamba that the 11th NYP application forms are for interested youth delegates while for SSEAYP application forms are for both National Leader and Participating Youth. “Deadline of application for the 11th NYP is set on April 1, 2016 while for SSEAYP deadline of application for NL and PYs is set on April 15, 2016 respectively,” she added.

Application forms for National Leader and Participating youth may be downloaded from the NYC official Website at www.nyc.gov.ph. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur guv urges stakeholders to sustain anti-insurgency efforts

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 10 (PIA) – "The long awaited dream for Surigao del Sur province to attain the status of diminished uprising has now become a reality. For the past 30 years, we had struggled to fight the battle against insurgency. So many casualties and properties were damaged but at present we have improved significantly. I urge the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the people dwelling in our area to keep performing their duties at its best for the province to totally end the problem of insurgency and eventually achieve our objectives."

These are the encouraging words delivered by Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel as he spurred for support from Surigaonons during the official declaration of the province he is serving as conflict manageable and ready for further development held yesterday in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur vice governor Manuel Alameda Sr. welcomed all the guests and participants. He also expressed his optimism that the province will become more progressive as it maintains to be peaceful and conflict manageable.

"It’s still a long journey to go. Today's declaration as conflict manageable doesn't mean that the province is insurgency-free, but with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), it can be surmised that we are very much ready to accommodate potential investors and do business in the province, advance the tourism and its economic status. We are paving at the right track and we will do our best to achieve our end goals," mentioned Pimentel.

Pimentel also underscored that for the first time, the province has noted in particular the failure of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New People's Army (NPA) to hold its plenum. “This means that we have seriously dedicated our efforts in winning peace and order, leading to the success of this milestone," stated Pimentel.

The MOA signing was split into five parts—ribbon cutting for the peace and development gallery, program proper, entrustment of new firearms, wall of commitment signing, and the press briefing. Other highlights that formed part of the event were the awarding of livelihood, cash and cooperative development assistance to the Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (CLIP) beneficiaries.

The three major parties representing the province of Surigao del Sur, the AFP, and the PNP signed the MOA. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


DTI warns anew on butane canister refill

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 10 (PIA) – The Department of trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte reiterates its warning to the general public, particularly those who are using butane stoves, on the danger of using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-refilled butane canisters for household consumption.

DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan said butane canisters are used only once and must never be refilled since the use of refilled butane canister may cause accidents such as explosion and fire.

He said that only welded steel cylinders are covered with Philippine National Standard for gas containers designed for storage, transport and distribution of LPG for domestic consumption.

Negapatan further said that under Department Circular DC2014-01-0001 of the Department of Energy (DOE) covers the rules and regulations of LPG industry including refiners, importers, re-fillers, marketers, and even haulers.

“Illegal or backyard refilling of butane canisters is strictly prohibited under the department’s rules and regulations,” said Negapatan.

To protect the public and avoid accident, the DTI encouraged everyone to report any information relative to the “backyard refilling” using butane canisters to the nearest fire station in the locality or Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao Field Office through telephone number (082) 221-0778. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


OWWA Caraga holds financial literacy training

By Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 10 (PIA) - In a bid to promote and provide organizational development that will redound to the benefit of its members, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) - Caraga spearheaded a financial literacy training to the 35 members of Carmen Wow Organization of Carmen, Agusan del Norte on March 3.

In his message, OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid shared the realities of overseas work and encouraged the participants to make the most of their earnings to start building investments as early as now. “You should always remember that overseas employment is not lifetime; eventually, our OFWs will come back home,” Madrid emphasized.

The agency’s Financial Literacy Training and Values Reorientation Seminar are anchored on its aspiration to prepare the OFWs and their beneficiaries in becoming self-sustaining individuals especially upon return of the OFWs in the Philippines.

The seminar in Financial Literacy stressed on enhancing the skills in efficiently managing family finances. Basic practices on minimizing expenses through wise use of resources and the importance of saving was highlighted.

Moreover, to understand the different characteristics of the organization’s members, a Values Reorientation Seminar was also given to address the matter. This is also aimed to re-instill essential Filipino values, not just as an organization, but especially towards family and relationships.

Meanwhile, a campaign of the programs and services of the agency and its advocacy for the welfare and interest of its member OFWs was delivered by OWWO II Rodel P. Deligero.

The oath taking of the elected officers of Carmen WOW Organization headed by the president, Hipolito A. Tutor, Jr. was administered by Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling, Officer-in-Charge for the Programs and Services Division. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)