(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 09 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Tuesday, March 15, 2016



PIA Caraga receives award from DENR as active environmental advocate

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 (PIA) – In time with the conduct of Environmental Youth Forum by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga held on Tuesday here, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) headed by regional director Abner Caga received the plaque of appreciation from DENR-13 regional director Nonito Tamayo.

“We are awarding this plaque of recognition to our partner PIA for being a dynamic partner of DENR Caraga in achieving significant impact on Climate Change Advocacy, National Greening Program, and other environmental programs by providing timely, accurate, relevant, and free-flowing information which brought positive transformation to the lives of peoples and its environment and natural resources in Caraga region,” underscored Dir. Tamayo.

On behalf of Dir. Caga, deputy regional director Fryan Abkilan received the plaque and relayed the message of Dir. Caga.

"It cannot be denied that the agency's efforts in communicating the government's programs such as the 'Climate Change Advocacy Campaign' and coining a brand 'Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago' where the people can recognize & associate with the advocacy has been very effective," conveyed Abkilan.

Abkilan also thanked the media partners and information officers in reaching out to the localities and helping them be informed on the different issues and concerns, as well as getting their feedbacks so the government would be able to directly address their needs.

“Thank you to our partners – the local media, the information officers and those in the forefront to disaster risk reduction and management in educating the public on matters that greatly affect the lives of the people, and their reach of more vulnerable and far-flung communities within the region. The objective of softening the apathy of the Filipinos towards the new normal - Climate Change has gradually gaining grounds through our effective platforms – the Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System, textblast, One Mindanao Electronic Magazine, and PIA Mindanao mobile application, among others,” Abkilan expressed.

Abkilan further highlighted that the agency will strive more in the delivery of timely, accurate and relevant information to the public, as well as the environmental campaign with the DENR. "This campaign is just the beginning. We have to strive some more, to be heard and appreciated by and understood by the people, our audience, the youth and to the Caraganons. It is everybody's concern, indeed. Nagbabago na ang Panahon. Panahon na Para Magbago," he relayed. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 


Caraga IP youths participate in 5-Day Community-Based Disaster Reduction & Management Trainers' Training

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 (PIA) – Some 50 Indigenous Peoples (IP) youths from the 22 Certificate of Ancestral Domains (CADTs) in Caraga region have attended the five-day Community-Based Disaster Reduction and Management (CDRRM) Trainers' Training at Goat2Geder Hotel, this city.

Said activity is spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga in collaboration with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga and 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion of the Philippine Army.

In his welcome message, CMO commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Rey Pasco expressed his thanks to the partner agencies for making this event possible and to all the active IP youths from the different CADTs in the region who willingly expressed their interest to be trained and be knowledgeable on CDRRM.

PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga also encouraged the IP youth leaders to learn and enjoy the activity. "This training will equip you and your community to be disaster-resilient. Learn to humble yourself, don't hesitate to ask questions," he said.

Caga also emphasized that the IP youths should give their full attention to the said activity and be active in giving inputs that will also enhance their good working relationship with other peers. "Education will definitely improve our lives. You should be able to apply what you have learned and what you will be still learning in the process. Communicate from the heart because that is the best way to express our thoughts," he remarked.

Meanwhile, according to OCD-13 regional director and Caraga RDRRMC chairperson Manuel Luis Ochotorena, it is vital to empower the IP youths as young members of the community such that when threats of disaster are expected they will be able to apply the skills and knowledge of disaster/emergency preparedness. “All of you will be agents of change and multiplier in your respective indigenous peoples (IP) community," he underscored.

The said event will end on March 18, 2016. (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Butuan City, AgNor now conflict manageable & ready for further development

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 (PIA) – In a joint Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had declared Butuan City and the province of Agusan del Norte as Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development held on Monday at the provincial training center here.

Commanding general of Eastern Mindanao Command Lt. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero was the guest of honor and speaker during said activity. This declaration was based on the decreased penetration of CPP/NPA in the city and province. I hope that we become more vigilant and diligent in doing our jobs in sustaining peace and order. Positive developments can truly be achieved when we collaboratively work and perform our shared responsibilities," he stressed.

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. assured that the active collaboration with the law enforcement agencies will continue as the city also aims to sustain peace and development.

"Without development there's no peace and order and vice-versa. We recognized the efforts of our law enforcement agencies for ensuring the safety, peace and order of our city and province in general. I'm very happy that our roadmap for peace is almost ready to be presented to the whole public," expressed Amante.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba emphasized that the government is doing its best to give the best service to the public. "We are glad that we have reached several remote areas to provide our services and programs. The next step and goal that we must focus on is to be free from conflicts/insurgency. There is more to be done and we will continue to work together," she said.

"Life and public service without these kind of challenges like that of insurgency crisis can somehow be gauged as effective if we can attain such victory through this declaration. I am confident that more success will come our way with this fruitful endeavor as we gain more potential investors that will help boost our economy," added Matba.

Also, PNP Caraga regional director Police Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix underscored that the declaration is a manifestation of the government's efforts in maintaining peace and order in the city and the province.

"This is expected to bring about more developments in the city and province. The PNP, together with the AFP and other concerned agencies will continue to fulfill our goals and mission for the welfare of the majority," he remarked. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur DPWH 1st District Engineering Office gets new chief

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering Office, this province, has a new head.

Engr. Ruel Bantogan, who was installed as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) District Engineer (DE) in a fitting ceremony on Friday, March 11, has started to officially discharge his function on Monday, March 14, 2016.  He replaced former DE Joseph Calderon, who, at 65, officially retired the following day, March 12.

The turn-over rites was not only attended by DPWH high-ranking officials Caraga-wide but also by the rank and file employees of the same office as well as other political stalwarts in the province, who apparently wanted to bid farewell to the outgoing DE and, at the same time, wished to welcome the new one.

Referring to the outgoing District Engr. Calderon, DPWH Caraga regional director Danilo Versola had this piece of advice for the incoming OIC DE Bantogan, “May you take inspiration from the roster of achievements on the livable professionalism of your predecessor.”

Bantogan assumed post by virtue of a memorandum issued by RD Versola, which was noted by Usec. Romeo Momo, undersecretary for regional operations.

Likewise, Engr. Annabelle Acma could have already taken over the post as assistant district engineer vacated by Bantogan during the same occasion.  However, due to approval that must come from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), since it is election period, the concerned would have to wait for the pertinent documents in this regard in a matter of time, RD Versola indicated.

During the “Turn-over Ceremony & Thanksgiving” held at the DPWH 1st District Engineering Office ground, several DPWH personalities were given the opportunity to give their respective “impressions” for Calderon.

Governor Johnny Pimentel was likewise asked to share his own, which were “all praises” for the former district engineer, whom he also described as instrumental particularly to the paving of Surigao Davao Coastal Road. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


March 26, 2016 is Barangay Assembly Day

By Jason Ryan R. Lam

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 15 (PIA) - Pursuant to Proclamation No. 260 dated September 30, 2011, the Barangay Assembly Day for the first semester of CY 2016 is set on March 26, 2016. This mandate is in accordance with Sections 397 and 398 of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991 which require the barangay assembly to meet twice a year, to hear and discuss the semestral report of the Sangguniang Barangay concerning its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) continues to establish mechanisms that help in strengthening the compliance of LGUs to such codal provisions. The conduct of regular monitoring as well as participation to barangay assemblies are one of these mechanisms.

Per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2016-11 dated January 27, 2016 and in consonance with Proclamation No. 260 the Synchronized Barangay Assembly Day for the First Semester of this year is scheduled on March 26, 2015 which bears the theme “Ipagpatuloy ang Nasimulan, Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan. Makilahok, Makisali sa Barangay Assembly!”

Further, the said circular directed all DILG regional directors and ARMM regional governor to advocate the conduct of barangay assembly by displaying streamers in strategic locations within their office premises and other activities that would generate interest among the general public to attend the assembly as well as to submit reports thereafter. Likewise, it also enjoined all city and municipal mayors to ensure compliance and maximum participation of all barangays in conducting barangay assemblies in their respective jurisdiction.

Among the suggested activities for the assemblies are delivery of the State of Barangay Address (SOBA); presentation of the proposed priority projects to be funded under the Barangay Bottom-Up Budgeting (BBuB) funds; discussion on barangay compliance to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-81 dated July 15, 2014 regarding the posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions and Annual Procurement Plan; invitation of faith-based organizations to attend and participate in the assembly to discuss/explore possible collaborative undertakings; and other issues and concerns affecting the barangay.

Further, the barangay officials are also encouraged to undertake other activities they deem appropriate to create public awareness on and generate participation in the Barangay Assembly, such as but not limited to medical or dental mission, tiangge, cultural presentations, and other similar activities. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: BFP firetruck gidawat sa Loreto, PDI

LORETO, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 15 (PIA) – Gidawat niadtong Lunes, Marso 14 ang usa ka firetruck gikan sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) sa lungsod sa Loreto, probinsya sa Dinagat Islands.

Malipayon ang katawhan sa Loreto nga naapil ang ilang lungsod sa mga nakadawat og firetruck sa tibook Caraga region.

Uban kang Mayor Nena Quijano nga midawat sa maong firetruck mao sila Loreto Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (LDRRMO) Engr. Domingo Elan, Jr. ug mga kauban sa buhat apil na niani ang mga newly hired fire truck drivers nga si Mr. Pulido ug si Mr. Baldizar.

Matud ni Mayor Quijano, ang buhatan o building sa Fire Station ang iyang hatagan og prayoridad o mosunod nga proyekto. (LGU-Loreto/Dinagat Islands)


Cebuano News: Lumad nga gipatay sa NPA nadiskubre sa Surigao Sur

Ni Capt. Anthony Pueblas

CAGWAIT, Surigao del Sur, Marso 15 (PIA)  – Usa napod ka kalabira ang nadiskubre diin gikatahong  gikalot sa mga sibilyan gikan sa gilubngan niini didto sa Sitio Mam-on, Brgy Tubo-tubo sakop sa lungsod sa Cagwait, probinsiya sa Surigao del Sur niadtong Marso 11, 2016.

Matud pa sa usa ka residente sa maong dapit nga ang biktima usa kini ka lumad sa tribung Manobo. Dugang pa niya nga nahitabo ang maong pagpatay niini duha ka tuig na ang milabay ug kini gilubong sa mga rebeldeng NPA human makabsan sa hinulamang kinabuhi.

Sumala pa sa taho, natultulan sa tropa sa 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) og sa mga kapulisan ang maong gilubngan human kini makadawat og report gikan mga sibilyan diin maoy niasoy sa maong mga panghitabo. Hangtud niining mga taknaa padayun pa ang imbistigasyon sa mga kapulisan sa lungsod sa Cagwait ug ang pag-ila sa maong kalabira.

Kahinumduman, niadtong Oktubre 31, 2015 usa ka lumad sa tribong Manobo usab ang gikatahong gikuha sa mga armadong NPA atubangan sa pamilya niini. Naila ang maong biktima nga si Rexsitoto Garcia, usa ka bantay banwa sa naasoy nga lungsod. Milabay ang upat ka bulan human kini gikuha sa iyang panimalay nakaplagan na lamang ang kalabira niini sa kabukirang bahin human kini gidunggab ug gipusil patay sa mga rebeldeng NPA.

Nasayran sa imbistigasyun nga gipatay sa rebeldeng NPA si Garcia tungod sa hugtanong pagbabag niini sa mga ilegal nga mga pagpamutol sa kahoy nga diin maoy usa sa gisaligan sa mga myembro sa NPA sa ilang mga pagpanulis pinaagi sa pagkolekta ug butaw.

Subay sa taho nga gipagawas sa 36IB, Philippine Army, mukabat sa 428 ka mga lumad ang gikatahong gipangpatay sa mga grupong NPA, wala pa kini maapil ang duha ka mga biktima dinhi sa unang distrito sa Surigao del Sur.

Kabahin sa maong taho, ang batalyon kumander sa 36IB nga si LTC Randolph Rojas mipaabot sa iyahang pagtimbaya sa mga hingtungdan sa duha ka mga biktima. “Akong pakigtimbaya sa mga pamilya sa duha nato ka igsuong mga lumad nga walay kaluoy nga gipatay sa mga NPA,” sulti pa niya.

“Wala maghatag ug respeto ang NPA sa katawhang lumad gani kini gipahimuslan lamang. Unta makamata na ang atong mga kaigsuonang lumad sa kamatuoran nga sila gigamit ug gipahimuslan lamang sa New People’s Army,” Dugang pa ni Lt. Col. Rojas. Sa kasamtangan, padayun ang koordinasyon sa military ngadto sa atong mga kapulisan lakip na usab ngadto sa mga pamilya sa mga biktima  arun mahatagan kini ug dali nga kasulbaran ug hustisya ug mapasaka ang sumbong  batok sa NPA nga maoy nagbuhat sa pagpatay niining duha ka mga lumad. (NGBT/CMO-36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)