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)
