Agnor guv prioritizes ‘Education for All’
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) – “Making life better
for all Agusanons has always been our ardent quest for vision,” says Agusan del
Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba.
In her state of the province address (SOP) held
Friday here, Matba gave emphasis on the importance of giving priority to the
education of the youth in the province.
Matba said that for the past few years, the
province continues to invest in the young generation and ‘Education for All’
has always been one of her primary goals.
“As leaders and policy makers, it is truly a big
challenge to provide education that would equip learners with the needed
competencies and prepare them ready for life,” said gov. Matba. Several
programs were successfully launched to improve the performance with the support
of the parents and other stakeholders, gov. added.
As a result, in 2015, a reduction of 1.53 percent
of the dropout rate in the elementary level in the entire province was
achieved.
Governor Matba also reported that the province’s
enrolment rate in year 2015 has exceeded the school age population recorded by
the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). A total of 42,557 students were
enrolled as against the PSA count of 39,975.
Also, the province’s performance in the 2015
National Achievement Test in the grade 6 level improved to 87.47 percent from
the 2014 achievement of 84.13 percent.
The quality of education provided in the province
according to governor Matba has produced students with exceptional talents and
skills. In 2015, Xavier Clyde S. Dubduban of Northern Mindanao Intitute placed
first in the regional Science Fair Contest in Microscope Focusing and Karl
Andrea Culta got third Best Presenter in the over-all National Radio category.
Similarly for the teacher category, governor Matba
has announced that Agusan del Norte was the National Champion for Science
Investigatory project (Physical Science) and on the Spot Improvisation of
Materials in Science.
During the year 2015, a total of 218 elementary and
secondary school buildings amounting to P194,757,194.77 were constructed in the
province under her administration. (NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Caraga stakeholders to participate in Strategic
Dev’t Planning Workshop for Agusan River Basin
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) – The Caraga
stakeholders from government agencies, private sector, civil society
organizations, academe, and other partners will be participating in the
Strategic Development Planning Workshop on June 22-24, 2016 at Bishop’s Home,
Brgy. Ampayon, this city.
The Agusan River Governing Board (ARBGB) in
coordination with the Mindanao Development Authority (minDA) is spearheading
said activity.
According to ARBGB chairperson and Bishop Juan De
Dios Pueblos of the Diocese of Butuan, the workshop is aimed at developing a
three-year strategic work plan for the ARBGB, which includes resource
mobilization and strategies for the board to gain its autonomy and
sustainability to run by itself. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
DA Caraga turns-over modern corn drying facility to
Agusan farmers
By Aurelius P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) - To help corn farmers
attain premium quality of their produce, the Department of Agriculture (DA)
Caraga turned-over another Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center to
the farmers through the local government unit of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte
last June 1.
The second unit established in the said town and
third in the region, the Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center
situated in Brgy. Pinana-an, is a modern drying and shelling facility worth
P3.5 million and has a capacity of processing 10 tons of corn.
The facility will process either freshly harvested
corn in cob or shelled kernels that need further drying just for a very minimal
fee.
DA Caraga regional director Edna Mabeza said that
modern drying facility helps to eliminate poor quality of corn that may pose
health hazard to human and animal due to aflatoxin.
“There are reports based on laboratory test results
that some areas are having high aflatoxin level of corn produce which is caused
by delayed drying after harvesting,” she said.
According to corn quality parameter, aflatoxin
level of corn for feed purposes must not exceed the tolerable limit of 50 parts
per billion (pbb) and for human consumption of not more than 20 pbb.
Las Nieves Mayor Avelina Rosales extended her
gratitude to DA Caraga for supporting their corn farmers and vowed to implement
measures to ensure sustainability of the project.
“I am urging the farmers to help maintain the
facility because it is a multi-million peso project from the government and be
cooperative on the policy that we are going to implement to make this project
sustainable,” she said.
Aside from corn, the facility is also designed to
dry palay thus making it more advantageous for the farmers.
The first two Village Type Corn Postharvest
Processing Center funded by the DA is located at Brgy. Tiniwisan, this city and
Brgy. Malicato of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
More of this kind is on the pipeline for completion
in various parts of the region as implemented under AgriPinoy Corn Program. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DENR Caraga awards hundreds of environmental
partners
By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) - The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga has recognized the
contributions of several environmental partners in celebration of the 29th DENR
Anniversary on June 10, 2016 at the DENR Regional Covered Court.
“DENR Anniversary is not only limited to a
celebration within the agency. There are lots of people behind our
accomplishments. We will honor the efforts of our partners,” DENR Caraga
regional director Nonito M. Tamayo said.
About 349 awardees were recognized including two
posthumous awards to individuals who contributed much in the advocacy to
strengthen forest protection and conservation.
The awardees include farmers, media practitioners,
People’s Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, Philippine Army,
Philippine National Police, and some political icons.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to all
of our partners for continuously supporting our programs and projects
especially the National Greening Program and the Anti-illegal Logging Campaign.
All these projects are successful because of efforts,” Tamayo said.
Among the awardees, two personalities were honoured
for their noble contributions in environmental protection and conservation.
They are Mayor Dario Otaza and Tarciano Pendon.
Mayor Otaza has been an effective partner in the
National Greening Program and the Anti-illegal Logging Campaign of the DENR. He
changed several lives in Loreto, Agusan del Sur. While, Pendon, a Bantay Danao
of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Agusan del Sur, protected the
biodiversity within the lake using the best of his abilities.
“Life is indeed short, but we can make it
worthwhile. Life does not end the day we serve our purpose, it begins there.
Again, my sincere thanks to everybody who is with us in our advocacy for the
environment,” Tamayo said. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DTI holds training to Surigao org to improve local
products, services
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, June 17 (PIA) –
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently conducted a series of
trainings and activities to the members of Ima Women Initiated-Community
Association (IWICA) of Barangay Ima, Sison, this province.
IWICA is a recipient of DTI's 2014 BuB (Bottom up
Budgeting) Lemon Grass Processing Project. The association produces hydrosol
and essential oil form processed lemongrass and they enthusiastically believe
that the mentioned products are viable for business.
Trainings on financial literacy, simple
bookkeeping, and business operations planning and equipment usage demonstration
and skills coaching were conducted recently to better prepare them with their
enterprise venture. It was learned that the DTI also assists them through
business consultation services.
The association was also provided with packaging
materials and labels to ready their products for market in the municipality of
Sison, and other neighboring municipalities.
IWICA is now confident to go into business after
the provision of several assistance and support from different agencies like
DTI, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and local government unit to their new
business endeavor but still, they are willing to learn to continually improve
their business.
IWICA’s hydrosol and essential oil will be sold in
trade fairs regularly and they will also join every selling activities and
ensure presence of their products in busiest stores in the province.
(DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PENRO SurSur employees crowns Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan
2016
By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) – Employees from the
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Surigao del Sur won
the Search for 2016 Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan during the 29th DENR Anniversary
celebration on June 10, 2016 at the DENR Regional Covered Court.
Kaleb Arreza and Maricris Lamela won the title as
they shine in almost all the categories during the event. Among their special
awards are Best in Sportswear, Best in Kalikasan Attire, and Best in Formal
Attire.
The Search for Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan is an annual
event during the celebration of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Anniversary. This event showcases the talents of the employees
and paves the way to self improvement.
“Today, we are celebrating our 29th anniversary
with the theme: 'Patuloy na pagsisikap para sa kalikasan: Isang pagdiriwang.' As we celebrate today’s
event, we renew and strengthen our vows to be protectors of our environment and
effective public servants. Let us use this celebration as a motivation to
strive harder and be agents of change,” said DENR Caraga regional director
Nonito M. Tamayo.
“The competition is not just about beauty and fame
but rather aims to promote social awareness in the role of each individual in
the protection and conservation of the environment,” he added. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Surigao
del Sur)
PopCom Caraga heightens advocacy for men
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) - The Commission on
Population (PopCom) calls for dynamic and responsible involvement among males
in managing the over-all concerns of the entire family. This is the focal
campaign of the agency as the world celebrates Father’s Day on June 19.
PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A.
Makinano highlighted the significant contribution of male presence in nurturing
the children and fulfilling his responsibilities as a husband to his wife.
In the observance of Father’s Day, PopCom, through
its Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning (RPFP) program, urges all men to
actively get involved in reproductive health (RH) because their health status
and behaviors affect women’s reproductive health.
For instance, when men are under the influence of
drugs or alcohol, their women partners are at greater risk of abuse which may
lead to unintended pregnancies and STDs as well as direct injuries, including
abortion and miscarriage.
“Males hold one of the keys to reducing maternal
and infant deaths and improving womenand children’s health," Makinano
emphasized.
In sustaining this advocacy, PopCom strengthens one
of its initiatives for men – the KATROPA or Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa
Responsibilidad at Obligasyon para sa Kalusuganng Ina at Pamilya through
Training of Trainers and Rollout Sessions in the region. This initiative aims
to equip husbands and men with the right information about reproductive health
and family planning; empowered them with knowledge about themselves.
KATROPA initiative also promotes gender equality
and women empowerment. Providing accurate RH information, offering essential
and quality RH care services to men benefits both men and women in various ways
such as expanding the range of contraceptive options, supporting women’s
contraceptive use, and preventing STDs.
PopCom also underscored that if males are involved
in discussions and activities on maternal health and responsible parenting,
they could become advocates who could pushfor needed policies and programs in
their respective communities. (PopCom-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
PopCom Caraga hails Duterte’s policy on FP
BUTUAN CITY, June 17 (PIA) – The regional office
here of the Commission on Population (PopCom) is on high hope on the future
direction of the population program with the strong support coming from the
incoming President, His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
PopCom Caraga through regional director Alexander
A. Makinano has various recommendations to the next administration which
hopefully can contribute to the full blast implementation of the programdown to
the grassroots level, to wit:
Tax discount or any form of tax incentive shall be
given to parent/s with only 1 to 3 children. However, said benefits will be
forfeited once the couple will already be having children beyond the limit of
three. Orientation and information regarding the matter shall be done during
the couples’ Pre-Marriage Orientation-Seminar.
Review the withholding tax on compensation and of
personal and additional exemptions. Take measures and modify some existing
provisions that would encourage couples to limit their children to not more than
three.
Family Planning program and its implementations
must be transferred to the PopCom including the stocking and distribution of
contraceptives/supplies.
Finally to encourage couple to limit their
children, the government must consider giving incentives in the form of the
following: a. one child: free education from elementary to college; b. two
children: free education from high school to college; and c. three children:
free education from elementary to high school.
Few days after the election, President-elect
Duterte expressed his strong support to the Family Planning Program of the
government and will strictly implement said program to push his economic growth
agenda.
In addressing the country’s ballooning population,
Duterte’s stance can be considered another development for the Philippine
Population Management Program (PPMP).
As revealed in the 2015 Census of Population, more
than 8 million Filipinos were added to the population, in just five years since
2010. Results of the 2015 census show the population grew 1.72 percent last
year, down from 1.9 percent Population Growth Rate (PGR) of 2010.
Caraga’s population last year reached to 2,596,709.
This shows an increase of about 200,000 from 2010 census of population by the
Philippine Statistics Authority. Population program advocates are all positive
that with the pronouncement of president-elect Duterte, his strong support to
FP, the population program will be strengthened and a comprehensive approach to
reduce unmet need for modern family planning, especially among poor families
will be institutionalized. (PopCom-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano News: 5th Clustered Assembly on the K to 12
and ASEAN Integration sa DepED gipahigayon sa probinsya
Ni Mary Jul Escalante
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Hunyo 17 (PIA) -
Usa ka dakong dungog alang sa probinsya sa nga napili isip maoy host province
sa nagapadayon nga 5th Clustered Assembly sa National Employees Union (NEU) sa
Department of Education nga gisugdan niadtong Hunyo 15 hangtod karong adlawa,
Hunyo 17, 2016 didto sa Philippine Gateway Hotel, ning dakbayan.
Mao kini ang pamahayag ni Gobernador Sol Matugas
kagahapong adlawa atol na sa opening program sa maong assembly nga diin ang
gobernador maoy nahimong keynote speaker.
Sa mensahe ni Gobernador Matugas iyang gi-saysay
ang iyang mga kasinati-an sulod sa 43 anyos niya nga pagserbisyo sa DepEd ug
ang mga nindot nga mga programa nga iyang napatuman sa natad sa edukasyon aron
sa pagpalambo dili lamang sa mga kabataan kundili sa mga magtutudlo usab.
Gikalipay usab sa gobernador ang paghidangat dinhi
sa probinsya sa iyang mga higala sa DepEd National Office gikan pa kaniadtong
regional director pa siya ug hangtod karon.
Pinasidunggang mga bisita sa maong assembly mao
sila DepEd NEU National President Atty. Domingo Alidon ug former DepEd
Assistant Secretary Emilio Abelita.
Ang mga partisipante sa maong assembly mao ang mga
empleyado sa DepEd gikan sa nagka lain-laing divisions sa Region 11 (Davao) ug
Region 13 (Caraga). (PGO-PIC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
