(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).


Wednesday, June 29, 2016

DOH Caraga confers Red Orchid award to LGUs, hospitals, offices

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga has conferred on Wednesday the prestigious Red Orchid award to several local government units (LGUs), hospitals and government offices in Caraga Region in recognition of their successful anti-smoking initiatives.

On behalf of DOH-Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna Jr., Dr. Agnes Cullantes, non-communicable disease cluster head said the Red Orchid Award is an award system developed by the department to encourage the LGUs and other government agencies to actively implement the 100 percent Tobacco-Free Policy as mandated by DOH Administrative Order No. 10.

“It symbolizes the fight against the ill-effects of tobacco and recognizes the efforts of the LGUs and different government agencies in promoting the 100 percent Smoke-Free Environment. It further reminds people that the campaign to end the tobacco epidemic is far from over, and it is a symbol of Tobacco-Free World,” highlighted Cullantes.

For the local government units category, the following received the Red Orchid Award for implementing 100 percent Smoke-Free environment: San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Surigao del Norte, BJMP-Dapa town, BJMP-Surigao del Sur, BJMP-Surigao City, as well as, the provincial capitol of Surigao del Sur also received the Red Orchid Award.

The city government of Surigao received the Pink Orchid Award while a White Orchid Award was given to Tandag City.

For government hospital category, the DOH handed-over the award to Talacogon District Hospital in Agusan del Sur; Hinatuan District Hospital in Surigao del Sur; and Bislig City District Hospital in Surigao del Sur.

Also, the Hall of Fame Award was awarded to Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City.

Meanwhile, certificate of participation was given to San Agustin, Surigao del Sur; Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; RTR, Agusan del Norte; Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Cortes, Surigao del Sir; and Butuan City. Same certification was also given to CSC Caraga.

The Red Orchid award is the highest honor given out by the DOH under its search for 100 percent tobacco-free provinces, municipalities, government offices and health facilities.

The award is conferred based on the entity’s initiatives in terms of the imposition of tobacco control measures and efforts to implement tobacco-free environments following the World Health Organization’s MPOWER initiative. MPOWER stands for Monitor tobacco use, Protect people from tobacco smoke, Offer help to quit tobacco use, Warn against the dangers of tobacco, Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, and Raise taxes on tobacco. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Army set to hold project ‘shoebox’ distribution ceremony in Caraga

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army will be having its Project Shoebox Distribution Ceremony on June 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. to be held at the Division Advance Command Post, Bancasi, this city.

According to Lt. Col Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the Army's 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, the project aims to distribute more than 20,000 school kits among recipient students throughout the region.

“The project actually started when a co-soldier personally took an initiative to collect a variety of school supplies from his friends and neighbors using a shoebox, and from that accumulated materials, he brought them back to his unit and out from his generosity he voluntarily shared them to the less fortunate pupils and students. It is truly a manifestation of a soldier’s extraordinary character of benevolence apart from performing the duties as a military man, a wondrous deed that is worthy of emulation,” enunciated Pasco.

The program also gained support from the Department of Education (DepEd), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Book Store, 2Go Group, Inc, and Shoemart (SM).

“I always believe that working together with the community and our partner stakeholders shall define our success in winning the peace and progress in this part of our country,” expressed Pasco. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


AgNor PPO gets outstanding PCR award

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) – The Police Provincial Office of Agusan del Norte (PPO-ADN) was awarded plaque of recognition during the 21st Police Community Relations (PCR) celebration held at the Police Regional Office (PRO-13) here during Monday’s flag raising ceremony.

The celebration highlights the crucial role of the community in crime prevention and crime solution.

The recognition was given to the PPO-ADN for its outstanding accomplishments in the implementation of the PCR plans and programs that significantly contributed in the attainment of the overall mission and objectives of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

It was the second time PPO-ADN received the same award, thus making the agency as the back-to-back winner in PCR.

In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 764, the month of July every year has been declared as Police Community Relations (PCR) Month with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) as the lead agency and the PNP as the implementing agency.

This year’s PCR month is celebrated with the theme, “Matatag na Ugnayan, Ligtas na Pamayanan.” (PNP/NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Kalahi-CIDSS, SurSur town ink MOA for partnership on community driven development program

By Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur, June 29 (PIA) - Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) and the local government unit of San Agustin signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as partners for the implementation of the Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP) held recently at the Family Resource Training Center in this town.

It was learned that an orientation was also conducted on same day that emphasized that importance of collaboration to ensure for the success of its implementation.

KALAHI-CIDSS Sub-Regional Program Coordinator for Cluster 3 & 4 Maredith Julve discussed the overview of the program, and elaborated the roles and functions of the different stakeholders including the delivery of services.

“This is a welcome development for the people of San Agustin…the people of this town will again benefit from the program just as it reaped the profits of KALAHI-CIDSS a few years back,” said San Agustin Mayor Libertad Alameda.

“Our municipality was a recipient of the KALAHI-CIDSS PODER modality in 2005-2010, so when the opportunity came for the program to be implemented in the town this year, we really grabbed the chance as or involvement to helped the people here,” Alameda added.

According to Marko Davey Reyes of DSWD Field Office, KALAHI-CIDSS is a program that utilizes the Community-Driven Development Approach, where the community is given activie participation in identifying and implementing community sub-projects which will address the community’s needs in their respective barangays.

The said activity was attended by Surigao del Sur provincial administrator Efren Rivas representing governor Johnny Pimentel, Sangguniang Bayan members headed by vice mayor Mamerta Milo, local department heads and staff, barangay officials, and representatives from the civil society organizations.  (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


PNP-13 registers decreased crime rate in Caraga region

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) – Philippine National Police (PNP)-13 deputy for operations PSupt Rudy Elandag said recently that there is a decrease by 22 percent in the crime volume in the region for the period January to May 2016 which totaled to 4,616 as compared to the same period last year with 5,884 crimes recorded.

This was revealed in the presentation of accomplishments during the 87th Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga meeting held in this city, while other agenda also include the following: State of the Region and RDC Accomplishments under the leadership of Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas; 2015 Regional Development Report; 2015 Annual Regional Economic Situationer; Reorganization of RDC-GADCC; Millennium Development Goals Final Report; and Updates on the K-12 Implementation.

Meanwhile, commanding general of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army MGen Benjamin Madrigal disclosed that they have recorded 77 encounters, 75 firearms gained, and 74 enemies neutralized.

MGen Madrigal said that the 402nd Brigade was able to neutralize the New Peoples Army’s (NPA) shadow government in Surigao del Sur. He added that 38 barangays in the region were already cleared from NPA for the first semester of this year and 157 more are still to be cleared.

“Our campaign against the left-leaning groups is on the right track and gaining headway, and that the 'Bayanihan' is the suitable formula to beat the New Peoples Army (NPA). The consistent high engagement rate will weaken the rebel enemy's fighting power, with the integration also of the military's peace and  development activities, and socio-economic programs of other government agencies,” said Madrigal.

Meanwhile, as chair of the RDC Caraga for six years in her term, Surigao del Norte governor Sol Matugas expressed that she is very lucky to have been elected to lead the RDC. She also assured that with the coming new administration, she will continue to support the council and give her best to assist in anyway she can in order to sustain and achieve a more peaceful, secured and developed region. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


OWWA conducts entrep training to 19 OFW loan applicants

By Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted an Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) to the 19 OFW entrepreneurs at the Go-Negosyo Center, DTI - Agusan del Norte Field Office here on June 21-22, 2016.

Three personnel from the lending center of the Land Bank of the Philippines- Butuan Branch also joined in the activity to give orientation and address the technical background of the OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-EDLP) then known as the 2-Billion Reintegration Program to the participants especially on concerns of collateral and the duration of the loan availment.

Gemma Clarin, Senior Trade and Industry Specialist of the DTI, discussed the vital keypoints on understanding business venture and as well as the necessary qualities which the participants must employ to aid in their business activities.

The EDT also aided the participants in drafting their business plans. Clarin critiqued each participant and added inputs in the improvement of the plans they have laid out for their business.

The reformulated loan facility of OWWA now features the loanable amount of P100,000 to a maximum of P2,000,000 for single proprietorship and P5,000,000 to group loan borrowers. The loan still bears the same interest rate of only 7.5 percent per annum fixed for the duration of the loan.

Jean Mary G. Ronquillo, OWWO II and in charge for the Reintegration Program, added that the documentary requirements for verification and endorsement to the partner bank includes: the certificate of attendance to the Entrepreneurship Development Training, Bio data, Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Barangay Clearance, Residential sketch, Business/ Project Plan, Certificate of Business Registration from DTI, Mayor’s permit, Income Tax Return for the last three years, if applicable, Latest interim financial statement, if applicable; and Collateral (Land Title or Real Estate), among others that may be required by the bank.

After endorsing the papers to the Landbank of the Philippines, a 40-day verification period shall be expected. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


AgSur 4Ps IP-beneficiary, an active peace advocate

By Ryan M. Tapayan

BUTUAN CITY, June 29 (PIA) - “Peace should start from within. When you do something, do it gently and with love. This simple gesture will manifest accordingly and would eventually live a footprint to everyone’s heart. Not for your own benefit, but for your kin and everyone around.”

This was the statement shared by Jocelyn B. Navarro, 44, an Indigenous People (IP) partner-beneficiary from Purok 8, Barangay Mat-e, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.  Jocelyn is a peace advocate and has been serving as a frontline representative of their tribe-Manobo. Raised and educated in Luzon, and finished her undergraduate degree on Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Saint Anthony College of Baguio City.

She was one of the resource persons tasked to discuss responsibilities of a parent leader during the latest Capability Building for Parent Leader’s Training held recently in one of the convention halls here.

“Thanks to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program though the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous People (MCCT-IP) for giving us an idea through the monthly conducted Family Development Session (FDS) that unity through peace is achievable and can happen if all of us will work for it,” she stressed. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA Caraga)


Surigao Norte officials take oath of office

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, June 29 (PIA) - Governor Sol F. Matugas took her oath of office on Monday at the Provincial Convention Center together with the newly-elected and re-elected members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the first and second legislative districts.

Vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., and first district representative Jose Francisco "Bingo" Matugas were joined by board members Mamerto Galanida, Leonila Gorgolon, Edgar Andanar, Constantino Navarro IV and Nathaniel Plaza, with their respective spouses, loving children and relatives.

For the second district, those who were sworn in were Board Members Melva Garcia, Fernando Larong and Eddie “Geed” Gokiangkee, Jr.

During the inaugural and oath-taking ceremony, three-termer Francisco Matugas also presented his accomplishments and projects like the Siargao circumferential road, construction of school buildings, library hubs, and other establishments.

He said that the overwhelming victory and success of the Matugas administration are sincerely dedicated to the love of his life, Governor Sol.

"I don't want to bid farewell, but there is always a time for everything under the sun. All the good works that I started will be continued and completed by Cong. Bingo," he said.

Municipal and barangay officials as well as representatives from national line agencies and the private sector also attended the inauguration ceremony.

In her message, Gov. Matugas said that in her first two terms, the province of Surigao del Norte became the fastest growing economy in the region.  The province also gains 100 percent compliance to transparency and full disclosure policy. This is the reason why according to Gov. Matugas the province is a consistent recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance.

Gov. Matugas also explained how her hands-on and fast-moving leadership moved the government nearer to the people in line with her flagship program known as HEALS PLUS, centering on the areas of Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Aqua-culture, Livelihood and Tourism, and Social Services and Security. On top of the centerpiece advocacies are Infrastructure Development, Good Financial Management, Economic Literacy and Good Governance. (PGO-SDN)


Cebuano News: Probinsya sa Surigao Norte midaug sa 2015 Search for Outstanding Local Project Monitoring Committee

Ni Mary Jul Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Hunyo 29 (PIA) – Ang probinsya nakadawat ug pasidungog isip mananaug sa 2015 Search for Outstanding Local Project Monitoring Committee, Provincial Category.

Ang maong pasidungog gihimo atol sa ika-87th Regional Development Council (RDC) Meeting nga gipasiugdahan sa buhatan sa National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga nga gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa Butuan City.

Ang maong tigom gipangulohan ni Gobernador Sol F. Matugas isip chairperson sa RDC Chair ug mao kini ang katapusang tigom nga gipahigayon ubos sa iyang pagdumala.

Matud ni NEDA Caraga regional director Myla Faye CariΓ±o si gobernador Matugas maoy pinakaunang RDC Chairperson nga nakaabot sa ikaduhang termino.

Isip paghatag og pahinungod ug pasalamat sa iyang duha ka termino nga pagdumalasa RDC si gobernador Matugas gihatagan sa konseho ug usa ka Bust Statue.

Ang maong statue simbolo agig pag ila ug pagpasalamat sa iyang nga nahimo ubos sa iyang pagdumala ilabina ang paghaw-as sa listahan sa rehiyon sa Caraga sa usa sa pinakapobre nga rehiyon sa nasod. (PGO-PIC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)