School children in Caraga receive school kits
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) – Some 20,670 school kits
were distributed by the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army to the
pupil recipients from Kindergarten to Grade Six who are enrolled at the
different public schools throughout Caraga region.
As disclosed by 4ID assistant division commander
BGen. Paul Atal during the Project Shoebox Distribution Ceremony held recently
here, the 'aral kits' containing notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other school
supplies intended to be distributed among indigenous and deprived pupils in
conflict affected areas, was initiated by a generosity-driven soldier in the
person of Col. Thomas Sedano, battalion commander of 4th Light Battalion Armor.
“Now is the reaping time of the then conceptualized
effort to collect several school supplies to be given to the underprivileged
children- a synergy to help address the problem on education specifically the
materials needed for pupil's learning,” expressed BGen Atal.
He thanked all their partners who supported in the
realization of the project and advocacy for peace and development. Atal also
said the project shoebox is their way of sharing their blessings to the
underprivileged children especially in the far-flung areas.
Meanwhile, Brgy. Councilor Regalado Gerzon,
chairman of the Committee on Education, Brgy. Bancasi in Butuan City and a
retired Phil. Army officer said during his welcome address that they are glad
that the services of the government especially of the Phil. Army has
extensively reached among civilian populace, the pupils who need much support
for their education.
In expressing his amazement and support to the
Project Shoebox, DILG Caraga assistant regional director Donald Serona recalled
how the underprivileged children strive hard just to acquire education, and so
he addressed the pupil recipients to give value to what they have received -
the school kits as it will somehow aid them in uplifting the difficulties of
getting proper education from school. He added that it is an important
component in the social services of an institution, and that he greatly
appreciates the noble endeavor of AFP and its partners.
Also, speaking in behalf of indigenous peoples
(IPs), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga regional
director Atty. Pinky Grace Pabelic recognized the significant endeavor of the
Phil. Army and other stakeholders in giving priority to educational assistance
through 'aral kits.' “Keep holding onto your dreams because the future belongs
to those who believe in their dreams, and achieve those dreams with all your
might amidst obstacles and struggles in going to school,” addressed Atty.
Pabelic.
In a deeper meaning of gaining momentum and success
of the Project Shoebox, Phil. Information Agency Caraga regional director Abner
Caga stressed that it is through the benevolent heart of the uniformed men of
AFP and other sponsors that ensures continuity of the advocacy. “Hence, it is
just appropriate to acknowledge their efforts in helping address the hindrances
of getting the right education among less fortunate children,” said Caga.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ramil Uytico, assistant regional
director of Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga enunciated that said project
will not just address the problem of poverty but it will surely go a long way
including the decrease of drop-outs. He added that it is a message of more than
the contents of the shoebox, such that it takes a village to educate and
escalate the level of education, and not a responsibility of the DepEd alone.
“This is a celebration of hope and generosity,” underscored Uytico.
Every child gladly received each share of shoebox.
It is hoped that the advocacy will strengthen as more public and private
institutions are expected to take sponsorship of the said project.
It was learned that Regions 10 and 13 pupil
recipients received a total of 32,739 school kits from the Project Shoebox of
the 4ID, Philippine Army.
The Project Shoebox is an initiative and in
partnership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Education
(DepEd), National Bookstore Foundation and 2GO Express. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
People-based projects will continue in AgSur,
assures Cong. Plaza
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, July 4 (PIA) - “I will
continue to implement people-based projects in Infrastructures, Education,
Protective Services Program, Peace and Order, Environment Protection and Health
Services of which the greater populace of Agusanons benefited on this endeavor
since the 15th and 16th Congress. Your undying support to us in public office
for three consecutive terms is also our strength in pursuing our dedication in
serving our beloved and awesome province of Agusan del Sur.”
This was the statement of Agusan del Sur 1st
district representative Ma. Valentina Plaza, during her oath-taking ceremony
held recently at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Hall, this town.
Cong. Plaza expressed her warm thanks and gratitude
to all the Agusanon constituents for their support, cooperation and trust to
the activities and programs of the provincial government. She further
emphasized that the local government units of the province will be more
equipped with the necessary logistics and support for the different programs
and services that will benefit the local citizens.
“I take my oath of office, to one of our many multi
awarded Barangay Captain of Gamao, Hon. Climaco C. Rosauro in the City of
Bayugan. I give a very high regard to our barangay leaders because they are the
public sergeants who are closest to people. By taking an oath to Hon. Barangay
Captain Rosauro symbolizes that our hard work is dedicated to the frontliners
of progress and development of our people,” Plaza underlined.
This will be the last term of office of Cong. Plaza
as member of the 17th Congress representing the province's first district, it
was learned. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Caraga literacy awards committee screens entries
for 2016
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) – The Department of
Education (DepEd) Caraga region through its Literacy Coordinating Council has
conducted the screening of entries for this year’s National Literacy Awards
(NLA).
Entries have been conducted by the members of the
2016 Regional Literacy Awards Steering Committee (RLASC) recently.
The entries screened include outstanding local
government units (LGUs) highly urbanized city, component city, class A and B
municipalities and outstanding literacy program.
The NLA aims to recognize best practices in
literacy, which help alleviate poverty, provide livelihood, address welfare
needs, promote freedom and make education facilities accessible.
According to DepEd regional director May B. Eclar,
the NLA has two categories: the Outstanding Literacy Program and the
Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU).
The Outstanding Literacy Program is an award given
to civil society organization, national government organization, private
organization or educational/academic institution, that has developed and
implemented a literacy program which has had a positive impact on the learners
and their respective communities.
The Outstanding LGU will also given to an LGU that
has developed and implemented literacy policies, programs and projects that
have impacted positively on the quality of life of their constituents.
Also, the LGU category is divided into highly
urbanized city, component/component independent city, class A municipality
(first to third), and class B municipality (fourth to sixth class).
The RLASC is chaired by director Eclar of DepEd,
co-chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga
regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion with Philippine Information Agency
Caraga regional director Abner M. Caga, regional director Mylah Faye Aurora B.
Carino of the National Economic and Development Authority Caraga, and Dr.
Adelyne M. Abrea, executive director and provost of Philippine Normal
University as members.
This award is given every other year. (NCLM,
PIA-Caraga)
Healthy lifestyle saves our kidney - DOH
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) – Department of Health
(DOH) Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, MD reminds people to keep a
healthy lifestyle and do away from stress to save the kidney.
“Help our kidneys by taking only what the body
needs such as enough water for organ hydration, less or no alcohol if possible,
no smoking, and adaption of a healthy diet,” Llacuna said.
LLacuna also reminds people that too much of
something is bad enough and that moderation is the key to have a healthy
kidney.
Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) according to Llacuna
affects an estimated of 10,800 Filipinos each year and each year, 30,000 to
40,000 Filipinos undergo dialysis.
“Kidney diseases are often cannot be cured but can
be prevented,” Llacuna said. The condition is caused by gradual loss of kidney
function leading to complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood
count), weak bones, poor nutrition health, nerve damage and increased heart and
blood vessel diseases, he added.
CKD may be the cause of diabetes and other
disorders. Early detection and treatment can keep CKD from getting worse. When
it progresses, however, may lead to kidney failure which will require dialysis
or kidney transplant to sustain life.
Just recently, the DOH has conducted a urine tests
to Grade 1 pupils of Butuan Central Elementary School here but there were no
unfavorable deeming results found.
“All organs are vital for us to function. It is sad
to note that we neglect the importance of the filter system of our body which
is the main function of our kidneys,” Llacuna said.
"Our lifestyle allows us to eat and drink too
much that we damage the capacity of our kidneys in helping our body drain the
toxins," he added.
He also said that many are undergoing dialysis
because their kidneys need help in filtering toxic substances which could have
been avoided if only people are more conscious and cautious. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)
3rd regional tourism stakeholders summit set in
Tandag City
By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 4 (PIA) - The
3rd Regional Tourism Stakeholders Summit is set to open Monday at Villa Maria
Luisa Hotel, this city.
Said event will be joined by the City/Municipal
Tourism Officers, City/Municipal Tourism Council chairs, tourism stakeholders,
and Provincial Tourism Council Officers.
This year’s theme is “Enhancing and Sustaining
Tourism Development.” The three-day activity, which will run until July 6,
2016, aims to tackle the important data and records for the information of the
concerned, and important laws for the development of the entire Caraga Region.
Accordingly, the city government here will be the
host of the said prestigious event in cooperation with the Department of
Tourism (DOT) - Caraga, Caraga Regional Tourism Council and Provincial
Government of Surigao del Sur.
Other lined-up activities include, site visit to
the local tourist destinations showcasing the province of Surigao del Sur with
DOT Caraga director Letty Tan and participants of the said summit.
(NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
AgNor turns over RabMIS to LGUs
By Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) - The provincial
government of Agusan del Norte turned over the Rabies Management Information
System (RabMIS) and equipment to the city and municipalities of the province
during the convocation at the Capitol lobby on Monday.
Provincial governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M.
Amante-Matba handed-over the computer sets to the different local government
units (LGUs) assisted by Provincial Board Members Aquino W. Gambe and Elizabeth
Marie R. Calo.
Dr. Joseph Rizalyndo P. Dargantes, Veterinarian IV
of the province, initiated the RabMIS program with the help of Paul Cupay of
the Management Information System Division of the Provincial Governor’s Office
in the creation of the said system and assistance from the Provincial Planning
and Development Office, Provincial Health Office and Provincial Social Welfare,
Population, Nutrition and Services Office.
RabMIS is a computer-based anti-rabies record
keeping of the mandatory registration of dogs (3 months old and above) by their
respective dog owners. The RabMIS data include 1) dog-anti-rabies vaccination,
2) dog population monitoring, 3) dog impounding, 4) dog adoption and
euthanasia, 5) dog control status, 6) dog population control, 7) dog bite
cases, 8) animal and human rabies case report, 9) human anti-rabies vaccine
recipients and 10) vaccine inventory. The old system will replace the old
recording system with the comfort and ease of computer mouse and search
buttons.
The said event was witnessed by the officials and
employees of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte. (LGU-Agusan del
Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
BFAR Dinagat Islands launches community fish
landing in Cagdianao
By Audie Dodz Lerog
CAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands, July 4 (PIA) - The
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in coordination with the lone
congressional office of Dinagat Islands has led the turn-over of Community Fish
Landing to Barangay Sta. Rita in this town.
According to BFAR-13 regional director Nerio Casil,
the said facility worth P2,850.000 was constructed purposely to improve the
socio-economic welfare of the fisherfolk sector and promote the sustainability
of aquatic resources.
“It serves also as a hub for trading of fish and
other seafood products as well as training center for fish processing, value
adding and conservation and protection of fisheries resources,” Casil said.
The turn-over ceremony was led by director Casil,
Dinagat Islands representaive Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, LGU Cagdianao executive
assistant Teodoro L. Alipayo, and Sta. Rita barangay captain Nestor L.
Mangalao. (MIO-Cagdianao/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
DA Caraga strengthens cacao industry
By Vanesa P. Sanchez
BUTUAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) - There are three things
to improve productivity in cacao - knowledge, hardwork, and attitude.
This is according to Valentine D. Turtur, Executive
Director of Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc. (CIDSAMI)
as said during the Regional Cacao Industry Promotion and Investment Forum cum
Planning workshop held recently here.
Cacao is now a trending crop, being talked about
everywhere in the world because of the declining production and its increasing
demand in the global market. According
to recent studies, demand of the said commodity increased because of its known
health benefits and the high global demand for chocolate.
The forum which was conducted by the Department of
Agriculture (DA)-Caraga together with Mindanao Development Authority and the
Department of Trade and Industry was aimed at strengthening the cacao Industry
by encouraging more investments and expansion of production areas. It was
attended by 100 farmers, LGU representatives and other cacao industry
stakeholders from all over the region.
DA Caraga regional director Edna M. Mabeza said
that with the support of both the national and local governments as well as the
private sectors, Caraga can has a viable and sustainable cacao industry.
“In time that there will already be enough
production areas, processing facilities can then be set up so that there will
be an added value to the products and command better prices,” Mabeza said.
During the forum, Turtur presented the National
Cacao Industry Roadmap that target to develop at least 100,000 hectares with 50
million trees by 2022. Caraga’s challenge would be to plant 3,000 hectares by
that year.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority
data in 2014, Caraga has only 701 hectares planted to cacao. With a ready
market for its products, Turtur has assured the farmers a lucrative income if
they engage in Cacao production. “For
the last five years, the price of cacao has been stable at P100-125 per kilo
for dried beans and P28-32 per kilo for wet beans,” Turtur added.
Another cacao stakeholder, Zenon Rachiel Alenton of
Kennemer Food, Inc. (KFI) said that Caraga can contribute much for the targeted
increase in cacao production considering its large available lands potential
for growing cacao as well as potential lands for intercropping cacao with
coconut. In addition, Caraga has also good soils and suitable climatic condition.
Furthermore, Asia’s biggest cacao nursery operated by KFI, is located in the
region, particularly in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. It lies on a six-hectare
land and has a capacity of 2.4M seedlings.
The Department of Agriculture has also identified
cacao as one of its priority High Value Crop commodity where support
interventions can be accessed by interested farmer groups. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Norte wins regional award
By John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 4 (PIA) - A
plaque of recognition was conferred recently by the Regional Development
Council (RDC) to Governor Sol Matugas after the provincial government was
declared the regional winner in the over-all search for the Most Outstanding
Local Project Monitoring Committee.
Governor Matugas was also honored with a bust mini
statue for her sincere service as the chairperson of RDC for two consecutive
terms, during the 87th Full Council Meeting which took shape at NEDA Regional
Building in Butuan City.
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)
Caraga regional director Mylah Fae CariΓ±o, acknowledged the efforts and
dedication of Gov. Matugas who was instrumental for the speedy passage of
important legislations and pertinent resolutions of RDC which greatly
contributed toward the development of the region in the spheres of tourism,
economy, infrastructures, health, agriculture, livelihood and social services.
During the term of Gov. Matugas, Caraga Region was
removed from the list of poorest regions nationwide. In addition, the poverty
incidence in the province also dropped significantly from 49 percent in 2009 to
32 percent in 2013.
For her part, Gov. Matugas said that “she has
always been vocal in her dream of taking Caraganons out of the rubbles of
poverty.”
When she became the RDC Chairperson, Gov. Matugas
said she dreamed of freedom for Caraganons, “and that is freedom from poverty.”
“We dreamed and we worked. We did not wait for
solutions, but we went out and found the solutions ourselves. We never stop
dreaming. We should always dream for the better, pursue these dreams, for only
through this, we are able to achieve great things,” she explained. (PGO-SD/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
Tagalog News: Caraga RDRRMC nanguna sa National
Disaster Consciousness Month; siniguradong nakahanda ang gobyerno sa anumang
kalamidad
Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 4 (PIA) - Kasabay sa pagbubukas
ng obserbasyon sa National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) sa buwan ng
Hulyo sa Caraga region, sinigurado ng Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (RDRRMC) na nakahanda sa anumang kalamidad ang mga lokal na
pamahalaan sa rehiyon.
Ayon kay RDRRMC chairperson at Office of Civil
Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Manuel Luis Ochotorena, patuloy na
pinaiigting ng RDRRMC ang kampanya sa paghahanda sa anumang sakuna o kalamidad
na inaasahang maaapektuhan ang ibat-ibang probinsya ng rehiyon. Ayon kay
Ochotorena, nagiging mas aktibo na ang kooperasyon at partisipasyon ng mga
lokal na residente dahil na rin umano sa patuloy na pagbibigay-alam sa mga
palatuntunin na may kinalaman sa kalamidad.
Sa buong buwan ng Hulyo, may ibat-ibang programa na
inihanda ang RDRRMC Caraga kabilang na ang Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate
Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) awareness contests para sa elementary at high
school students sa pamamagitan ng quiz bowl, essay writing contest, jingle and
poster making contest. May gaganapin ring three-day joint advocacy on disaster
preparedness na pangungunahan ng Department of Health (DOH) sa lungsod ng
Butuan.
Pangungunahan rin ng Regional Public Safety
Batallion ang isang Awareness Run for a Peaceful and Safer Butuan, at iba pang
inter-agency activities sa rehiyon.
Binigyang-diin din ni director Ochotorena, na ang
RDRRMC na binubuo ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno kasama ang non-government
organizations, civil society organizations, academe at media ay
nagtitipon-tipon sa isang Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) ilang araw bago
paman dumating o pumasok ang isang inaasahang bagyo sa Philippine area of
responsibility, upang ma-strategize at ma-streamline umano ang plano ng gobyerno
sa kanilang paghahanda at sa pagresponde sa anumang insidente.
Dagdag pa ni director Ochotorena na patuloy rin ang
ginagawang capability training ng mga responders upang maging handa sa anumang
operasyon. Parte rin daw ang Contingency Planning sa preparasyon ng mga local
government units at may ginagawa ring emergency telecommunication simulation
exercises upang matugunan din ang pangangailangan sa komunikasyon.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
