(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 04 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression "JULIAN" {KRATHON} was estimated based on all available data at 240 km North Northwest of Itbayat, Batanes (22.6°N, 120.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 75 km/h. It is almost stationary. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting 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 Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Monday, July 4, 2016


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)