NCCA officials to meet Butuan media
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The officials of the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will meet with the local
media here this month to brief them on the NCCA’s call for proposals for
calendar year 2017.
“The NCCA, a prime government arm under the Office
of the President (OP) dedicated to the promotion and development of Philippine
arts and culture will be gathering the media partners here in Butuan City to
brief them on our programs, which include the call for proposals fro calendar
year 2017,” bared Rene Napenas, NCCA Public Affairs and Information Officer.
Napenas further disclosed that the said gathering
is aimed to encourage cultural and art groups, academic institutions, local ar
organizations, civil society organizations to get involve in culture and arts
and submit their project proposals for the NCCA Grants Program for 2017.
“We will be very glad to coordinate with you on
this matter and you may contact Anne Cabrera, TV/Media Coordinator at telephone
number )-2) 527-5529 local 207 or email at ncca.paio@gmail.com for any inquiry
or clarification regarding the event,” added Napenas.
The NCCA Philippines is the overall policy making
body, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the preservation, development
and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the
policies it formulates; and task to administering the National Endowment Fund
for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA) — fund exclusively for the implementation of
culture and arts programs and projects. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Butuan GAD day care center to hold Parents’ 39th
induction program
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) - The Gender and
Development (GAD) day care center under the City Social Welfare and Development
Office (CSWDO) here is set to hold the 39th Induction Program of its Parents’
Committee on August 5, 2016.
According to Fe Labitad, in-charge of GAD day care
center, that the induction program has been their yearly activity and has been
considered as their way of camaraderie among parents and teachers.
“We always hope to intensify our good working
relationship with the parents of our preschoolers and we want to establish good
communication with them as we take care of their children in the school,”
expressed Labitad.
During the program, Butuan City mayor Ronnie
Vicente Lagnada will lead the induction of officers. City councilor Atty. John
Gil Unay, Sr. and Atty. Rema Burdeos, committee chairperson on
Women/Youth/Children and Family are also expected to deliver their messages to
all the parents and pre-school teachers.
The GAD day care center has also invited regional
director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga as one of
the guest speakers during the induction program.
Said activity is anchored on the theme “Many Hands
Make Light Work and Together Everyone Achieves More.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
ECC Caraga continues to address workers’ concerns
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) – “The Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its attached agencies which include our office
- the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Caraga have continuously been
addressing the workers’ concerns through holding different activities that will
increase their knowledge and enhance their skills.”
This was the statement of Genevieve Elorde,
administrative officer II of ECC Regional Extension Unit (REU) in Butuan City,
during a press conference of the Regional Coordinating Committee chaired by
DOLE Caraga.
Elorde bared that in the month of July, they
conducted the Quick Response Program to victims of a work-related accident in a
private company in the city. “We provided P500.00 worth of grocery items to
Aldrin Masamayor from Barangay Bading, and Julito Amper from Barangay Bancasi.
They were also informed on the filing process for EC death claim,” she said.
“As mandated by law, we, from ECC will continue to
formulate policies and guidelines for the improvement of the employees’
compensation program; review and decide on appeal all EC claims disapproved by
the Systems; and initiate policies and programs toward adequate occupational
health and safety and accident prevention in the working environment,” Elorde
underlined.
Saturnino "Jan" Estanio, Jr., an anchorman
from dxRS-RMN in Surigao City also received the same benefit last month.
Meanwhile, Elorde further cited that they were able
to conduct the accident investigation in a small-scale mining operation in
Barangay Ellaperal, Placer, Surigao del Norte, where a poisonous gas that
caused suffocation to local residents was reported.
The ECC is a DOLE-attached government corporation
tasked for policy coordination and guidance. It is also a quasi-judicial
corporate entity created to implement the Employees’ Compensation Program
(ECP). The ECP provides a package of benefits for public and private sector
employees and their dependents in the event of work-connected contingencies
such as sickness, injury, disability or death. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
DPWH to conduct axle load survey, suspends
apprehension of overload vehicles
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The Department of
Public Works and Highway (DPWH) Caraga will be conducting a 24-hour axle load
survey for all trucks and trailers under code number 1-1 to 12-2 (six wheelers
and above) as listed in Maximum Allowable Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) per
Republic Act 8794.
The operation will start noontime of August 8, 2016
until 12:00 p.m. of August 15, 2016 to the specified vehicles coming from
Surigao to Agusan and Davao to Agusan that will pass the Weighbridge Station in
Ampayon, this city.
“During this period, the anti-truck overloading and
apprehension operations will be temporarily suspended,” said DPWH-13 regional
director Danilo Versola.
The last comprehensive axle load survey was
conducted in 2010 and DPWH is reviving it this year under the National Road
Traffic Survey Program (NRTSP). According to DPWH undersecretary Raul Asis,
there is a need to update the Equivalent Single Axle Load (ESAL) factors in the
Road Traffic Information Application (RTIA) database, which is a vital
parameter in network planning and design.
For the smooth execution of the survey, Asis has
directed the Department’s regional heads to facilitate the convening of local
stakeholders comprising the local government units (LGUs), truckers
association, barangay officials with jurisdiction over the survey sites,
Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and all
other involved parties.
Also, personnel from the Bureau of Quality and
Safety (BQS) will be deployed to assist during the stakeholders meeting.
Director Versola underscored the compliance of the said advisory.
(VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Climate Change expenditure tagging workshop set in
SurSur
By Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office here
will hold a one-day Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) training-workshop
on Thursday, August 4 at the Shacene KTV Bar, Mabua, this city.
The CCET is introduced to the local government
units to ensure its Climate Change actions are not only backed by funds but are
also effectively monitored.
Also, the activity was deemed very timely for the
city’s preparation of the Annual Investment Plan.
In a program invitation sent to Philippine
Information Agency, the lined-up topics to be tackled during the morning
session are: Basics of Climate Change; and Climate Change Expenditure Tagging,
which will be discussed by Lady Ella Chu of DILG, while the Climate Change
Adaptation and Mitigation will be elaborated by Engr. Redgy Panilan of DILG.
The CCET workshop will be conducted in the afternoon session. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao
del Sur)
BFAR turns over community fish landing to Dinagat
Islands barangay
By Susil D. Ragas
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) provincial office in
coordination with the lone congressional office here has turned-over recently
the Community Fish Landing Irrigation System and Post-Harvest Facilities with a
total cost worth P2,850,000 to the local government unit of Barangay Sta. Rita,
Cagdianao town, this province.
According to Teodoro L. Alipayo, executive
assistant of Cagdianao Mayor Marc Adelson Longos, the construction of the said
facility aims to improve and uplift the socio-economic condition of the
fisherfolks sector and promote sustainability of aquatic resources in the area.
He said that it also serves as a hub for trading
and trading of fish and other seafood products as well as training center for
fish processing, value adding and conservation and protection of fisheries
resources.
The community-beneficiaries were so grateful and
promised to take care and utilize the facility for its intended purpose.
Also present to witness the occasion were BFAR
regional and provincial staff, representatives from the congressional office,
municipal and barangay officials, and residents of barangay Sta. Rita.
(SDR/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
NPA rebel dies in Surigao Norte town clash
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 3 (PIA) – A
New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed after government security forces
clashed with a group of NPA rebels at the back of the municipal hall in Malimono
town in Surigao del Norte on Aug. 1, 2016.
30IB Bravo Company Commander 1st Lt. Ken Enciso
identified the victim as Junard Quinto Casoy, 37 years old, married, and a
resident of Barangay Hanagdong, Malimono.
Enciso said the combined troops of the Regional
Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry
Battalion (30IB) responded from a complaint of a concerned citizen on extortion
activities being done by the NPA thru their couriers in Barangay San Isidro and
Barangay Binucayan in the said municipality.
Also, 30IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer
Lt. Ryan D. Layug narrated that a barangay chairman of the said town disclosed
that due to fear, the barangay council was able to pay a revolutionary tax. He
also confirmed that several sari-sari stores have closed due to extortion
activities of the NPA.
On his part, 30IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Rico
Amaro said that they will continue to reach out with the NPA brothers and
sisters and convince them to live a peaceful life.
“We however will not tolerate criminal acts,
together with the PNP and the vigilance of our community through proactive
support and reporting of concerned citizens we can prevent future extortion
activities of this group," said Amaro.
Recovered in the encounter site were the body of an
NPA member, one AK-47, two IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device), gallons of rice,
and magazines and ammunitions. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Army conducts free medical check-up, hair cut in
AgSur barangay
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Aug. 3 (PIA) – As part
of its community relations activities, the 42nd Civil Military Operation (CMO)
‘’Panaghiusa’’ Company, 4th CMO Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine
Army recently conducted its ‘’Libreng Gupit Program’’ in Barangay Awa,
Prosperidad, this province.
This is in partnership with the Municipal Health
Office headed by Dr. Felma Caybot, MHO II for their free consultation and free
check-up to all the residents of Purok 3-C in the said barangay.
It was learned that the said activity is aimed to
entice the relationship of military among civilian populace.
Some 60 individuals have availed of the free
haircut and 94 in medical check-up with the total of 154 individuals that
successfully received the aforementioned services being brought by the 42nd CMO
company.
“We are so happy and overwhelmed with the
appreciation and active participation of our constituents that resulted to a
very harmonious and successful event. We also look forward to continue what
transpired during this activity,” said 42nd CMO company commanding officer
Capt. Edwin Fuertes. (JPG/42CMO, PA/PIA-Caraga)
DSWD Caraga spearheads 38th NDPR week celebration
By Abegail R. Alvarez
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) - The Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga along with its partner agencies
celebrated the 38th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR)
week last July 18-22, 2016.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Karapatan
ng Maykapansanan, Isakatuparan… Now na!” that focuses on the fundamental
freedom and rights of the Persons with Disability (PWD).
The week-long celebration kicked-off with a mass on
July 18, 2016 at Saint Joseph Cathedral, Guingona followed by the program
proper at 10:00 a.m.
Among the government agencies that joined the
celebration were Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health
(DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP),
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Government of
Butuan, and Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
Angelita Amista, Chief of Institutional Development
Division/Protective Services Unit of DSWD, welcomed and thanked the attendees
during the opening program held at Robinson Place here.
Also, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Information
Officer Leonor Ledesma discussed the privileges of PWDs in accordance with the
law. This includes the Republic Act. No. 10754, an act expanding the benefits
and privileges of PWDs that was approved this year.
“PWDs are entitled to at least 20 percent discount
and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT). This includes fees and charges in
hotels, restaurant, recreation centers, theaters, and among others,” explained
Ledesma.
“It is important that the PWDs know their every
right and privileges, and people must recognize and value their existence,’’ he
added.
Other activities were conducted for NDPR which
includes forum on the Rights, Privileges and Opportunities of PWDs, Regional
Convention of the Rights of PWDs, Training on How to Handle the Behavior of
Children with Special Needs, and Agusan del Norte Provincial Abilympics
Competition.
The NDPR Week is an annual celebration of the
national government every 3rd week of July. Its primary objective is to
stimulate public awareness on disability problems and concerns particularly
issues on disability prevention, rehabilitation, and equalization of
opportunities for PWDs nationwide. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office
Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Police nabs most wanted person in Gigaquit
By PCI Charity S. Galvez
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 3 (PIA) – The
Surigao del Norte Provincial Public Safety Company has successfully nabbed
Gigaquit town's most wanted criminal in Sitio Baoy, Barangay San Isidro,
Gigaquit.
The police personnel served the two warrant of
arrests of murder and attempted murder against Josefino Galez Cabil, a team
leader of Squad Dos under SPP - 16A, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao
regional committee.
The operation was launched upon the receipt of
intelligence report on the whereabouts of Cabil.
Cabil was charged with murder and attempted murder
with P120,000 bail at the sala of Judge Victor Canoy dated July 21, 2015 of the
Regional Trial Court Branch 29 in the city.
Cabil is now under the custody of Surigao del Norte
police. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
OWWA provides relief assistance program to affected
OFWs in KSA
By Jean Mary G. Ronquillo
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA) recently approved Board Resolution No. 6 series
of 2016 which provides one-time financial assistance in the amount of P20,000
to each qualified Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) under the Relief Assistance
Program (RAP).
The program aims to cushion the impact of forced
unemployment and income displacement affecting OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia (KSA) and their families through the financial support.
Aside from the monetary assistance granted to the
affected OFWs still at the jobsite, their families are also provided with
P6,000 worth of financial assistance. Repatriated OFWs may claim their
assistance at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office nearest their residence.
To qualify for the program, affected OFWs still at
jobsite shall submit Accomplished Application Form and Proof of Identity
(passport, iqama, payslip, employment contract, among others); for repatriated
workers, they shall submit Accomplished Application Form, passport or travel
document, proof of unpaid salaries/benefits (i.e. SPA in favor of Philippine
Embassy/Consulate official, employer certification, complaint filed in
appropriate office, etc.); for families of affected OFWs still at jobsite
submit: Accomplished Application Form, proof of relationship to OFW (photocopy
of birth certificate of the OFW, if OFW is single; photocopy of Marriage
certificate if OFW is married); one valid government-issued ID with picture.
In a press conference of the Department of Labor
and Employment Regional Coordinating Committee (DOLE-RCC) held recently in one
of the local convention centers in the city, OWWA Caraga regional director
Samuel Madrid urged the media partners to help the agency in disseminating the
program so that the families of affected OFWs will be informed of the program
availment.
“We would like to ask our media partners to help us
disseminate this program among the families of the qualified OFWs in order for
them to avail of the program,” bared Madrid.
He also added that repatriated OFWs or the families
of affected OFWs still at the jobsite, may also file their application and
submit their supporting documents at the Public Employment Service Office
(PESO) in their respective local government units. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Lesser Pinoys are smoking - FNRI survey
By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso
Do you have any idea on the smoking status of
Filipinos now?
As shown in the latest survey by the Food and
Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST), the proportion of current smokers, 20 years old and above
decreased from 31.0% in 2008 to 25.4% in 2013.
Current smokers are those who smoked during the
survey either on a “daily” or on a regular/occasional basis; those who do not
smoke daily but who smoke at least weekly or those who smoke less often than
weekly (WHO 2008).
Looking at the prevalence by age groups, smoking
greatly occurs among the 40-49 years old while the poorest quintiles still have
the highest rates of smoking.
We all know that smoking is addictive. Once you
start smoking, it is hard to give up. The best rule is never to start smoking.
But if the habit has been formed, here are simple
tips on how to stop smoking:
-
Decide to stop smoking and set the time when you’ll quit smoking.
-
Throw away all cigarettes, cigars, matches, lighters and ashtrays.
-
Watch out for any untoward signs (withdrawal syndrome), such as nausea,
cold-clammy perspiration, trembling and restlessness in a week or two.
- Drink plenty of water.
-
Get involved in different physical activities to divert craving for
cigarettes.
-
Use the money saved from not buying cigarettes to get a special gift for
yourself.
-
Avoid going to places where cigarettes can be bought and where people
smoke.
-
Avoid lightning even just one cigarette. This will lead to another and
still another until the habit is back, without you knowing it.
-
Carefully observe your diet to avoid gaining weight.
-
Tell friends and relatives that you stopped smoking cigarette to get
their support.
As one of the government efforts to remind the
public, the FNRI-DOST included smoking in the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for
Filipinos (NGF) 10th message: “be physically active, make healthy food choices,
manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent
lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases”.
For more information on food and nutrition, write
or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue,
Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone / Fax Nos: (02) 837-2934 or (02) 837-3164;
Direct Line 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line:837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284;
e-mail: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST
or follow our twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (S&T Media
Services/PIA-Caraga)
POPCOM watches over 100Mth babies
By Angie B. Antonio
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) - The Commission on
Population (POPCOM) Caraga in coordination with the Local Population Offices
closely monitors the growth and development of the 100Mth symbolic babies in
the region as they celebrated their 2nd birthday on July 27.
The child’s growth and development was monitored
through the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Card which were issued
by the Local Health Office to the parents of the child. Also monitored are the services on proper
nutrition, complete immunization, and comprehensive health care and other
socio-economic support system which is necessary in line with every child’s
growth and development.
POPCOM Caraga regional director Alexander A.
Makinano revealed that the 100Mth symbolic babies symbolized hope and challenge
for every Filipino, a call to make everyone count in development and live a
healthy, productive and livable environment.
It is also a challenge to all institutions and every Filipino to count
on each other to have a well-planned, healthy, happy and empowered 100 million
Filipinos.
The POPCOM Official pointed-out that the first
1,000 days of a child’s life from pregnancy through a child 2nd birthday is a
critical window of time that sets the stage for a person’s intellectual
development and the lifelong health.
“With proper planning and spacing of the next
birth, the child will be provided with the basic needs which is empirical for
her/his growth and development,” Makinano quoted.
In recognition of the important role of the
symbolic babies in the region, POPCOM handed over a birthday gift pack to the
babies during their 2nd birthday. The
gift packs contain various stuff necessary for the toddlers. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
15th HRSD Conference set in Surigao
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 3 (PIA) – Preparations are on-going for the 15th
Human Resource and Skills Development (HRSD) Conference. Caraga Region will
host the annual gathering of Technical-Vocational Sector in Mindanao on August
9-11, 2016 in Surigao City.
Liza B. Budtan, Regional Operations Division (ROD)
Chief of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA)-Caraga said no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte was invited to be
the keynote speaker of the event for which some 600 participants from the six
regions in Mindanao are expected to attend.
“President Rodrigo Duterte was invited to give his
keynote speech and right now, we are waiting for his confirmation,” she said.
Aside from the president of the Philippines, other dignitaries who were invited
include: Former TESDA Secretary and now Senator Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva who
will give an Inspirational Talk; TESDA Sec. Guiling A. Mamondiong, Labor
Secretary Silvestre Bello III who will speak on the “Philippine Employment
Trends in the Context of Global Development”.
Also, TESDA Deputy Director-General for Policies
and Planning Rosanna A. Urdaneta will discuss on the “Challenges and
Opportunities in Human Capital Investment.” TESDA Region VII Director Florencio
F. Sunico, Jr. will be presenting “Leading Organizational Change” while
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Myla Faye
Aurora CariΓ±o is set to discuss the “Education and Mindanao Development”.
The event is jointly organized by the Caraga
Association of Technical Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII) and
TESDA-Caraga anchored on the theme “Onwards TVET: Changes and Transitions
Towards 2020.” The conference aims to convene as one and unified sector in
technical-vocational education and training in Mindanao discussing, sharing and
exchanging common points that would significantly contribute to national and
regional TVET success. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Tagalog News: Butuanons ipinagdiwang ang ika-66th
na selebrasyon ng Adlaw Hong Butuan o Araw ng Butuan City
Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Agosto 3 (PIA) - Ipinagdiwang ng mga
Butuanons ang ika-66 na Adlaw Hong Butuan o anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng
lungsod nitong Augosto 2, 2016.
Naging makasaysayan ang paggunita ng mga Butuanons
na binubuo ng ibat-ibang sektor na aktibong lumahok sa mga akbidades na
inihanda ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Butuan sa pangunguna ng City Tourism
Council.
Ginanap ang isang Thanksgiving Mass sa Saint Joseph
Cathedral dito sa lungsod ng Butuan bilang pagbubukas sa Adlaw Hong Butuan o
Araw ng Butuan City at sinundan ng isang wreath-laying ceremony sa puntod ng
namayapang dating kongresista Marcos Calo ng Agusan del Norte first district,
na siyang may akda ng Republic Act 523 o ang pagkakadeklara ng Butuan bilang
isang siyudad.
Sa kanyang mensahe, binigyang-pugay ni Butuan City
Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada ang pagsisikap ng dating Congressman at sa naging
malaking kontribusyon nito sa pag-unlad ng siyudad na tinatamasa rin ngayon ng
mga Butuanons.
Samantala, ibinahagi rin ng dating city councilor
at anak ni dating Congressman Marcos Calo na si Benjie Calo ang mga inisyatibo
ng kanyang yumaong ama para mapabuti ang kalakalan sa lungsod ng Butuan mula
noong taong 1950. Binanggit rin niya na noong Augosto 2, 2012 ay dineklarang
special non-working holiday ni former president Benigno S. Aquino III ang
August 2 taon-taon sa Butuan City upang mabigyan umano ng pagkakataong
magtipon-tipon at magdaos ang mga butuanons sa nasabing selebrasyon at
maipakita ang mayamang kultura at tradisyon.
Matapos ang wreath-laying ceremony, ginanap rin ang
motorcade, street dance presentation at trade fair na siyang highlight ay ang
mga Butuanon delicacies at produktong gawa sa Butuan.
Matatandaan rin na nitong linggo ginanap ang Abayan
Festival sa pamamagitan ng Fluvial Parade, Cultural Cheer Dance Competition,
Bauto Race, at Drum and Lyre Competition sa Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)
grounds. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
