(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 16 October 2024) Shear Line affecting Extreme Northern Luzon. 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 Localized Thunderstorms. 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 Southeast to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Tuesday, October 4, 2016


ConsumerNet sets activities for 2016 CWM celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga has lined up activities for this year’s Consumer Welfare Month.

The Diskwento Caravan in the Province of Dinagat Islands was recently conducted on October 2-3; Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur on October 5-6; and Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur on October 27-28. The consuming public will enjoy affordable and cheaper prices of the basic commodities during these schedules.

The ConsumerNet has also set the schedule for the conduct of Quiz Bowl: October 7- Cabadbaran City and Agusan del Sur; October 12- Agusan del Norte and San Jose, Dinagat Islands; October 14 - Butuan City, Bayugan City and Siargao Islands; October 11 – Surigao del Norte; October 12 – Surigao City; October 21 – Tandag City and Surigao del Sur; October 24 – Bislig City; and October 27 – Robinsons Place, Butuan City.

Other activities will also be conducted, such as the Christmas Lights monitoring in Surigao City on October 7 and October 11 in Bislig City; Regional Fair Trade Law (FTL) Enforcement on October 12-13 in Bislig City and October 17-18 in Surigao del Norte; and Appliance Store monitoring in Bislig City.

Meanwhile, series of Consumer Education Seminars are also scheduled for the month with speakers from DTI, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other partner agencies. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


PSA Caraga bares series of activities for 2016 NSM celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga has set series of activities in Caraga region for this year’s 27th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration.

“The 27th National Statistics Month celebration highlights the importance of statistics in tracking our nation’s progress towards achieving sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ program on the Post-2015 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals,” bared PSA Caraga regional director Rosalinda Celeste-Apura.

Said celebration will kick-off on October 6 with an opening ceremony and Hataw exercise at Robinsons Place, this city. On the same day, the cartooning contest, essay writing contest, and statistical quiz will also be held at Don Ruben Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

The PSA will also hold the following activities on different dates and venues: slogan and poster making contest for private and public secondary schools, essay writing contest, high school oratorical contest, and high school statistics quiz show.

On October 17-21, the PSA Agusan del Norte will conduct the Basic Statistics Training (Sampling Techniques and procedures). A seminar-workshop on Statistical Modeling and Software Applications Special Applications on Statistical Methods is set on October 19-21, 2016 in Butuan City.

On October 19, the Lecture on the Role of Statistics in Good Governance and the 2015 Performance of Caraga region will be held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Multi-Purpose Hall, Butuan City.

Other activities also include the following: PSA Lecture-Workshop on Infographics on October 24 in Butuan City; Lecture Series on Statistics Generated from Censuses and Surveys (Economic Sector and Social Sector) for PSA Employees on October 24-25 in Surigao City; Training on Data Analysis in Surigao del Sur, and Office Safety Awareness and Preparedness Training-Workshop at PSA Caraga Training Room in Butuan City on October 27.

The culmination program is set on October 28 to be held at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City.

The 27th NSM celebration is anchored on the theme “Sustainable Development: Making Statistics Count.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


4 DPWH Caraga employees test positive for illegal drugs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga has intensified its anti-illegal drugs campaign after four of its employees have tested positive for drugs recently.

DPWH Caraga regional director Danilo Versola said four job-order employees were among those who tested positive after a surprise mandatory drug testing was conducted on September 13 shortly after the morning flag ceremony from the first batch of the 429 public workers.

Versola recalled that all public workers that time were required inside the compound, with instruction to the security personnel to lock down the gates and no one was allowed to leave until all the employees have surrendered their specimen samples.

DPWH Caraga assistant regional director Pol Delos Santos stressed that the employment for those involved in illegal drug use will be over if they do not voluntarily surrender.

“Those involved must come and see me so that we can talk and the management may find ways to provide assistance. But this is a stern and final warning because I want a clean office under my watch,” underlined Versola.

It was learned that the drug testing in the regional office is not yet over as there are 50 permanent personnel and 192 job orders who will still undergo the test.

The department targeted to have its 632 total number of employees regionwide to undergo the drug test. The 419 of which are permanent employees and 413 job orders assigned in the regional office and all field offices around the region under its jurisdiction. (JPG/DPWH-13/PIA-Caraga)


BSP spearheads 2016 Consumer Welfare Month celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) here is spearheading this year’s Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) celebration with the theme “Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.”

According to regional director Brielgo Pagaran of the Department of Trad and Industry (DTI) Caraga and lead agency of the Consumer Network (ConsumerNet), the BSP as one of the active partners is leading this month’s celebration with various activities to be held in the city.

“The theme emphasizes the importance of working together among government agencies and business in ensuring that consumers are accorded the protection needed,” added Pagaran.

Pagaran also bared that said celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1098 declaring month of October of every year as the Consumer Welfare Month.

It was also learned that the CWM celebration kicked-off today with a briefing on Fair Trade Law (FTL) Monitoring and Enforcement at the DTI regional office, followed by a motorcade in the city thoroughfares, and actual conduct of FTL within the city.

On October 27, the conduct of Regional Consumer Quiz Bowl and ConsumerNet Help Desk is scheduled at the Robinsons Place, this city. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


ECC reiterates Employees’ Compensation Program to gov’t, private workers

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – In a press conference held recently here, officials from the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) central office reiterated their employees compensation program (ECP) to all workers in the government offices and private companies/establishments.

According to Atty. Jonathan Villasoto, deputy executive director of ECC Manila, the ECP is designed to provide employees and their families with income benefits, medical, and other benefits in the event of work-connected sickness, injury or death.

“It is the employers contribution to their employees in times of work-related sickness, injury or death, and it is not a salary deduction. Whatever benefits employees get from their Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) are separate from what they will get or benefit from the ECC,” clarified Villasoto.

It was learned that the ECP is based on Presidential Decree 626 (as amended) otherwise known as “Employees’ Compensation and State Insurance Fund” on March 17, 1975. The ECP benefits comprised the following: Medical benefits, Rehabilitation Services, Loss of Income Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, and Death benefit.

As to who are covered of the EC Program, Atty. Villasoto disclosed that all compulsory members of SSS, including seafarers, GSIS members, uniformed personnel – Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology are included. However, voluntary and self-employed members are excluded.

Atty. Villasoto further encouraged employers to properly implement the EC Program to their employees in their respective agencies/companies to avoid lawful penalties. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DTI Surigao Norte recognizes 'green champions'

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office has recognized the green champions of the province during the conduct of the ProGED  (Promotion of Green Economic Development) In-phasing Event held recently at the Parkway Hotel, this city.

The four Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector who were recognized and were given certificate of recognition are Mt. Bagarabon Beach Resort in Barangay Mabua, Surigao City; D’Islandersville Pension Hauz in Dapa, Surigao del Norte; Ocean 101 Beach Resort and Sta. Fe Homestay in Barangay Sta. Fe, all in General Luna, Siargao Island.

According to Provincial Director Celestino L. Negapatan, as per monitoring activity conducted by the DTI, the above-mentioned MSMEs have implemented some of the best practices in greening their establishments after they have attended series of ProGED sensitization activities undertaken since February of 2015.

“They have addressed the key hotspots in business operation, which included fuel, electricity, water, solid waste, waste water and building design thereby cutting costs and generating more profits for their business and revenue for the government,” Negapatan said.

Meanwhile, a certificate of recognition was also given to Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas for her ‘Kahapsay Kalinaw Program.’ The City ENRO was also recognized for innovation and for converting plastic wrappers to pavers and planters. The Surigao City Tourism Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) were also given recognition for their continued support to greening the tourism value chain and the environment. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Volunteers gather in SurSur town for coastal cleanup

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 4 (PIA) - Some 59 participants from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) - Surigao del Sur and Philippine Radio Organization Volunteer For Emergency, Inc. (PROVE) Mancagangi Chapter Office gathered recently at the Matho Beach in Cortes town, this province for the coastal cleanup activity in line with the celebration of the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

With the theme “Bayan Ko Linis Ko: Bayanihan Para sa Malinis na Karagatan,” PENRO chief Jose Flavio Concha, who led the activity, encouraged all Surigaonons to undertake cleanup activity within their surroundings.

“Surigao del Sur, known as the 'Shangri-La by the Pacific' is one of the provinces that has a longest coastline in the country with beautiful beaches served as local tourism destination. It is therefore imperative role of everyone to maintain the cleanliness from any disastrous wastes not only in our beaches and coasts but also on its tributary zones like creeks, rivers and waterways to marine ecosystem, which are natural resources and vital sources of our livelihood, food and health security,” Concha said.

Meanwhile, PENRO information officer Johny Natad said the coastal cleanup drive is also part of the agency's 116th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) celebration.

The field offices under PENRO Surigao del Sur in collaboration with the local government units are encouraged and advised to conduct cleanup activities in small group only based on the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau advisory limiting the activities within the safe environs of certain barangay, school, church, community, company or establishment, along roadsides, canals and vacant lots used as dump sites of individuals observing proper public security and safety to all participants.

Accordingly, the International Coastal Cleanup is the world's largest volunteer effort for the ocean and waterways. It is celebrated annualy every September with an aim to promote environmental consciousness among people for ocean's health and better waste management policies to protect marine ecosystem. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DepEd Caraga bares SHS classroom construction status

By Concepcion P. Vasquez

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – A total of 636 classrooms are completely constructed and now utilized by Senior High Schools (SHS) in Caraga region.

Records from the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga show that of the 1,517 classrooms allocated in the region, 636 are already completed, 765 are about to be completed or ongoing and the 116 have yet to be constructed. It was learned that the delay of the construction of the allocated classrooms was due to the following reasons: failure of soil exploration; request of additional funding; and failure of bidding due to non bidder.

The following is the allocation of SHS classrooms by division: Agusan del Norte – 158; Agusan del Sur – 335; Bayugan City – 61; Bislig City – 42; Butuan City – 144; Cabadbaran City – 16; Dinagat Islands – 110; Siargao – 88; Surigao City – 79; Surigao del Norte – 138; Surigao del Sur – 334; and Tandag City – 12.

For the SHS Technical Vocational (TecVoc) Laboratory construction, nine are already completed while two units are still to be completed. DepEd has allocated 11 TecVoc laboratories in the region. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


DepEd Butuan celebrates National Teachers’ Day

By Ana Marie P. Dultra

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division will celebrate the National Teachers' Day on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 here with the theme “Guro: Kabalikat sa Pagbabago.”

The said activity aims to honor those who are in the teaching profession; acknowledge and give emphasis on the crucial role, loyal service and dedicated commitment of teachers in developing globally-minded citizens, nurturing families, strengthening communities, and building the nation.

A school-based celebration, including the recitation of a prayer for teachers or "panalangin para sa mga guro" will be observed, it was learned.

Every year, DepEd celebrates the National Teachers’ Month from September 5 to October 5, 2016, which is also the National Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day. This is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242 entitled “Declaring the Period from September 5 to October 5 of Every Year as National Teachers’ Month," as well as Republic Act 10743 entitled “Declaring the 5th day of October of Every Year as the National Teachers’ Day," and to the designation of the World Teachers’ Day every 5th of October by the United Nations Education and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO). (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


OWWA-Caraga holds provincial PESO conference in Dinagat Islands

By Sheamin Lae C. Dogmoc

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga conducted the Provincial PESO Conference in San Jose town, province of Dinagat Islands on September 30, 2016.

Some 29 participants mostly Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers and staffs from different municipalities of the province attended the conference.

As the primary intention of keeping the PESO participants updated of the recent programs and services of OWWA, Rodel P. Deligero, Overseas Workers Welfare Officer (OWWO-III) discussed the Relief Assistance Program (RAP) together with the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBH).

Meanwhile, Bepu Brylle Bangcoyo, Family Welfare Officer, laid down the functions and programs of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

To clarify the confusion as to the difference of NRCO and OWWA, Bangcoyo emphasized that every program or assistance has its own eligibility requirements. Thus, such cases that are no longer eligible for OWWA assistance or programs shall be directly referred to NRCO for accommodation.

Several OFWs were also present during the event and were able to raise their respective concerns.

“Our OFWs finally received the answers they all wanted to hear. Thank you also for clarifying their confusions,” said Dinagat Islands PESO Manager Emma Y. Mausisa. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands)