(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).


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Army, partners provide services to 3,000 IPs in AgNor town

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) – The 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army, together with other government agencies in Caraga had recently extended their services thru the conduct of Serbisyo Peace Caravan to some 3,000 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) held at the covered court of Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

The Serbisyo Peace Caravan was focused on prioritizing the IP communities composed mainly of the Mamanwa Tribe. It also included the local residents of said barangay that availed of the services from the government.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera, commanding officer of 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, the said caravan is designed to provide priority basic services of the government to the people of Santiago and the rest of the municipalities of Agusan del Norte especially the IPs. Through this activity, the localities will feel that the government is there for them.

“It formed part of the six-point peace and development agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration to deliver the socio-economic development in conflict-affected areas,” bared Aynera.

A total of 27 government agencies, civil society and private organizations in Caraga region have extended their full support. The services offered help in addressing issues on health, poverty, grooming, livelihood, education, social, legal and land concerns.

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga has offered dental/medical services, circumcision, deworming, buntis kits, hygiene kits, and jerry cans to the beneficiaries. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga gave 600 falcata seedlings to the IPs and local residents. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also distributed food curls and 500 baby foods, while the TESDA gave away training certificates.

In his message, mayor Franklin Lim encouraged the localities to avail of the free services of the government offered today in their municipality. He also expressed his hope that more of same activity will be conducted in his area of responsibility so more people can continue to benefit.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba emphasized that without the people in the localities, there would be no government. She encouraged everyone to unite with the government and do what will serve best to the majority.

During the short program, Gov. Matba, together with the PNP, AFP officials, heads of government agencies and partner stakeholders affixed their signature in the peace covenant.

LTC Cristobal Zaragoza, commander of 401st Brigade, 4ID Phil. Army also led the oath-taking of allegiance of the 10 awardees of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


PIA Caraga chief assures wide dissemination of food safety campaign in Caraga

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) – With the aim to disseminate the food safety campaign information down to the grassroots level, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga region has vowed to utilize all its platforms for the success of the program.

During the launching of the Food Safe Caraga and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held here on Tuesday, PIA Caraga regional director Abner M. Caga, in his message read by deputy regional director Fryan Abkilan, has expressed the agency’s commitment to support the program. He is thankful that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga led by its regional director Dominga Mallonga and to Winrock International-Philippine Cold Chain Project (Winrock-PCCP) with chief of party Dan Gudahl for the efforts towards the establishment of the partnership between the DOST, Winrock, Caraga Food Safety Team, and the PIA.

Under the MOU, PIA will assist in the extensive dissemination of information and communication materials for the Food Safe Caraga campaign developed by the Caraga Food Safety Team and the Winrock-PCCP, and to closely work with the DOST Caraga and Winrock-PCCP in the implementation of activities.

According to Caga, under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, PIA is now enhancing the foundation of development communication network (DEVCOMNET) of communication managers and media specialists from the National Government Agencies, Government-owned and Controlled Corporations, local government units down to the barangay level.

The DEVCOMNET will serve as multipliers of government programs and policies as well as an alert response group for public preparedness on health prevention, sustainable development and peace promotion, Caga said.

For the past years, PIA has been at the forefront of mixing the use of traditional media in the grassroots, and blending the old with the social media, engaging the people for a more interactive communication with its online accounts on Facebook, Twitter and website, the PIA’s short messaging system/SMS or the Textblast, the Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEEBS), the PIA Caraga INFOcus electronic news magazine and the One Mindanao mobile app.

With the agency’s platforms, the Food Safe Caraga Campaign’s widest communication support to empower the communities will be achieved and assured, Caga said.

Caga also recognized the important role of the media in the successful conduct of the campaign.

The implementation of the Food Safe Caraga campaign is in accordance of Republic Act 10611 or the Act to Strengthen the Food Safety Regulatory System in the Country to Protect Consumer Health and Facilitate Market Access of Local Foods and Food Products. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


Butuan biz group hosts CARAT Expo 2016

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) – In a press conference held on Tuesday here, the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) through its president Roger Ramirez highlighted the upcoming Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing (CARAT) Exposition happening on November 9-13, 2016 at Robinsons Place Atrium, this city.

Ramirez reiterated that the 2016 CARAT expo is a multi-stakeholder trade and marketing initiative focused on showcasing Caraga’s rich agricultural and fishery products.

“This is envisioned to be an annual gathering of producers, suppliers, marketers, investors and buyers that will serve as strategic venue for market-matching, linkages and agri-investment,” underscored Ramirez.

When asked why there is a need to hold the CARAT expo, Ramirez stressed that through this activity, it will help local trade associations, producer groups and agro-entrepreneurs in creating new markets and in improving buyer-seller relationships.

“We need to launch and institutionalize a media technology-use plan for the promotion of a signature brand for Caraga - our lobster. This will also help improve productivity and sthrenghten food supply chain in Caraga by educating producer groups and trade associations on new technologies and innovation in agriculture from national and international resource persons,” Ramirez elaborated.

This year's CARAT Exposition is spearheaded by the BCCI in collaboration with all the Chambers of Commerce in Caraga, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Winrock – Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP), Pilmico Incorporated, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


CARAT Expo a venue to unleash Caraga’s potential, says organizer

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) – “The Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing Exposition or CARAT 2016 will bring Caraga region into the ASEAN scene,” says organizer.

Roger N. Ramirez, President of the Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. during a press conference held here on Tuesday encourages Caraganons to join the region’s big event on November 9 to 13 at the Robinsons Mall. Ramirez also invites the public to witness the event as national and Asean investors will also be joining.

“This is a historic event, a ‘coming-out-party’ for Caraga’s fast-developing agricultural industry,” Ramirez said. During the event, Caraga will not be known for its mineral-rich land, but for its potential to produce food not just for the island of Mindanao but the whole country and the ASEAN region as well, he added.

The five-day event will feature top five products of the region. On Day 1, the Lobster Day (Lobster Festival), Day 2 – Fruits and Veggies Day (Prutas and Gulay Festival), Day 3 – Aquamarine Day (Sinuglaw Festival), Day 4 – Livestock Day (Lechon Festival), and Day 5 – Coco/Palay/Tubers Day (Palagsing Festival), Ramirez said.

Also, Dan Gudahl, chief of party of Winrock Intl-Philippine Cold Chain Project, said that Caraga is a rising region in terms of agricultural products and so this is the time that the region will be recognized and be known because of its products.

This year's CARAT Expo is anchored on the theme "Enhancing Caraga's Agri- Aqua Industry Towards Global Competitiveness." It is expected to be participated by 80 exhibitors of perishable and non-perishable commodities, 100 leaders of producer groups, and a number of key experts providing trainings in agri-aqua production and expected to draw 5,000 visitors across the country and the ASEAN region. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga Regional Science HS champion in Surigao City Consumer Quiz Show 2016

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 26 (PIA) – Joshua Dy M. Ajoc, a student and contestant from Caraga Regional Science High School was declared as champion in the recently concluded 2016 Surigao City Division Consumer Quiz here.

The first prize winner together with his coach Marife C. Curada received a trophy, certificate of recognition and cash prize worth P1,500, and will represent Surigao City Division in the upcoming Regional Consumer Quiz Show on October 27, 2016 in Butuan City.

Jelmie R. Flores with coach Jill G. Abarico of Anomar National High School placed second with P1,000 cash prize plus trophy and certificate of recognition, and third place went to Keith Marie Prenciona, with coach Reymark D. Marte of Cantiasay National High School with P500 cash prize plus trophy and certificate of recognition.

According to DTI Surigao del Norte trade and industry development analyst Lyza D. Trapal, a total of 19 contestants from the different secondary schools of the city participated in the said event. All non-winning contestants received a consolation prize of P200.

Trapal said the activity aims to bring consumer awareness in all ages, especially to the academes where young minds are now informed and empowered of the rights and responsibility of a consumer.

She further said that the activity is part of the month-long celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, the whole month of October with the theme, “Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.”

DepEd district supervisor Marino L. Pamogas graced the activity and served as one of the members of the board of judges together with DTI senior trade and industry specialist Ms. Evelyn C. Arlan and SUNCO secretary Carmelita Beltran. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Tagbina conducts search for outstanding barangay LGU

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 26 (PIA) – The municipality of Tagbina in Surigao del Sur conducted an incentive program dubbed as “We Love Barangay”: A Search for Outstanding Barangay Local Government Unit.

"The said program aims to inspire our 25 barangays to value development and sustainable outcomes in barangay governance," said Tagbina Vice Mayor Antonio Adlao, who authored the program.

The competition is based on showcasing the exemplary performance of their duties and responsibilities and on how the barangay council delivers its basic services to their constituents in consonance with the provisions of the Local Government Code and other relevant existing laws.

Adlao further said that the criteria for judging is based on the following categories: Clean, Green and Bloom (20%); Accountability, Responsive and Transparency (20%); Tax Collection (20%); Sangguniang Barangay Records and Other Documentations /Records Keeping (20%); Peace and Order (20%); and Over-All Impact (20%).

All barangays of the said municipality are subjected for a quarterly unannounced evaluation to start every first quarter of the year using the prescribe criteria for the different categories set by the Technical Working Groups, Adlao added.

The winners will receive a developmental infrastructure project from the municipal government. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


PNP, Army start implementing Oplan Undas 2016 in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 26 (PIA) – The Surigao del Sur police office and Philippine Army have assured security during the observance of All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day in the province next week.

According to Police Province Office chief PSSupt Romaldo Bayting, the security preparations are now in place for this annual event.

It was learned that police personnel are directed to provide maximum police visibility, increase of check points, maintain security in vital installations, economic key points, ensure high state of operational readiness to deter criminal activities and thwart any hostile actions that may be launched by threat groups.

Meanwhile, 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Franco Nemesio Gacal revealed that part of their work is to support the PNP. "We have already coordinated with the PNP on this matter," Gacal said.

Newly assumed Tandag City police chief PCInsp. Rey Sorreda bared that the Provincial Police Office will augment additional police force during the said celebration.

Sorreda also added that the implementation of the security plan will continue until the upcoming State Universities and Colleges Sports and Cultural Competition on November 5-11, where the Surigao del Sur State university is the event host. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


NEDA 13 conducts special forum on Caraga's economic performance

By Arturo Cruje

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 26 (PIA) - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Office has organized a special forum to assess the regional economic performance of Caraga based on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

On the latest economic statistics, the regional economic performance is declining on the areas of agriculture, fishery and forestry.

The sectors that showed good performance are tourism and mining.

As agreed by the Regional Economic Development Committee, NEDA called out the Provincial Planning and Development Officers, Provincial Tourism Officers, Provincial Agriculture Officers, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers and Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Officers of Caraga to the said forum held recently at the NEDA -13 Regional Office in Butuan City.

It can be recalled that fishery was once a flourishing industry in the region with Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur as leading producers. However, the industry seemed to have a lot of problem which resulted to decreasing fish production.

During the said forum, sensible recommendations were formulated to improve the region’s economic performance. (OIC-PTCO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


DILG 13 celebrates 25 years of local autonomy

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) - As the Local Government Code of 1991 reaches 25 years of implementation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (Caraga) celebrates it with national government agencies (NGAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), teachers and students of the Local Resource Institutes (LRIs) and local government units (LGUs) on October 24, 2016 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

Anchored on the theme: “LGC @ 25: Pagsulong, Progreso, Pagbabago,” DILG commemorates the journey of local governance and builds on its recent progress to guide and transform LGUs as able instruments of good governance in shifting towards federalism.

During the celebration, several activities were lined-up such as the Quiz Bee competition among college students of the attending LRIs with a brief lecture on the Local Government Code of 1991: Decentralization and Governance by Atty. Allen M. Gasulas, Legal Officer of DILG 13 and a lecture on Federalism by Gerald “Dindi” Tan, Asst. Project Manager on Federalism under Emily O. Padilla, DILG Undersecretary for Legislative and Liaison and Special Concerns.

DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion highlighted the gains of LGUs for the past 25 years of local autonomy. She reminded LGUs to be ready for change as DILG is currently undertaking a nationwide information and campaign on Federalism to ease the transition towards the change of system.

The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 63 declaring the month of October of every year as Local Government Month, the second week of October as the Local Government Week and the 10th of October as the Local Government Day. (DILG 13/PIA-Caraga)