(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Saturday, 09 November 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area was located based on all available data at 1,150 km East of Southeastern Luzon, (14.5°N, 115.8°E) TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTSIDE PAR AS OF 3:00 AM TODAY TYPHOON YINXING (2422) (FORMERLY MARCE) LOCATION: 500 KM WEST OF LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS MORTE (18.6N, 115.8E) MAXIMUM SUTAINED WIND: 155 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 190 KM/H MOVEMENT: WEST NORTHWESTWARD AT 20 KM/H. 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 NorthEast to North will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Thursday, November 24, 2016


Caraganons prepare for TD Marce

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The Caraganons are taking precautionary measures as Tropical Depression (TD) Marce is expected to make landfall over Surigao del Norte this afternoon or early evening today, as per report from PAGASA Butuan chief meteorological officer Lolita Vinalay during the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) meeting tthis morning.

The local government units in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Island have declared suspension of classes today.

Butuan City is experiencing heavy downpour of rains with gusty winds while roads in some parts of the city are already flooded. The public is advised to take precautionary measures to avoid untoward incidents.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) here also reported that no cancelled flight is so far advised at the Bancasi Airport, as of 8:00 a.m today.

Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer Erma Suyo bared that classes in kindergarten are now suspended. However, all LDRRMCs are advised to suspend elementary and high school classes if their area of responsibility (AOR) is under threat of flooding and possible landslides. Venturing out in the sea is also strictly prohibited.

Agusan del Sur PDRRMO Roberto Natividad also underlined that local residents in the different LGUs of the province especially those residing near riverbanks and prone to flashflood areas were advised to take precautionary measures as the province continues to experience light to moderate rains due to TD Marce.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer PSWDO Razel Montemor of Agusan del Sur added that the LGUs of the province were already warned about TD Marce and alerted the members of the Response Cluster. She also emphasized that they have prepositioned family relief packs for possible augmentation to LGUs.

Also, since last night, November 23, 2016, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Surigao del Nofte has already cancelled all trips going to Cebu, Liloan and Benit, Southern Leyte including trips going to Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island and vice versa due to TD Marce.

It was learned that around 250 passengers and 70 rolling cargoes going to Liloan in Southern Leyte, Siargao Island and Dinagat Islands are stranded today, Nov. 24, 2016 at the Macapagal Port Terminal and Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City.

In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, administrator Roxanne Pimentel urged the fishermen not to venture out into the sea for fishing due to TD Marce. She also advised the people living along riverbanks, coastal and low-lying areas to take precautionary measures for possible flooding and landslides. (JPG/NLM/NGBT/SDR/VLG, PIA-Caraga)


Caraga disaster council convenes ahead of TD Marce landfall

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga through its Pre Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Core Team convened for a meeting on Thursday at the RDRRMC/OCD Emergency Operations Center here in preparation for the onslaught of Tropical Depression (TD) Marce.

Engr. Lolita Vinalay of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that TD Marce is expected to make landfall over Surigao del Norte this afternoon or early evening.

“Caraga region is expected to experience heavy rains and gusty winds this afternoon until evening as TD Marce will make landfall over Surigao del Norte," Vinalay said. She also presented the hazard impacts analysis and rainfall forecast of TD Marce.

Also, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) presented the Operation LISTO (hotdog track) that shows the five provinces – Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands as among the areas to be affected by TD Marce.

Jeffrey Ramo of DILG also bared that they have already issued an office order for the reactivation of the Regional Disaster Monitoring and Reporting System effective Wednesday.

The Department of Health (DOH) has also raised its alert status to code white alert as part of its preparations for any eventualities that maybe caused by TD Marce. Medicines and jerry cans are now prepositioned. They are also doing 24/7 monitoring for possible evacuees.

For inquiries on road status/conditions, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also encouraged the public to report and ask inquiries through their hotline at (085) 815-4805.

As of 10:00 a.m. today, the water level in Agusan River is still normal with 1.08m.

The Caraga RDRRMC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now on Red Alert Status (24/7 monitoring) in anticipation of an imminent emergency situation. The status requires response agency staffing at the RDRRMOC and immediate interagency coordination. This is based on the approved and adopted RDRRMC Standard Operating Procedures.

Meanwhile, the province of Agusan del Norte issued Executive Order No. 26 signed by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba Local DRRMCs, Incident Command System, PDRRMC Operation Center, ADNERT, HERU, ERAT are now activated. The local DRRMCs in the municipalities of Las Nieves, Jabonga and Magallanes in the province of Agusan del Norte have already suspended their preschool, elementary and secondary classes.

The meeting was attended by the representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, DILG, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority, DOST-PAGASA, DPWH, DOH, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Naional Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and 4th Civil Military Operations Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Phil. Army. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


DOT Caraga to launch ‘Orange Your Icon’ in Surigao City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) - In support of the 2016 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga is set to hold a launching ceremony of the ‘Orange Your Icon’, an 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) advocacy on November 25, 2016.

“This is among Department of Tourism’s (DOT) sustained efforts to be one with the cause of giving women and children a brighter future with the support of the tourism industry,” said DOT officer-in-charge Mary Jean Camarin.

The activity aims to attract public’s curiosity about why the major landmarks are colored orange, provide opportunity for advocates to explain the anti-VAW advocacy, strengthen the anti-VAW advocacy by enjoining new audiences to join the cause, promote the vision of a VAW-free community.

A press conference is set on November 25, 2014, 1:00 p.m. in Surigao City, to be followed by the launching activity which will be held at the ‘Sapatos nan Luneta sa Surigao’ at 5:00 p.m.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) launched the Orange Your Icon as one of the major activities during the 2015 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), in solidarity with the United Nations’ UNiTE to End VAW Campaign.

“As a bright and optimistic color, orange represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls,” underscored Camarin. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Tandag City classes suspended due to TD Marce

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The city government here thru City Administrator Roxanne Pimentel suspended classes from pre-school to elementary in both private and public schools on Thursday, Nov. 24 as a precaution against the expected onslaught of Tropical Depression Marce.

City DRRMO officer Marivic Bandoy also said they have urged the fishermen not to venture out into the sea for fishing, and advised the people who are living along the riverbanks, coastal areas and low lying areas to take precautionary measures for possible flooding and landslides.

Meanwhile, Provincial DRRM officer Abel de Guzman issued an advisory to the local DRRM officers to monitor for any untoward incidents. He also advised the local DRRM councils to hold a Pre Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA), and activate their Incident Command System, if necessary. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DTI awards 10 business establishments from Surigao City

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Nov. 24 (PIA) – Ten establishments in the city received plaque of recognition from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the grand opening of the Negosyo Konsyumer at iba pa (NKATB) held recently at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

According to DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the NKATB is a national initiative which was undertaken in the regional level to highlight the integrated services of DTI to the clienteles and also served as a venue for the said awarding.

He said that out of ten awardees, eight were 2006 BAGWIS awardees which include Eduhome Enterprises, Metro Surigao Shopping Center, Inc., United General Merchandise, J. Marketing Corporation, Tri-Mix Enterprises, RSY Multi Trade Shop, Mercury Drug Corporation, and Palma Superstore, while, the 2016 BAGWIS awardees are Absolute Essentials Traders, Inc, and UNICITY Gen. Merchandise.

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Cuizon-Maglaya handed over the awards to the said establishments and assisted by DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo O. Pagaran.

“The awards are in recognition of their continued response in carrying out good business practices in their establishments and also because they are considered partners of DTI in the delivery of services to the consumers,” Negapatan added.  (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Three farm business schools launched in AgSur

By Renato Bashir Ilupa

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 24 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office here has launched three Farm Business Schools (FBS) in the province since 2015.

DAR-Agusan del Sur information officer Rachel Besonia explained that FBS is a DAR-initiated program that aims to teach farmer-ARBs new farming techniques and technology and most of all teach them to operate their farms as business enterprise.

"We go to their farms and conduct them lectures that include financial management, bookkeeping, accounting, business, market trends in the hope of increasing their income," Besonia explained.

FBS was pilot-tested in Nueva Ecija in 2013 and when it had a remarkable result as shown in the farmers' increased income, it was replicated in other provinces. FBS is done in a period of six months but the enrolee-beneficiaries meet with the facilitators once a week, she added.

DAR's partners in the FBS include the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), DTI, and the concerned LGUs. Here in Agusan del Sur, FBS was first launched in the municipality of Esperanza in April 2015.

The FBS beneficiaries there were some 30 ARBs who are members of the Crossing Luna Beawan Esperanza Vegetables Production Multi Purpose Cooperative (CROBE VMPC). In August 2016, another FBS was launched in Novele, Rosario with 30 members of the Novele Vegetable Growers Association as beneficiaries. Last November 19, 2016 some 68 members of Rizal Multi Purpose Cooperative, based in the municipality of San Francisco, graduated from the FBS. (AgSur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Caraga LGUs, DA-13 recognized in PH corn congress

By Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) - Farmer’s determination plus right technology plus government support results to quality produce.

These what gives Caraga Region an edge over other regions vying for the recently concluded 4th National Quality Corn Achievers Awards 2016.

For the third time, the Province of Agusan del Norte set Caraga Region in the limelight as the province emerged as Hall of Fame awardee in the implementation of the corn program.

Governor Maria Angelica Rosedelle Amante-Matba with other provincial officials received the award as Agusan del Norte is the lone winner of the said category.

Aside from the award of the province, Agusan del Norte Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan also received a Hall of Fame award for being an outstanding provincial agriculturist while provincial corn coordinator Oscar Tuyor as outstanding provincial corn coordinator hall of fame awardee.

Aside from hall of fame awardees from Caraga Region, the Municipality of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur also emerged as the outstanding municipality while Marlita Cortez was awarded as an outstanding municipal agriculturist, Luzviminda Abellana as an outstanding municipal corn coordinator and Nilo Villamor as an outstanding agricultural extension worker.

The province of Agusan del Norte and municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur received a check amounting to P5M and P1M worth of projects respectively while individual winners received cash prizes.

Recognizing government’s support to the local government units, DA-Caraga Region has been recognized also as the best regional team.

The awarding ceremony was held in conjunction with the 12th Philippine National Corn Congress at the City of Koronadal, South Cotabato on November 16-18, 2016 with the theme: Sulong Maisan! Sapat na Pagkain ng Bayan.

The event was graced by DA Assistant Secretary Federico Laciste Jr., assistant secretary for operations and national coordinator for corn and rice program.

The congress was attended by close to 2,000 participants composed of corn farmers, traders, government officials and other corn stakeholders around the country. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


DSWD Caraga assures preparedness for TD Marce

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) - As the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that Caraga region will be hit by Tropical Depression Marce, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga assured the public that the agency is ready for augmentation support to the local government units.

While TD Marce was still a Low Pressure Area (LPA) located east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the agency had already called the attention of its key persons of the Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to prepare for possible development of a tropical depression.

As part of its disaster preparedness activities, the agency already prepositioned 13,000 family food packs amounting to P4, 224,740. These goods are prepositioned to strategic areas or geographically hard to reach areas in the region.

Some 14,916 family food packs are also stockpiled at the regional warehouse in the city. As of this time, there is an on-going relief packing for additional stockpile of goods.

The field office has also available non-food items amounting to P1,219,133.33.

As of reporting time, QRT members of DSWD-Caraga are on standby mode for easy mobilization. The Social Welfare and Development (SWAD), and City/Municipal Action Teams (C/MATs) of the affected areas are closely coordinating with the Local Social Welfare and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers for updates.

DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli said that the regional office is in constant communication with the SWAD and C/MAT members regarding the situation in their areas.

“DSWD is ready to perform its augmentation role to the local government units of the provinces, municipalities, and cities who are the first responders to their constituents,” she added.

Brigoli also expressed her call for the public to be on alert and to heed announcements of authorities for their own safety. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)