(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 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 Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Tuesday, November 22, 2016


2016 MWOP to kick off with 'healing prayer for peace'

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) – This year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) will kick off on November 26 thru the healing prayer for peace at the Guingona Park here.

“The Diocese of Butuan is committed to pursue its program in the attainment of a peaceful Mindanao in general, and Caraga in particular. In our sincerest desire, dream and aspiration together with the Muslim communities and Indigenous Peoples, in the spirit of solidarity, co-existence and partnership will gain the strong celebration of the annual observance of the MWOP from November 26 to December 2, 2016,” highlighted Most Rev. Juan De Dios Pueblos.

Bishop Pueblos reiterated that this year’s celebration is anchored on the theme ‘Protect and Respect Life.’

“This message is inspired by members of the Bishop-Ulama Conference amidst the national campaign on illegal drugs,” he said.

It was also learned that the Movie for Peace will be launched on the same day, as well as the SIKADAYAHAN (Bike for Peace) right after the healing prayer proper. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


NAST conducts symposium for youth in Caraga region

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) – In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), a ‘Trailblazers in Science: Lecture Series by National Scientists’ and a Symposium for the Youth with the National Scientists’ were held recently in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province.

The two activities aim to introduce NAST PHL, national scientists, academicians, and corresponding members. This year’s commemoration is anchored on the theme, “NAST: 40 years in Pursuit of Excellence”.

Also, several lined-up undertakings such as science and technology-related contests, tree planting, and dialogues between the national scientists and the national artist, among others, were conducted all over the country for the year-long ‘ruby’ anniversary observation which was launched on December 17, 2015 and was set to culminate on December 17, 2016.

One of the highlights is the 38th Annual Scientific Meeting on July 13-14, 2016 held in Manila. It was anchored on the theme, “Looking Back And Looking Forward,” and serves as an assembly to review previous achievements and outline the needed reforms and future activities for the newly elected government officials.

“The NAST, as the symbol of the nation's commitment to science, also seeks to integrate the arts and sciences for sustainable development. We are encouraging scientists and every Filipino to develop and bring out scientific and innovative ideas, and to continue inventing. As emphasized in the design of our 40th anniversary logo, the characteristic of Filipino scientists as outstanding and independent is reflected,” said Luningning Samarita-Domingo, Director-IV of the NAST PHL.

The Academy plays an important role as an adviser to the government and the science community. It recognizes outstanding achievements in science and technology of Filipino scientists and institutions in all fields of science. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


DOLE turns over 15 computer sets to SurSur PESO managers

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Nov. 22 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga turned over 15 computer sets to the 15 Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Managers of the province.

According to Romelyn Bactol of DOLE Surigao del Sur provincial office, the 15 computer sets are intended for the PESO offices in the cities of Tandag and Bislig, and municipalities of Barobo, Bayabas, Cagwait, Carrascal, Cortes, Hinatuan, Lingig, Madrid, Marihatag, San Miguel, Tagbina and Tago.

“These computer sets are one of the indications that the DOLE is committed to be of service, to help you and to support you in your work and advocacy in the implementation of the DOLE programs,” said DOLE Caraga regional director Atty. Evelyn R. Ramos.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Agriculturist and concurrent provincial PESO Manager Marcos Quico thanked DOLE for the support.  He likewise committed to work for the possible creation of the Provincial Public Employment Service Office through an ordinance.

The said computer equipment according to Bactol will be used for the implementation of the DOLE Skills Registry Program (SRS).

SRS is DOLE’s program for nationwide registration of skilled workers which also facilitates job matching to available job vacancies both local and overseas.

All LGUs in Surigao del Sur had been implementing and using this system both the online and offline version, Bactol added. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DTI releases new SRP for consumers

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Nov. 22 (PIA) – The Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) under the Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the suggested retail price (SRP) of basic necessities, prime commodities and noche buena products as of Nov. 4, 2016.

According to DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the SRP is set for manufacturers to standardize prices among locations and guide in the major retail establishments in setting their prices particularly those products included in the categories mentioned.

Negapatan said the release of the said SRPs also lifted the implementation of the 60-day price freeze. The price freeze that took effect last September 4, 2016 froze all basic necessities at the prevailing price in view of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 55 declaring for a National State of Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.

“The said price freeze already lapsed on November 3, except on areas declared under state of calamity due to the effect of typhoons Karen and Lawin in Central and Northern Luzon,” said Negapatan.

Consumers interested to know more about SRP and other consumer related concerns are encouraged to visit the DTI’s website at www.dti.gov.ph or visit their office located at the 2nd Floor, Simtoco Business Center, Burgos Street, this city or contact their telephone numbers (086)826-6129/826-2373. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


13 AgNor farmer-groups participate in records keeping, file management seminar

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) - At least 200 Agrarian Reform Farmer-Beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte attended the series of seminars on records keeping and file management conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at the different villages in Agusan del Norte in the months of September to October, 2016.

According to Section Head Juanita Balibay of Social Infrastructure and Local Capability Building (SILCAB), the said 200 seminar attendees belong to 13 different Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in the province, namely, Tagbuyacan Farmers Marketing Cooperative, Rural Improvement Club, Tagbuyacan Upland Farmers for Development, Colorado Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Tirador Beneficiaries Farmers Association, Marcos Calo Agrarian Farmers Association, Bonifacio Agrarian Reform Cooperative And Dona Rosario ARB Association (DARBA).

The activity is part of DAR’s capability building program for the ARBOs and made response to the need to organize records to meet the requirement for transparency and accountability.

“The seminar is not only to improve the productivity but also to make the workplace more pleasant, improves the safety and quality of work and ensures public satisfaction,” Balibay added.

Ponciano Nino, chairperson of Tagbuyacan Farmers Marketing Cooperative said that he was satisfied with the results of the topics of the training.

“Pasalamat kami niini nga records management seminar kay libre kini gihatag sa DAR ug sa partner niini nga Propegemus Foundations Inc. (we are thankful for the records management seminar because its free to us from DAR and its partner Propegemus Foundation, Inc.)," Nino added.

Olegario Aguillon, chairperson of Colorado Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Jabonga said that “Tukma ug haum gyud ang among nahibaluan, daghan mig nakat-unan sa records management training (The topic was very appropriate, we learned a lot from the records management training)."

The seminar was in partnership with the DAR and the Propegemus Foundation Inc., an accredited training provider of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)