(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 10 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central 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—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Wednesday, November 23, 2016


DPWH Caraga, media inspect Diosdado Macapagal Bridge using drone camera

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) – Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga, together with representatives from government agencies and media gathered on Tuesday at the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge in Butuan City for a site inspection with the use of a drone camera. The drone camera allowed them to get a full 360° view of the area.

Said inspection was in line with the department's implementation of its project improvement on quality management for highways and bridge construction and maintenance (Phase III).

According to Hideo Nagao, Team Leader of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Expert Team explained the status/condition of the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge based on the photos taken using the drone camera.

“There are parts of the bridge that need repairs and this drone camera helps us see the details. It would be easier for us to inspect the delicate parts of the bridge without risking the lives of our technical staff,” Nagao emphasized. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


RCC Caraga briefs media on latest programs, services

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) – The Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga recently briefed the media on the updates of their programs, services and upcoming activities.

In the press conference held here, DOLE-Caraga regional director Atty. Evelyn Ramos bared that workers in the private sector are expected to receive their 13th month pay before December 24, 2016. Employers are mandated to provide the 13th month pay to their workers.

Ramos added that their offices nationwide are working on the establishment of a One Stop Shop Services Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). In Butuan City, the soft launching of said center was held on November 22, 2016 at the City Hall Lobby.

OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel Madrid also disclosed that there were some 874 OFWs who had participated in the Pre-Departure Education Program as of October 2016. “There were also some 2,207 OFWs who have renewed their membership with OWWA in Caraga region,” he emphasized.

Nancy Jacinto, LEO III of National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) Caraga revealed that their office has distributed some 87 starter kits for distressed women OFWs in the region. They also have other programs that cater the needs of the OFWs and their families in the region.

Also, Ritchel Butao of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Caraga reported that they were able to supervise nine jobs fair in Caraga region, and is scheduled for another jobs fair in Surigao City on December 3-5, 2016.

Meanwhile, Genevieve Elorde, administrative officer II of Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) Caraga encouraged the media to help them relay the message to all public and private employees that ECC has programs and services for sick and injured workers under its Employees' Compensation Program.

Dir. Ramos further announced that they will be meeting the local media again on December for a camaraderie in time with the Christmas season. “We hope to continue our good working relationship with you and continue to advocate the government’s programs and services," she said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Norte to join 18-day campaign to end VAW

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Nov. 23 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (PGADCC), other women organizations and other multi-sectoral groups of the province will join in the national observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12, 2016.

Provincial GAD Focal Person and Provincial Center for Women’s Training and Development Officer Florian Tan-Trinidad bared that in the province the commemoration will start on November 25 with a thanksgiving mass at 8:00 A.M at the Cathedral Church simultaneous with the opening of the 'Bazaar for Juana' at the Provincial Gym followed by a motorcade around the city and short opening program.

Trinidad also bared other lined-up activities for the 18-day observance which include turn-over of crochet materials for livelihood to Sison Women’s Organization, Zumba, KATROPA seminar, Harmonize Gender and Development Guidelines seminar, Youth Convergence Activity, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) summit, Children’s Festival, Teacher’s Summit, PGADCC Team Building and Christmas Party, and orientation forum on R.A. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act and R.A. 7877 or the Anti Sexual Harassment Law.

This year’s observance is anchored on the theme, “VAW Free Community Starts With Me.” (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


AFP, PNP ink MOA to intensify anti-illegal drug campaign in Caraga

By 1Lt Karl Jan S. Devaras

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) – During the regular Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) - Region 13 meeting held at the Police Regional Office-13 here, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) signed on Monday the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for collaboration procedures on anti-illegal drug operations in Caraga region.

The said MOA is aimed to attain the following objectives: carry out President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to stop and eliminate drugs within three to six months; enhance coordination/cooperation between the PNP and AFP in case build-up and investigation of suspected persons involved in illegal drugs; minimize the ingress and egress of high value targets and illegal drug paraphernalia; and synchronize effort of government and strengthen its position in bringing target drug personalities and offenders to justice among others.

Based on the MOA, the PNP takes the lead role in any operation on implementation of Pulis at Sundalo: Kabalikat Laban sa Droga Project known as “Double Barrel,” and takes the lead role in the investigation/processing of scene of the crime; and other law enforcement operations against illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army shall provide support to law enforcement operations; assist the PNP in the implementation of Project Double Barrel which include the execution of the five stages of Project TokHang – collection and validation of information stage, coordination stage, house to house visitation stage, processing and documentation stage, and monitoring and evaluation stage.

“The 4ID, Philippine Army shall maximize its efforts and extend full cooperation and support to the PNP in all phases of operations of the project to ensure that Caraga region will be able to sustain peace and order and soon become a drug-free region,” underlined MGen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., 4ID commander. (4CMO Battalion, PA/PIA-Caraga)


Marijuana, shabu confiscated in AgSur, Bukidnon

By Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) - Two sacks of marijuana and eight sachets of shabu were confiscated in two separate buy bust operations in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur on Nov. 20, 2016.

In Bukidnon, joint elements of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and 8th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army successfully confiscated the two sacks of marijuana weighing ten kilograms with an estimated value of P300,000 at Sitio Tagiptip, Brgy Silae, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

It was learned that the marijuana plants came from the hinterlands of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon and was about to be delivered to different areas in the province. The recovered items were immediately brought to the office of CIDG in Bukidnon.

Meanwhile in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, elements of Bunawan Municipal Police Station and 26th Infantry Battalion successfully arrested during a joint anti-illegal drugs operation a certain Rodel Garrame Fojas, 35 years old, married, and a resident of Brgy. Kapatungan, Trento, Agusan del Sur.

They recovered from his possession the following items: eight sachets of shabu with an estimated market value of P76,700.00, two pieces of aluminum foil, one piece lighter and P500.00 peso bill as marked money. The arrested person and recovered items were brought to Bunawan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

"I congratulate the government forces that are involved in the recent anti-illegal drug operations. With our strong teamwork, I strongly believe that we could easily eradicate the proliferation of the illegal drugs in the two regions," said Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of 4th Infantry Division. (4ID Phil. Army/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Tagalog News: Philippine Association of Water Districts hinikayat ang gobyerno na mag-subsidize ng pundo

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Nob. 23 (PIA) – Hinikayat ng Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWAD) na binubuo ng mga general managers sa ibat-ibang distrito sa bansa ang gobyerno na mag-subsidize o maglaan ng pondo para sa tuloy-tuloy at malinis na tubig para sa mga konsumante lalung-lalo na sa mga mahihirap.

Sa ginanap na Semi-annual Water District Managers’ conference dito sa lungsod kamakailan, ipinahayag ni PAWAD president at general manager ng Bayawan City Water District ng Negros Oriental na si Alma Abrasaldo, na layon ng nasabing pagtitipon ay ang pagtalakay sa ibat-ibang hamon na kinakaharap sa ngayon ng bawat distrito at makabuo ng mga konkretong plano upang matugunan ang mga ito.

Ayon kay Abrasaldo, layon din ng PAWAD na patuloy nilang maibigay sa publiko ang malinis at tuloy-tuloy na daloy ng tubig sa kanilang mga tahanan lalung-lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar. Dahil dito, hinihikayat ng PAWAD ang mga local government units maging ang ibang investors sa bansa na silay suportahan at maglaan ng pondo para sa ibat-ibang inisyatibo at proyekto na makakatulong sa pag-papabuti pa ng serbisyo ng water districts sa bansa.

Binigyang diin din ni Abrasaldo na may pagkakataong ang malinis na tubig ay paubos at ang mga kinakailangang equipment o facilities para sa maintenance nito ay may kamahalan kaya umano may pagkakataon ding naaapektuhan ang kanilang pang-araw araw na operasyon.

Sinigurado naman ng PAWAD na ginagawa nila ang kanilang makakaya upang mapanatiling malinis at ligtas ang tubig na kanilang ibinibigay sa mga konsumante. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)