(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 09 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, 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 West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Friday, December 9, 2016

Media, CSOs to convene with DTI Caraga officials

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga officials led by regional director Brielgo Pagaran will be convening partners from the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) for a briefing on December 15, 2016 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

Dir. Pagaran bared that they will be presenting their department’s accomplishments for 2016 and some recent updates on the key programs and services. “An open forum will follow right after the presentation of reports,” he said.

Pagaran added that the briefing will serve as a venue to inform the media group, the schools and the CSOs about their agency’s activities and initiatives for the year. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


BSP-Agusan council readies for ‘2016 Scouts Jamboree’

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) – In celebration of this year’s 80th Charter Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), the Agusan Council gears up for the hosting of the 2016 Scouts Jamboree to be held at the BSP Jamboree Site, Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on December 14-19, 2016.

According to council scout executive Reynaldo Cocon, Jr., the grand opening ceremonies will commence through a splendid parade of the delegates, accompanied by the Buenavista drum and bugle corps. “The recognition of contingents and delegation officials and a simultaneous raising of the contingent flags by the BSP district commissioners and institutional heads will then take place also,” said Cocon.

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada is expected to give his message as the keynote speaker and being an Eagle Scout recipient.

The organizer gets their ducks in a row wherein several activities are already lined up to make the event more meaningful and memorable. Among of these are ‘Kagitingan’ fun run, trail biking, Agusan river journey, sumba/taeboo, youth forum, aquatic/coastal clean-up, scouts build (Rovers immersion), adventure trail, scout mountaineering, backpacking, emergency preparedness, campfires, ‘daygon’ contest, scout pasiklaban, showcasing of talents, fancy drill showdown, palarong pinoy, jambo fiesta, skill o-rama, cultural street dancing, peace rally/candle lighting, and a holy mass.

The 80th milestone which is anchored on the theme, “Celebrating 80 Years of Growth and Stability”, seeks to equip young people and volunteer leaders with the skills, knowledge, motivation, and opportunities to face global challenges as they endeavor for sustainable development.

Around 1,500 campers will be joining the council-wide Scouts Jamboree, added Cocon. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Young Surigaonons make waves in the Youth Development Convergence in Caraga

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 9 (PIA) - The first ever Youth Development Convergence event in Caraga region dubbed “Para sa karadjawan: Jari na kami! (For development: We are here!) kicked-off on December 3, 2016 held at the Provincial Sports Complex, this city.

The successful whole day event which aimed to signify the willingness of the youth to be part of the development of Surigao was spearheaded by the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (PEEDMO) headed by Graciela Mante, a Spring 2016 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) professional fellow whose placement was in Cook County Bureau of Economic Development in Chicago, Illinois and a mentor for Economic Development for the YSEALI  Alumni Mentoring Program through Leadership and Influence to the Filipino Youth (AMPLIFY).

Mante said the event aspired to empower the youth in the pillars of education, environment, economic empowerment, civic governance, sports, wellness, tourism, arts, history and culture. She added that the youth-led event featured 18 different activities consisting of lectures and workshops, jobs fair, fire drill, live band concert, variety show, business mentoring, bloodletting, free massage and haircut services and sports and wellness clinics on yoga, frisbee, crossfit, zumba and weightlifting.

She said there were also missions and volunteer recruitment booths, food and merchandise booths and information booths from the academic community. Lectures consist of talks on basic photography, Surigaonon language, business experiences from young entrepreneurs, financial literacy and international scholarship opportunities. As a culmination of the event, live bands concert and variety show were done featuring local youth talents. It was participated by eight bands and 15 performing groups comprising of students and out-of-school youth.

“The Jari na Kami event also celebrated the 3rd anniversary of YSEALI YOUnified and joined the ASEAN community in simultaneous conduct of youth events all over the region. Launched in 2013 by President Barrack Obama, YSEALI nurtures youth development in Southeast Asia through various leadership programs, grants and exchanges.  The YSEALI YOUnified Surigao activity is considered as one of the grandest celebrations which gathered around 1,500 participants, 100 youth volunteers, 150 performers and 40 agencies,” Mante underlined.

Mante explained that Jari na Kami aspired to revitalize youth volunteerism and ignite the zeal of the youth in carrying out their mission in the development of their communities and is made possible thru the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, in partnership with the YSEALI Program of the US Embassy and Events Factory, and in convergence with the academe, national line agencies, civic society organizations, the business sector and other private companies and individuals.

“This event was organized by the youth leaders and youth volunteers of Surigao and is the first of the series of youth development initiatives which will be implemented in the following months,“ remarked Mante. (SDN-PEEDMO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


POPCOM Caraga launches 'KATROPA on Hardcourt'

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) – Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya or KATROPA on Hardcourt was launched recently by the Commission on Population-Caraga in six different venues in Agusan del Norte and this city.

KATROPA on Hardcourt is an advocacy for men in another platform through an open commercial basketball tournament for known players and commercial teams in the region. It is also a contribution to emerging initiatives to mobilize men as partners in women empowerment and gender equality.

Director Alexander A. Makinano underlined the significance of this new advocacy for it increased male involvement advocating and championing maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition and responsible parenting. The official added that before the tournament started, KATROPA sessions on the involvement of men on responsible parenting and family planning were conducted.

POPCOM hopes that this new advocacy will be replicated throughout Caraga to intensify the campaign of male involvement in responsible parenthood and family planning. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


DAR AgNor, stakeholders empower abaca producers

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte conducted a Provincial Multi-Stakeholder Consultation and Complementation Workshop in pursuing the implementation of Project Converge on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) held on December 6-7, 2016 in this city.

Participants were from government partner agencies, who relayed their expert views of their programs and services. 

Farmer groups from TUJAKITSAN (Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago) cluster shared their experiences and practical solutions to extend several approaches to make their proposed project be viable.

The Provincial Project Management Office Team headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Andre B. Atega  facilitated in capturing factual information from the farmer groups whose proposed project, the Abaca Value Chain, is still in project validation stage.

The project covers TUJAKITSAN cluster comprising 23 groups of farmers. Beyond TUJAKITSAN cluster, but part of the abaca network, are the municipalities of RTR and Cabadbaran whose farmer groups also participated in the Abaca Value Chain Project.

Planning Officer Annelyn Chan said that the Provincial Management Implementing Team is set to begin the implementation of the program aiming to uplift the lives of the farmers of TUJAKITSAN cluster.

“Project ConVERGE offers change and hope to farmer-beneficiaries who are involved in abaca production in the province. It is a hope for higher income and change in mindset and attitude from production to value addition. The project is focused on poverty alleviation,” Chan said.

“The Project ConVERGE is a multi-million project funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the support services component of the Department of Agrarian Reform. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Local leaders vow to support RPRH law

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) – Series of orientation-briefing of the Population Agenda of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was conducted by the Commission on Population among the barangay captains, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Health/Social Services from the Provinces of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur District 2, Surigao del Norte mainland and the City of Surigao, respectively, to fully implement the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH).

This initiated advocacy and communication strategy of POPCOM aimed at building awareness among these local leaders and program partners on population concerns and reproductive health and to draw full support from them in the full implementation of the said law at their level.

Director Alexander A. Makinano of POPCOM Caraga reiterated that the Republic Act 10354 or the RPRH Law was enacted for all Filipinos to exercise their rights, including the right to decide freely and responsibly on their desired number and spacing of children, within the context of responsible parenthood, informed choice and voluntarism, and to access needed for reproductive health care information and services.

POPCOM founded its advocacy to local officials on the DILG Memorandum Circular 2015-145 reiterating the roles and responsibilities of the local government units on the localization of the RPRH Law.

The Duterte Administration’s 10-point socio-economic agenda includes, among others, the strengthening of RPRH implementation to enable poor couples to make informed choices on family planning. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


More than 2,000 Caraga OFWs, families join the 2016 OFW Family Day

By Sheamin Lae C. Dogmoc

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 9 - The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Family Day annual celebration with the theme, “Pamilyang OFW: Matatag na Pamilya sa Panahon ng Pagbabago”, was embraced with excitement and vibe spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administartion (OWWA) Caraga held at the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium, Bayugan City.

Notwithstanding the unfriendly weather, the presence of 2,656 participants, around 1,156 attendees more than the targeted 1,500, set a very festive atmosphere to the celebration. To shoot up to the cheerful vibe all the more, each municipality and OFW Family Circle was called out to cheer their hearts out for their organization.

OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, in his written message delivered by Director Samuel Madrid, emphasized how the event served as a manifestation of the government’s highest gratitude to the OFWs and their families. “Isa lamang itong pagpapatunay na oo, ang gobyernong ito ay may “pakialam” sa damdamin ng bawat pamilyang OFW at sa araw na ito isang malaking kasiyahan na makasama kayong lahat,” read Director Madrid.

One of the highlights of the gathering was the OFW Dance Competition, where a total of six contestants coming from different OFW Family Circle competed for the title. The contest brought excitement and entertainment to the audience as they displayed their talents in their creative costumes and unique choreography. In the end, the ADKIN OFW and Dependents Association of Tago, Surigao del Sur brought home the prize and the title, with the United OFW and Dependents of Bislig City landing in second place and the United OFW and Dependents Association in Carmen bagging third.

A number of raffle draw prizes including cash prize of P5,000, three microwave ovens and three bicycles were also given away to the lucky winners. Electronic Items, sacks of rice and grocery items were also given away, along with the goodies brought by corporate partners. Adding more fun to the event especially the little children, parlor games were also initiated by LBC, one of the corporate partners and PhilHealth Caraga that gave away fun and prizes to the participants especially the youngsters. While many activities were being done, a simultaneous free pampering booth which included body massage, facial massage, and haircut were also provided to the participants who want to relax.

Government partners, Pag-IBIG and Philhealth were provided with booths where they introduced and offered their services to the OFWs. Corporate partners, Camella Homes Butuan, Ford Butuan, Hyundai-Butuan, Motortrade Bayugan, Tanduay Distillers, Inc., Filinvest, Insular Life Philippines, Sunlife Insurance, B-Meg and Caraga Association of Recruitment Agencies (CARA) also entertained clients in the area.

During his talk, OWWA Regional Director Samuel S. Madrid stressed out the importance of linkage and partnership with local government units in an even more efficient delivery of service to the clientele. He also extended his gratitude to all the PESO managers and municipal mayors and the OFWs themselves who responded to his invitation in this year’s OFW Family Day. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Cebuano News: P7.3 M road project sa Cabadbaran aprobado na

Ni Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Dis. 9 (PIA) – Giapbrobahan bag-ohay pa lamang ni Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosdell M. Amante-Matba ang implementasyon sa proyektong imprastraktura nga Rehab Plus/Improvement of Comagascas-del Pilar-Pirada Provincial Road sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, ning probinsya nga adunay kinatibuk-ang kantidad nga P7,337,470.27 nga gipundohan ubos sa Motor Vehicles Users Charge (MVUC).

Gihatagan og prayoridad ni Gov. Angel ang maong proyekto aron mahatag ang basic facility ngadto sa barangay pinaagi sa hapsay ug kombinyente nga dalan paingon sa sentro sa syudad ug mga sikbit nga silingan nga mga sityo sa barangay. Kini subay sa tumong ug mandato sa local nga panggahanan ng makahatag og nag-unang mga serbisyo ug infrastructure development program sa probinsya.

Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution N0. 028-2016, nga gipangahamanan ni Vice  Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, gihatagan og otoridad sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte si Gob. Angel aron mopirma sa Contract Agreement tali Reyrose Construction and Supply alang sa daling implementasyon sa maong proyekto sa dalan. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Cebuano News: Programang Agrikultura gipalapdan sa probinsya

Ni Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 9 (PIA) - Sa tumong nga mapalambo pa og mapalapdan ang programang pang-agrikultura, padayon ang local nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte sa maayo nga koneksyon sa Deparment of Agriculture (DA) aron mo-usbaw pa ang animal production ug agriculture production og makadawat kini og mga donasyon gikan sa DA.
  
Gihatagan og otoridad sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte bag-ohay pa lamang si Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 053-2016, aron sa pagpirma sa Deed of Donation tali Department of Agriculture aron maka-avail sa duha ka unit nga seminar-air tight canvass-lined seed storage (SACLOB) nga adunay kapasidad nga 1 metric (50 bags at 20 kgs/bag).

Sa laing bahin, lain pa usab nga Sangguinian Resolution No. 054-2016, nga gipangamahan ni provincial board member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr., ang naghatag otoridad kang Gov. Amante-Matba aron pagpirma sa Deed of Donation tali sa DA kabahinan sa paghatag og six head swine, five heads gilt ug one head boar isip breeders stocks sa probinsya.
  
Sa deliberasyon atol sa committee meeting sa Committee on Cooperative, Community Organization, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Indigenous People’s concern, diin tsirman si PBM Ecsasinas, Jr. nasayran nga ang terms and conditions sa donasyon pareho nga nauyonan sa  mga partido ug ang probinsya adunay katungod ug interest sa pagpanag-iya sa mga donasyon ug libre kini sa tanan liens ug encumbrances, mao nga mirekomenda kini nga i-authorize ang provincial governor aron sa pagpirma sa deeds of donation kay subay man kini sa development agenda sa probinsya partikular na sa probinsya.

Sa deliberasyon atol sa committee metting sa Committee on Cooperative, Community Organizations, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Indigenous People’s Concern, diin tsirman si PBM Escasinas, Jr., nasayran nga ang terms and conditions sa donasyon pareho ng nauyonan sa mga partido ug ang probinsya adunay katungod ug interest sa pagpanag-iya sa ,ga donasyon ug libre kini sa tanan liens ug encumbrances, mao nga mirekomenda kini nga i-authorize ang provincial governor aron sa pagpirma sa deeds of donation kay subay man kini sa development agenda sa probinsya partikular na sa agrikultura. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)