(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 06 May 2025) Frontal System affecting Extreme Northern Luzon. Easterlies affecting the rest of the country. 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 Easterlies. 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 East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.8 meters).


Thursday, May 26, 2016



DENR Caraga to hold Youth Forum on Biodiversity & Protected Area Management

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 26 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga, in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and Regional Youth Advisory Council (RYAC) will be holding the one-day Youth Forum on Biodiversity and Protected Area Management on June 7, 2016 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

DENR Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo bared that several youth organizations in the region are invited for this event.

NYC Northeastern Mindanao cluster head Evanesa Pasamba also encourages the RYAC member agencies to attend and support the said forum and be able to cascade the significant information from the forum to their respective agencies.

“The activity will be a very good venue for the council to enhance further their consciousness towards the conservation of the environment and natural resources and be able to strengthen the significant role of the youth as stakeholders in the promotion of the Protected Area Management Biodiversity Conservation geared towards environmental sustainability,” says Pasamba.

The DENR has been an active partner and member of RYAC Caraga.

For more information on the said activity, the DENR Caraga can be reached at telephone number: (085) 342-7856. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DepEd Caraga chooses SurSur as launch pad for Brigada Eskwela 2016

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 26 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office in Caraga has chosen this province as its launch pad for the Brigada Eskwela 2016 on May 30.

Set to take place at St. Christine National High School in Lianga town with the kick off ceremony at 8:00 a.m., Alex Mistula, DepEd Division Office Brigada Eskwela Coordinator here, indicated that the said public school got what it takes to host such a regional event being one of the schools to implement senior high school.

“As per Memorandum DepEd Order No. 35 po, Brigada Eskwela 2016,  isa po sa mga requirements na pagdadaosan po ng kick off ceremony. . . is isang school implementing senior high school,” he explained in a mix of Filipino and English.

Earlier, Mistula assured in an exclusive interview that the DepEd Division Office in the province under Dr. Marilou Dedumo, schools division superintendent, together with the host school, would be all set for the big day.

“Kaya nga po pusposan na ang paghahanda ng host school, particularly po ‘yung school head natin, si Dominador Verano at saka ang Division Office,” he pointed out.

Also, Governor Johnny Pimentel included, all stakeholders were already notified and invited to take part as well during the ceremony to be spearheaded by no less than DepEd Caraga Regional Director Dr. May Eclar, it was learned.

Among the stakeholders that the Brigada Eskwela coordinator mentioned in particular were the army and police, saying however that their respective contingents had to come in “working clothes.”

Mindful that the upcoming week-long “May 30 to June 4, 2016” activity was getting closer, Mistula took the opportunity to call the attention of all concerned stakeholders and communities “to participate and contribute their time, effort and resources” in what was “also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week.”

With the theme “Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Seniour High School,” the event coordinator himself expressed hope that Brigada Eskwela 2016 would be a success. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


FMR benefits coco planters in AgNor town

BUTUAN CITY, May 26 (PIA) - A newly paved Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Brgy Poblacion, Carmen, Agusan del Norte constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office is now benefiting coconut planters; easing the transport of the crop and rendering additional income.

“Through the Kabayawa-Pintolocan FMR, coconut planters will be more encouraged to increase their production since they can already transport their products easily to any points of Agusan del Norte and even to other neighboring provinces,” said District Engineer Nicolas O. Alameda.

The improvements, consisting of road concreting with shoulders and line canal for the total length of 1.414 kilometers has an allocation of P15 million under the convergence with the Department of Agriculture 13.

It was completed on December 14, 2015, then recently, on May 5 this year it was turned-over to the local government of Carmen.

“The provision of FMR in this area is key to improve the economy of the province,” according to Municipal Mayor Ramon Calo, who expressed gratitude during the ceremonial turn-over of the newly-paved road.

“Although Carmen is the mango capital of Agusan del Norte, the municipality also contributes 6,936.77 metric ton to the 75,184.34 metric ton of coconut produced by the province,” he added.

Coconut is one of the major agricultural crops largely produced in the province, along with mango, rice, corn, banana and abaca. (DPWH/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, May 25, 2016



DTI Caraga facilitates 'Buy Caraga By Caraga' trade fair and exhibit

By Irene L. Macheca

BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Caraga once again facilitated the conduct of “Buy Caraga By Caraga” at Robinsons Place Butuan on May 11-13, 2016 to showcase the region’s best products.  “Caraga does it Best” is this year’s theme.  Truly, Caraga’s local products have gone a long way.

Sales performance for three days hit P3.2 Million, a significant increase over last year’s performance of P1.2 Million.  Most of the products that sells good were the processed food.  At least 20 producers from the different parts of the region participated.  “Balikbayans” on vacation were among the buyers.  Irenea R. Hitgano of Hillsview Food Products said that summer is indeed the best time for the Buy Caraga By Caraga Trade Fair and Exhibit.  She is happy with her sales and she can’t wait for the 2017 edition.

With this year’s good sales performance, DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo O. Pagaran vowed to double the Department’s efforts in product development. DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado also committed to give more support for the development of Caraga’s products.

In partnership with Gifts, Decors and Housewares (GDH) Entrepreneurs Inc., and CREATE Food Inc., this regional trade fair and exhibit exclusive for Caraga will continue as an annual event in the region.   (DTI-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


AFP, PNP gear up for “Brigada Eskwela” in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 25 (PIA) – Both army and police here have assured to be sending their respective contingents during the conduct of Brigada Eskwela to be spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd) on May 30 to June 4.

Capt. Regie Go, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) under Col. Isidro Purisima, said that an instruction in this regard had already been received from higher headquarters, adding that coordination with concerned officials of DepEd had likewise been made at their level.

The CMO officer pointed out that DepEd had likewise been requested to provide specifics in order for them to know how to go about their task, citing limited resources.

He particularly underscored the schedule of the kick-off ceremony apart from the “specific service” the army could render.

Capt. Go indicated that their partnership with DepEd in the annual conduct of Brigada Eskwela had started a long time, linking this to their Bayanihan Team Activity (BTA).

In a separate interview, P/Chief Insp. Noel Naranjo, Police Community Relations branch head at the Police Provincial Office (PPO) confirmed sending a message regarding “Operational Guidelines and Procedures” on “Ligtas Balik Eskwela” to all lower units.

He said that P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting, acting PNP provincial director, had taken the cue of his action from the earlier memorandum coming from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13.

Compliance included the submission of the respective implementation plans (IMPLANS), it was stressed. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


BFP steps up inspection of classrooms, boarding houses, dormitories for school opening in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 25 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), this city, headed by F/Insp. Kenneth Van De los Reyes, has intensified efforts to inspect school buildings, boarding houses as well as dormitories to make sure that all are fire safety compliant.

Set to accomplish the mission in June, the city fire chief said that such fire safety inspection being conducted had been underway since kicking off early this month.

A memorandum to this effect had been issued to be carried out nationwide, SFO2 Rogelio Secarro, BFP provincial operations chief, said in a separate interview.

To make sure about compliance, an “after activity report” would be required to be submitted to their office headed by F/Insp. Rowella Dinolan, provincial fire marshall, he confirmed.

Meanwhile, F/Insp. De los Reyes remarked that “So far, only minor violations of the Fire Code were noted,” citing about compliance to requirements of fire extinguishers, exits, automatic fire sprinkler system and building permits.

Besides, the city fire chief wanted to seek cooperation of the Department of Education (DepEd) in his area of responsibility (AOR) to observe quarterly fire drill on a regular basis according to the existing rules and regulations.

On related developments, De los Reyes admitted seeing lack of fire hydrants especially in the business district considering that Tandag City had been continuously booming, saying that it had to be part of the “social responsibility” of any water distribution utility, which in this case, under Tandag Water District (TWD).

The city fire chief however quickly added being unsure whether funding for the purchase and installation of such fire hydrants had to be shared between the concerned local government unit (LGU) or to be shouldered alone by the servicing water distribution utility existing in the area. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DPWH implements 3B road maintenance along Daang Maharlika

BUTUAN CITY, May 25 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is all laid out to exploit more than P3 billion for five years or 1,800 calendar days for asset preservation and maintenance of the Daang Maharlika which stretches from Lipata, Surigao City in Surigao del Norte to Boundary Agusan del Norte Section in Caraga Region.

This project is dubbed as “Hybrid Long Term Performance Based Maintenance Contract (LTPBM), PBM-4 Maharlika Highway Surigao (Lipata) – Boundary Agusan del Norte Section (K1113+500 – K1237+000) Asset Preservation Contract – Preventive Maintenance (APC-PM) Component, JICA L/A No. PH-P247” which contract cost is P3,321,551,974.95 to be exact.

It started in October last year and expected to expire on September 2020.

A total of 123.5 kilometers is covered in this contract implemented under performance-based maintenance (PBM), which is a new concept of road asset preservation designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of road maintenance operations that ensures all physical conditions of the road, is adequate for the need of road users over the entire period of the contract, and compliant to required service levels.

According to DPWH Assistant Secretary Dimas S. Soguilon, who recently visited the region on February 2, 2016 to conduct ocular inspection on operations for the said project, “this concept is a type of contract that significantly expands the role of the contractor, from simple execution of works to the management and preservation of road assets.”

The project is currently implemented by DPWH-Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), but periodically submits report to DPWH-Regional Office 13.  Also, a team is created by virtue of D.O. 76, series of 2016 to monitor and check compliance of the contractor to the levels of service under the maintenance portion of their contract which consists of Representatives from:  the Maintenance Section of the District concerned, Maintenance Division of the Regional Office concerned, Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) RUPP, Road Cluster I, JRUPP Consultants; and Bureau of Maintenance.

UPMO Project Engr. Emigio L. De Leon discussed in details the background of the Hybrid LTPBM Contract during the Regional Coordination Conference held at Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

“The major item for this project is asphalt overlay which is equivalent to more than 67% of the total contract cost,” he said.

Program of works for the project includes rehabilitation and minor improvement to maintainable standards of existing pavement, shoulder reformation, cross-fall reinstatement, road safety related improvement, cross drainage improvement work and bridge structure maintenance work.

Performance based works are also included such as maintenance of the carriageway by preventive maintenance work using asphalt concrete overlay with 50 mm – 75 mm thickness, as well as roadside maintenance including drainage and vegetation.

He also informed that twin bridge known as Paypay Bridge in Brgy. Poblacion of Santiago, Agusan del Norte will be reconstructed into four lanes as included in the contract during the initial 18 months of contract period; but the design for the bridge was currently on the process of finalization.

As of April 2015, 2016, the project’s actual rate of accomplishment is at 28.0% and currently expended P933,488,207.52 for 187 calendar days that have elapsed.

This project became feasible from JICA Loan Agreement No. PH-P247 as the fund source. (DPWH/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Labi ng namayapang Agusan del Sur peace negotiator Josefina Bajade, inilibing na

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Mayo 25 (PIA) - Inihatid na sa huling hantungan ang labi ng pinatay na peace negotiator sa Agusan del Sur at retired Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) na si Josefina Bajade noong myerkules sa San Lorenzo Ruiz Memorial Garden, San francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Maagang nagsidatingan sa Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish ang mga kaibigan, pamilya at supporters ni Josefina Bajade o nanay Nic-Nic kung tawagin ng mga nakakakilala sa kanya para sa kanyang necrology service. Nagbigay rin ng mga mensahe ang malalapit na kapamilya at kaibigan ni nanay Nic-Nic.

Ayon kay Ian Louie Bajade, anak ni Josefina Bajade, wala silang nakitang matinding dahilan o kasalanan ng kanilang ina laban sa New Peoples Army (NPA) kaya ito pinatay. “Wala kaming nakitang dahilan upang patayin nila (NPA) ang aming ina. Sa pagkakaalam namin, marami nang natulungan ang aming ina sa kanyang ilang taong paninilbihan sa gobyerno. Walang pinipiling tao ang aming ina, kung sino yung humihingi ng tulong niya, hindi siya nagdadalawang isip na tumulong,” sabi niya.    

Dagdag pa niya, karumal-dumal ang ginawang pagpatay ng mga kasapi ng NPA sa kanyang anim-naput apat na taong gulang na ina na may karamdaman.

Nananawagan din siya na tulongan ang kanyang pamilya na makamit ang hustisya para sa kanyang ina na naging aktibo noon sa kanyang pagiging peace negotiator sa probinsya.

Samantala, nagpahayag din ng kanilang sentimiyento at pagdadalamhati ang ilang mga leaders ng indigenous peoples sa pagkamatay ni Josefina Bajade. Hangad anya nila na mapanagot at makulong ang mga responsable sa pagpatay kay nanay Nic-Nic at pinaaalahanan ang publiko na lalong maging maingat sa kanilang komunidad at iwasang maimpluwensyahan ng mga karumal-dumal na gawain ng mga NPA. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)