(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.


Thursday, June 9, 2016



Naliyagan Festival to kick-off on Independence Day

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, June 9 (PIA) – In time with the Independence Day celebration on June 12, the provincial government here will also spearhead this year’s Naliyagan Festival grand opening.

The Naliyagan Festival is celebrated yearly as part of the 49th Founding Anniversary celebration of the province with the theme "Productivity and Unity in Diversity" from June 12-17, 2016.

The grand opening of the Naliyagan Festival and 118th Independence Day celebration on June 12 will start with a Thanksgiving Mass at Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish Church in Patin-ay, Prosperidad to be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Dr. Jose Rizal monument.

Opening program will then be held at Patin-ay Cultural Center Main Stage. Municipal mayors, national government heads and provincial government of Agusan del Sur department heads are expected to attend said celebration.

During the opening program, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza will deliver his message and will lead the releasing of balloons, freeing of doves and ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Vice-Gov. Santiago Cane Jr, First District Representative Maria Valentina Plaza, and Second District Representative Evelyn Mellana are also expected to deliver their inspirational messages.

Also, a Kalayaan Jobs Fair will be held at the Naliyagan Cultural Center Ground in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.

Meanwhile, among the activities that will be held in the evening include the following: Naliyagan Cultural Show; TM Republikaravan sa Naliyagan featuring Siakol and Daybreak Band; Naliyagan Acoustics, Naliyagan Fireworks Display and Naliyagan Rave and Foam Party. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


AgNor set to celebrate Sadow Festival, Independence Day on June 12

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, June 9 (PIA) – The province of Agusan del Norte will kick-off the Sadow Festival in time with the celebration of the 118th Independence Day this June 12. This year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration caries the theme “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan, Pagsulong.”

The activity will commence with the raising of the different municipal colors headed by provincial governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba at the provincial capitol covered court, this city.

Povincial tourism officer Edgar Palarca, Jr. said the Sadow Festival seeks to highlight the cultural tradition of the different indigenous tribes in the province to include the Manobo, Mamanwa and Higaonon. Tribal parade and tribal dance competition will be held on June 15, it was learned.

Other activities during the week-long celebration include: Quiz bowl covering the topics on the history of the province and tourism module to be participated by high school students; Medical Outreach program in Matabao, Buenavista; Celebration of the 46th Cabadbaran District Hospital Day; Agro Fair; and Agusan Masterchef featuring the local and ethnic delicacies of the province at the capitol covered court.

On June 16, employees will compete in "Laro ng Lahi" in the morning while Butuanons and Agusanons are invited to participate in the Battle of the Band competition in the evening at the provincial capitol covered court.

Meanwhile, governor Matba will also be will be reporting her 2015 administration’s accomplishments on her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on June 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the Big Daddy Convention Center, this city and an awarding ceremony in the evening at the provincial capitol covered court. All these activities form part of the province's 49th founding anniversary. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


DAR-Caraga set to open CARP trade fair

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, June 9 (PIA) – In celebration of the 28th year of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), the Department of Agrarian Reform Caraga (DAR-13) will stage the Ani at Biyaya ng CARP Knowledge and Trade Fair on June 14-18, 2016 at the Atrium of the Robinsons Place, this city.

According to DAR-13 regional director Julita Ragandang, the activity will feature a photo gallery, story festival and audio-video viewing with the objective of bringing the gains and successes of CARP closer  to the people in all walks of life.

The week-long presentation will start with a press conference during the opening day which will be held at the Function Hall, GoHotel-Butuan. It will also be followed by an opening program with distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) and other support services to farmers. (VLG, PIA-Caraga)


DENR calls to combat biodiversity loss, protect wildlife

By Johny S. Natad

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, June 9 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has renewed its call to all Filipino people to help fight against biodiversity damage and protect wildlife in the country as the agency commemorates Philippine Environment Month.

DENR Sec. Ramon J.P. Paje urged every Filipino to help save and protect the environment and natural resources which are the vital sources of food, livelihood and leisure. Specifically, he renewed his call to help in the fight to save and protect the majestic Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), as the nation celebrates the Philippine Eagle Week (PEW) from June 4-10 with the theme “Saving eagles, Protecting forests, Securing our future: Stop the Killings.”

“The Philippine Eagle is a unique heritage, found only in this part of the world that needs to be nurtured as it is the Filipino people’s gift to the global community,” Secretary Paje said. “There is a need to usher in a renewed commitment to protect the eagle and other wildlife from extinction and allow them to perpetuate for future generations,” he added.

In celebrating the whole month of June as Philippine Environment month, Secretary Paje encouraged everybody to reaffirm its commitment and action on the critical role to save and protect the environment.

“We celebrate Environment Month this year with the renewed and strengthened conviction to care for the land we live on, the air we breathe, and the water which gives us life. More than any time in this planet’s history, it is now that we must put our acts together to combat increasing threats to our ecosystems,” Secretary Paje pointed out.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur OIC PENR Officer Raul Rosales appealed all Surigaonons to revive their dedication and support in the environmental initiatives and advocacies.

With this year’s Environment Month theme, “Go Wild for Life, Combat Biodiversity Loss. Beat Climate Change,” PENRO Rosales said that the fight against environmental crimes is the key to prevent biodiversity loss and mitigate global climate change.

“The fight against wildlife trade, illegal logging, and other environmental offences must continue with the help of everyone,” PENRO Rosales said.

“The natural calamities brought by global climate change are the result of biodiversity loss and environmental crimes which have already affected our economy and livelihood particularly in agriculture and fishery sectors. By reviving our commitments to save and protect our environment, we can restore our biodiversity, preserve our wildlife, beat climate change, and sustain the lives of people enjoying the natural resources and clean and healthy environment,” PENRO Rosales emphasized. (PENRO-SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Mindanao’s RE push to boost PHL’s clean energy agenda

MANILA, June 9 (PIA) - A focused target to keep Mindanao’s energy mix diversified with premium on renewable energy (RE) sources augurs well for the country’s clean energy agenda, says an official from MalacaƱang’s economic think-tank in Mindanao.

Romeo M. Montenegro, director for Investment Promotion and Public Affairs of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said that accelerating RE projects points to a logical way forward of achieving an ideal energy mix.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2016 at the ADB Headquarters in Pasig City, Montenegro cited that Mindanao’s current energy mix of 60-40 in favor of RE will see significant reversal to 70-30 dominated by fossil in 2018.

Latest report from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicated a total of 1,800 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity in Mindanao from coal-fired power plants coming online by 2018, with the first 300MW from Aboitiz Therma South already delivering power to the grid since late last year.

In a bid to offset the rise of fossil and keep a balanced energy mix in Mindanao, MinDA, through its Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee has set-up a One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center to help accelerate deployment of RE projects in the island.

The monitoring system, developed with support from USAID’s Climate Change and Clean Energy (CEnergy) Project, currently tracks the progress of 284 RE projects in Mindanao, mostly in the pre-development stage and with a total potential generation capacity of 3,773 MW. DOE had since adopted the system to include RE projects in the Visayas and Luzon, through a mechanism called Energy Virtual One Shared System (EVOSS).

“We want to purposively address a ‘business as usual’ scenario where majority of Mindanao’s energy sources by 2030 will come from mostly fossil technology, and now is the time to trigger rapid RE deployment,” Montenegro stressed.

Considered as a trailblazing government facilitation project to promote clean energy sources, MinDA and DOE are set to showcase the program as a 'best practice' at the USAID-organized Asia Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) Forum later this month in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Mindanao, which is relatively well endowed with renewable energy sources mostly hydro, is aiming to achieve a regime of reliable, sustainable and reasonable power.

Last year, the Philippines submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations (UN), committing to cut by 70 percent its carbon emissions by 2030.

In keeping with the committed target, the government is looking at reviewing current energy policies with the end view of creating and enforcing a conducive policy framework to stimulate clean energy investments. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


PSA Caraga conducts training on RA 9255

By Miriam P. Mapatac

BUTUAN CITY, June 9 (PIA) – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga conducted a two-day training to all Local Civil Registrars of the cities and municipalities of the five provinces of Caraga concerning the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9255.

RA 9255 allows illegitimate children to use the surname of their father, amending for the purpose Article 176 of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the “Family code of the Philippines.”

Two batches were scheduled for the said training, it was learned.  For the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, the training was conducted last May 12 and 13 while for Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island and Surigao del Sur, it was held last May 24 and 26.

Both trainings were conducted at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

It can be recalled that the revised IRR governing the implementation of RA 9255 otherwise known as the Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2016 (AO I s. of 2016) issued by Civil Registrar General, Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales was already published on March 24, 2016.

The revised IRR took effect on April 7, 2016, fifteen days after its publication.  A Manual of Instructions (MOI) was already prepared by the Civil Registration Services for the effective implementation of AO I s. of 2016. (PSA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


ICT program rolls out in SurSur, trained 42 beneficiaries

SURIGAO DEL SUR, June 9 (PIA) – The Information and Communication Training (ICT) program spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) rolled out in two municipalities of this province recently.

The four-day back-to-back on-site training benefitted 42 participants - 23 from Cagwait town and 19 participants coming from San Agustin town.

The said activity aims to capacitate the OFWs and their families by giving them an access to technology that they can use as a communication tool and upgrade their IT (Information Technology) skills for potential employability.

Inclusion in the training modules are composed of the following topics: basic computer fundamentals 1& 2, internet Fundamentals, Word Processing, Spread Sheet, Power Point Presentation and Digital Media Fundamentals.

During the onset of the training, OWWA-Caraga regional director Samuel Madrid on his message emphasized that the advent of today’s technology should be practiced with prudence. He also conveyed that making this program more accessible to the clients is one way that the government will be felt by its constituents.

Meanwhile, OWWA will also provide training for walk-in clients like OFWs including their dependents at their regional office. Interested applicants may register at the regional office and are required to submit the accomplished form with 1x1 photo, Proof of OWWA Membership (official receipt, OWWA ID, O.E.C., Passport), and Proof of Relationship to the OFW. (NGBT/JPIM-OWWA 13/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Cebuano News: Mga gamit alang sa ‘Education Caravan’ nadawat sa probinsya

Ni Mary Jul Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Hunyo 9 (PIA) – Mga gamit alang sa pagpahigayon og Education Caravan nadawat sa probinsya atol sa turnover ceremony nga gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa Provincial Convention Center, ning syudad,

Ang maong mga kagamitan naglangkob sa 17,000 ka mga backpacks gikan sa TMC (Taganito Minincg Corporation) ug THPAL, 25,000 kabook nga sanitation kits gikan sa TMC, THPAL ug AMRI (Adnama Mining Resources Incorporated), ug large educational books gikan sa PGMC (Platinum Gold Metals Corporation).

Ang maong mga kagamitan gitunol ni Daisy Alvarez, ang representante sa TMC ngadto sa probinya pinaagi kang Gobernador Sol Matugas uban nila Bise Gobernador Arturo Carlos Egay, Board Member Victor Borja, Mar Longos, Leonila Gorgolon ug Mamerto Galanida.

Ang maong seremonya nagpakita lamang sa hugot nga pagsuporta sa mga kumpanya sa mina ngadto sa mga proyekto ug programa ni Gobernador Matugas hilabi na gyud ang sa natad sa edukasyon ug ang maong industriya magpadayon nga mahimong partner sa probinsya alang na sa pagpauswag sa mga komunidad sakop ning probinsya, ug isip kabahin sa ilang pagsulong sa responsableng pagmina.

Ang maong kalihukan gitambungan sa mga hepe ug representante sa nagkadaiyang ahensya sa probinsya diin ubay ubay ang mga nahisgutan nga plano ug programa ubos sa HEALS Plus agenda sa gobernador. (PGO-PIC)

Wednesday, June 8, 2016



PNP Caraga now accepts police applicants

By PO2 Anthony S. Echin

BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) - Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) now accepts qualified, competent and determined applicants for PO1. This year’s projected quota for PO1 in Caraga is 300 to beef up the region’s personnel strength.

PRO-13 is inviting every eligible applicant who is a graduate of any four year course to join the profession of public service.

The general qualification standards set forth by the PNP and National Police Commission (NAPLOCOM) are as follows:

1.         A citizen of the Philippines

2.         A person of good moral character

3.         Baccalaureate Degree holder from a recognized learning institution

4.         Must possess any of the following eligibility:

a) NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination;

b) R.A No. 6506 (License Criminologist);

c) R.A No. 1080 (Bar and Board Examinations of Baccalaureate Degree);

d) P.D No. 907 (granting Civil Service Eligibility to college honor graduates);

e) Civil Service Professional Examination

5.         Must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military employment or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government

6.         Must not have been convicted by final judgement of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude

7.         At least 1.62 meter in height for male and 1.57 meter for female

8.         Weight not more or less than five kilograms (5 kg) from the standard weight corresponding to his/her age, height and sex

9.         Must not less than 21 nor more than 30 years of age

All other photocopied documents must be authenticated by the issuing office. Initial requirements are the following:

1.         Duly accomplished  Personal Data Sheet (CSC Form 212)

2.         Birth certificate authenticated by NSO

3.         Report of rating of eligibility authenticated by issuing authority

4.         Transcript of Scholastic Records and Diploma duly authenticated by the School Registrar

5.         CAV from CHED

Be part of this noble profession. And together we will work hand in hand in making a peaceful and progressive Caraga Region. (PNP-BCPO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


MGB Caraga conducts 2016 social development program deliberations

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, June 8 (PIA) - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office XIII, together with national line agencies and non-government organizations as appropriate experts, conducted recently the 2016 Annual Social Development and Management Program (ASDMP) deliberations of Caraga mining companies held at the MGB Training Center, this city.

The deliberations of the ASDMP were done in cluster with the objective that there will be no duplication of projects/programs/activities (PPAs) and double charging of PPAs to the mining companies with common communities.

On the same note, the cluster deliberations aim to promote transparency and social responsibility and prior to the said deliberations, there had been four cluster deliberations conducted last March 8 to 11, 2016.

MGB Caraga regional director Engr. Alilo C. Ensomo, Jr. has laid emphasis on the SDMP as a sustainable development program intended for the general welfare of mining communities and thereby improves the quality of life of the marginalized and disadvantaged families in the host and neighboring communities.

The SDMP works towards the creation of responsible, self-reliant and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing and managing community development programs, projects, and activities in a manner consistent with the principle of people empowerment.

The activity has streamlined and enhanced the SDMP through community empowerment by equipping them with attitude, skills and knowledge (ASK) to achieve a virtuous cycle of economic independence.

Appropriate Experts from the national line agencies, academe, religious sector and non-government organizations took part in the comprehensive evaluation and discussion for the enhancement of the ASDMP of Caraga mining companies

After the cluster deliberations, the regional director Engr. Ensomo approved the ASDMP of the following mining companies as endorsed by the appropriate experts: Cagdianao Mining Corporation, Libjo Mining Corp./Westernshore Nickel Corp, Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp, Aam-Phil Natural Resources Exploration & Dev’t Corp, Wellex Mining Corp. Area 1 and Area 2, Century Peal Corp. Kasiguran and Rapid,  Krominco Inc, Oriental Synergy Mining Corp, Sinosteel Philippines HY Mining Corp, Philsaga Mining Corp, and Mindanao Mineral Processing & Refining Corporation. (MGB-XIII/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: 5th CRS month gisaulog nining bulan sa Hunyo

Ni JO2 Orlando V Montalban

BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo 8 (PIA) -  Gisaulog sa Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Caraga Region ang 5th Community Relations Service Month niining tibook bulan sa Hunyo 2016 uban sa tema: ‘Ugnayan at Kaisahan, Serbisyong BJMP na Maasahan.’

Ang maong kasaulogan nagtumong sa pagpalig-on sa relasyon sa komunidad og sa maong ahensiya uban sa tinguha nga mahimong kaabag ang publiko diha sa epektibo nga pagtuman sa mandato niini nga “Safekeeping and Development of inmates” kon “pagbantay og pag-ugmad sa mga priso” nga anaa nabilanggo sa mga district jail, city jail og municipal jail sa rehiyon sa Caraga.

Kabahin sa mga kalihukan sa kasaulogan naglangkob na sa Clean and Green Drive, Legal Consultations, Penology Profession Campaign, Read – A Book Activity, Therapeutic Community Modality Marathon, Tree Planting, Writing & Painting Competition, Forum on Effective Jail Management and Traditional and Social Media Campaigns. 

Gilauman ang pagtambayayong sa publiko sa epektibo nga jail management and penology labi na niadtong adunay mga hinigugma nga nabilanggo ubos sa poder sa BJMP Caraga.  (BJMP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)