Crime rate in Butuan decreases
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) – “The crime rate here
has a significant decrease due to the effective implementation of the ‘Oplan
Tokhang’ in the different barangays of the city.”
This was the statement of Police Superintendent
Lorenzo Trajano, deputy city director for administration of Butuan City Police
Office (BCPO), during his interview over 107.8 Power FM/ Advance Forward
Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network of the Philippine Information
Agency (PIA) Caraga.
Trajano disclosed that the successful conduct of
Oplan Tokhang has resulted to the decreasing rate of crimes in the city that is
mainly caused by the use of illegal drugs.
“There were 61 illegal drug users/pushers who
surrendered on Wednesday in the different police stations of the city. From the
start of our implementation of the Oplan Tokhang on July 1, we have already
recorded some 3,000 illegal drug users and 400 pushers surrenderees here in the
city,” he said.
Also, Police Superintendent Jun Lazaga, deputy city
director for operation added that the said campaign will continue in the coming
months until all the drug users/pushers will surrender to the local
authorities.
“We are very serious in fulfilling our mandate to
ensure the safety and welfare of the people and we will see to it that our
mission will be realized,” stressed Lazaga.
Lazaga further disclosed that the city police
office is intensifying its campaign against crimes. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
204 SurSur barangays cleared from rebel influence
By Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 22 (PIA) – A
total of 204 barangays of this province have been cleared of rebel influence by
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Colonel Isidro Purisima, commander of the 402nd
Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army bared that through the collaborative efforts
of the different stakeholders thru “Bayanihan” conducted to the different
communities and by bringing the government services closer to the
people,"we have awaken most of the masses to withdraw their support with
the New People’s Army (NPA)."
"Also, with the conduct of the series of Youth
Leadership Summit to the young adults. We have empowered them and created
awareness on their role in nation building," he added.
Col. Purisima also confirmed that the NPA has
failed to hold the 47th founding anniversary celebration of the Communist Party
of the Philippines (CPP) here.
It can be
recalled that Surigao del Sur was the favorite hub of the NPA in their
celebration for 15 consecutive years.
Further, Col. Purisima said that numerous NPA camps
were already seized by the troops under his area of responsibiltiy with 63
firearms gained and 115 CPP-NPA rebels neutralized or surrendered.
(NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
PNP Caraga announces 2nd cycle of PO1 recruitment
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) – The regional office of
the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga is in need of another 300
applicants for the public safety forces of the 2nd cycle of PO1 recruitment
program of the agency.
PNP Caraga regional director chief superintendent
Rolando Felix urges interested qualified individuals to submit their
requirements in folder at the Regional Personnel Human Resource Development
Division (RPHRDD) for assessment.
The initial requirements of PO1 include being a
Filipino citizens with good moral character; 21 years old and above but not
over 30; at least one meter and 62 centimeters (cm) tall for males and one
meter and 57 cm for females; holder of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized
learning institution; must have eligibility, and have no pending case, CSupt
Felix said.
On July 16, 2016, a total of 640 new cops under the
1st cycle PO1 recruitment program took their oath at the headquarters of the
Police Regional Office.
For more information, please contact the Regional
Public Information Office through hotline number at 09399354084 or the office
of RPHRDD through landline at 815-1668. (PNP/NCLM, PIA-Caraga)
DTI destroys confiscated uncertified products
By Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) – The Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte destroyed seized non-conforming products
worth about P481,483 to raise consumers' awareness on safe and quality products
on Wednesday at barangay Doongan covered court here.
Said activity was witnessed by Barangay Doongan
Barangay Captain Gilberto Enriquez, resident auditors, Konsumador Hong Butuan
officers and members, media practitioners, and store owners/representatives of
the confiscated products.
The seized products destroyed include 434 pieces
(pcs.) plywoods; 1,048 pcs. assorted Christmas lights; 63 pcs. assorted
monobloc chairs; 74 pcs. assorted extension wires; 8 pcs. DVD players; 2 pcs.
steam iron; 116 pcs. starters; 79 pcs. lamp holder; 73 pcs. lighters; 10 pcs.
electric fans; 168 pcs. assorted CFL; 1 pc. helmet; 426 pcs. assorted
plugs/outlets; 22 pcs. receptacle; 5 pcs. switch and 38 pcs. assorted rice
cookers.
The products were confiscated in year 2015 and
early part of 2016 from seven establishments in the city and Agusan del Norte,
said DTI Agusan del Norte Consumer Welfare Division chief Wyn Palma. The
establishments were handed administrative fines amounting to P236,280, Palma
added.
“For our safety, we must use products that passed
the requirements of the Philippine National Standards (PNS)," Plama added.
Safety of the consumers is the primary concern of
DTI, mandatory products must pass the requirements of the PNS. Such as the
required markings and labels on the product or product package to assure
consumers that these products meet standards and are safe to use.
“The DTI urged the consumers to check on the
Product Standards (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks prior to
purchase of these products because a well-informed and vigilant consumer is the
best protected consumer,” said Gay A. Tidalgo, provincial director of DTI
Agusan del Norte. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
RDC-Caraga urges stakeholders to support CARAT Expo
2016
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) – The Caraga Regional
Development Council (RDC) is enjoining the regional line agencies and local
government units to give full support to the Caraga Agri-Trade and Marketing
Expo 2016 (CARAT Expo 2016) in view of the resolution passed by the Economic
Development Committee and approved by the council through RDC chairperson and
Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas.
The CARAT Expo 2016, which is scheduled on November
7-13, 2016, is envisioned to be an annual gathering of producers, suppliers,
marketers, investors and buyers and is a step towards advancing the agriculture
sector of the region.
“The Caraga Region’s steady growth in terms of
productivity and number of households engaged in agriculture in 2014 is
attributed to increased investments in agriculture and implementation of
innovative strategies. Thus, the Carat Expo 2016, as a strategic venue for
marketing-matching and agri-investment linkages, will showcase the best
products of the region with the aim of creating interest among marketers and
investors in the agriculture sector, and opening new opportunities from
production to marketing domains,” remarked Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, RDC
vice-chairperson.
Meanwhile, Matugas also said that CARAT Expo 2016
was conceptualized to supplement the Philippine Cold Chain Project’s (PCCP)
thrust of providing more focused marketing and trading initiatives to help
increase productivity and create trade opportunities for small producers in
Caraga.
With the Caraga agri, trade and marketing underway,
it is poised to be the advantageous gateway for economic growth. This year, it
will provide a great opportunity for small producers in Caraga to showcase
their products, spur brilliant trading initiatives to help increase
productivity, and gain other business instruments for enhanced marketing
strategies. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
CSC promotes state workers’ participation to 116th
PHL Civil Service anniversary
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) – As the lead organizer
of this year’s 116th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), the Civil
Service Commission (CSC) Caraga enjoined all civil servants from government
agencies, bureaus, local government units (LGUs), government owned and/or
controlled corporations and state universities and colleges to actively
participate in the month-long activities come September 2016.
The celebration is anchored on the theme, “Sigaw ng
Lingkod Bayani:
Malasakit Para Sa Taumbayan, Kapwa Kawani, at
Kalikasan." The activities are meant to instill “malasakit” or compassion
with action for our health, the environment, deserving public servants, and the
Filipino public who are the clients of government service offices.
“We encourage all government institutions to
support the lined-up activities. You may post the official anniversary
tarpaulin on conspicuous areas at your respective offices. The design template
and specifications is uploaded in the CSC website, www.csc.gov.ph,” said CSC
Caraga regional director Resureccion Pueyo.
To officially jumpstart the observance of PCSA on
the 3rd of September, a R.A.C.E. to Serve Fun Run will be conducted and is open
to all government employees, family members and other interested individuals.
The objectives of the activity are promotion of good governance, healthy
lifestyle, social consciousness as well as to provide financial assistance to
the families of civil servants who died in line of duty, reiterated Pueyo.
Participating employees can avail of the half-day
compensatory time-off who will be joining in the fun run.
As announced also, the grand finals of the
Government Choral Competition will be held at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines, Pasay City, on September 13, 2016. The grand prize winner will
receive a plaque and P200,000 cash award while the first, second, and third
runners up will receive a plaque and P150,000, P100,000, and P75,000 cash,
respectively. Special awards for Best Conductor and Best Arrangement of the Competition
Song are also at stake.
The competition aims to showcase musical creativity
of government employees from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; promote Filipino
culture and arts through choral singing; and inculcate a culture of excellence
in public service.
Other lined-up activities include coastal clean-up
and mangrove planting to show care for the environment.
“We encourage the use of hashtag (#malasakitism) in
all PCSA-related posts on social media to hype the cause to spread malasakit or
compassion as one of the keys in achieving excellent service, benefitting the
civil servants and the internal and external clients,” emphasized Pueyo.
(VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Basilisa police station holds earthquake drill
By Susil D. Ragas
BASILISA, Dinagat Islands, July 22 (PIA) – In line
with the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM), the
whole month of July, the municipal police station (MPS) of Basilisa in Dinagat
Islands recently spearheaded an earthquake drill at the municipal hall of
Basilisa and Tag-abaca National High School.
Inspector Roberto Angob, officer-in-charge of
Basilisa MPS, said that the primary goal of the activity is to increase
awareness of every Dinagatnon.
“This will help them prepare for natural disasters
and calamities such as earthquakes, typhoons and landslides,” Angob said.
This year’s NDCM celebration is anchored on the
theme "Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa."
(SDR/Basilisa MPS/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Surigao Norte town strengthens support to Army’s
peace, development outreach program
By 1Lt. Ryan D. Layug
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) – The municipality of
Malimono in Surigao del Norte through its Municipal Peace and Order Council
(MPOC) has intensified the implementation of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP’s) Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) to end
conflicts and pursue peace, order and security in its locality.
It can be recalled that residents from Brgy. Tinago
had evacuated to Malimono Municipal Gymnasium upon order by the NPA commander
who also threatened them to suffer from the planned attack if they will refuse.
However, the circulated reports deceptively appeared to be that residents were
afraid of soldiers and that they wanted the military men to withdraw their
presence in the barangay.
To verify the veracity of the situation, 1Lt Ryan
Layug, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of 30IB led a Quick Reaction
Team to engage the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on July 12-13, 2016.
"When I asked Tinago residents if it is true that they wanted the soldiers
out of their barangay, majority vehemently denied the allegations," Layug
said.
Meanwhile, reports were tipped to the soldiers,
policemen and local government unit (LGU) that a rally was being organized
secretly on July 13 to support the demanded pull-out of soldiers in Malimono by
the IDPs. Media outlets were invited by Naghiusang Mag-uuma sa Surigao del
Norte (NAMASUN) to cover the rally that was simultaneously conducted with the
scheduled MPOC meeting.
"Some barangay chairpersons are now being
manipulated by the NPAs. I will commit one company of soldiers here in Malimono
to remove your fear and maintain security,” addressed Lt Col Rico Amaro, 30IB
commander before the members of the MPOC.
"It's time to put an end to the presence of
NPAs in Malimono. This is a 5th class municipality, we will not move forward
with their presence because we don't want to be referred as red flagged
municipality. Investors already denied us and we must not allow for the next
generations of our kin to face difficulty in finding a job just because they
came from an NPA-influenced town. We will implement and support PDOP," Mayor
Wallace Sinaca said after soliciting the views of barangay chairpersons and the
MPOC.
According to reports from concerned residents, the
NPA is desperate to maintain its hold in Malimono because of the small-scale
illegal mining where they usually got a share. Also, the farmers, fisherfolks,
store owners, jeepney operators, government employees and other businesses in
Malimono are being collected with
revolutionary tax. (VLG/30IB Philippine Army/PIA-Caraga)
DAR Agusan del Norte holds seminar on microfinance
program
By Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) - The Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte carried out a series of Mentoring and
Technical Guidance on Microfinance Technology to five Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from the different municipalities in the
province in a period of one month, June 2016.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO)
Virginia Batosalem, one of the facilitators, said the seminars aimed to
strengthen the ARB organizations to become effective and efficient microfinance
provider to its members.
“The ARBOs are equipped with the basic information
on microfinance mentoring to improve its services to the Agrarian Reform
Beneficiary members as they are the
frontline partners of the Department in the delivery of support services,”
MARPO Batosalem added.
Discussed during the seminar were the necessary steps
toward microfinance best practices, evaluation of the systems adopted, and
identify the ARBOs common needs and weaknesses in ARB-members financing.
The selected ARBOs are guided properly in handling
micro-credit services with the use of the system that could bring financial
intelligence to its members.
The selected five ARBOs comprised Duque ARB
Cooperative (DAREBCO); Avanceña
Beneficiaries and Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (ABFMPC); San Antonio
Integrated Farmers MPC (SAIFMULCO); Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer
Beneficiaries Cooperative (PASCOFBEC), and Malicato ARB MPC (MARBMPC). (DAR-Agusan
del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
International forum features Mindanao envi payback
scheme
DAVAO CITY, July 22 (PIA) - An incentive-based
environmental program in Mindanao was featured as having one of the best
practices for reducing emissions at a recently concluded international forum in
Hanoi, Vietnam.
At the ASIA LEDS Forum 2016, a premier gathering of
policymakers, donors, practitioners, and other experts involved in promoting
Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) and climate-resilient development in
Asia, the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Mindanao was featured as a
mechanism designed to maintain environmental integrity in the island-region.
Speaking at the international forum, Secretary
Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)
introduced PES as one of the government initiatives being implemented to allow
Mindanao’s environment keep up with the region’s rapidly growing economy.
“As the island-region pursues inclusive socioeconomic
growth and development, we believe that it must also sensibly manage its
environment and natural resources to sustain them into the future,” said
Antonino while adding “we are currently working on the adoption of the PES
among our local government units.”
In the implementation of PES, farmers or landowners
who have agreed to manage natural resources such as forests, watersheds,
rivers, and streams are given incentive payments for rendering ecological
services such as replanting of trees and ensuring the survival of the trees
planted.
The Mindanao PES initiative will form part of the
activities under the LEDS Mindanao program, which MinDA will undertake in
partnership with the Building Low Emission Alternatives to Develop Economic
Resilience and Sustainability Project of the US Agency for International
Development (USAID) – Philippines.
In one of the forum’s deep-dive sessions, MinDA’s
executive director, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz highlighted the gains of the PES
program, particularly in the municipality of Naawan in the province of Misamis
Oriental.
“Through an ordinance issued by the local
government of Naawan to adopt PES, households were required to pay certain fees
for every cubic meter of water that they consume. As a result, the local
government was able to raise a sizeable fund that was utilized for the
municipality’s reforestation program,” Lopoz explained.
The PES mechanism is also seen to enhance the
protection of ecosystems that provide environmental goods such as food,
freshwater, fuel, and other natural resources that are used as inputs to the
production process that help move the economy.
In addition to the PES initiative, the delegation
from Mindanao also presented the One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center
(OSFMC), a project designed to encourage the development of renewable energy
(RE) sources in the region. The center aims to accelerate the application
process of permits needed for the establishment of RE projects in the region.
Antonino underscored the role of the OSFMC in
revitalizing socioeconomic growth in Mindanao as well as in fulfilling the
long-term vision of a diversified energy mix for the region, which were
hampered back then when power deficiency issues hit the region a year years
back.
“While Mindanao’s economic performance steadily
increased, its power generation industry was not moving at a parallel pace.
Intermittent supply of energy led to losses in income and brought a lukewarm
reception for other investments,” she said.
In achieving the OSFMC target, Antonino added that
MinDA is proactively working with partners to ensure that Mindanao meets its
energy needs with the end-view of securing ecological balance. MinDA created
the center in partnership with the Department of Energy and USAID through the
Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee.
The PES and OSFMC are among the mechanisms
implemented through MinDA’s flagship programs to fulfill its mandate to
promote, coordinate and facilitate the active and extensive participation of
all sectors to effect socioeconomic development of Mindanao.
Asia LEDS Forum 2016 is supported by USAID, United
Nations Development Programme, Climate and Development Knowledge Network, LEDS
Global Partnership and its Working Groups, German Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development and the German Society for International
Cooperation. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Norte guv bares policy direction
By John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 22 (PIA) -
Governor Sol Matugas elaborated the policy direction of her administration
before the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and provincial
employees at the SP Conference Room here on July 18, this year.
Gov. Matugas revealed that she will expand and
amplify the programs and activities under her HEALS Agenda for the calendar
year 2016-2019.
She said that on health, she wants the
establishment of child friendly centers in all barangays; increase Senior
Citizens’ medical allowance; institutionalization of the ‘Panambay sa Barangay’
program; and the creation of a Mobile Health Team complete with dental, eye
care services, vans, and other mobile health services.
In education, she will strengthen programs in:
Indigenous Peoples' (IPs) Education System; Badjaos/PWDs education; continue
the campaign towards zero drop-out; sustain capacity development and support to
the welfare of the teachers; promote special sports competitions and scouting
for all; and intensify efforts to
preserve local history, culture and arts.
To safeguard the environment, she will implement
the following: establishment of marine sanctuaries in all municipalities;
convergence of agencies in the campaign against illegal fishing; establishment
of tree parks in all barangays and municipalities; and strict monitoring of
large-scale mining companies’ operations and lobby for the non-issuance of new
exploration permits.
For the agriculture and aquaculture development,
she will enforce the promotion of organic farms; operationalize the Agri-Pinoy
Trading Center; provide irrigation facilities; promote farm tourism; adopt
cluster farming; engage women and youth in farm schools; expand the ‘Baroto sa
Kalambuan’ program; intensify the production of high value marine products; and
intensify the livestock program thru the expansion of forage and pasture as
well as expansion of veterinary services.
She will also enhance livelihood opportunities
through: TESDA skills training in the Provincial Manpower and Training Center
with employment program in partnership with the mining industry; promote
household business thru the Go Negosyo and ‘Puhunan sa Barangay’ Program; and
promote micro enterprise.
Further, she will advance the tourism sector with
the expansion of homestay program; opening of more roads leading to tourism
destinations; revival of Surigaonon rich culture and heritage thru songs,
dances, festival and cultural celebration; and the conduct of Sports and
Cultural events.
On social services, she will allocate resources for
special groups (Muslims, IPs, and Badjaos); intensify campaign against illegal
drugs/ criminality (illegal gambling, illegal fishing, etc.) through the
integrated approach involving family, church, and national line agencies; focus
on children/youth needs and interests thru sports, culture, and the arts;
empower more communities to become more resilient and protected from risks
arising from natural hazards and climate change; and strengthen spirituality
thru the conduct of Values Education Program in public offices; and the
preservation of Surigaonons’ spiritual best practices/traditions. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
AgNor to increase financial help to family of
deceased SC
By Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY, July 22 (PIA) - The provincial
government of Agusan del Norte has increased the burial assistance to the
families of the deceased senior citizens in the province of Agusan del Norte.
The said assistance to the family was increased
from P1,800 to P2,500.
It can be recalled that the said burial assistance
started in the year 2001 through Provincial Ordinance No. 107-2001, which
amounted to P1,500.
Considering the current cost of decent burial, the
Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP)
Agusan del Norte Chapter requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del
Norte to increase the said assistance to P2,500.
The provincial government addressed the said
request positively recognizing the vital role of senior citizens who are the
pillars in the development of the society, as well as promoting the welfare of
the senior citizens and continuously adopt measures to provide benefits or
assistance to families of deceased senior citizens in the province.
To avail of the said assistance, the family shall
comply and meet the requirements and submit to the Provincial Social Welfare,
Population and Nutrition Services Office (PSWPNSO).
Funds for the said purpose under the General Fund
shall be appropriated in the year 2017 in the amount of P2,000,000 and every
year thereafter. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
