Thursday, December 8, 2016

DOST, Winrock hold TOT on food safety awareness

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, together with the Winrock International - Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) conducted on Thursday the Food Safety Awareness Training of Trainers held at Almont Hotel's Inland Resort, this city.

In her message, DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga emphasized that food safety is not only the responsibility of one agency, but a shared responsibility of all sectors. She added that through this training, participants are equipped with right knowledge on food safety and will be able to train others in their respective community.

Mallonga also recognized the Winrock International – PCCP thru chief of party Dan Gudahl for its sincere concern for the Caraganons in terms of food safety and for establishing programs that directly address the needs of the vulnerable sectors in the region.

“We are very lucky that the Winrock is here working with us for this campaign that will address food safety concerns not only here in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, but for the whole provinces of Caraga region. Let us all do our share for us to achieve our goal for a healthier Caraganons,” underlined Mallonga.

Gudahl enumerated examples/situations where people missed to observe food safety that may cause various diseases. He also stressed that Winrock wanted to improve food safety practices in Caraga region, and conducting the Food Safety Awareness Training of Trainers is just one of their initiatives with DOST.

“The Food Safe Caraga Campaign is aimed to contribute to the PCCP’s overarching goals by implementing an information campaign on food safety, and a training program on meat handling for meat shop operators and workers, meat vendors and the general public,” reiterated Gudahl.

Gudahl further challenged all the participants to take said training seriously and share their learnings to other people.

Republic Act (RA) No. 10611, also known as the Food Safety Act of 2013 is an act to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to protect consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products. Apart from consumer health protection, implementation of RA 10611 also pushes for better food regulatory system to ensure a high level of food safety, and linked to this, the promotion of fair trade practice and sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOST, Winrock, PIA maximize platforms in communicating Caraga Food Safe Campaign

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) – With the intent to intensify the Caraga Food Safe Campaign in the region, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Winrock International – Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) have joined efforts and were able to maximize the use of its existing platforms to effectively communicate food safety to all Caraganons.

The DOST, Winrock and PIA Caraga had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Caraga Food Safe Campaign.

DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga reiterated that the said campaign is aimed to advocate food safety among processing and food service enterprises, and among consumers; and to develop or improve the food safety practices and behavior of food handlers and consumers.

Mallonga bared that relevant information on food safety will be coming from their office, in collaboration with the Caraga Food Safety Team, and other concerned agencies. She emphasized that PIA is the lead agency in the dissemination and promotion of information to the general public through its known platforms.

“We believe that PIA is best in communicating this campaign to the different provinces through its Information Center Managers. PIA also works well and harmoniously with the media in the region and we want this strengthened. We are optimistic that PIA and media can effectively help us bring our campaign on food safety to its listeners, viewers that will also effect change in the people’s daily routine of preparing food,” Mallonga underlined.

PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga will lead the crafting of the one-year communication plan indicating significant activities to be conducted in line with the implementation of the Caraga Food Safe Campaign.

“We have been innovating and discovering other means on how we can reach more people in the grassroots. Also, we have been maximizing our existing platforms in communicating the Caraga Food Safe Campaign since the day it was launched in the region – from our textblast, press and photo releases, national and regional websites, Caraga in Focus electronic news magazine, and our online streaming Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network, and constant collaboration with our media partners,” elaborated Caga.

Also, Dan Gudahl, chief of party of Winrock International assured that they will fully support PIA and its partners in the implementation of this campaign. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD Caraga chief to report 2016 accomplishments

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga thru regional director Minda Brigoli will be reporting to the public its accomplishments in the implementation of the programs and services for the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors dubbed “Ulat ng DSWD sa Taong 2016” on December 14, 2016 at the city’s Guingona Park.

According to Dir. Brigoli, as DSWD adheres to the principles of transparency and recognizes the great contribution of its partners, the department also sees the opportunity of reporting to the stakeholders about the gains of its program/service delivery.

“This shall be conducted to celebrate the triumphs and gains of the strong synergy, to communicate the status of the sectors whom the agency have committed to serve in the region, and to share wonderful positive/success stories of change,” underscored Brigoli. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DENR identifies CarCanMadCarlan as self-sustaining ‘model area’

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 8 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified the CarCanMadCarlan as one of the 29 priority areas in the country that to be transformed into an income generation sites and make those identified areas self-sustaining in a well-protected environment through the agency’s Area Management Program.

The word “CarCanMadCarLan” stands for Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza, all were interconnected towns in northern part of this province.

According to DENR-PENRO Surigao del Sur information officer Johnny Natad, this cluster area plays a significant role in the lives of Surigaonons since marine resources along the marine and aquatic ecosystem are the primary source of food and income of the local people.

“These municipalities were connected across five watersheds proclaimed on March 23, 2009 as watershed forest reserve which are the Alamio, Buyaan, Carac-an, Panikian, and Sipangpang that drain to the Lanuza Bay,” Natad said.

Natad further said, these areas are also part of the proposed expansion of the Mt. Hilong-hilong Range Protected Landscape wherein the presence of mangkono (Xanthostemonverdugonianus) and insect bat (Hipposideroscoronatus) found endemic in the area.

Meanwhile, PENRO Surigao del Sur Planning Officer Glendel Adlawon said the project is the result of the series of multi-stakeholders consultation-workshop in CanCarMadCarlan last November, adding that it will be implemented in partnership with other government agencies who have the expertise and needed support.

The project is expected to facilitate promotion of both environmental and economic condition of CanCarMadCarlan, it was learned.

The DENR has directed the environmental offices to promote the agency’s developmental program in pursuing convergence among national government agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the Sustainable Development Framework to address poverty and to deliver social justice to marginalized communities throughout the country dubbed as “model communities.” (PENRO-SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tagalog News: Mahigit 80 na farmers nagtapos sa farmers field training sa Agusan del Sur

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Dis. 8 (PIA) - Kasabay sa ginanap na harvest festival nitong bayan, mahigit sa 80 na farmers na naka-focus sa vegetable production ang pumasa at nagtapos sa farmers’ field training na pinangunahan ng Winrock International – Philippine Cold Chain Project at East West Seeds Incorporated.

Ayon kay forticulture specialist Lowel Sareno ng Winrock, layon ng nasabing farmers’ training ang dagdagan ang kaalaman at hasain ang mga vegetable producers na maging mas produktibo pa gamit ang makabagong teknolohiya at maturuan sila kung papaano i-market sa mga investors ang kanilang produkto.

Ibinahagi rin ni vice mayor Solomon Rufila na buo ang kanilang suporta sa mga farmer associations sa ibat-ibang barangay sa kanilang bayan at tutugunan nito ang kanilang mga pangangailangang teknikal at pinansyal. Nagpapasalamat din ang lokal na pamahalaan ng San Francisco sa Winrock sa kanilang assistance at patuloy na pagtulong sa mga farmers lalung-lalo na ang mga vegetable producers na sila’y makapag-expand at mapalago ang kanilang pangkabuhayan.

Ipinahayag naman ni Elena Espina, isa sa mga vegetable producers sa barangay Alegria, ng nasabing bayan na nakabanipesyo rin sa programa ng Winrock at East West Seeds ang kanyang kaligayan na sila’y nabigyan ng pagkakataong matoto ng makabagong teknolohiya sa pagpapalago ng produksyon ng mga gulay at makakita ng mga investors hindi lamang sa bansa pati na sa mga dayuhang investors. Hinikayat rin niya ang lahat na tangkilikin ang mga lokal na produkto na makakatulong sa paglago rin ng bansa.

“Ang laking bagay para sa aming mga vegetable producers ang naibigay’ng tulong teknikal at pinansyal ng Winrock International at East West Seeds sa aming pangkabuhayan. Mas porsigido kaming pagbutihin pa ang aming mga pananim upang mas mapalago pa naming ito at makapag-expand sa aming negosyo,” dagdag ni Espina. 

Kasama ang mga opisyal ng Winrock at East West Seeds, pinuntahan ng mga partisipante ang farm ng barangay Pisaan at Tagapuwa at ginawa ang harvest festival. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Friday, December 2, 2016

Transnational crime intel group targets to expand network in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) – In line with the mission of the Transnational Anti-Organized

 Crime Intelligence Group (TAOC-IG) to establish intelligence networks in accordance with the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, a press conference is set on December 3, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in this city.

The TAOC-IG is a non-government organization organized by a group of retired yet active servicemen and professionals mandated by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and United Nations Civil Society Organization (UNCSO) under the program of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to Brigadier General Julia Felisa Martinez of UNODC TAOC-IG Caraga, since its establishment in 1997, it has doubled its effort to expand and intensify membership of the organization across the country to promote world peace and order, eradicate graft and corruption and criminality.

“Series of trainings and other relevant activities were conducted in all regions nationwide to promote and achieve the objective in the fight against massive graft and corruption, widespread criminality, poverty and environmental concerns,” said Martinez.

Top officials from the UNODC TAOC-IG national headquarters will be present during the press conference. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Fire razes house, pharmacy in Tandag

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 2 (PIA) – A fire razed a residential house and a pharmacy near the main entrance of the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, this city on Monday afternoon.

No one was reported hurt.

Based on the police report, the fire started around 2:48 p.m. at the multicab parked at the garage of Virgelio Talisic’s residence in Purok Upper Pulang Lupa, Telaje, this city. The fire spread throughout the residence and the adjacent JK Cares pharmacy.

Property damage from the fire was estimated at P700,000.

Arson investigators are still looking into what caused the fire as of posting time. (FEA/NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PENRO SurSur mobilizes 86 forest rangers for LAWIN system

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 2 (PIA) - Some 86 forest rangers of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Surigao del Sur were trained and mobilized for the implementation of Landscape and Wildlife Indicator (LAWIN) Forest and Biodiversity Protection System in the province.

In a press statement released, PENRO Information Officer Johnny Natad said that LAWIN system is a forest and biodiversity protection system that integrates forest, biodiversity and threats monitoring, implementation of interventions to address threats and monitoring of the response of the forest ecosystem to these management interventions.

Natad said the system uses five key innovations in forest protection, enumerated as follows: First is a science-based purpose-driven process for identifying conservation areas and hotspots and formulating measurable conservation objectives.

Secondly, LAWIN replaces manual recording and encoding of patrol data with a mobile application. Forest patrollers can use tablets or smart phones and directly record geo-referenced observations on habitat, wildlife, trees, threats and illegal activities. Cyber Tracker free open-source software, is used to create the interface for the mobile application. After a patrol is completed, observations are uploaded to a computer using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) software for data analysis and mapping.

Natad further explained that this fast processing of data leads to LAWIN’s third key innovation: enhanced coordination between biodiversity and threats monitoring with environmental law enforcement.

The fourth innovation, LAWIN enables decision-makers to monitor patrol efforts such as manpower exerted, distance covered, and number of hours spent patrolling.

While the fifth innovation, LAWIN allows for the visualization of the spatial distribution of observation records and patrol efforts and trends that show the effectiveness of the interventions implemented to address the observed threats.

Along this way, well informed, community leaders, resource managers, and environmental law enforcers can evaluate and continuously improve their forest conservation strategies.

Meanwhile, Natad added that each trained forest patrollers or forest rangers are well equipped with knowledge and skills and provided some gadgets used in the conduct of LAWIN activities especially the android phone with CyberTracker application, cap, and watch.

LAWIN is officially implemented at the identified program sites and other forest degradation hotspots in the Philippines by DENR through the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) in support and partnership with the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) Biodiversity and Watershed Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) program, according to Natad. (PENRO-SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, December 1, 2016

DILG AgNor set to hold Federal Form of Government orientation, MASA MASID launching

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte provincial office will hold here an orientation on the Federal Form of Government on December 5, 2016.

According to Ellen Vee P. Chua, officer-in-charge provincial director of DILG Agusan del Norte, the DILG assistant program manager on Federalism Mr. Gerald Tan will be the guest of honor and speaker on the said event.

Also, Chua said that during the orientation of the Federal Form of Government, the provincial office of the DILG will be launching the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA MASID) Program.

The MASA MASID program is a community-based initiative to engage volunteers in the fight against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs.

“The MASA MASID underscores the support from the community as one of most effective ways to curtail, if not eliminate the use and abuse of illegal drugs,” Chua added. (NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Business establishments in Surigao City receive BAGWIS award

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 1 (PIA) – Metro Surigao Shopping Center, Inc. and Palma Superstore, both based in this city received a bronze and silver BAGWIS awards, respectively during the 10th Year Anniversary of the BAGWIS Program gala night held recently at the Manila Hotel, Metro Manila.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Celestino Negapatan, the two establishments are consistent bronze and silver BAGWIS awardees since 2006.

“Metro Surigao Shopping Center and Palma Superstore were given the awards as the first establishments which responded to the call of DTI to be partners in carrying out good business practices by complying all the criteria set forth by the DTI for the program and have maintained its award for the past 10 years,” Negapatan said.

He said that the DTI-Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) has identified eight establishment awardees from the province for the said activity.

Negapatan further said that the Consumer Protection Group through CPAB undertake such activity to give due recognition to the 2006 BAGWIS awardees who continued to be partners of DTI in upholding consumer welfare. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Dinagat Islands holds 2-day Jobs Fair

By Jane Gonzales

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Dec. 1 (PIA) - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Employment Services Office  (PESO) and Provincial Labor Employment and Manpower Office (PLEMO), in partnership with the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), POEA, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), recently conducted a two-day Jobs Fair held at Multi-Purpose Building, San Jose town.

The activity aims to give equal employment opportunity to all Dinagatnons under the leadership of Governor Glenda B. Ecleo.

The available local job placements are production operators and sewers, project supervisors, administrative staff/Information Technology support, company nurse, company and expat drivers, machine operators, technicians, janitorial/utility, auto mechanics/welders, service crew and grass cutters, carpenter/mason, company registered nurse at least one year experience, mess hall supervisor with at least three years relevant experience, marine engineer with at least three years relevant experience, accountant and engineer, bookkeeper, sales clerk, mining engineers, drilling operators with at least two years experience and must be a High School graduate, and safety manager.

The available overseas job placement are accountant, architect, babysitter, bartender, beautician, bellman, carpenter, cashier, cleaner, clerk, cook, service crew, designer, driver, electrician, engineer, housekeeper, laborer, manager, mason, mechanic, nurse, operator, painter, plumber, computer programmer, receptionist, saleslady/man, secretary, supervisor, tailor, technician, waiter/waitress, general welder, asst. production technician, production staff, technician production, safety observer, machine operator, accountant, administrator, travel agent, barber, foreman, machinist, manicurist, painter, plumber, receptionist, security guard, therapist, AutoCAD operator, cartographer, draftsman, housemaid, elementary and high school teacher, librarian, and photographer.

The said activity was participated in by different local and overseas employment agencies, namely: The Power Master, Inc. (Service Provider of CMC); Dielco; Rico Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Avatar Construction; PBMA DIMPC; Cagdianao Mining Corporation; Jenerick International Manpower; Philquest International Management and Service Contractor; AL-ALAMIA International Manpower Services; MMML Recruitment Services, Inc; and MI-REKRUIT Manpower, Inc.  (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

First of the 251 schools for lumads to be built in Mindanao inaugurated in AgSur town

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Nov. 29 – Underscoring the government’s commitment to promote inclusive development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Classroom Construction for Lumads (CCL) program in partnership with Department of Education (DepEd), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), successfully conducted the recently held turn-over and inauguration ceremony of the one unit-two classroom school building for lumads sub-project at Sitio Durian, Barangay Lucac, San Francisco, this province.

DSWD Caraga General Administration and Support Services Division (GASSD) Chief Ramel Jamen and DepEd’s Indigenous People’s Education Office (IPsEO) Coordinator Rozzano Rufino along with NCIP representatives and Tribal Councils led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the sub-project marker. The said sub-project amounting to Php1, 680, 333 is the first of the 251 schools for lumads awarded in the different regions of Mindanao, which was completed and turned over.

The tribal school building was officially received by the local government and education officials, community volunteers, as well as parents and beneficiary students of the project. The Regional and Sub-Regional Program Management Office (R/SRPMO) staff of Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga along with the Area Coordinating Team (ACT) of San Francisco for CCL witnessed the ceremonial rites.

Before the school was built, students of the area had to walk 1.5 kilometers of rugged path just to reach the nearest barangay school.

One of the community volunteers in Lucac, Mercedita España is full of gratitude and appreciation as she shared her experience during the implementation of the sub-project.

“Nagpasalamat ako sa tanan nagpaluyo sa malampusong pag implementar sa proyekto. Nalipay kami kay ang among estudyante, among mga anak, dili na magbagtas ug ingani ka lisud para lang mu eskwela. Ug kini among nakuha pinaagi sa tabang sa gobyerno sa amo mga IP (I thank everyone who is behind the successful implementation of the project. I am happy because our students, our children, will no longer have to hike along a difficult terrain just to go to school.  And we attained this through the government’s help for us IPs),” España  said.

Datu Danny Bando, a community volunteer and purok leader of Sitio Durian, came out of the hospital just so he could not miss the inauguration ceremony of their sub-project.

“Akong gidasig akong kaugalingun para makatambong aning importanteng okasyon sa atong komunidad. Kay kini katumanan na sa dugay natong mga damgo (I encouraged myself just so I could attend this important event in our community. Because this is the fulfilment of our long-time dreams), “Bando shared.

DepEd’s IPsEO Coordinator Rozzano Rufino emphasized that the main objective of the project is to provide accessible and culture-based education for the IPs.

“Bahagi  po ito ng pagpupursige ng programa hindi lang upang masiguro na walang bata ang maiiwan kundi na yung pag-aaral mismo na nakaugat sa kultura ay kailangan nating ipagdiwang at palakasin (This is part of the efforts of the program not only to ensure that no child will be left behind but also to celebrate and strengthen the education rooted in culture), “ Rufino said.

Culture-Based Education. The school building implemented in Sitio Durian was designed conforming to the cultural preference of the tribe and built through the collaborative efforts of the community.

DSWD Caraga GASSD Chief Ramel Jamen commended everyone who has been a part of the project’s completion and encouraged continued cooperation from the community to ensure sustainability of the project.

“Sa kinatibuk-an dako ang among kalipay na natapos na kini nga proyekto. Angay natong pakpakan ang tanan na nalimbigit ani nga proyekto (As a whole, we are happy that this project has been completed. We applaud everyone who has been part of this project), “Jamen said.

“Kini na napamatud-an na dako atong mabuhat ubos sa pagtinabangay. Busa naghinaot kami na ang pag-amuma  niining pasilidad angkonon kini susama sa inyong balay para kini mulahotay sa dugay na panahon ( This is a proof that we can do great things if we work together. That is why we hope that you will take care of this facility just like how you would with your homes so this will be sustained for a long period of time), “ he added. (DSWD-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Butuan students participate in DSWD’s campaign against lowering of MACR

By Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) - Some students from the Agusan National High School (ANHS) marked their names and signature on the tarpaulin printed with “No to lowering MACR” to signify their opposition of the proposed lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 15 years old to nine years old.

This was held during the signature campaign of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga against the lowering of MACR. The campaign was launched during the kick-off program of the 5th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week held at Robinsons Place Butuan on November 21, 2016.

Recently, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo issued a strong opposition against the intent of House Bill No. 935 (An Act Amending Certain Provision of Republic Act. No. 9344, otherwise known as the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 and for Other Purposes”) and House Bill No. 3973 (An Act Lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility Amending for the Purpose Republic Act 9344). (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Monday, November 28, 2016

Caraganons observe 18-Day Campaign to end VAW

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) – Caraganons from the different sectors will be holding activities in line with this year’s observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12, 2016.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga will be launching its campaign initiative to end VAWC dubbed ‘Orange Your Icon’ within the duration of the campaign. It seeks to promote a VAW-free community in the tourism sector.

Accordingly, the advocacy initiative aims to raise awareness and consciousness in ending VAW through “oranging” famous and prominent tourism sites or attractions in the country. This creative advocacy effort also hopes to convey a message that the DOT together with its stakeholders in the industry encourages gender-responsiveness in Philippine tourism, which among others endeavors to promote safe and non-exploitative tourism activities.

Also, on December 12, 2016, different sectors will convene for the culminating activity of said campaign and will start with a thanksgiving mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, this city, followed with the conduct of motorcade within the city thoroughfares, and program proper at Robinson's Place Atrium. A dance flash mob will also be held at the same venue. (JPG/VLG, PIA-Caraga)

Mindanao Week of Peace kicks-off in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) – As the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) celebration opens this year, the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) through convenor Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueblos spearheaded the 'Healing Prayer for Peace' at the Guingona Park on Saturday, this city.

Individuals from religious groups, representatives from the government and private sectors, and media personalities joined in the gathering to reaffirm a hope of achieving a common aspiration to live in unity, harmony and peace with one another regardless of religious belief, culture and status in life.

This year's weeklong MWOP celebration is anchored on the theme, "Protect and Respect Life” which will run from November 26 to December 2, 2016. Stakeholders took their part in the candle lighting activity to profess conviction in achieving peace and unity not only in the continents of Mindanao but of the entire nation.

In giving the statement of purpose of the activity, Pastor Nolan Lloren emphasized that people have to acknowledge the holy spirit and plead to the Almighty Father for healing of the nation, and ask for the mercy and grace to find in each person's heart the real essence of peace in order to bring forth to others the same message.

Lloren also cited instances wherein Butuan City was spared from different calamities and he attributed it mainly to the strong faith and devotion of the townfolk in bringing harmony.

Meanwhile, in behalf of Butuan City mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, vice mayor Jose Aquino relayed that the MWOP celebration is envisioned to turn chaos and conflicts into peace and harmony – an instrument for genuine transformation.

Lagnada further urges everyone to do their share in attaining lasting peace despite cultural diversity as Mindanaoans deserve to have a tranquil and orderly land, a peace-loving people with common aspirations.

In recognizing God as the supreme being, the source of life and peace, an interfaith prayer was also offered. It aims to empower people to live in law of love to sustain peace and prosperity.

Also, a bike for peace dubbed ‘Sikadayahan’ started its lapse with a route from Guingona Park, Bancasi Rotonda back to Guingona Park. It was a one-of-a-kind event participated in by energetic and skilled local motorcyclists advocating for peace.

The Movie for Peace Contest, a project initiated by the Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) was also officially launched during the opening ceremony of the MWOP. According to Merle Dawn Comidoy of the GIZ-Coseram, out of the nine entries, six were chosen to compete for the final round of judging. Entries will be uploaded at the ‘PIA CARAGA’ youtube acccount for viewing wherein most viewed movie will also be awarded on December 1, 2016.

“Through the week-long observance, the bishops, ulama, imams, priests, pastors and religious men and women of Mindanao hope to raise the consciousness of the people of the need to work together to attain our dream for peace in the spirit of solidarity,” said Most Rev. Pueblos. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

25 individuals undergo substance use disorder training

By David M Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Nov. 28 (PIA) - Twenty five persons from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Moral Recovery and Value Formation Section (MRVFS), Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE) program and graduates of the Out-patient Drop-in Center (ODIC) from the municipalities of Bunawan and Talacogon of this province started to undergo trainings on substance use disorder courses since November 6, 2016 in order to augment the workforce of SURE program of the provincial and local governments in rehabilitating, treatment, recovery and enlightenment of those who are victims of illegal drugs.

In a report laid down by SURE training facilitator Patricia Plaza, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) had entered into cooperation with the Living Free Foundation, an education provider of Colombo Plan International Center for Credentialing and Education (ICCE) in order for them to educate the identified service providers of the SURE program to make sure they will be efficient and effective in extending services to the victims of illegal drugs so that in return, they will be advocates against addiction themselves someday.

“We expect that from these trainings, we will be able to produce recovery coaches who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate against addiction and who are 'homegrown' addiction counselors for the province,” Patricia Plaza said.

On November 7–9, the Universal Treatment Curriculum 1 – Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction started with discussion on Foundational Course, the overview of the Physiology of addiction as a brain disease and the pharmacology of psychoactive substances and the identifying the classification of different substances.

On November 10-15, the discussions focused on Universal Treatment Curriculum 2 with component on the overview on recovery and recovery management, and learning the principles of recovery and defining the recovery-oriented system. The Curriculum 4 – Basic Counseling Skills for Addiction Professionals was also taken up with discussing on skills based course, overview of the helping relationship, intentionality or focus, in counseling; core counseling skills; basic motivational interviewing and psycho-educational group skills on November 16-19.

Meanwhile, on November 28 to December 1, topics will be focused on Curriculum 1 – Developing Community-Based Support System will be taken up, with discussion on learning the knowledge and skills on peer-led and community-based interventions to those serving in the community as recovery coaches.

On December 6-9, the Universal Treatment Curricula 8 – Ethics will take place discussing on Foundation Course and Professional conduct and ethical behavior, confidentiality, ethical principles and professional codes of ethics, ethical decision-making and supervision and ethical practice.

Finally, on December 13-16, Basics of Recovery Coach will be taken up for participants who wish to become recovery coaches and to learn the basics of treatment interventions.

Four professionals and experts in the field of addictions are the resource trainers in this activity. They are Malyn Cristobal, Master Global Trainer, family therapist, 21 years in the field of addictions; Aimee Manda, Psychologist, ICAP in the field of addictions professional for 12 years and Mark Larry Chua, ICAP II, SURE Director, Master Global Trainer, 14 years in the field of addictions professional and Living Free Foundation Inc.

It can be recalled that PGAS, thru its chief executive Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza has been religiously supporting the all out war against the use and trade of illegal drugs nationwide.

PGAS is the first and only province that established the Outpatient Drop-in Center while formulating the Substance Use Recovery and Enhancement (SURE) program whose aim is to help drug abuse victims recover and become productive citizen and enter into partnership with 401st Infantry Brigade for the establishment of rehabilitation center inside the 401st Infantry Brigade compound while envisioning that this training will become major component for sustainability of the SURE program. (PPIO-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)