Thursday, December 22, 2016

DTI calls on public to utilize 'e-Presyo' app

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga called on the consuming public to utilize and access their “e-Presyo” application, wherein consumers, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers can check for the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) and prevailing prices of all basic and prime goods being monitored by the DTI including those stores selling at the lowest prices.

“The e-Presyo app can be accessed through the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph or can be downloaded from Play Store using any Andriod device,” disclosed DTI regional director Brielgo Pagaran during the last media briefing with the civil society organizations (CSOs) recently conducted at the DTI regional office here.

Pagaran further emphasized that through the e-Presyo, netizens would become updated from time to time on the prices of the all the basic and prime commodities without any hassle. 

The DTI is the executive department of the Philippine Government tasked to expand Philippine trade, industries and investments as the means to generate jobs and raise incomes for Filipinos. It acts as catalyst for intensified private sector activity in order to accelerate and sustain economic growth through comprehensive industrial growth strategy, progressive and socially responsible trade liberalization and deregulation programs and policymaking designed for the expansion and diversification of Philippine trade - both domestic and foreign. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

'Handog pamasko' benefits 400 drug surrenderers in AgNor town

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) – Some 400 drug surrenderers of the municipality of Santiago in the province of Agusan del Norte benefitted the services from the different government agencies on Tuesday at the municipal gym.

The activity dubbed as “Handog Pamasko Para Sa’yo” was facilitated by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial offices and other partner government offices.

According to PPOC secretariat and DILG OIC provincial director Ellen Vee Chua, the event is a take-off activity of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), which aims to instill to the minds of the surrenderers that they are being taken cared of by the government.

“It is one of the flagship programs of governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba,” said Chua. It emphasizes to the drug surrenderers that the government is looking at their welfare and that the government wants to reintegrate them to the society.

Also, during the whole-day event, national line agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) gave a lecture on the salient provisions of Republic Act 9165; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) talked on the Vocational and Skills Training; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also discussed their livelihood opportunities while the Department of Education (DepEd) shared the Alternative Learning System and Senior High School; and the Department of Health (DOH) presented the ill-effects of prohibited drugs and healthy lifestyle.

The Philippine Army (PA) also gave a lecture on the recruitment process of the AFP to those who are willing to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

During the event, PNP Agusan del Norte provincial director Ernesto V Tendero, Jr. said that the gift giving event is only the start of a bigger activity to start by 2017.

Tendero said that a community-based rehabilitation program would start by February 2017.

Vitamins, t-shirts, cash prizes during games and raffles were given to the surrenderers.

Simultaneous to the event is also the conduct of the Medical and Dental mission and drug test by the DOH.

“The attendance and cooperation of the surrenderers is a manifestation of their willingness to help the government to end the drug menace,” Chua said.

Santiago town was chosen as the pilot local government unit for the ‘Pamaskong Handog’ because of its high surrender target rate, Chua added. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

ASTMMC on 'white alert' for holidays

By  Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec 22 (PIA) – The Adela Serra Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) based here is on "code white alert" to prepare for possible holiday-related incidents.

ASTMMC chief Dr. Janice Pagaran Alcordo said the code white alert status started on December 20, 2016 and will run until January 2, 2017, as per directive from the Department of Health (DOH). Code white alert means all hospital personnel should be on standby in case of emergency and influx of patients.

ASTMMC management assured the public that they are ready to accommodate victims of firecrackers.

Based on the report, no firecracker injuries recorded during its first day of implementation.  (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PopCom Caraga mobilizes volunteers to meet Duterte’s order

By Angie B. Antonio

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) - The Commission on Population (PopCom) in Caraga fielded all the population volunteers to assist couples in achieving their desired family size through modern family planning.

PopCom intensified its campaign on generating demand for family planning in time for the Population and Development Week event on November 23 – 29.

Anchored on the celebration’s theme “Achieve: Wastong Bilang ng Pamilya,” various capacity-building activities for the Barangay Population Volunteers were conducted by PopCom with funding assistance from the Department of Health (DOH).

PopCom tapped the Barangay Population Volunteers to conduct house to house visit to married couples of reproductive ages, to validate and check if they are using modern family planning methods and if not, motivate to come up with informed choices and refer said couples to the health service facility for counseling and service provision.

Population volunteers are also mobilized in the house to house profiling and monitoring of the status of unmet need for family planning in the entire region to achieve zero unmet need.

The zero unmet need for modern family planning is one of the thrusts of the DOH under the Duterte’s Administration as one of the strategies in achieving all for health towards health for all.

About 80 Barangay Population Volunteers  from each province of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur attended the two-day training on interpersonal communication and counselling techniques on modern family planning. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Army capacitates young cultural minority professionals in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) - In its aim to enhance the potential of the young cultural minority professionals to become an agent of peace and development in the communities, the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, Philippine Army capacitated the youth sector thru the conduct of ‘Young Cultural Minority Professionals’ Forum from December 21-22, 2016 at 4CMO Conference Room, this city.

According to 4CMO Battalion commanding officer LTC Rey Pasco, this the first in Caraga region to conduct such forum involving the youth sectors, who are mostly officers of the Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development, Inc. (CMCDI), an Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth organization which was organized by the 4CMO as IP Youth Leaders and Communicators in the region, student leaders from Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan City and Muslim young professionals identified by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

“The youths as future leaders of our society are considered critical and decisive factor in the government's fight against insurgency and violent extremism, for they will soon shape the course of our society, thus, there is a great need to properly address and educate the youth sector so as to deny the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army – National Democratic Front (CNN) and violent extremists a source for their recruitment and to discredit the enemy's propaganda against the government,” highlighted Col. Pasco.

Col. Pasco added that lecturers of said forum are coming from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), NCMF, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and 401st and 402nd Brigades of Philippine Army.

 “We invited speakers from the aforementioned agencies to discuss relevant topics, issues and concerns that affect the youth sector. We wanted to equip the participants with the right knowledge and capacitate them through a workshop to come up with an action plan for their respective community. Right after the workshop, they will present and explain their outputs to develop small group interaction and break barriers in expectation and pre-conceptions,” Col. Pasco underlined.

It was also learned that said activity will be replicated and conducted at the provincial and municipal level by the CMO companies in coordination with the brigades in the area of responsibility. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

31 junior responders graduate from WASAR training in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BAYABAS, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 21 (PIA) – Thirty one junior responders in Bayabas town graduated on Monday from the water search and rescue (WASAR) training in simple ceremonies hosted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Bayabas here.

According to Bayabas DRRM Officer Geralyn Guibao, majority of the Junior Responders or Junior Bayabas SERTSS (Search for Emergency and Response Team of Surigao del Sur) are Senior High School Students of Solomon P. Lozada National High School.

Provincial DRRM officer Abel de Guzman confirmed the 31 young graduates during the closing ceremony. In his mesage, he emphasized the great role of being a 'responder,' that is, to save lives, and to 'rescue,' which is a life saving activity. Said initiative according to de Guzman is the first in the province and the entire region.

On the other hand, Bayabas mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro thanked the young participants and their parents for their strong commitment in supporting the activity.

 “The consent of the parents to allow their children to voluntarily join the training has a great factor to make this happen,” said Mayor Limbaro.

Last July 21, 2016, some 30 Senior High School Students of the same school also underwent a Basic Life Support Training spearheaded by the LGU thru the local DRRM office. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Dinagat PDRRMO holds 1-day ICS executive course training

By  Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Dec. 21 (PIA) - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in collaboration with the office of the Civil Defense (OCD) recently conducted an Executive Course on Incident Command System (ICS) held at Provincial Guest Center, Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose town.

PDRRMO Officer Rosario Inday Roxas-Alon Jr. said the one-day activity aims to increase appreciation of ICS as the vital tool for effective disaster response and incident/event management and to understand ICS background, concepts, principles and features, organizational roles, facilities and the common responsibilities of the ICS under the five modules.

She said that the five modules are composed of Introduction to Command System; Organizational and Staffing; ICS Facilities; Organizing and managing Incidents/events; and Common Responsibilities.

Roxas further said the five courses under the said modules are helpful to everyone in understanding roles and responsibilities when incidents happen.

The said activity was participated by chief executives and municipal council, provincial board members, national line agencies and provincial functionaries. (SDR, PDRRMO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

DA turns over P15 Million aggie projects to SurSur farmers

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -The Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to provide pump priming economic activities for the farmers. This is to offer the much-needed support in improving their lives.

Recently, DA-Caraga turned-over ₱15 million worth of various interventions for the farmers of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. DA Caraga OIC regional executive director Renato P. Manantan handed the certificates of turnover to Municipal Mayor Libertad O. Alameda together with the key of responsibility of the projects.

The purpose of the ceremonial activity is to formally transfer the projects to the 11 Barangays of the municipality of San Agustin namely: Brgy. Gata, Salvacion, Buatong, Buhisan, Kauswagan, Oteiza, Hornasan, Sto. Nino, Pongtod, Pon-on, Janipaan. A total of 26 farmer associations received the interventions from the department.

"We are very grateful for the Department of Agriculture for giving us these interventions. I encourage all the recipients and peoples' organizations to be good stewards from all they have received. The local government of San Agustin will continuously support our farmers through technology transfer and will continuously monitor all the interventions we have received," said Mayor Alameda.

DA together with LGU San Agustin pursues to strengthen its partnership for the farmers in the municipality. The essence of partnership put in place the needed and suitable interventions in agriculture as DA continues to strengthen farmer organizations through consultations and dialogues.

"A united farmer organization and united LGU is our key to progress. The resources you have received are the fruit of the unified effort of all key players who actively supports the development of the agriculture sector in the locality. I am appealing to all the recipients to take good care of these interventions. We are looking forward that you will be able to testify the successes of the projects you have received,” said Director Manantan.

Janipaan Abaca Farmers Association (JAPO) was one of the recipients of the provision of rubber and abaca planting materials and one unit of water pump. It is an association with 45 members dependent on agriculture as a means of livelihood. In an interview with Isidro Avenido-JAPO President, he was grateful for the projects they received.

"The water pump we received helps us makes us more productive. Today, we are now also earning from the abaca that we planted. We are now selling abaca fiber for ₱80 per kilo, and this gave an additional income to our respective families. We are very thankful for the Department of Agriculture for giving us interventions that can help us and improve our lives," said Isidro Avenido.

The turned-over projects include: Rubber and Abaca planting materials; Ginger Production; Banana Production; Organic Rice Production; Organic Fertilizer Production; Agro-forestry Plantation; Root crops Production; Carabao Dispersal; Goat Raising; Production of Improve Native Chicken; Fish-Pen Production; Pre and Post Harvest Facilities and Farm to Market Road. These projects were funded by the DA- Bottom-up-Budgeting and DA-Mindanao Rural Development Project additional funds. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Norte guv to replicate Cuba’s best health practices

By Ivonnie B. Dumadag

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 21 (PIA) – Governor  Sol F. Matugas will replicate Cuba's best practices in health, following her recent visit to Cuba last Nov. 23-25, 2016 together with officials from the Department of Health and representatives from the executive and legislative departments in the province.

"Cuba and the Philipines has a similar program on health, the Community Health System, but Cuba is known to have the best in the world," said Gov. Matugas. "Thus, when DOH Sec. Paulyn Jean Ubial encouraged us to visit the place, I immediately took the chance," she added.

On day one, the team was oriented on the evolution of Cuba's health system. Presently, it has about 120,000 doctors serving their 12M population all over the 14 provinces. Families in a community is provided with doctors who handles their immediate health needs. Patients that requires treatment from specialists are referred to polyclinics and only those requiring specialized medical treatment are sent to the hospitals.

The team visited a tenement with an assigned family doctor, the Policlinico Universitario 19 De Abril, one of Cuba's polyclinics, and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital which is a highly specialized state-of-the-art hospital that provides a wide range of medical services and medicines to Cuban residents for free. The hospital has a capacity of 650 beds, manned by 600 specialized doctors, 800 nurses and support staff, but does not accept emergency cases, only referrals from polyclinics. It is also a teaching hospital for post graduate medical courses with about 800 doctors being trained at present to specialize various fields in medicine.

Support facilities to complement their health care program were also visited by the team. This includes the Casa de Abuelo Plaza dela Revolucion, a government facility that provides wellness and recreational activities to physically fit elderlies. There are about 247 centers of this kind all over Cuba. The Centro Communitario de Salud Central, a community mental center was also visited by the team. It provides programs for persons who needs counselling, rehabilitation, undergoing trauma and stress, at any given age. It also has a program on drug addiction which is implemented in coordination with the family and the community. Another facility visited by the group was the La Esperanza del Mundo, a maternity halfway house for high-risk pregnant women which monitors their health conditions before and after giving birth.

Since Cuba is a disaster-prone area, their government gives priority to disaster risk reduction and management program. The team visited the Unidad Central de Colaboracion Medica (UCCM) and the Museo dela Colaboracion, a Center for International Cooperation that has already provided disaster response to 62 countries worldwide.

"What we can adopt from Cuba is their strong community referral system, from their family doctors to the polyclinics, all the way to the hospital. We can also replicate how they operate health care support facilities such as their center for the elderly," Gov. Matugas added.

After a series of site visits, the team met with the officials of the Cuban Health Ministry and manifested their requests. "We asked for Surigao del Norte's membership to the International Cooperation on disaster response and the possibility of establishing partnership between the government of the Philippines and Cuba to enable us to request for Cuban physicians to assist us in providing health services in our primary health care facilities," said Gov. Matugas.

In addition, the governor asked the ministry to allow the sharing of Research Journals to complement the soon-to-be-established Health Training and Research Center in the municipality of Placer.

"We are so happy that the Cuban Ministry on Health was very receptive to our requests. Also, we are thankful to Sec. Ubial for the invitation to visit Cuba, as health care is the top priority of my administration and the insights we gained from the trip will help us improve further our health services for the Surigaonons," Gov. Matugas concluded.

The Philippine delegation to Cuba was composed of the former congressman of the first district, Atty. Francisco T. Matugas, officials from the DOH represented by Assistant Sec. Dr. Leonita P. Gorgolon and DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Board Members Constantino B. Navarro and Leonila Gorgolon, Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Ma. Isabel B. Makinano and Provincial Planning and Development Office chief Ivonnie B. Dumadag. They were assisted by representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Mexico, headed by Ambassador Eduardo Jose de Vega. (LGU-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

News Feature: An eco-inspired Christmas trees spectacle

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) – To live on the spirit of annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, the Christ the King Parish in Brgy. Tungao, this city, handled by parish priest Rev. Fr. Carlito L. Clase of the Diocese of Butuan spearheaded the Christmas Tree Making Contest 2016.

The jovial competition was joined by lay people who are members of the Family Groups (FG)/Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) or locally known as “Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK).

In demonstrating ingenuity, each participating group collaboratively worked in creating the gigantic 10-meter high and enchanting Christmas tree that is made of indigenous, biodegradable and non-biodegradable recycled materials.

 “Traditionally, whether cedar, spruce, pine or fir trees are used - all Christmas trees have one thing in common, they're all evergreens. However, to spur creativity and novelty, all contestants are encouraged to convert waste materials into reusable ones as inexpensive and eco-friendly embellishments for setting up a Christmas tree,” stated Fr. Clase.

The activity has truly strengthened the advocacy for Solid Waste Management by emphasizing 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Such a festive holiday of upcycled Christmas trees display.

Seeing through an array of skillfully crafted Christmas trees, the intricacies of the conceptualized designs reveal perfectly the contest criteria that include creativity and uniqueness (40 percent), recyclable materials (40 percent) and overall impact (20 percent).

The glistering lights made the entries more spectacular and it even made the judges admit for having a hard time rating the fantastic Christmas trees. The ability of the community to distinguish practicality and to generate ideas exemplified the Filipino value of frugality.

On its third year of holding the contest, increased sum of prizes are at stake for the winning entries: 1st prize (P7,000); 2nd prize (P5,000); 3rd prize (3,500); and consolation prizes amounting to P1,000. From among the 21 official entries, entry number 16 ranked first, followed by entry numbers 20 and 4, respectively.

As the fabulous and sturdy Christmas trees stand out day in and day out, spectators were amazed with its bright and cheery symbolism of peace and harmony. It will be showcased until the commemoration of epiphany.

“Have you ever experienced that ebullient feeling of celebrating a green and nature-friendly Christmas? Those feelings are incomparably atypical. It’s good to see villagers, tagging along their family members with chilly excitement, relishing the festive scenery of Christmas trees and the ambiance of holiday season,” cited Fr. Clase.

He is more optimistic that the eco-friendly inspired undertaking will go a long way, not only a mere display of Christmas trees that looked bombdiggity every year, but a motivating factor to increase environmental awareness.

GKK at its work

The involvement of the GKK members is along the context of giving emphasis to the 2017 Year of the Parish as Communion of Communities, which is anchored on the theme, “Forming BECs as agents of communion, participation and mission,” and in preparation for the 500th anniversary of Christianization in the Philippines on 2021.

To prepare the faithful for 2021, the bishops of the Philippines announced 'a nine-year journey for the New Evangelization' with a different theme for each year:

            Integral Faith Formation (2013) – Year of Faith in the Church

            The Laity (2014)

            The Poor (2015)

            The Eucharist and the Family (2016)

            The Parish as a Communion of Communities (2017)

            The Clergy and Religious (2018)

            The Youth (2019)

            Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue (2020)

            Missio ad gentes [mission to the nations] (2021)

It is also focused on fortifying the elements of prayer, penance and communion (PPC).

“I am glad that Christians and everyone else are in the mood to celebrate Christmas, but let's remember it's not all about our need for a cozy, warm and fuzzy feeling. It's about the birth of Jesus Christ. Giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season. May all your Christmas trees be meaningful and filled with hope,” expressed Fr. Clase. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

RCC Caraga holds last media briefing for 2016

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA) - The Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) composed of heads of offices from the government led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga conducted on Monday its last media briefing for this year.

Atty. Evelyn Ramos, regional director of DOLE Caraga bared that the Regional Coordinating Committee will be crafting a business communication plan come January 2017 intended for the media partners. She said that media practitioners should also be given extra income by providing them livelihood assistance.

“We were able to conduct inspection to some 1,300 establishments in the region, to which number has surpassed our target for this year which is 1,200. Those establishments are continuously being monitored if they comply with the labor standards, as well as the safety and health of the employees,” underlined Atty. Ramos.

Atty. Ramos also reminded employers of the different establishments/companies in the region to provide the 13th month pay to their employees on or before Dec. 24, 2016 as mandated by law.

Nancy Jacinto, LEO III of National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) Caraga revealed that their office was able to assist some 50 undocumented OFWs with livelihood assistance amounting to P10,000.00 per OFW. For its Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program, they were able to provide livelihood starter kits to some 87 beneficiaries.

Earl Dela Victoria, board secretary VI of the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga announced that last July 2016, the minimum wage is at P275.00 while it increased to P280.00 by Oct. 1, 2016. He emphasized that Caraga has a uniform floor wage regardless of the number of employees that a company/establishment has. He also added that by July 1, 2017, the wage board would again assess if there is a need to increase the existing minimum wage.

“Our media partners had helped us a lot in information dissemination of our programs and services and accomplishments, and we hope to continue the good working relationship that we were able to establish through the years,” expressed Dela Victoria.

The good board secretary also stressed that their office was able to surpass the 100 percent accomplishments of their targets for 2016. He added that some 3,103 clients/beneficaries with 1,299 businessmen have availed different trainings they conducted for this year.

Also, Engr. Christian Lee Jaguit of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Caraga announced that their office was able to conduct occupational and health safety training to some 560 safety officers from the different companies, and conducted free OSH orientation to 531 participants for the different provinces of the region.

Meanwhile, Faith Gonzales, administrative assistant III of National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Caraga disclosed that 2016 is the 4th year that it has maintained a 'No Strike' occurrence in Caraga region. She also emphasized that it is a manifestation that cases/grievances between employees and employers are immediately addressed in their level. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Surigao Norte holds seminar workshop on local competitiveness for mainland LGU officials

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 20 (PIA) - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government conducted a seminar-workshop on local competitiveness for mainland local government unit officials (LGUs) on December 15, 2016 held at Parkway Hotel, this city.

The activity aims to provide a venue for the mainland LGUs in the province to discuss concerns on how to improve the overall territorial competitiveness.

A total of 37 officials of LGUs and members of the local competitiveness committees of Surigao City, Claver, Tagana-an, Malimono, Gigaquit, Bacuag, Placer, Sison and Tagana-an attended the said seminar workshop.

Participants are mostly composed of Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers, Business Permit and Licensing Officers and Sangguniang Bayan Members as well as other members of the Local Competitiveness Committees.

In her welcome address, Board Member Melva P. Garcia, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Economic Affairs, Trade, Commerce and Industry expressed the need to make the local business competitive and improve the quality of products and services to be profitable and better serve the community. 

Meanwhile, DTI Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Celestino L. Negapatan explained that the present economic environment calls individual firms, industry sectors and LGUs geo-political territory to improve their respective competitiveness level to face the challenge of globalization.

He further stressed that for LGUs to develop their localities, they must be competitive to attract more local and foreign investments that will help them in the improvement of their respective economies through creation of more businesses that in turn generate employment for the local manpower.

Bryan F. Edulzura, Local Government Operations Officer V of the DILG as one of the resource persons explained the DILG-DTI-DICT Joint Memo Circular issued late this year requiring LGUs to adapt a revised Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) standards to further simplify and accelerate business permit processes as directed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Meanwhile, Graciela E. Mante, Officer In-Charge of the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (PEEDMO) discussed the ranking of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) of the Surigao del Norte LGUs while Ma. Theresa Z. Calang, head of the Industry Development Unit of DTI explained that the purpose of establishing Negosyo Centers is to help business develop and improve their operation.

The participants were also made to understand the implications of their respective CMCI scores and how it can be used to identify relevant interventions to further develop their respective communities.

Rodrigo R. Matabaran, head of the DTI Institutional Development Unit also shared some inputs in coming up with possible short term and long term measures in addressing specific concerns related to various indicators and parameters. 

During the workshop, the participants were able to initially come up with possible solutions and actions on how they can improve their competitiveness level hoping it will translate to tangible ground level development eventually leading to higher scores and ranking hopefully in the coming years if not in the 2017 CMCI round.

The activity ended with the closing remarks of City DILG Officer Mary Ann S. Tomate, also a member of Surigao City Competitiveness Committee, as she shared her appreciation for having more understanding on what LGU’s territorial competitiveness is all about.

The DTI Provincial Office will be conducting similar activity early next year for the Siargao Island LGUs. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Monday, December 19, 2016

DSWD Caraga encourages LGUs to avail the statistical data of the updated Listahanan database

By Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) is continuously encouraging the Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and other partner-stakeholders to avail the statistical data of the updated Listahanan Database.

As to date, a total of 19 LGUs requested for the statistical data to be used for their planning and formulation of the Social Protection Development Report (SPDR) and others.

At present, the Department cannot yet share the list of the families identified in the updated Listahanan Database due to the full implementation of R.A. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012. With this, the department is required to revise first its policies on information disclosure and data sharing.

According to DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli, the guidelines of DSWD in sharing of data generated by the NHTS-PR and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) are being revised to ensure alignment with the provisions of the law.

However, she clarified that once the DSWD-Central Office finalizes the new guidelines and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) will give authority to DSWD to resume the data sharing, the partner-stakeholders will have to enter into an agreement using the revised MOA on data sharing to access the updated Listahanan 2 Database.

The NHTS-PR also known as Listahanan, is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor nationwide. This updated Listahanan database provides credible and comprehensive information on poor individuals/households as basis in determining eligible beneficiaries and developing responsive social protection programs, policies, and services. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, December 16, 2016

4th CMO set to hold Young Cultural Minority Professionals’ Forum

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 16 (PIA) – The 4th CMO Battalion, Philippine Army in partnership with the government line agencies (GLAs) will conduct a two-day Young Cultural Minority Professionals’ Forum (YCMPF) this coming December 21 to 22, 2016 at Division Advance Command Post, Barangay Bancasi, this city.

The activity will be participated by the Officers of the Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development Incorporated (CMCDI), an IP youth organization which was organized by the unit and partner government agencies as IP Youth Leaders and Communicators in Caraga region, students leaders and Muslim young professionals.

“This forum is part of empowering and developing the youth leadership potential and transforms them to become responsible citizen and catalyst for peace and development,” said LTC Rey Pasco, 4th CMO commanding officer. (PIA-Caraga)

DOLE Caraga taps LGUs to ensure success in ending 'ENDO'

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 16 (PIA) - “We will end ENDO now” is the tag line for the regionwide forum dubbed Exploring Local Government Units’ (LGUs) Role In Ending “ENDO” (End-of-Contract) held recently in the city.

A first in Caraga, the forum was graced by no less than Undersecretary Joel B. Maglunsod of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). An overwhelming 180 participants from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod members, SB member-Committee on Labor, PESO managers, DOLE personnel, Regional Coordinating Council and media partners were able to attend. The interactions of the public servants from the different cities, municipalities and provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands became a venue for sharing common illegal contracting arrangements and practices; and manifesting commitments to deliver tangible results in putting an end to “ENDO”.

Usec. Maglunsod shared the need to end the unfair and abusive practices under labor contractualization and the highly controversial end-of-contract or ‘ENDO’ scheme. He reported the series of orientation and consultation meetings conducted in different parts of the country reiterating to the Filipino people the drive in ending ENDO. He is enthusiastic in bringing back the trust and confidence of the Filipino people in the government and one way to do this is to make sure that Filipino workers are given importance.

The directives of DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, shared by Usec. Maglunsod, were supported by an Orientation on Labor Laws Relating to Contractualization. The PESO Institutionalization Act was also discussed reiterating the need for its creation such as building a strong market-oriented PESOs which can respond to training and labor market needs.

DOLE Caraga OIC-Regional Director Evelyn R. Ramos presented the ENDO status and the way forward. As of November 24, 2016, there are 2,693 regularized workers in Caraga Region. “The said figure is already a positive development albeit a fraction of the total workers in Caraga. The forum is one way forward and we can do more with LGUs strong support in the policy directive of President Rodrigo Duterte,” said Ramos.

Ramos’ message encouraged and motivated the participants to support the drive on ending “ENDO”.

The highlight of the forum was the expression of support coming from the key officers of different LGUs in the region. Some of these are the following: Board Member Virgilio Escasinas, Jr. of Agusan del Norte, expressed his enthusiasm in ending ENDO.

Mayor Philip Pichay of Cantilan conveyed that he will be supporting the drive of DOLE in ending ENDO as well as the PESO Institutionalization and the drive to eradicate the provincial rate and making the minimum wage the same across the board.

Butuan City Councilor John Gil Unay, Sr. mentioned that they will create a resolution to institutionalize the PESO. He mentioned also of OSSCO that was already operational, emphasizing that this is the right time to “walk the talk”.

Atty. Arturo Charlos Egay, Jr., vice-governor of Surigao del Norte expressed his willingness to support by requiring business establishments to be compliant with labor laws in renewing business permit to ensure that illegal contractualization will be  avoided. PESO Institutionalization will be supported too but he is seeing the budgetary requirement as a challenge.

SB Member Ronilo Bohoc of Buenavista, expressed his support and as a matter of fact they had just conducted a meeting related to ENDO and they will fully support the drive. They will create an ordinance to have a meeting with the businessmen in Buenavista to ensure that they are DOLE compliant. Candelario Viola, vice-mayor of Hinatuan, mentioned that the government should interfere on the contract of the businesses to see to it that all contracts are legal.

SB Member Gerardo Magluctao of Veruela, Agusan del Sur was honest in mentioning that this drive is not timely for them as they already submitted their budget preparation for 2017. However, Director Ramos suggested that it can be included in the supplementary budget. Hon. Edelberto Bastareche, SP member, Agusan del Sur reported that they already follow the PESO Institutionalization. He pointed out the number one commitment stated that “all” establishments should comply but he wanted to make exceptions for those businesses with minimal employees. Director Ramos explained that the Agusan del Norte proposes to exempt all establishments, however, the details can be ironed out in the provisions of the resolution or ordinance.

The significant activity ended with the signing of the commitment of support by the participants, facilitated by the field office heads. The overwhelming support is indeed a boost to the workers in Caraga region with the realization that DOLE is not alone in this journey. “Together we can put an end to ENDO,” exclaimed director Ramos. (DOLE-13/PIA-Caraga)

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Surigao Norte underlines local investment code to attract more investors

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 15 (PIA) – The provincial government of Surigao del Norte underlined its local investment code on top of the economic and livelihood, social services and environment programs for the year 2017 during the HEALS Plus Convergence Meeting held recently at the PGO Conference Hall, this city.

Provincial Information Center Officer Mary Jul Escalante disclosed that it was discussed during the said meeting to review the Investment Code of the province to attract, promote and encourage domestic and foreign investments in the province.

She said that Local Investment and Incentive Code was also discussed for each municipality to captivate more investors and to generate more jobs, increase income, hasten social progress in the municipality, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the province.

While on social services, Escalante said that the province will prioritize the welfare of the senior citizens, children/youth, persons with disability (PWDs) and Indigenous People (IP) through skills enhancement training; values formation; entrepreneurial, leadership and basic business management; among others.

Esclante further said that programs for environment are also underway in coordination with different national line agencies. (PIC-PGO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Sur to host CRAM 2017

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division disclosed during its initial coordination meeting conducted on Monday that the province of Surigao del Sur will be the host for the upcoming Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) set on February 2017.

The different committee chairpersons and members were introduced by DepEd Surigao del Sur Division Education Program Coordinator Antonio Salazar during the conference. The functions, duties and responsibilities of each created committee were also defined and elaborated.

Along this line, the provincial government headed by governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. has already committed to support the hosting of the huge and historic event to be held in this city.

The governor confirmed to give financial assistance to DepEd amounting to P5M, said Provincial Treasurer’s Office chief Crispa Geli.

It can be recalled that Surigao del Sur was the host of CRAM for two consecutive years on 2014 and 2015. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

NFA Surigao Norte offers ‘Open Sale’

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 15 (PIA) – The provincial office of the National Food Authority (NFA) Surigao del Norte offered an “Open Sale” of rice (Thailand and Vietnam rice) to all NFA licensed Grains and Businessmen.

According to NFA provincial manager Gleen P. Echin, all business rice retailers, wholesalers, millers or warehousemen can buy the NFA rice at P22.50 and P25.00 pesos per kilo and can sell at a suggested price of P27.00 per kilo.

She said that as a way of making friendly business, even those newly registered NFA establishments can immediately buy rice individually and not by group.

Echin announced that starting December 9, all grains businessmen in Siargao Island can deposit their payment through Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Dapa Branch.

For interested businessmen, simply visit the NFA office at Km. 10, Surigao City, Tan Warehouse in Bilang-Bilang, Surigao City, San Jose town in Dinagat Islands province, and Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte or call NFA hotline numbers at 09328681554 or 09178258302. (NFA-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DA chief turns over checks to 3 SurSur LGUs

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 15 (PIA) – Three towns in Surigao del Sur, namely, Cantilan, San Miguel and Bayabas received each a check during the recent visit of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol in Surigao del Sur.

According to Elmer Ayad, of Department of Agriculture, Cantilan town received a total of P1M fund for purchase of rice planter with rotator (P500,000) and for the rehabilitation of solar drier (P500,000.00). For San Miguel town, they received P400,000 to fund the Moscuvado Sugarcane Processing. Also, Bayabas town was given P500,000 for the construction of Multi-Purpose Development Pavement (MPDP).

Aside from the checks, Secretary Piñol also said that there will be 80 units of power tillers and mechanical dryers with a capacity of 250 bags per day set to be delivered.

DA chief is eyeing on how to boost the agricultural production both in farm and aqua marine areas in this province. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Butuan SPED Center reaps awards in RSPC 2016

By Elysa Velle L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) – Campus journalists from the Butuan Special Education (SPED) Center of this city had garnered 15 several awards both in individual and group events during the recently concluded Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2016 held in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

The five-day campus journalism event gathered in one reputable competition the young talented pupils and students who have exceptional skills and competence in news/feature/sports writing, broadcasting, photojournalism, scriptwriting, editorial cartooning, collaborative desktop, copyreading and headline writing.

According to coach Flyn Gerald Labajo of Butuan SPED Center, for the individual events – English category, Marco Raphael Liceralde clinched the 6th place for Science and Health feature writing while Elysa Velle Garcia and Chris Adrielle Abrea returned home as 5th placer in copyreading and headline writing and 7th placer in news writing, respectively. He added that for the Filipino category, Cielo Marie Badar ranked 7th place in Science and Health feature writing.

In group contests, winners for the script writing and radio broadcasting-English category include J U Kirsten de Gracia (2nd place, Best Anchor); Athena Gail Ampoon (3rd place, Best in Infomercial); Hannah Theresa Dorico (4th place, Best in Technical Application); Team Award (5th Place, Best in News Script); and Marie Angela Grace Aala – Director (4th place, Best in Radio Broadcast).

There are also those who excelled in the Filipino category for group events, and they are Maria Cassandra Ericka Apostol (3rd place, Best Anchor); Joanna Margarette Barsana (4th place, Best in Technical Application); Team Award (5th place, Best in News Script); Team Award (6th place, Best in Infomercial); Ma. Nicole Damiar – Director ( 4th place, Best in Radio Broadcast).

Meanwhile, the collaborative and desktop publishing (Filipino) group bagged the 2nd place award. Among them who put forth the effort and ability are Sophia Marie Lazarte (Lay-out Artist); Jessa Guiral (News Writer); Neyza Hope Indonto (Editorial Writer); Josephine Rosette Ramirez (Feature Writer); Klein Timothy Magallano (Editorial Cartooning); Jayzen Seth Ezriel Panaligan (Sports Writer); Shiloh Ruth Sasuman (Photojournalist).

All the winners, having gone through the division competitions, received medals during the awarding ceremonies.

Butuan City Division ranked 2nd Runner-up (Elementary level) in the overall ranking among the 12 competing divisions. (Butuan SPED Center/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: NPA rebels quit from the revolutionary movement

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dec. 15 (PIA) – Significant number of New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees were recorded in this province, according to an official from the 26th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Pagayon, commanding officer of 26IB, Philippine Army underscored that these surenderees used to live in fear and hunger while they were far away from their families and loved ones. Their lives were burdened on series of hardships and always on evasion. They used to be on the other side of the mainstream society, fighting against the government. “But things were changed when they laid down their arms and were welcomed back to the folds of the government,” he said.

Pagayon further emphasized that with the initiatives and efforts of the Philippine Army to neutralize the left-leaning groups, several NPA rebels have already surrendered and returned to the mainstream society.

It can be recalled that last July 31, 2016, Yoyoy Bat-aw and Rey Pasado Carlos alias ‘Rex’, both from Guerilla Front 34 came down from the mountains of Loreto, Agusan del Sur and surrendered with their M1 Garand rifle and KG9. Also, on November 10 of same year, Wengweng Gumansel of Guerilla Front 89 and Erwin Mansumangkay alias ‘RR’ of Guerilla Front 88 gave up their arms and hoped to live a better and safer life. They brought along with them three high-powered firearms (1 AR18 rifle, 1 carbine and 1 Garand rifle) to attest their sincerity in surrendering to the government that they once challenged.

“We used to run for our lives if our masses inform us of the presence of the army in their community, for we were afraid to die. We walked on the mountains even at the middle of the night or intense heat of the day with little food just to evade them,” Gumansel said as he tearfully recalls his past experience in the revolutionary movement.

In August  2016, Jason Istar Behing, 28 years old and Jeffry Azarcon Maca, 28 years old, both members of SPP21C, Guerilla Front Committee 21 (GFC21), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), voluntarily surrendered with two M16 rifle with bandolier and three magazines to 29IB, Philippine Army in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

Also, in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, another member of the NPA who surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was presented to Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza on November 9, 2016. The rebel returnee also surrendered his M16 rifle to the government.

Ricky Salinas Bocales, known as ‘Ka Javelan’, 25 years old of Brgy. La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur also realized that he was deceived by the wrong ideology. According to him, he was with the NPA for four years and just like the other surrenderees, he also experienced a hard life because their group was often moving from one place to another with limited food.

It was learned that the aforementioned surrenderees decided to quit the rebel group due to the NPA's broken promises. Accordingly, they used their firearms in extorting small and large business firms and instill fear to the minds of the people. They also expressed their gratitude to the army who helped them live a new life.

The surrender was made possible through the successful negotiations of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion and the continuing effect of the resolution of the different issues in the communities through the Bayanihan Team Activities (BTA) in collaboration with the municipal local government units (LGUs) and provincial government of of Agusan del Sur.

These former rebels (FRs) are now enrolled to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) to assist them to live a peaceful life and become productive citizens.

With the onset of attaining just and lasting peace, the 401st Brigade with all its battalions is gaining its ground in winning the hearts and minds of the people and bridging resolutions to their concerns which will eventually lead to the realization of its mission as stated “to help the LGU maintain an environment conducive for sustainable development and a just and lasting peace by year end 2016.” (26IB/401st Brigade, Phil. Army/Jennifer P. Gaitano/PIA-Agusan del Sur)