(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Monday, 07 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Caraga RPOC chair underscores synergy of stakeholders to pursue peace, development

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) – In her term as the new Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairperson, Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Rosedell Amante-Matba made emphasis on encouraging each council member and stakeholder to perform their tasks appropriately in order to attain the goal of improving the lives and economy through a violence and insurgency-free region during the recently concluded 1st Quarter Meeting for CY 2017 held in this city.

“It is vital to keep active involvement, to be present during the meetings and to do what is mandated to us. We should aim for excellence in doing our work because the level of commitment will spell a difference on the efforts in solving the many problems encountered within our community,” said Matba.

For 2017, the implementation of Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga or ‘MASA MASID,’ a program which aims to encourage communities to take a proactive stance in the government’s fight against corruption, illegal drugs, and criminality, 911 Program and Task Force Agila will be given focus as part of the peace and order and public safety programs of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga.

On resource-based conflicts, the RPOC Caraga will be working on the decrease of environmental degradation, sustainable utilization and management of natural resources. While on insurgency, it will be on the increase participation of government approach, access to basic services such as the ‘Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan’ or the PAMANA, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Salin Tubig programs.

“We can be a great precursor in the implementation of these programs. This body should employ combined efforts and concentration on areas that require necessary actions,” added Matba.

Also, the council is putting attention on the decrease of drug affectation in association to the endeavor of eliminating criminality. Issues affecting the indigenous people are still counted as a concern that has to be dealt with.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director and RPOC vice chair CSupt. Rolando Felix assured that continuity of their operations is being done. He added that the PNP officers are doing their best in order to achieve and sustain the anti-illegal drugs campaign and operations.

“A whole-of-nation approach in addressing the concern for surrenderers such as the rehabilitation and alternative livelihood program, and internal cleansing in private and government sectors are still a challenge that we have to work out,” stated Felix.

As an update, the Department of Health Caraga through Dr. Ernesto Pareja disclosed that they are set to hold a conference with the anti-drug abuse stakeholders to address different issues and concerns pertaining to the establishment of Community-Based Treatment (CBTx) in the communities. The department also readies for giving support to local government units in the conduct of basic training of physicians on diagnosis and management of drug dependence.

Status of undertakings and accomplishments of RPOC for the previous calendar year were likewise tackled in the said meeting. “In joint action, perseverance and dedication, peace and development in Caraga region is viable,” said Matba. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


MGB-13, CREDO Caraga hold cross-sectoral forum

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 17 (PIA) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 13 in coordination with the Community Relations Education and Development Officer, Inc.  (CREDO) Caraga conducted recently a Cross-Sectoral Forum on Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) held at Gateway Hotel, this city.

MGB-13 regional director Engr. Roger A. de Dios said the forum was aimed to streamline the SDMP to its highest level to effect change in the whole mining community in the region and to advocate re-alignment and refocus of SDMP funds for sustainable livelihood project and support infrastructure program.

De Dios also encouraged all stakeholders to cooperate and work hand in hand with the government for the betterment of the people of Caraga.

Discussed during the said forum were the SDMP's economic contribution, national wealth share form mining, utilization of barangay development fund and national wealth share, and the result of the social impact assessment (SIA) in the municipality of Claver, among others.

The activity carried the theme, “SDMP for Integrated Sustainable Development.” (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


DTI, DAR provide labels, packaging materials to Surigao Norte coops

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 17 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provided recently labels and packaging materials as starter kits to two cooperatives in Sta. Monica and Del Carmen in Siargao Island.

According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the provision of starter kits to Garcia Fisherfolks and Farmers Credit Cooperative (GAFFARCRECO) in Barangay Garcia, Sta. Monica and Esperanza Farmers Credit and Consumers Organization (ESFARCRECO) in Barangay Esperanza, Del Carmen was in line with the conduct of productivity training on product packaging and labeling on Oct. 27, 2017 held in Dapa, Siargao Island.

He said the activity was initiated by the DAR in partnership with DTI to capacitate the members of the two Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) on the importance of proper packaging and labels as they play important roles in protecting the product from damage, attracting customer, portraying information about the product, facilitating purchase decision and the like.

“GAFFARCRECO in Sta. Monica produces 'Siargao Bliss Turmeric Herbal Powder' and ESFARCRECO in Del Carmen produces delicious molido candy,” Negapatan said.

Negapatan, further said that the two ARBOs are both beneficiaries of the Up-Valuing ARB Products Project of the DAR, which aims to enhance existing products of the ARBs and its support includes design, packaging, and labeling innovations of ARB products.

For orders of the said product, they may contact Tessie Virtudazo, GAFFARCRECO chairperson at cel. number 0946-5710953 and Elgelin Gonzales, ESFARCRECO treasurer at cel. number 0919-2163190. (DTI-SDN, DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


DepEd all set for NSDM activity in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 13 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) - Surigao del Sur Division is all set for this year’s National Schools Deworming Month (NSDM) in the province, which is scheduled before the month ends.

According to DepEd Surigao del Sur Division Nurse Madelyn Lozada, a coordination meeting has already been conducted together with other concerned agencies and the Department of Health's (DOH's) Provincial Health Team for the implementation of deworming activities provincewide.

Lozada said the division office has targeted to deworm pupils/student ages 5-18 in all public schools from Kinder to Senior High School. However, Lozada clarified that it will not be implemented without the consent filled up by the child's parent or guardian.

The DOH has issued memorandum number 2016-0212 as its guidelines for the harmonized schedule and combined mass drug administration for the prevention and control of Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, Lumphatic Filiariasis and Schistosomiasis for the month of January and July of every year.

The National Schools Deworming Month is now on its third year of implementation spearheaded by the DOH together with the DepEd and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Agusan del Norte governor appointed as new RPOC 13 chair

By Archie Rose G. Vasquez

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) - Agusan del Norte Governor Angel M. Amante-Matba has been named as the Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairperson.

Governor Matba and PNP 13 regional director PCSupt. Rolando B Felix, as the vice chair, took their oath before DILG 13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion at Big Daddy’s Hotel and Convention Center here.

Governor Amante articulated during her acceptance speech that she considers her appointment as a great challenge considering the multitude of problems the region is facing right now, particularly on the current administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, and encouraged everyone to play an active role in facing these problems. She emphasized that working together is the key towards achieving just and lasting peace in the region.

PCSupt. Felix, on the other hand, expressed that his appointment as RPOC 13 vice chair is very heartwarming as it signifies the trust of the President himself. He is hopeful that through the said council, Caraga will develop with the cooperation of everybody.

The appointment was made by no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte, National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) chairperson, pursuant to the provisions of Executive No. 773, series of 2009. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Mindanao's top official briefs Japan's PM team on regional investments

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) – A top government official from the southern island of Mindanao briefed the delegation of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on the region’s investment potentials at a business forum held recently at the Waterfront Insular Hotel here in the city.

The forum, attended by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Abe is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center.

“Mindanao has been experiencing unprecedented improvements and significant developments in our economy in recent years,” said Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

He added the island-region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product growth posted a 7.5 percent increase in 2014 which surpassed the national average of 6.2 percent.

More than 200 key Japanese government officials, private sector representatives and businesspersons from Mindanao participated in the Philippines-Japan Business Forum, which showcased Mindanao as the next investment destination in the Philippines.

Prime Minister Abe earlier pledged $8.7 billion worth of business opportunities and private investments for the country, upon his arrival on Thursday.

“Today’s forum is timely, since we will be able to update the Japanese delegation on the ongoing development initiatives in Mindanao and its prevailing business climate,” Secretary Alonto said.

Mindanao’s annual investment from 2001 to 2010 only averaged US$125 million, but it leaped to US$1.2 billion average annual investment between 2011 to 2015.

Secretary Alonto said the ten-fold increase in the last four years was buoyed by a capital investments in the energy sector with US$3.5 billion from 2011 to 2014.

“Mindanao has bountiful natural wealth as it is touted as the “Food Basket of the Philippines,” he said while adding, “it is blessed with favorable agro-climatic conditions, with fertile soils, and rich biodiversity which makes it suitable for food production and agribusiness development.

As of 2014, Mindanao’s agricultural land area represents 36 percent of the Philippines’ total farm area but yields 43 percent of the country’s total farm produce.

The island-region accounts for 89 percent of the country’s pineapple production, 82 percent of the bananas, and 74 percent of coffee. The country’s 99 percent production of rubber also comes from Mindanao.

As for the country’s livestock industry, Mindanao contributes 39 percent of the country’s production of goats and 44 percent of its cattle.

Just days ahead of Abe’s arrival, a group of Japanese investors from Ernst & Young LLC already met with MinDA officials to explore possible partnerships on infrastructure, industrial park and renewable energy projects in Mindanao.

“Clearly, there are numerous opportunities and business prospects in Mindanao that we can seize and take advantage of under the current administration,” said Alonto while adding “the future of Mindanao looks exciting that makes the region as the country’s next investment destination.” (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Ika-118 na pormal at opisyal na pagtaas ng bandila ng Pilipinas sa Mindanao ginunita sa lungsod ng Butuan

Ni Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 17 (PIA) - Ginunita ngayong araw ang ika-118 na anibersaryo ng pormal at opisyal na pagtaas ng bandila ng Pilipinas sa Mindanao na isinagawa sa Guingona Park, dito sa lungsod kung saan mismo naganap ang nasabing makasaysayang pagwawagayway ng watawat.

Ang nasabing okasyon ay dinaluhan ng mga opisyal at kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan ng lungsod, kapulisan and kasundaluhan, mga studyante at iba pang personahe galing sa pribadong sektor.

Pinangunahan ni Butuan City mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada ang pag-alay ng bulaklak na sinundan naman ng pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang.

Sinabi ni mayor Lagnada na hindi nararapat sa mga Pilipino ang mamuhay na hirap dulot ng imperyalismo at dayuhang pananakop. Dagdag pa niya, nararapat lamang na namnamin ang kasalukuyang kalayaan na tinatamasa ng lahat at kumilos bilang isang matatag na bansa upang makamit ang iba pang hangaring pangkaunlaran.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, kumander ng 4th Civil Military Operations na ito ay kumakatawan ng mamamayang nagkakaisa at may panindigang ipaglaban ang kasarinlan tungo sa isang mapayapa at masaganang pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino.

Bahagi rin ng selebrasyon ang re-enactment play ng makabuluhang pagtaas ng bandila dito sa lungsod na pinagunahan ni Gob. Wenceslao Gonzales noong Enero 17, 1899 matapos na ideneklara ni Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo ang kalayaan ng Pilipinas sa mga kastila. Ginawa rin ang pagpapalipad ng mga puting kalapati bilang sagisag ng kalayaan.

Hinimok naman ni Butuan City Heritage Society president Greg Hontiveros ang bawat isa na pahalagahan ang kagitinganng mga bayaning Pilipino na siyang nagbuhos ng pawis at sikap para sa mahal na inang bayan. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)