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 ShinzΕ 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)
