(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 09 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).


Wednesday, January 18, 2017

DOTr Caraga chief assures release of pending drivers’ license plastic cards

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) – “We assure the general public that starting next week, our office will be starting the lamination and release of the pending drivers’ license plastic cards in the region."

This was the statement of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga regional director Datu Alexander Mama-o during a press conference held recently at their regional office here.

Along with his senior personnel, Dir. Mama-o also bared significant accomplishments of their agency, as well as their new directives and plan of action for this year on law enforcement and other franchising-related matters.

It was learned that the pending plastic card drivers' license from August 2015 to January 13, 2017 has reached to a total of 81,901 for the Caraga region. Breakdown are as follows: Butuan City (36,642); Surigao City (26,087); Bislig City (6,200); Cabadbaran City (1,040); Tandag City (11,932).

On the issue of backlogs on the release of plastic drivers license, Dir. Mama-o stressed that they are working on the provision of the number of IDs as they were also assured by their central office on the supply of the plastic IDs.

“We were assured by our central office that they will help us in the supply of plastic cards and other needed logistics to complete the release of the pending drivers’ license. Hopefully, we can finish the release of said pending licenses within this year,” Dir. Mama-o underlined.

It was also learned that some 3,000 plates (private for hire, motor vehicles, utility vehicles) are also pending for release, while there is yet a supply of stickers for this year 2017.

“For the pending vehicle plates, we can assure the public that we will release it within the first quarter of this year,” reiterated Mama-o. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DOTr Caraga intensifies campaign against ‘fixers’

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) – With its newly installed regional director, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga has intensified its campaign against ‘fixers’ inside their agency.

Maria Kristina Cassion, division manager of Planning and Technical Services Division of DOTr Caraga bared that their office is serious in implementing its campaign against fixers, who do illegal transactions with the clientele that also bring bad name to the agency.

“We are putting substance in our mandate and we will not tolerate personnel committing violations and doing illegal transactions,” highlighted Cassion.

Cassion also stressed that their office will be putting up additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within the vicinity of their regional office to monitor closely the transactions of their personnel while at work. Cassion said this is also one way of implementing their anti-fixing mitigation measures.

The DOTr is the primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the executive branch of the government on the promotion, development and regulation of a dependable and coordinated network of transportation system, as well as in the fast, safe, efficient and reliable transportation service. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Cabadbaran City to hold jobs fair

By Nora C. Lanuza

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 18 (PIA) – As part of this year’s Dagkot Festival celebration, the city government here in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is now ready for the conduct of the Jobs Fair.

The activity, which is scheduled on January 29 from 8:00 A.M. up to 5:00 P.M., will be held at the Social Hall, People’s Government Center, this city.

According to city mayor Katrina Marie O. Mortola, one of the focuses of her administration is to provide employment to Cabadbaranons because she feels how hard and difficult it is for a member of a family without any earnings or job.

Mayor Mortola further said that the Jobs Fair is not only open for Cabadbaranons but also to other Agusanons, and even interested individuals from the different provinces of Caraga region. Available jobs during the fair include those from local employers and abroad.

“This is a rare activity (Jobs Fair) that is intended to all of you,” Mortola said.

For interested individuals, bring with you your ResumΓ©, ID Picture (2x2, 1x1), and credentials (TOR, etc.).

For additional information, visit the City Planning and Development Office, City Hall building, Cabadbaran City or call 0998 5796805.

The Dagkot Festival is scheduled from January 27 to February 2. It is a religious festival in honor of Nuestra SeΓ±ora Candelaria (Patron of Cabadbaran). The festival is held in the city every 2nd of February. Dagkot is derived from the local word that means "lighting a candle." (NCLM with a report from LGU-Cabadbaran City/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Olympic silver medalist to light CRAM's friendship urn in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 18 (PIA) – Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz will light the friendship urn during the opening ceremony of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) on February 12 to be held here.

This was confirmed by Gemma Espadero, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) of Tandag City Division, during the second coordination meeting on Monday at the Provincial Capitol Conference Room, this city.

The urn signifies that values of friendship and true sportsmanship shall rule the games. Said activity will run until Feb. 17, 2017, it was learned.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas, bared that the provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. gave an additional P2 million financial support from an initial of P5 million assistance.

Both Provincial Administrator Rivas and Provincial Treasurer Officer Crispa Geli who were present during the conference confirmed that the budget allocation has already been certified. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


MGB-13 steps up IEC campaign on geohazard maps

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 18 (PIA) - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 continued its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign of the 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps and the presentation of the highlights of the Results of the 1:10K Geohazard Mapping and Assessment in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

The main purpose of the IEC was to provide the Barangay local government units (LGUs) with 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps and present the highlights of the results of the 1:10K Geohazard Mapping and Assessment. Considering the increasing occurrence of natural disasters, the said IEC fostered and intensified collaborative efforts among the national and local governments and communities to ensure that utmost consciousness, preparedness and response to disasters are achieved.

A total of 215 barangays, six municipalities and two cities were covered by the IEC Campaign.

Municipal and city mayors, provincial and city disaster risk reduction management officers, key officers, members of the municipal and city disaster risk reduction management councils and barangay captains or representatives of the above-mentioned areas were among the participants during the IEC.

During the campaign Romeo M. Dalodado, Geosciences Division chief of MGB-13 informed the participants that MGB will not only distribute the 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps to LGUs but the office will also conduct lectures and map reading exercises.

He explained the importance of geohazard maps especially on the part of Bottom Up Budgeting for LGUs considering that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) required LGUs to secure a Geohazard Certification for any proposed government projects from MGB prior to the release of its funds/budget.

He added that a geohazard map could be used as a tool for selecting areas to be developed as relocation/evacuation site and could be used in integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation initiatives in development/land use plan of barangays, municipalities and cities.

The highlights of the results of the 1:10,000 scale Landslide and Flood Assessment of the municipalities/cities during the IEC Campaign were presented by the following geologists: Liza T. Pacete – Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte; Ralph Angelo E. Plaza – Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and Dapa and General Luna, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte; Melvin A. Mantilla and Kate A. Boquilon – Socorro, Surigao del Norte; Elaine L. Galido – Bayugan City, Agusan del Norte and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and Rubenar L. Cagubcob – Bayugan City, Agusan del Norte and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Recommendations suitable for areas assessed were discussed and provided by MGB-13 in the Landslide and Flood Threat Advisories of each barangays.

On the same note, the MGB-13 personnel distributed the IEC materials regarding landslide, flood, storm surge and other geologic hazards. Apart from intensifying public awareness of natural hazards, the said materials will also aid in the effective and efficient management of disasters and reduction of casualties and damages to lives and properties. (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Army 402nd Brigade chief, subordinates pay New Year’s call on SurSur guv

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 18 (PIA) – Col. Franco Nemesio  “Jojo” Gacal, 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander of the Philippine Army (PA), with head camp in Surigao del Sur has led the New Year’s call on Governor Vicente “BB” Pimentel, Jr. at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) here at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The brigade commander was the first to enter the Office of the Governor, had a brief exchange of pleasantries for over a minute or two and then, with the permission from Gov. Pimentel, himself, Gacal called in his party of sub-commanders from deputies, battalions and companies down the line.

Standing by the main door, after having an initial chat with Gacal, Gov. Pimentel welcomed one-by-one the army officers who came in for the occasion.  Then, after taking their respective seats, the cordial ceremony began.

Col. Gacal, apart from having along with him his deputy commanders and some subordinate officers, had also in tow his two battalion commanders and 14 other company commanders.

During the course of the “meet and greet,” Gov. Pimentel told the officers of the brigade headed by Col. Gacal about the six-hectare lot that would house the brigade headquarters.  It was learned that the area was located somewhere in Barangay San Jose, this city.  In return, the brigade chief expressed his thanks.

Since April 2015, the brigade headquarters of the army here has been occupying the same area with the Police Provincial Office (PPO).

Aside from serious and casual talks over insurgency and other matters, Gov. Pimentel also assured the army of his administration’s support.

Meanwhile, towards the end of the New Year’s Call, the presence of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Camp in Barangay San Jose, here, was likewise mentioned.  Apparently, it did not sit well with the Governor due to absence of permission.  In response, he advised that signage of its presence had to be taken down.  In addition, the governor was told about the alleged conduct of MNLF’s continued recruitment.

The 402nd Infantry Brigade has the two Surigao provinces as well as the Province of Dinagat Islands as area of responsibility (AOR). (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Tagalog News: Mga naantalang mahigit 80,000 drivers’ license plastic cards sa Caraga region ilalabas na sa susunod na linggo ayon sa DOTr Caraga

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 18 (PIA) - Siniguro sa publiko ni Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga regional director Datu Alexander Mama-o na sisimulan na sa susunod na linggo ang issuance o lamination ng mga naantalang drivers license plastic cards mula pa noong August 2015 hanggang January 13, 2017.

Ayon kay director Mama-o naipaabot na niya ito sa kanilang central office at buo umano ang suporta nito at sinigurado ring aabot ang supply ng plastic cards sa bilang ng naantalang drivers license sa Caraga region na umabot sa 81,901.

Nabanggit rin ni director Mama-o na may 3,000 plaka ng mga pribadong sasakyan at utility vehicles ang kinakailangan rin masimulan na sa pag-release sa loob ng first quarter nitong taong kasalukuyan. Samantala, wala pa umanong supply ng stickers sa mga sasakyan na nakalaan para sa taong ito.

Dagdag pa ni director Mama-o na mayroong mahigit sa 3,000 unclaimed drivers license na hanggang sa ngayon ay nasa posesyon pa ng kanilang ahensya at ang mga ito umano ay nakompiska dahil sa mga violations ng mga drivers.

Paalala naman ni director Mama-o sa publiko na magreport sa kanilang opisina kung sila’y may alam na empleyado na gumagawa ng ilegal na transaksyon o mga fixers at ito’y aaksyunan nila kaagad.

Magdadagdag rin umano sila ng mga CCTV cameras sa loob at labas ng kanilang opisina upang mas mamonitor ang mga trabaho o transaksyon ng mga cleyente at manggagawa. Isa umano ito sa mga paraan ng kanilang pagtupad sa anti-fixing mitigation measures. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)