(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 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 Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Monday, February 13, 2017

PRRD allocates P2-B for rehab of quake-affected Surigao

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 13 (PIA) – Speaking before a crowd of devastated but hopeful earthquake victims during his personal visit in this city on Sunday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) disclosed that the national government has favorably allocated around P2 billion for the rehabilitation of Surigao del Norte province, which was hit by the 6.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday evening, Feb. 10.

It may be recalled that the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod has declared the city under a state of calamity on Saturday after a power blackout, water scarcity, and major damages in buildings and lifelines were noted.

Included in the immediate rescue and clearing operation is the collapsed Anao-aon bridge in the municipality of San Francisco, under the provincial road of Surigao del Norte which is totally closed to traffic. Hence, new construction of 165.0 linear meter bridge is recommended with an estimated amount of P115M.

Based on the assessment of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the cost of damage of the Surigao State College of Technology has reached to P150M; provincial capitol buildings and other infrastructures - P63M; ports (Lipata Ferry Terminal and Surigao port) facilities damage- P161.5M; national roads damage -P208.2M. These total to P582.7M.

Accordingly, the immediate needs are the full restoration of critical infrastructure and lifelines, construction materials for damaged housing and relocation, emergency work for displaced workers, financial help to severely injured.

Meanwhile, the President conveyed his words of encouragement to the Surigaonons. PRRD said that he only intended to deliver what is beneficial and best for his countrymen. “The different national line agencies are our allies in pushing for good reforms in governance,” he said. He also assured that he would not allow any corrupt practices in doing public service.

PRRD said how sorry he was for the unfavorable experiences they have undergone as a result of the strong tremor of the quake. However, he is thankful that nothing more fatal has happened as compared to the typhoon Yolanda incident.

“Life has always its ups and downs. There is always a time for joy and at times mourning,” PRRD said. He also expressed his sincerest condolences to the bereaved families of those who died when the calamity has stricken.

Per record from the Surigao del Norte provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRM), there are 157 families affected in the municipality of Sison, six in Malimono, 36 in Mainit, 31 in San Francisco which totals to 230 families.

Meanwhile, the victims eagerly and patiently queued to avail their share of relief goods to help alleviate their daily needs. Around 3,500 relief packs containing six kilos rice, six liters of water, coffee and assorted canned goods were distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.

PRRD arrived at the city gymnasium at 1:17 p.m. He was accompanied by PCOO secretary Martin Andanar and welcomed by Surigao del Norte governor Sol Matugas, Surigao City mayor Ernesto Matugas, Surigao del Norte representatives Francisco Jose Matugas and Robert Ace Barbers and other local officials. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Army intensifies security for 20th CRAM in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 13 (PIA) – In line with the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) here, the 36th Infantry Batallion (36IB), Philippine Army has intensified its security operations in the city.

In a press statement, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Colonel Randolph Rojas said he is committed to support in terms of security concerns and other tasks for the duration of the CRAM 2017.

“We are utilizing all our available resources from personnel, mobility, and other assets just to ensure the safety of the athletes, coaches, trainers, spectators and the general public, as well,” said Lt. Col. Rojas.

Some K-9 units with the capability to detect bombs and other IEDs, casualty medical evacuation team (CMET) including the field ambulance units were also deployed.

According to 36IB Civil Military Operations officer Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, being one of the members of the Technical Working Committee on Securit, their troops are mobilized based on the approved security plan in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the chair of the committee.

Part of the plan according to Pueblas is the conduct of the joint AFP-PNP checkpoints in the identified entry and exit points in the city. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


20th CRAM kicks off in Tandag City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 13 (PIA) – The 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) formally opened on Sunday here participated by more than 5,000 participants coming from the five provinces of Caraga Region.

The activity started at 2:30 p.m. with a grand parade, followed by the ceremonial cutting of ribbon at the entrance of Surigao del Sur Sports Complex, and formal opening program.

As one of the highlights of the activity, Rio Olympic 2016 silver medalist and currently Airwoman First Class of Philippine Air Force Hidilyn Diaz led the lighting of the friendship urn and athletes' oath of amateurism.

A total of 12 DepEd Divisions are competing from the different sports including special games.

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur headed by Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr, as the host province, allotted a total of P7 Million worth of financial support to the event.

Surigao del Sur has successfully hosted the CRAM for two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) under the leadership of former governor now 1st district representative Johnny Pimentel. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Feature: 4CMOBn change of command: a challenge, gratitude in uniformed service

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) – In a recent Turn-Over of Command Ceremony held at the Kalayaan Hall, Camp Bancasi in this city, Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Valdez IV became the 4th Civil-Military Operations (Kasaligan) Battallion’s (4CMOBn’s) newest commanding officer.

Valdez replaces outgoing battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Rey Pasco who assumed command last March 14, 2015 until February 10, 2017.

Upon relinquishing his post, Lt. Col. Pasco highlighted in his privileged speech the indigenous peoples (IP)-centric approach on solving the challenges of peace and development particularly in Caraga region where he piloted the capacitation of the IP youth.

“For the first time, the youth from the different Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) in Caraga gathered and actively participated in a summit which equipped them to become better leaders and effective communicators. The activity was successfully conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga under the leadership of Dir. Abner Caga wherein the 1st Regional IP Leadership and Communicators Summit held on December 18-21, 2015 at Tiberias Retreat House, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Consequently, the group was formally registered at the Security of Exchange Commission (SEC) as Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development Incorporated,” recalled Pasco.

He added that the unit is also instrumental in the creation of Indigenous People Crises Committee (IPCC), together with Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). This group is composed of IP leaders from different CADT areas in Caraga and was organized last November 14, 2015 to provide a venue for ICC/IP leaders to meet, discuss and agree amongst themselves the different issues and concerns currently being confronted by the ICCs.

Meanwhile, in his assumption speech, Lt. Col. Valdez recounted his significant experiences in the military service. He said that he has learned the value of constant learning as a means for personal and professional growth.

"I am more inclined in doing my best and to continue what my predecessor have started and accomplished especially that he has able to make a difference during his term in this battalion," Valdez said.

As the presiding general officer during the change of command, MGen Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., 4th Infantry Division commander, Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to the local media partners and PIA Caraga for the favorable information and communication support which is essential and instrumental in keeping the people abreast about what the Phil. Army is doing for them. He said that it is important to let the public know the army's programs and projects.

Madrigal urged the partner-stakeholders to continue supporting the 4CMOBn in advancing the peace, security and development in the region. Likewise, Madrigal recognized and reiterated its strong partnership with the PIA Caraga wherein several undertakings were carried out successfully.

“The best quality of a Civil-Military Operations Officer should have good background of intelligence since it deals with different government and non-government sectors and it disseminates relevant information to the community,” said MGen Madrigal.

He also stressed that one of the many roles of the Civil Military Operations is to strengthen stakeholder engagements and deliver information effectively and to the communities. “I have placed my trust and confidence in the leadership of these two officers. So, I am challenging them to bear the mantle of perpetuating the rules and mandates of an excellent serviceman,” emphasized MGen Madrigal.

Media partners, some heads of government agencies and private stakeholders witnessed the Change of Command Ceremony.

Service with gratitude

Leading the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion for 21 months and ten days was a mix of colorful and challenging experiences that taught Lt. Col. Pasco to learn to regulate his life by wisely making decisions and determine actions in perfect calibration.
       

“Setting a certain standard and boundary enables me to perform my duty without grumble,” said Pasco.

He mentioned that what he really wanted was for the Kasaligan Troopers to relearn the good old ways of doing things and unlearn the bad habits. “We started with the basics to be able to address the necessities of our soldiers. We have done many improvements in our facilities, apart from the good transformation within ourselves. And I could not even expressed in words how thankful I am for the wonderful camaraderie we have shown to one another,” sincerely expressed Pasco.

“By improving our administrative processes and support system of companies, we made them feel that we care for them. Taking the responsibility of looking after their welfare has also motivated and inspired them to perform their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities – and that is empowerment,” underscored Pasco.

Pasco remarked in all sincerity that there are things that should be credited to those who rightfully deserve. “I cannot do all these without the support of my co-soldiers. Above all, I thank the Gaotu for His saving graces and blessings in all my battles and undertakings,” modestly enunciated Pasco.

He said that the challenge of leading the Kasaligan Troopers is tremendous toward greater integrity, service and openness. “But as I look at my successor, Lt. Col Valdez, I am very positive and confident that this organization under his leadership will accomplish everything that has been envisioned, and may even surpass what we have achieved,” underlined Pasco.

“To all my friends, I thank you for your support, for your indulgence. I thank you for your comradeship, and above all I thank you for your continued dedication,” concluded Pasco. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga cops celebrate 26th PNP Foundation Day; 7 Awarded

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) - Caraga Police celebrated the 26th PNP Foundation Day here on Monday morning highlighted by giving of recognition and awards to seven deserving police officers.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba graced the occasion and spearheaded the giving of awards together with Police Regional Office 13 director PCSupt. Rolando Felix.

"Medalya ng Kagalingan" or PNP Merit Medal was given to Chief Inspector Dick Cale, Senior Inspector Darwin Abainza, Senior Inspector Erwin Cordano, SPO4 Grestito Vallespin, SPO2 Marlowe Sison, PO3 Teodoro Paredes, and PO2 Kishmita Jean Bajan for their successful anti-illegal drug operations.

“Let us always make right choices and deliver better services to community,” Matba said.

She also stressed out the need to reform especially those personnel involved in illegal activities.

A wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the PNP members killed during police operations at the Police Regional Office 13 Memorial and a Eucharistic mass were also part of the celebration.

The PNP was created under Republic Act 6975 that abolished the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police (PC/INP) and activated a police force on January 29, 1991. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


On Valentine’s Day: PopCom warns teens against untimely pregnancy, HIV

By May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) – The Commission on Population (PopCom) is once again reminding young people, not only those in a romantic relationship, to be more cautious and responsible on their choices especially as they celebrate Valentine’s Day, amidst the rising incidence of teenage pregnancies and HIV.

“Young people should be sexually responsible at all times. They should learn to have self-respect and self-worth; they don’t need to change their values to conform to others. They have to learn to ‘Say No’ for real love does not need sex; it can wait. And adolescent should also make wise decisions for a brighter tomorrow,” PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano highlighted.

PopCom observed that youth seek their peers and the mass media, not their elders, on matters pertaining to relationships.

While PopCom and its partners continue its campaign on sexual awareness and safe sexual behaviour, sexual experimentations and premarital sex increases.

Studies pointed-out that premarital sex is highly unprotected, exposing young people to the risk of getting Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or worst Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Mostly of the HIV victims are young people.

Amidst the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy and other youth-related issues in the region, PopCom together with its local program partners, is constantly intensifying its implementation of AHD program interventions to prevent such sexual and non-sexual risky behaviors of the young individuals.

Championing young people, safeguarding their health and well-being, enabling and empowering them to make positive life choices and actualize their full potential are the long term priorities of PopCom through its Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program. The program aims to provide the adolescents and youth with appropriate information, life skills, and services to enable them to cope with their sexual and full development into adulthood. Activities under this program include the U4U Teen Trail Initiative, Sexually Healthy and Personally Effective (SHAPE) Training, and the newly implemented initiative - Information and Service Delivery Network (ISDN) for Adolescent Health and Development (AHD).

The PopCom official also reminded everyone that this is not only a concern of one agency but it is everybody’s. Makinano further said that unified efforts of the different sectors in the community most especially the parents are very important in molding these youth into better citizens. (PopCom-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


President Duterte gives posthumous award to slain soldier

By 1Lt Karl Jan Devaras

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) - Immediately after his visit from Surigao City on Sunday for the relief goods distribution and to give a message of encouragement to the victims of the recent 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the city, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte flew all the way to Beata Virgine Del Santo Rosario Chapel, Division Advance Command Post (DACP), Bancasi in this city to personally give a posthumous Military Merit Medal for gallantry in action and condole with the family of late Sgt. Marloun Balais.

It can be recalled that on February 11, some 15 armed New People’s Army (NPA) belonging to Sanga sa Platun Pampropaganda (SPP) 16-A, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMC) attacked a community in Sitio Sarog, Barangay San Isidro, Santiago town, Agusan del Norte which cause the instantaneous death of Sgt Balais, two civilians and seriously wounding three other civilians.

In his statement, Lt. Col Glenn Joy Aynera, the commanding officer of 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion based in Agusan del Norte condemned the NPA attack, which took the lives of two innocent civilians and wounding three others.

Lt. Col. Aynera also said that they were deeply saddened for the lost of their comrade. However, it will not stop them from doing their mandate which is to ensure the safety and security of the people of Agusan del Norte. (4CMO Battalion, Phil. Army/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Apektadong residente ng 6.7 magnitude na lindol tumanggap ng relief assistance

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

SURIGAO CITY, Peb. 13 (PIA) - Tumanggap ng relief goods ang mga residente sa Surigao City nitong linggo ng hapon galing sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Sa pagdating ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa gymnasium dito sa lungsod agad na sinimulan ang pamimigay ng mga relief goods sa mga nakaantabay na mga residente na galing sa barangay Luna, Taft, San Juan, Canlanipa, Washington, at iba pang apektadong barangay.

Matatandaan na nitong byernes ay niyanig ng 6.7 magnitude na lindol ang probinsya ng Surigao del Norte at nakaranas ng sunud-sunod na aftershocks. May mga residenteng lumikas at piniling manatili sa mas mataas na lugar, dahil na rin sa kanilang takot sa sinasabing Tsunami.

Nasa 3,900 relief packs ang naipamigay ng DSWD sa pangunguna ni Secretary Judy Taguiwalo kasama si Pangulong Duterte at iba ang opisyal.

Anim na kilong bigas, walong canned goods at kape ang laman ng isang relief pack. Namigay rin ng mahigit 2,000 na 6-liters na tubig para sa mga residente.

Pinahayag din ni DSWD Secretary Taguiwalo na hindi lang beneficiaries ng 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) ang binigyan ng relief packs, kundi lahat ng apektadong pamilya sa nasabing syudad. Prayoridad na binigyan ang mga pregnant women, persons with disabilities, at senior citizens.

Napag-alaman rin na maliban sa naipamigay na 3,900 na relief goods ay magbibigay pa ng augmentation ang DSWD sa mga residente.

Samantala, kansleado na rin ang klase sa lahat ng lebel sa publiko at pribadong eskwelahan. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Supply ng tubig sa pangunahing mga lugar sa lungsod ng Surigao, 100% nang naibalik

Ni Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Peb. 13 (PIA) - Matapos makaranas ng problema sa tubig ang mga residente sa lungsod ng Surigao nitong mga nakaaraang araw ay naibalik na ang buong porsyentong normal na supply ng tubig sa mga pangunahing lugar o households kaninang alas tres ng hapon, maliban sa lugar ng Mabua, Ipil, Lipata elevated areas, Punta Bilar at Panubigon na apektado sa pagkakasira ng Anao-aon bridge.

Ito ay matapos ma-erepair ng Surigao Metropolitan Water District ang eight, 10 at 14 inches diameter pipelines. Mangilan-ngilang lugar na lamang na bumubuo sa sampung porsyento ang nakararanas ng low pressure dahil mainam pa rin na dahan-dahanin ang pagdagdag pressure sa nasabing linya.

Kung matatandaan, matapos ang pagyanig ng nasabing 6.7-magnitude na lindol ay hirap nang makahanap ng mapagkukunan ng tubig ang bawat barangay sa Surigao.

Maliban sa ipinamahaging bottled drinking water ng Rotary Club at iba pang NGOs ay nakarating na rin ang C130 sa Bancasi Airport ng Butuan City na may dalang 137 boxes ng assorted medicines, 500 hygiene kits, 75 tents, 500 jerry cans, at dalawang drums ng chlorine. Ito ay kabilang sa pinangakong tulong ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng NDRRMC, DSWD, DOH at Philippine Red Cross.

Samantala, base sa report ng national electrification administration ay 95 porsyento ng Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative franchise areas, kabilang ang primary lines, ay nagkaroon na ng power supply nitong linggo. Kasalukuyan pa ring tinutugunan ng electric cooperative ang naiwang limang porsyento.


Hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa ring nakararanas ng aftershocks ang lugar ng Surigao. Inaasahan ng mas nakararami ang makatanggap ng food items gawa ng pagsasara ng mall at iba pang supermarkets. Kalakip din sa kanilang hangad ang ayudang pinansyal para sa pagpapagawa ng kanilang nasirang tahanan. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)