NNC-DOH to convene Caraga Nutrition advocates for
PPAN 2017-2022
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, April 25 (PIA) – The National
Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga under the Department of Health (DOH) will be
convening nutrition advocates from the region in Iloilo City on May 1-3, 2017
to introduce the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022.
DOH-Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna Jr. bared
that the invited participants are members of the regional nutrition media group
organized by NNC.
“Participants are active members of the regional
nutrition media group, a multi-sectoral organization envisioning an empowered
and resourceful society through nutrition otherwise known as Caraga Movers,”
underscored Llacuna.
Llacuna also recalled that the mobilization of
nutrition stakeholders and media partners as nutrition advocates in the region
shall strengthen the promotion of good nutrition to increase public awareness
and facilitate change of behavior of the population group towards good
nutrition and healthy lifestyle in order to prevent the onset and worsening of
malnutrition problem both under and over nutrition and lifestyle diet related
diseases. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Bayugan Chamber inducts new officers, members
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, April 25 – Some 36
business operators this city has just formalized its membership to the City of
Bayugan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (CBCCI).
Installed CBCCI President Atty. Rafael V. YbaΓ±es
led the oath-taking during the induction ceremony held recently with the theme:
“Principle-Centered Paradigm a Must in Business.”
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
Eastern Mindanao Regional Governor Sisinio Narisma was the inducting
officer.
The activity was also graced by Bayugan City Mayor
Kim Lope Asis, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant regional
director Lolita Dorado, Butuan City Chamber Past President Jocelyn Yee, Agusan
del Sur Chamber President Freddie Mero,
Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Armand Orilla and Chamber of Real
Estate Builders Association Board of Director Crevi Honculada.
Supervising Trade and Industry Development
Specialist Jose Baron and Negosyo Center (NC) Project Staff Charlotte Pingol
represented DTI-Agusan Del Sur OIC-Provincial Director Brenda Corvera.
CBCCI is one the stakeholders and partners of
NC–Bayugan City. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Caraga Palm Oil industry stakeholders meet to
localize national roadmap, prepare AgSur regional plan
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Apr. 25 - Stakeholders
of the Palm Oil industry cluster from all over Caraga region have recently
gathered together in San Francisco town this province to craft their
development direction.
Guided by the Philippine Palm Oil Roadmap 2013-2023,
the Department of Trade and industry (DTI) Caraga Region with DTI-Agusan del
Sur provincial office, organized a localization and planning workshop to
determine issues and strategies embodied in the roadmap to meet the needs of
the oil palm growers and other players in the regional setting.
While presenting the national roadmap, DTI-Caraga
Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran acknowledged that there are certain sectors
that still have some questions about the industry. He said there is a need to address these
concerns for the cluster to be able to unleash the full potential of the palm
oil industry.
Also, in his message, C.K. Chang of Agusan
Plantations Inc. (API) group of companies and current Caraga Palm Oil
Development Council chair shared his journey in the Philippines as an oil palm
grower. He is one of the pioneer growers
of oil palm in the region particularly in Agusan del Sur, which hosts the
biggest oil palm plantations in Caraga.
“I am satisfied with the outcome,” expressed Ricky
NemiΓ±o, president of the Oil Palm Growers Association of Surigao Sur (OPGASS).
He, together with the association’s other officers and members composed the
second biggest delegation, next to Agusan del Sur who joined the workshop.
(DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Feature: From nowhere to victory
Success doesn’t happen on a screen or in a cubicle.
You need to get out into the real world. - Steve Tobak
In the fourteen years of existence in the war-torn
and poverty stricken province of Zamboanga del Sur, at last! He finally left.
Blubbering as he stared the maybe last glance towards that shanty that borne
him some hatred, struggle and of love. He had to. Breathing heavily as he
walked away with his backpack-a “walk of destiny” as he named it- the lone
light from the little household he’d called home slowly vanishes from his eyes.
“Where to nard?” asked one of his neighbors.
“I don’t know. Maybe, nowhere,” he sighed.
Youngest among the seven siblings, Jonard Ecot,
only son of his mother’s second partner, who abandoned them before he was born,
had to do something infrequent. “Nard” as they call him, thought of what they
call “chasing Manila Dream.” Carrying this dream, he officially became a
vagabond at 13. His mother, a single parent, was barely earning for their
everyday meals. Feeling the struggle of his old pale lady, he decided to leave-
without everyone’s knowledge. Saving his twenty-peso a week as an all-around
helper in a family in his hometown, Nard walked away with P700 towards wherever
his money could take him.
From Ramon Magsaysay to Pagadian City, then to
Cagayan de Oro City. Every city he’s into, the teenager would work as an
all-around helper-dishwasher, labor, waiter and even as a baby-sitter- just to
earn to provide his needs. He would work at least two months in a city, and
would decide to hop in again to another city to look for, well, as a clichΓ© as
it would seem, greener pasture. He’d traveled to Digos City until Nard reached
Surigao City, which, perhaps the city that made a turning point of his life.
Unlike in the other cities, the teen worked as a helper in two carenderias
inside the city public terminal. Working hard labor, day in day out, Nard
stayed inside the owner’s jitney. He would fix and keep his things every early
in the morning before the driver would arrive. Cost-cutting, his first eatery
employer laid him off. Needing to survive, Nard took the shot of another
carenderia employment, this time with scarcely having sleep and rest. Motivated
to earn for a living, he still worked for it for survival. Yet, his efforts
were not paid off. After almost two months of hard works, his employer didn’t
seem to mind his labors and paid no compensation.
Depressed. Tired. Oppressed. Nard got fed up.
In 2011, that was early dawn. Nard once more walked
away. Yet again, without everyone’s knowledge. This time, bringing away with
him the P1,800.00 proceeds from the cash box of the carenderia, which for him
served as a settling of scores, and would compensate his two month labors.
Carrying his backpack, he boarded the earliest bus
for Butuan City, unmindful of his destination.
“Where to Nard?” asked the bus crew.
He again sighed the words, “I don’t know. Nowhere.”
He was 15 then.
After finding out what happened, the carenderia
owner reported the incident to the local police.
Eventually, Jonard’s bus was flagged down by RTR
cops, and was arrested. Learning about his age and that he has no one and
nowhere to go, the local police took custody of Jonard. He turned into an
errand boy (striker) of the local police station and would cook for the cops,
help clean the station, do carpentry and all. Every morning, he could see
students passing by the police station and came to think of going to school.
Sooner, Nard went to high school with the support of the local police officers.
For years of living in the police station, Jonard was exposed to the works of
policemen, thus, a change of mind and heart for him.
He then gave up chasing his Manila Dream. He now
dreams of graduation day and promised to go back to his previous place a Policeman.
Nard’s police guardians were eventually transferred
to Police Provincial Public Safety Company based in Camagong, Nasipit, and so
as he. He continued his studies and took up BS Criminology with all aids from
his new family- brothers, sisters and uncles in his new home, hence, declaring
himself a vagabond no more.
Until came this day, escorted by his proud PPSC
family in camouflage, Jonard donned with toga, is now clutching in his arms his
prized diploma.
But Nard isn’t finished yet, he will be a Policeman
like his keepers.
Quite a journey for a wanderer. Too much Good days
and as well as Bad days along the way, nevertheless, both are essential to
life. Good days will give us happiness, bad days provide experiences.
Asked now where to go?
Jonard with jest, “until Victory!”
(PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DENR
launches biochar project, promotes green economy
By
Johny Natad
TANDAG
CITY, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 25 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) officially launches Biochar Community Enterprise
Project as one of the Green Economy Model (GEM) of the agency held at Ecopark,
Barangay Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte on April 18, 2017.
DENR
Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez, who led the project launching ceremony with the
cutting of ribbon, encouraged the participating household members (PHM), local
government units, and other community partners to be involved in green economy
through biochar project.
The
Biochar Enterprise Project is one of the DENR interventions aimed to remediate
environmental problems and promote community enterprise. DENR Administrative
Order No. 2017-05 signed on February 23, 2017 provides the guidelines in the
implementation of the biochar program in conjunction with the implementation of
the Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) approach of the agency
program on reforestation, mine rehabilitation, green energy, pollution
mitigation, ecotourism, agro-forestry, rehabilitation of coastal environment,
among others.
The
Biochar is charred biomass from agricultural wastes like rice hull, rice straw,
bagasse, corn stovers produced by high heating of these materials with very
limited oxygen similar to charcoal but where biochar is meant for soil
amendments and charcoal is for cooking.
Biochar
is very useful to unsanitary landfills, unsanitary livestock raising,
unsanitary sewage disposal, greenhouse gas emission from agriculture and
landfills, and heavily degraded land from mining. It also address the acidification of forest
lands, supports better survivial of seedlings and tress in the reforestation
program, removal of heavy metal from soils, removal of oil spills from
mangroves and coastal water and areas, improving indoor environment from molds
and air borne toxin, reduce illegal tree cutting for charcoal making,
preserving fruits and vegetables without the use of electricity, reducing flies
and cockroaches in homes and buildings, composting kitchen and household
biomass waste for landfill reduction.
(PIO-PENRO Surigao del Sur/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
MGB
conducts groundwater rResource, vulnerability assessment to Caraga LGUs
By
Ralph Angelo B. Plaza
SURIGAO
CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 25 (PIA) - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)
Caraga conducted a Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment from
January to April 2017 in four municipalities of Agusan del Norte and Province
of Dinagat Islands.
A
team of geologists, geologic aide, and laboratory technician from the MGB
Caraga Geosciences Division conducted the said assessment in the following
municipalities covering 47 barangays: municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del
Norte with 20 barangays; Magallanes, Agusan del Norte with eight barangays;
Loreto, Dinagat Islands with 10, and Tubajon, Dinagat Islands with nine
barangays.
One
of the functions of the MGB is the conduct of specialized researches and
assessment of the country’s groundwater resources.
The
Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment Program is a major activity
that the MGB has initiated to conduct as its contribution to the implementation
of one of the provisions of the Clean Water Act (2004) which is to prepare and
publish a national groundwater vulnerability map incorporating the prevailing
standards and methodologies.
The
objectives of the Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment Program are
as follows: Assess the availability of groundwater on the various geologic
formations in the entire country; Establish the quality/chemistry of
groundwater in groundwater basins; Establish the potentials and limitations of
available groundwater in the various groundwater basins; and Assess groundwater
vulnerability of aquifers in the country.
The
team is tasked to make an inventory of all the water sources of every barangay
during fieldwork. Similarly, to document
the water sources.
Primary
field data such as geology, geomorphology and the type of water source were
gathered. The source of water could either be well type (shallow or deep),
spring type, sinkhole, or river.
Water
samples were also collected per water source for the analysis of physical and
chemical properties. The said properties were analyzed within 24 hours after
the samples were collected.
In
addition, interviews were also conducted by the team in every barangay to
gather secondary field data such as date of well construction, puroks supplied,
location of the water source and other details in order for the team to note
the past and present situation of the water sources. (MGB-Caraga/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
PHL
aims for 20,000MW RE capacities
BUTUAN
CITY, Apr. 25 (PIA) – To sustain economic gains and continuously elevate the
quality of life in the country, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that the
Philippines endeavors to add at least 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy (RE)
capacities by 2040.
Cusi
issued the statement during the recent launch by the DOE and the International
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) of the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA)
for the country at the Energy Center at Bonifacio Global City.
“RRA
is a collaboration among the DOE, IRENA and other renewable energy stakeholders
from both the public and private sectors. It is vital in our vision towards
attaining 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacities by 2040,” said Cusi.
The
DOE chief said that with the Philippine governments’ aggressive stance towards
building RE capacities, there is a “need to identify and analyze key challenges
to further guide our stakeholders in our policies, regulatory and institutional
framework.”
He
said that formulating RRA involved research, interviews, focus group
discussions and several multi-stakeholder consultations.
The
goal, he added, is to provide a comprehensive and detailed analyses of the
country’s RE profile in order to recommend measures to deal with the pertinent
issues in the industry.
Cusi
said that the Philippine RRA will also contribute to a database of the status
of renewables readiness across member countries of IRENA.
The
DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) also prepared the launching
ceremony of the RRA to serve as a forum with industry stakeholders to inform
them on its results, solicit their views in carrying out the recommendations
and discuss opportunities and challenges of the RE sector.
The
launching was graced by DOE Assistant Secretary Roberto Uy, DOE-REMB Director
Mario Marasigan, DOE-REMB Assistant Director Marissa Cerezo, National Renewable
Energy Board (NREB) Chairperson Atty. Jose Layug Jr., IRENA Senior Programme
Officer Gurbuz Gunol and IRENA Regional Programme Officer for Asia-Pacific Yong
Chen.
IRENA
is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in transitioning
into a sustainable energy future. It serves as the principal platform for
international cooperation and an avenue to explore other values of renewable
energy as it promotes widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms in
the pursuit of sustainable development.
“The
DOE is committed to provide a level of playing field among RE developers to
assure the country of its indigenous and sustainable energy for the consuming
public,” said Cusi. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)
U.S.
Army Pacific presents ‘purple heart’ replica to family of WWII PH scout
BUTUAN
CITY, Apr. 25 (PIA) - Filipino private first class Adriano Alagon’s
posthumously awarded ‘Purple Heart’ medal was lost in the aftermath of World
War II, but on April 19, 2017, Gen. Robert B. Brown, commanding general of the
United States (U.S.) Army Pacific, presented recently a replica of the medal to
Alagon’s only surviving daughter, Elisea Alagon Jamoralin. The formal ceremony took place at the
historic Fort Shafter headquarters in Honolulu, HI, a building used during
World War II to plan for the liberation of the Philippines in 1944.
“Through
the horrors and terror of this period, we can take what endures over the years:
the freedom and sacrifices made for our two nations by soldiers like Pfc.
Alagon,” said General Brown, before presenting the medal.
During
the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, Alagon was a member of the 14th
Engineer Battalion, Philippine Scouts, who gallantly served
shoulder-to-shoulder with American forces.
Enduring some of the fiercest battles of the defensive campaign, Alagon
was captured on his birthday, made to endure the horrific march across Bataan,
and subsequently killed by his captors after spending nearly two years in
brutal conditions as a prisoner of war.
Jamoralin
was only eight years old when she lost her father. Her daughter, Philippine Consul General in
Honolulu Gina Jamoralin, researched her grandfather’s saga and contacted the
U.S. Army about a replacement award.
“Today’s event is the culmination of my search for answers in what might
have been forgotten by succeeding generations.
While we miss our grandfather, we are consoled by the fact he died for
his country and we are deeply proud of him,” said Consul General Jamoralin on
behalf of the family.
The
family also brought a framed copy of an original letter signed by then
President Harry Truman, saying: “He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who
have dared to die so that freedom might live, and increase its blessings.
Freedom lives- and through it- he lives.”
“I’ve
never heard it captured so well,” said Gen. Brown. “Freedom does live. Thanks to men and women
like private Alagon. His sacrifice really humbles us here today.”
In
May, soldiers of U.S. Army Pacific will participate in Exercise Balikatan, the
annual Philippine-U.S. military bilateral training exercise that is a signature
element of the Philippine-U.S. alliance focused on a variety of missions,
including humanitarian assistance/disaster relief and counterterrorism. (U.S.
Embassy/PIA-Caraga)
Agusan
Norte ties up with LANHS for OJT program
By
Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN
CITY, Apr. 25 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte recently
inked an agreement with the Los Angeles National High School (LANHS) relative
to the On-the-Job Training Program of its senior high school students.
The
province through the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAO) agreed to accept the
senior high school students of LANHS as trainees and to avail of the use of its
various facilities in the Provincial Diversified Demo Farm in Los Angeles in
support to the school’s program and complement the existing curricula on senior
high school.
The
said training is a program requirement of the courses in Technology and
Vocational Livelihood (TVL) Crop Production offered by the school wherein the
qualified students will undergo work immersion and training exposures prior to
graduation in order to be adequately familiar with the actual work to enhance
their formal education training.
Provincial
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba was authorized by the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 087-2017, authored
by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe, to sign the Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with the LANHS considering that the MOA is essential to determine the
scope, responsibility and accountability of the two parties. (LGU-Agusan del
Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Agusan
Norte implements SALINTUBIG in Buenavista town
By
Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN
CITY, Apr. 25 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to
implement the SALINTUBIG Program, otherwise known as Sagana sa Ligtas na Tubig
in the municipality of Buenavista after the approval by the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan during its regular session on April 10, 2017.
In
Sanggunian Resolution No. 112-2107, authored by Provincial Board Member
Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan gave authority to
Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, to sign in behalf of
the province the mmorandum of Agreement by and among the province, the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the local government of
Buenavista for the implementation of the said program.
The
SALINTUBIG Program is a national government’s response to the lack of access to
sufficient and safe water supply in the countryside.
Based
on the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) conducted by the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA), it revealed that while the population with access
to safe drinking water and sanitary toilet facilities increased, a large
portion of the population obtained their water from sources that are considered
unsafe such as unprotected well, undeveloped spring, river, stream, pond, lake,
dam, rainwater, among others.
The
municipality of Buenavista was identified as one of the beneficiaries based on
the criteria set by the DILG, Department of Health (DOH) and National
Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Mayapay
tribe welcomes Masigasig troopers
By
Cpt Edwin Leo Francisco
BUTUAN
CITY, Apr. 25 (PIA) – The Mayapay Tribal Council (MATRICO) on Friday has
welcomed the presence of the 23rd Infantry (MASIGASIG) Battalion, 4th Infantry
(DIAMOND) Division, Philippine Army, based in Purok-6, Brgy Alubijid,
Buenavista, Agusan del Norte thru an "inpandawatan" ritual or
“acceptance of the tribe” rites.
The
ritual seeks to strengthen the army's relationship with the IP stakeholders
towards achieving peace and development in the area.
The
ritual is usually conducted amongst different tribes in the area to settle
misunderstandings and/or acceptance of certain customs and traditions of a
particular tribe, it was learned. Living or settling of a community within the
tribal domain of a particular tribe needs the acceptance and blessing of that
particular tribe.
The
ritual, which started at 9:00 a.m., was facilitated by the Masigasig troopers
and participated by the different tribal leaders from Mayapay Tribal Council.
It was officiated by Richard “Datu Malakas” L. Gubaton, the baylan (shaman) of
the tribe. The ritual continued with the calling for the “supernaturals” in the
area for the soldier’s safe and peaceful stay in their highland ancestral
domain areas.
"The
importance of inpandawatan ritual is to determine and resolve any
misunderstandings between the tribe and the 23rd IB,” Datu Malakas stated.
A
certificate of Free Prior Informal Consent (FPIC) was then handed to LTC Emil
Cruz, the commanding officer of the unit, at the end of the program to certify
that the Mayapay tribe was allowing the presence of the 23rd IB in its tribal
domain. (CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
