(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, July 10, 2017

DICT to launch training on rural impact sourcing hub, technical in AgNor

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 (PIA) – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will officially launch the Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) Hub and Technical Training on July 10, 2017 at the Social Hall of Cabadbaran City hall, Agusan del Norte.

Cluster director Eva May Dela Rosa of DICT Caraga said that RIS Program is intended to create meaningful ICT-enabled jobs in socio-economically disadvantaged areas in the country.

“It aims to help address the unemployment in the countryside and support more Filipinos to gain employment through the online freelancing industry,” stressed Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa added that technology empowerment for economic development (Tech4Ed) Centers will be established and utilized to serve as training centers in selected communities. These centers will also serve as RIS hubs where beneficiaries, after the training can do jobs online with its facilities.

The DICT has developed a module that will provide technical training on ICT-related jobs. “The training primarily will increase the people’s hireability by focusing on development and improvement on their ICT skills and utilize it for employment opportunities as well as serve as a venue to promote the use of e-commerce as the trainee will be paired with Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to develop their project,” added Dela Rosa. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DOE invites Koreans to invest for energy projects in PH

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 - The Philippines' Department of Energy (DOE) through Secretary Alfonso Cusi announced on Friday to Asian energy sector players and government officials that the Philippines will require 43,765 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity capacity by 2040.

Represented by DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, he told the Korea-Asia Energy Cooperation that the required additional capacity represents a three-fold increase in the Philippines' demand for energy.

Fuentebella also expounded on the energy policies and thrusts of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte during the seminar at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul, Korea.

The DOE official briefed the audience of promising investment prospects in the Philippine energy sector.

"To address this need, the Philippines would need 70 percent base load power plants, 20 prcent medium range power plants and 10 percent peak load power plants,” said Fuentebella.

Fuentebella cited the demand for new power plants in areas identified by the DOE in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Major energy projects were also highlighted in the presentation, such as the Integrated LNG Terminal and Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project along with their corresponding costs and projected timelines for completion.

To highlight the Philippines as an attractive destination for energy investors, Fuentebella announced that President Duterte recently signed Executive Order No. 30 giving priority status to energy projects.

Under E.O. 30, an Energy Investment Coordinating Council was created to streamline regulatory procedures affecting energy projects of national significance.

The said EO also reduced to 30 days the processing time for applications for energy-related undertakings and projects.

 In the open forum, the DOE official said the Philippine government is open to looking at micro-grids to augment the energy supply given the country's archipelagic location.

He said the DOE would soon release guidelines pertaining to the Green Energy Option.

Following the seminar, several Korean companies expressed interest in exploring energy investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Fuentebella provided a comprehensive overview of the Philippines’ primary energy mix, energy demand and supply outlooks from 2016-2040 as well as strategic directions. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)


Power in quake-hit Visayas to be restored ASAP - DOE

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 – “We will bring back power as fast and as safely as is humanly possible to areas in the Visayas affected by a strong quake that rocked the region.”

This was the consensus reached by the energy family under the Department of Energy (DOE), as well as their private sector partners, during a recent emergency meeting called by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi at the DOE headquarters.

Cusi assured the public that the DOE and all of its attached instrumentalities and commercial partners are on top of the situation. "We are all working round the clock and all hands are on deck," said Cusi.

According to the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) and Green Core Geothermal, they are providing generator sets in coordination with the local officials of Municipality of Kananga and Ormoc City to critical facilities like municipal halls, hospitals and water districts.

EDC and Green Core said that impact assessment measures are being undertaken at their geothermal power plants.

Based on the technical assessment of the companies, the marshalling stations or the central switching station of Leyte power plants will be restored within three to five days to enable importation of power supply from Cebu to the provinces of Leyte, Samar and Bohol.

For transmission, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is undergoing further assessment of their transmission facilities in determining the specific timeline on the restoration of the damaged facilities.

To augment the power supply in the affected provinces, the government, through the DOE, is working with alternative power suppliers, such as Trans Asia and Salcon Power to deploy Power Barges 101, 102, and 103 and the unutilized 16 MW diesel-fired power plants.

Also, to fast track the restoration further, the National Electrification Administration prepared the mechanism for a “quick response fund” to be allocated to ECs with damaged facilities.

The DOE coordinated with the concerned agencies to determine the timelines and other significant details in the deployment of the power barges and dispatching of the diesel power plant.

To supervise these complex yet integrated tasks, Sec. Cusi created a Project Management Team for the earthquake-affected areas.

"We are on top of the situation and we will deliver the much-needed energy services immediately," Cusi concluded.

The DOE Central Office and Visayas Field Office (VFO) are open to accommodate inquiries and support from the public through the hotline number ‎‎479-2900 loc. 329 for consumer concerns and ‎‎(032) 253-7222; ‎‎253-2150 for the VFO concerns. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)


Agusan Norte regulates selling of firecrackers

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is now regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the province.

This came into law after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed and approved Provincial Ordinance No. 457-2017, otherwise known as the “Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices Ordinance in the Province of Agusan del Norte,” authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, during its 44th regular session recently.

Under the said ordinance, the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of the following firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the province are prohibited: 1. atomic big, triangulo, super lolo, giant whistle bomb and other types equivalent to the foregoing explosive content; 2. firecrackers which are overweight or more than 0.2 grams or more than 1/3 teaspoon in explosive content; 3. firecrackers which are oversized; firecrackers which fuse burns in less than 3 seconds or more than 6 seconds; and 4. imported finished products and firecrackers with mixture of phosphorous or sulfur with that of chlorate and polyvinyl pipe “boga.”

It is also prohibited under the said ordinance the manufacturing, selling and distributing firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices without the necessary occupancy permit or business or permit to operate. In case of a dealer, the transporting of the cited firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices without a “Permit to Transport.” And the manufacturing, selling and distributing imported firecrackers/fireworks in the market.

The local government units through the local chief executives are mandated to cause the enactment of an ordinance that regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of any firecracker and pyrotechnic device and promote an alternative form of revelry.

Any person violating the said ordinance shall be punished by a fine of P5,000.00 or imprisonment of not less than 6 motnhs or not more than 1 year, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, in addition to the cancellation of license and business permit and the confiscation by the province of the inventory stock. (LGU- Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Population event highlights FP for dev’t. in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 - The celebration of World Population Day (WPD) on July 11 links the proper planning of the number, timing and spacing of children to the attainment of socio-economic development of the nation.

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) will convene the Population Workers and Volunteers of Butuan and of the Province of Agusan for a Family Planning Forum here with the theme “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations” with Tagalog sub-theme “Pagpaplano ng Pamilya: Lakas ng sambayan, kaunlaran ng pamayanan.”

The said forum is designed to update the population workers/volunteers on Responsible Parenthood- Reproductive Health Law, particularly the Executive Order No. 12.

Experts defined unmet need for family planning as the proportion of currently married women who do not want any more children or prefer to space births but are not using any method of family planning.

 “Part of our commitment to attain zero unmet need for modern family planning is to mobilize all stakeholders as they are the ones closest to these couples who can easily deliver appropriate information in matters relating to being responsible parents and planning their families," POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano said.

“The top reasons identified on high unmet need indicate lack of correct information which can be addressed when we will mobilize the population volunteers in coordination with other health service providers in the field.  That is why we need to equip and update them on important policies for them to be effective in creating demand for family planning services," Makinano added. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


E-Power Mo! to bring DOE closer to consumers

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 - Recognizing the public’s vital role in the energy chain, the Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), will launch the “E-Power Mo!” on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that there is a "need to send across the message of the energy sector to the entire energy chain, from the industry players down to the general public.”

The conference for energy consumers and stakeholders, “E-Power Mo!” aims to provide essential information on the fast-evolving developments in the energy sector, proper energy utilization and energy resiliency.

E-Power Mo will also launch President Rodrigo Duterte’s energy roadmap and policies designed to empower the consumers specifically to: Develop and utilize the energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition (E-Power Mo!); Undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency (E-Safety Mo!); Secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services (E-Secure Mo!); and, Empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. (E-Diskarte Mo!).

The DOE will aggressively implement this strategic energy information, education and communication campaign so that ordinary Filipinos would be encouraged to use energy responsibly and would be partners in advancing the country's economic growth. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)


DPWH, DOE to relocate power distribution lines

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 - The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed today a circular to guide electric cooperatives on a unified mechanism concerning relocation of their power facilities affected by government construction.

The DOE-DPWH Joint Circular prescribes uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and/or recovery of cost in the event of the need to relocate the distribution/subtransmission lines of electric cooperatives.

“We have to address situations where the facilities of electric cooperatives need to be relocated due to government projects, such as road-widening, bridge construction, among others, and provide a unified mechanism for reasonable compensation to them for every affected facility,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said during the signing of the Joint Circular along with DPWH Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, representing DPWH Secretary Mark Villar.

Based on the Circular, the government agency implementing a public works project shall coordinate with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Electric Cooperatives to address all right-of-way concerns related to the affected facility, including claims for compensation and determination of relocation sites.

“This joint initiative is in cognizance of the need to provide continuous, adequate and reliable electricity services to consumers while government projects are underway," Cusi pointed out.

It also provides an appropriate formula in the determination of proper compensation to the electric cooperative for the cost of the removal of affected facility.

“With this Joint Circular, we will be able to accelerate and expand access to electricity services by our people,” Cusi concluded. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Norte solon heads ASEAN inter-parliamentary assembly fact-finding committee to combat illegal drugs

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 10 – Chairman of the 13th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Fact-Finding Committee to Combat Illegal Drugs  (AIFOCOM) Surigao del Norte 2nd district representative Robert Ace S. Barbers led the ASEAN delegates in the dawning of a new era in fighting illegal drugs in the ASEAN region.

The 13th AIFOCOM Meeting was held from July 4 to July 8, 2017 at Conrad Manila Hotel in Manila.

In his speech during the meeting, Rep. Barbers said no other president had ever shown the same resolve as President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said that that Duterte’s exemplary courage to unmask politicians, generals, judges and other public officials who are in the narco-list is fundamental to the success of the war on drugs.

Barbers said the effects of President Duterte’s exposé is so striking that it has affected the organizational structure of drug syndicates. It has prevented these people from plying their trade, thus achieving the goal of limiting the supply of illegal drugs.

He said since the supply has plummeted, they are now costlier than ever. Drug habits in the Philippines can now be considered unaffordable, and because of this, drug abuse has dramatically declined.

“It is imperative that we support the war on drugs as a nation. We do not want to see our country plunge into the devastating world of narcotics. In a narco-state, no legitimate investor will come in, no legitimate business will thrive. So let us do our share to eliminate this menace from our society,” Barbers added. (2nd District Congressional Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Congressional migrant workers scholarship for OFW dependents in Caraga now open region

BUTUAN CITY, July 10 - For School Year 2017-2018, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) opens applications for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarships Program (CMWSP) to active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their immediate descendant or direct dependent who intend to pursue priority fields in Science and Technology such as Basic Sciences, Applied Sciences and Science Teaching.

Similar to the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), the CMWSP is also a competitive grant given to the applicants who can ace and land in the top 200 OWWA examinees nationwide in the highly demanding examination administered by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

For the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) applicant, he/she must not be more than 45 years of age, must be a high school graduate with a general average of 80% or higher in fourth year high school, have not earned more than two years of post-secondary or undergraduate course and without failing grade in any academic subject.

Those immediate descendants or direct dependents of OFWs applicants must be 21 years and below, single and a grade 12 senior high school student at the time of application. He/she should belong to the top 20 percent of the graduating class duly certified by the School Principal and must have no units in any undergraduate course. A qualified dependent are those child of a married or unmarried OFW and/or brother or sister of an unmarried OFW and must be single.

To qualify, the OFW should be an active member of OWWA at the time of application and must be earning an annual family gross income of USD 4,800.00 and below.

The scholar will continue until the completion of the course regardless of subsequent status of OFW membership provided that the terms of the scholarship agreement are complied upon.

Deadline for filing of applications will be on July 25, 2017. Application forms are available at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga; their School Principal or Guidance Counselor (if available); PESO Office in the Local Government Units (Municipal and Provincial); and Active OFW Family Circle/ Organizations (OFCs). Filing and submission will be at the Regional Office only.

Interested applicants may contact or visit the regional office for any inquiry regarding the program. OWWA Regional Office is located at Nimfa Tiu Bldg., II J.P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City. They may also call the contact numbers (085) 815-1894/342-6178 or hotline numbers 09399259895 for smart and 09173150590 for globe. (JPIM, OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: DOST secretary pinangunahan ang ginawang campus inauguration ng Pisay Caraga

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Hulyo 10 (PIA) - Kasabay ng ika-limang taong anibersaryo ng Philippine Science High School (PSHS) kamakailan, pinasinayaan din ang bagong “Pisay” campus sa barangay Tiniwisan dito sa lungsod sa pangunguna ni Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña at Agusan del Norte 1st district representative Lawrence Fortun.

Sinabi ni Sec. Dela Peña na ang bagong campus ng Pisay ay sisimulang gamitin sa pagbubukas ng klase sa Agosto 7, 2017.

Sa kanyang mensahe, ibinunyag ni Dela Peña na ang Pisay Caraga ay pang-13 campus na naitatag sa bansa. Ito ay pang-apat sa Mindanao kung saan ang naunang tatlong PSHS campus sa Mindanao ay nasa Koronadal, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte at lungsod ng Davao.

Pinasalamatan din ni Dela Peña ang Caraga State University (CSU) na siyang nagbigay ng pansamantalang gusali at silid-aralan para magamit ng mga mag-aaral habang hinihintay matapos ang konstraksyon ng Pisay caraga campus.

Magkakaroon na din anya ng sariling gymnasium ang Pisay Caraga bago matapos ang taong 2018. Ma-eenjoy na din umano ng mga 343 scholars ang mga pasilidad na nasa loob ng Pisay campus.

Ayon naman kay Ruwina Gonzaga, ang campus director ng Pisay Caraga, malapit nang matapos ang buong konstraksyon ng nasabing campus kabilang na dito ang perimeter fence at iba pang pasilidad. Ang naturang proyekto ay nagkahahalaga umano ng P308-milyon na pinundohan ng pamahalaan na itinayo sa loob ng may limang ektaryang lupain.

Samantala, binigyang-diin din ni Cong. Lawrence Fortun ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng magandang edukasyon. Hinikayat niya ang mga mag-aaral ng Pisay Caraga na mas lalung pagbutihin ang kanilang pag-aaral sa syensya at teknolohiya at maging magaling na scientists sa rehiyon, at nang matulungang maipalago ang agricultural facilities o technologies na ginagamit ngayon ng mga farmers.


Personal ding binati ni Butuan City mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada ang lahat ng mag-aaral, guro at magulang na dumalo sa inugurasyon at sinabing positibo siyang malayo ang mararating ng mga mag-aaral sa Pisay Caraga at matutulungan din umano ng mga mag-aaral na mapahusay at mapalago ang eco-tourism ng lungsod gamit ang kanilang madidiskubre at mabubuong bagong teknolohiya. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)