(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 3, 2017

AgSur town joins 2017 Nutrition Month celeb

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) - In line with the 2017 National Nutrition Month celebration, the local government of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur, along with other government agencies conducted a motorcade on Monday to increase awareness on healthy diet, prevent and reduce malnutrition, as well as non-communicable diseases among adults and children.

Mayor Jesryl Masendo graced the opening program held at the new gymnasium of Talacogon. He emphasized the importance of eating nutritional food to avoid having different kinds of diseases, as well as reduce overweight and obesity.

“Let us be conscious on the food that we eat, that aside from ensuring its cleanliness, it should also have proper nutrition to keep us healthy and strong,” expressed Masendo.

Right after the program, feeding activity followed benefiting some 300 individuals.

Also, 26IB commander LTC Rommel Pagayon, one of its partners said the unit will remain a partner of local government units and national government agencies and ensure a peaceful and order conduct of all the activities set by the government as they deliver the programs and services to the indigent populace in the area of operations.

For 2017, the selected focus of the Nutrition Month campaign is on the promotion of healthy diets with the theme “Healthy diet, gawing habit – FOR LIFE!”

Nutrition Month is an annual campaign held every July to create greater awareness on the importance of nutrition among Filipinos. Presidential Decree 491 (1974) mandates the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to lead and coordinate the nationwide campaign. Throughout the years, schools and local government units as well as other stakeholders have institutionalized the Nutrition Month celebration. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Miners’ social dev’t funds benefit more than 10K scholars in Caraga region

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – The strict implementation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2010-13 which requires the operating mines to increase its allocation from one percent direct mining and milling cost (DMMC) to 1.5 percent operating costs to include the exploration companies to implement community development program (CDP) has catered 10,259 individuals for its scholarship grant in Caraga region alone.

Of the 10,259 scholars, the grant was distributed to 98 nursery pupils; 1,219 elementary students; 2,979 secondary students; 607 for tertiary; and 5,356 for other recipients of the educational assistance.

The fund is taken from the 10 percent of the company’s exploration work program (EWP).

“To ensure availability of funds and to facilitate timely implementation of the Social Development Management Program (SDMP), the companies were advised to deposit at least 75 percent of the SDMP fund to any depository banks under an account name ‘SDMP fund’ (1.5 percent operating  costs) of the mining company,” said Engr. Roger de Dios, Mines and Geosciences Bureau - Regional Office No. 13 (MGB-13) regional director.

In 2016, the SDMP budget among five provinces in Caraga region totals to P610,992,854.73 (Surigao del Norte-P360,602,315.92; Surigao del Sur-P98,365,550.13; Agusan del Norte-P35,965,926.43; Agusan del Sur-P29,617,324.31; Dinagat Islands-P86,441,737.94).

The SDMP is formulated for the general welfare of the host and neighboring communities to specifically improve the quality of life of the marginalized and disadvantage families even after the mining company ceases its operation. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Bislig launches operation 911 command center

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 3, 2017 (PIA) – The city government here recently launched its Operation 911 Command Center aimed to save lives and properties situated at the former Philippine National Police (PNP) Building in Mangagoy.

The implementation of its operation is pursuant to the Executive Order No. 10 signed last May 16, 2017 by City Mayor Librado Navarro. The official hotline contact numbers are 853-2579 and 853-2726.

The Bislig City Operation 911 Command Center is partly patterned from Davao City 911 operation, which is proven effective to cater the needs for public safety and security, public emergency assistance, including emergency medical services brought about by both man made or natural disasters or calamities, it was learned.

City Information Officer Laine S. Elechicon said the city’s emergency hotline will provide medical, fire, rescue and police assistance in the fastest possible way.

The Bislig City Operation 911 Command Center was realized through the effort of Mayor Navarro with the support of the city and barangay officials.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management unit headed by Orbelle Carmen will be the frontliner to manage the operation within the territorial jurisdiction of the city.

The implementation of its operation, according to Elechicon, is in collaboration with the partner national government agency heads, namely: Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Gene Mandap, 75th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt Col. Wilfredo Amoma, PNP-City Police Station chief PCI Ephraim Megreño, Philippine Coastguard Station Commander Lt. Gary Laynesa, DILG-CLGOO Ms. Olivia Bagasbas, Traffic Management Group headed by Daniel Mejores and other national and non-government agencies who support the same cause. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


OWWA opens scholarship for OFW dependents

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) calls for direct dependents of active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who shall enroll or currently enrolled in any four or five year baccalaureate course. The agency is now accepting applications for the degree-granting scholarship programs for school year 2017-2018.

The Overseas Filipino Workers Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of OFWs receiving a monthly salary of not more than USD 600.

Aspiring scholars need only pass the qualifying or entrance examination from their preferred state college or university. They will be provided assistance of P10,000 per semester of P20,000 per academic year.

To qualify as a dependent, the applicant must be a child of a married or unmarried OFW and/or brother or sister of an unmarried OFW and must be single. Incoming freshmen applicants must be below 21 years-old and below 30 years-old for those already enrolled or currently enrolled in college.

This year a total of 125 slots are available for Caraga Region; 65 for freshmen and 60 for those who have enrolled and/or are currently enrolled.

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.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible because the acceptance and approval is on a “first come, first served” basis.

Deadline for filing of applications will be on July 15, 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)


DILG 13 reminds LGUs to prepare for the rainy season

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 - As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 13 enjoins all local government units (LGUs) through their local chief executives (LCEs) to perform preparedness actions for the rainy season this year.

The DILG Central Office issued Memorandum Circular No. 2017-75 dated June 9, 2017 Re: 2017 La Niña Advisory and the DILG Regional Office issued a corresponding Memorandum bearing the same subject to remind LGUs to start making preparatory acts and corresponding set of initiatives to mitigate the impacts of flooding, landslides and other resulting hazards.

In view thereto, all LGUs are directed to prepare or update their respective La Niña Action Plan / Oplan Tag-ulan for CY 2017 and submit it to the DILG Regional Office for the La Niña Regional Action Plan. As such, LGUs are directed to convene their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments (PDRA), especially for flood-prone and landslide high-risk areas.

Further, LGUs are advised to closely coordinate with PAG-ASA for timely weather updates and with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for adequate information on the threat of flooding and rainfall-induced landslides within their respective areas of responsibility.

As always, the DILG takes the lead in ensuring that LGUs are fully equipped with the necessary skills and capability to face and survive hazards, as well as cope with the impact of disasters. With the significance of such undertaking, the matter was discussed during the 2nd Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting last June 23, 2017.  (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


OWWA Caraga joins DOLE clinic in PDI

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 - In connection with the desire to bring the programs and services of the agency to all its members around the region, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Caraga, led by Regional Director Samuel S. Madrid, participated in the DOLE Clinic spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment along with the different attached agencies in Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands on June 15-16, 2017.

According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, “DOLE Clinic is a mechanism to bring the DOLE closer to the community by providing pre-employment facilitation, labor standards enforcement, dispute resolution and livelihood assistance.”

Meanwhile, Family Welfare Officer Ronilo C. Maningo facilitated the consultation with the OFW returnees and their families in the municipality. A program advocacy campaign was also given to provide information on how to renew membership as well as avail themselves of the programs and services of the agency. Information drive on the agency’s scholarship programs was also made.

Furthermore, the agency established its linkage with the local government of Loreto for the organization of an OFW Family Circe in the municipality. Subsequently, a formed organization shall be provided with Financial Literacy, Values Formation and Skills Trainings which could awaken the members’ potential productivity and self-reliance.

Members of the DOLE Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) also attended the clinic. The DOLE also conducted a PESO meeting, Livelihood Proposal Writeshop with MASICAP, and orientation of Department Order 174 to the officials of the local government unit of Loreto. (JPIM/ OWWACaraga/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: Info caravan sa pagsulong ng responsableng pagmimina isinagawa sa Caraga

Ni Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 3 (PIA) - Bilang bahagi ng pakikilahok sa 2017 Environment Month Celebration, isinagawa ang “Information, Education at Communication Caravan on Mining” sa apat na magkasunod na araw sa iba’t ibang probinsya at lungsod sa Caraga region.

Ito ay pinangunahan ng Mines and Geosciences Bureau - Regional Office 13 o MGB-13, sa pakikipagtulongan ng Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council at Community Relations, Education and Development Officers o CREDO, Inc.

Una nang ginanap ang IEC Caravan sa Loreto, Dinagat Islands at sinundan sa Surigao City, Surigao del Sur at Caraga State University dito sa lungsod. Ito ay dinaluhan ng people’s organizations, non-government organizations, mga studyante at faculty members.

Binigyang diin ni MGB-13 regional director Roger de Dios na layunin ng nasabing IEC Caravan na tuwirang maipaliwanag lalung-lalo na ang misconception sa pagmimina. Kasabay din nito ang paglalahad sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng Caraga minerals industry at mga polisiya na pumapatnubay ng mining operations.

Sa pagtatapos ng caravan, dinaluhan din ng mga stakeholders ng mining industries sa rehiyon ang ginanap na press conference. Iginiit din ng MGB-13 ang adhikain ng pamahalaan na maipagpatuloy ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng responsible mining, ecological sustainability at social development.

“Ang mining industry sa rehiyon ng Caraga ay nakapag-generate ng 30,829 jobs sa taong 2016. Ang IP share collection naman sa nasabing taon ay umabot ng humigit P244 million,” sabi ni De Dios.

Ayon pa kay De Dios, sa calendar year 2016, ang approved budget para sa Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program sa rehiyon ng Caraga ay mahigit P2.7 billion na ginamit base sa proyektong pamproteksiyon at rehabilitasyon ng kapaligiran.

Sinabi naman ni Engr. Robert Francisco, presidente ng Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council na hindi nila hahayaang isantabi ang negative impacts bagkus pahahalagahan nito ang best practices at responsableng pagmimina.


Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong 180,070.14 hectares ng total approved mining permit area o siyam na porsyento ng 1,913,842 hectares ng total land area sa rehiyon ng Caraga at dalawang porsyento lamang nito ang sinasabing active mining permit area. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)