(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.


Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Caraga region records decrease in human trafficking victims

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 26 (PIA) – The intensified advocacy campaign on anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) in Caraga region has resulted a significant decrease in the number of rescued victims of trafficking from 36 individuals in 2016 to 10 individuals only in 2017, both during the 1st semester of the year.

“The decrease of the rescued victims signifies the awareness and rise in consciousness of people as a result of the massive information campaign conducted by the police force, partners line agencies, members of the Regional Inter-agency Committee against TIP and Violence against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC), and other advocates in our locality,” underscored PSupt Martin Gamba, chief public information officer of Philippine National Police-13 during a press conference on World Day against Trafficking in Persons held Tuesday in the city.

He also revealed that related to TIP incidents, the number of suspects apprehended has increased from 35 suspects in the 1st semester of 2016 to 52 suspects in same semester of 2017.

“The increase in apprehensions is a clear manifestation of the community’s active cooperation and contribution in achieving our efficiency in conducting operations against TIP,” said Gamba.

According to Atty. Clementino Rabor of Department of Justice Caraga, this is also indicative to the awareness of the local government units on the occurrence of TIP in their community.

Rabor, further said that through community involvement and collaborative efforts of partner stakeholders, detection of possible trafficking incidents will be easier. He added that a holistic approach is undertaken in addressing the TIP in the region.

Human trafficking is one of the most pervasive human rights violations which continue to soar as to its data and effects. Although accordingly, everyone could be possibly victimized by this massive global phenomenon, it still targets mostly the vulnerable sectors like women and children. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Valorian troopers to celebrate 43rd founding anniv on August 1

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 26 (PIA) – The 36 Infantry (Valor) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army is set to celebrate its 43rd founding anniversary on August 1, 2017, to be held at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur.

This year's theme is “36IB: Strengthening Our Commitments to Serve and Securing the Filipino People, Intensifying Partnerships, Changes Lives.”

According to 36IB spokesperson Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, several activities have already been conducted earlier this month, which included: opening of the sports fest last July 10; mangrove planting in Tago town last July 14 with partner stakeholders; 2-day mass feeding and the “Libreng Serbisyo with TESDA” held at Cayale Elementary School in Tago town and Mabuhay Elementary School in Tandag City on July 20-21, respectively.

On July 22, a coastal cleanup activity was conducted along the coast of Mabua Beach in the city and Tago Bridge in Tago town, Pueblas added.

During the anniversary day on August 1, 2017, a mass wedding ceremony is scheduled followed by the founding anniversary program where partner stakeholders are set to be recognized.  (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Butuan Christian group to spearhead ecumenical prayer for peace in Mindanao

By Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY, July 26 (PIA) - The Ophir Care Missions Philippines Inc., a non-government organization, in partnership with the Diocese of Butuan and local evangelical churches will be spearheading an ecumenical prayer for peace in Mindanao on Monday, July 31, 2017, at the Carmen Hall, Almont Inland Resort, this city.

The activity is a sequel to the prayer gathering done in Cagayan de Oro City recently to answer the need for prayers for the Marawi City crisis.

According to Ophir Care Missions Philippines Inc. president Pastor Nolan O. Lloren, the objective of this event is to show their heartfelt concern over the crisis of the nation and to express the passionate contribution to the rehabilitation and development of the entire Mindanao islands.

The event is anchored on the theme, “Prayer for peace, reconciliation, healing, solidarity and unity.”

Said activity will be highlighted with a pledge of commitment and a covenant signing of the following: support the troops; participate in the rehabilitation of Marawi City in any means; promote love, peace, security and unity in Mindanao starting in Caraga region; resist all forms of crime against humanity; and help build and develop MIndanao starting in every community in the region. (RCO/PIA-Caraga)


Agusan Norte ready for breeder stocks from DA

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY, July 26 - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region is set to give breeder stocks intended for the province of Agusan del Norte.

.Just recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DA through Sanggunian Resolution No. 159-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr., chairman of the Committee on Cooperative, Community Organizations, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Indigenous People’s Concern.

According to Board Member Escasiñas, which studied the merits of the breeder stocks program, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Veterinary Office shall receive as breeders stocks for the province the following: two beehive colony; 10 heads swine (one head boar and nine heads gilt); five heads heifer; and five heads caraheifer.

Escasiñas added that the DA will also give 33 heads cattle (three heads bull and 30 heads heifer) and 33 heads carabaos (three heads carabull and 30 heads caraheifer) as breeding stocks for the indigenous peoples in the province.

The provincial government and the DA-Caraga Regional Office recognized the importance of the participation of the private and government breeding farms in the production of livestocks forecasted as sources of stocks for backyard farming and the need for a comprehensive small ruminant genetic improvement program to improve and develop productivity and efficiency of the local stocks in the province as well as in the Caraga Region.

The DA-Caraga is currently implementing the Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) that supports the National Genetic Resource Improvement Program for the establishment of a sustainable Livestock and Poultry Multiplier Farm Projects (MFP) that aims to establish strategic areas in the country for multiflier farms for deserving recipients. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


News Feature: 650 OFWs, families, partners join 22nd Migrant Workers Day in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, July 26 - Around 652 participants composed of the migrant workers or OFWs, their families and relatives, government and social partners, service providers, recruitment agencies, and as well as the working force celebrated the 22nd Migrant Workers Day for Caraga Region at the Claver Municipal Multi-purpose Convention Hall in Claver, Surigao del Norte recently.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, in his message, emphasized how the agency continually develops and enhances its programs and services to meet the needs of its member OFWs, both active and inactive. “Dito po sa OWWA, layunin naming lalo pa kaming mapalapit sa inyo at lalo pang maging relevant, accessible ang mga programa namin para po sa inyo,” said Cacdac.

Moreover, Claver Municipal Mayor Eddie P. Gokiangkee took time to extend his gratitude to the Migrant Workers for the great positive impact that they contribute to the economy. “I am thankful to our OFWs who have kept our economy vibrant. It is beyond fitting to earmark a day to express our appreciation to them," Mayor Gokiangkee said.

Among the desires of the activity is to bring the services of both public and private sector closer and easily accessible to the participants. OWWA Caraga Regional Director Samuel S. Madrid acknowledged the support of the network of government agencies who work hand-in-hand in the promotion of the welfare of OFWs. PhilHealth, Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Development Bank of the Philippines- Claver Branch were given booths and a slot during the program to advocate their programs and services.

Other social partners who have contributed to the success of the celebration were the members of the Caraga Association of Recruitment Agencies (CARA), Pru Life UK, Camella Homes, Philippine Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), Hyundai Motors, Nature’s Spring, Pepsi Cola Corporation and Paymaya.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth, a constant partner of the agency in all its institutionalized events initiated a trivia of their programs and services with giveaways at stake. Ruelan Enterprises, B-MEG, and San Miguel spearheaded the parlor games which tested out the competitiveness and energy of the participants. Surely, it pays to participate in the games because a number of cash prizes were given to the energetic winners. The activity brought much laughter and fun to the OFWs and even the sponsors altogether.

A dance competition was originally organized for the activity, but the OFW Family Circles were not able to send their entries since most of them are working. It did not, however, hamper the chance of the only group who prepared enough to showcase their talents. The OFC of Tagana-an, with their Muslim inspired outfits complete with beautifully designed props, danced the Pinoy Ako, Pinoy Tayo, a household song for all of us Pinoys. They automatically got the first prize and was hailed the 22nd Migrant Workers Day dance contest winner.

All of the participants were delightful as they took home their prizes prompted by the outpouring support of both the government and social partners who added up to the already exciting prizes prepared by OWWA. The numerous giveaways including loads of household goods, home appliances and two bicycles that were given away left the crowd ecstatic during the conduct of the activity

Still true to the wholistic goal of the celebration, a community dance was led by the OWWA staff in the newly-hyped tune of Despacito. All the participants from the youngsters to the elderly swayed their hips like they have never before. Even the social partners and government agencies shared the same excitement and participated in the exercise that kept them lively especially during noon time.

While enjoying the many activities being done, a simultaneous Pampering Booth: foot massage, manicure, and pedicure was also provided to the participants who wanted to relax and have a me-time for free. Freebies were also given by the social partners to those who shopped in the booths.

In the end, no participant went home empty handed. Although not all of them brought home prizes, all of them enjoyed and took home with them giveaways, the fun-filled memory of camaraderie, the joy of importance and a cheerful heart ever so excited for the OFW Family Day in December and have another chance of winning more gifts. (JPIM, OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


PNP Caraga to hold 'ImbestigaTour 2017'

BUTUAN CITY, July 26 - As part of the simultaneous cascading of Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) priorities, the Caraga Police Regional Investigation and Detective Management will conduct a three-day seminar dubbed as “ImbestigaTour 2017”  towards a better investigative service on July 26-28, 2017.

Police Regional Office (PRO) Caraga regional director PCSupt. Rolando Felix said the seminar is aimed at enhancing the skills of police officers in the field of investigation, follow-up, tracking of cases, and the use of technology.

“On our efforts to improve the competency of Caraga Police force, specifically in the field of investigation, this activity will hasten our pursuit of a more peaceful and a safer Caraga,” Felix added.

A total of 140 participants from different Caraga police offices, regional crime laboratory, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will attend this 3-day activity which will highlight refresher workshops on Report Encoding, Event Reporting commonly known as E-Blotter, Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) and tutorial on Quantum Geographic Information System, E-Rouge and Overview on E-Subpoena.

PCSupt. Eric Serafin G Reyes, Deputy Director for DIDM, will grace the event, it was learned. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)