(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, October 2, 2017

CCPD to conduct countering violent extremism forum in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Underscoring the need for increased awareness on countering the spread of terrorism and violent extremism, the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD), in cooperation with the Eastern Mindanao Command Armed Forces of the Philippines (EMC-AFP) and different stakeholders, will hold a forum on preventing and countering violent extremism at 9:00 A.M. on October 6, 2017, this city.

The activity aims to provide relevant information, to consult the stakeholders in the region on possible actions and solutions, and to generate support and commitment through a manifesto.

According to Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase, CCPD Executive Director, they are strongly pursuing its commitment to the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao for sustainable development. (FEA/VLG/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur town hosts 3rd quarter NSED in Caraga

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 2 (PIA) - The municipality of Bayabas, the smallest town in the province of Surigao del Sur, in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga hosted the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 27, 2017 held at the town proper, as its regional ceremonial venue.

Based on the record from the Department of Education (DepEd), a total of 1,409 students (both elementary and secondary schools) and teachers participated in the event.

The communities from seven barangays, five of which are coastal areas, which are prone to tsunami, joined the said drill. They were observed by the regional team evaluators composed of different agencies, headed by OCD Caraga Regional Director Rosauro Arnel Gonzales.

According to Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief Abel de Guzman, the challenge to host this quarter’s NSED was accepted by Bayabas Mayor Clarita Limbaro.

Mayor Limbaro was overwhelmed with the result after the activity was concluded.

Limbaro also expressed her gratitude to her constituents especially those who participated, including government employees, NGOs, and volunteers.

The conduct of the activity was led by OCD and member agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection, DepEd, Philippine Army, Philippine Red Cross and PDRRMO. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Talacogon PNP holds BPATs training

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 2 – Talacogon Municipal Police Station led by Police Senior Inspector Guillermo Ibale Jr, officer-in-charge, conducted the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) Training at the Talacogon old gym, Brgy. Isidro.

Said training was participated by the barangay captains of San Agustin, San Nicolas, Buena Gracia, Culiram, La Flora, Maharlika, Sabang Gibong and Zillova. Representatives from the five BPATs components – Law Enforcement/Community Policing, People’s Organization, Search and Rescue, Environmental Protection, and Barangay Justice System also attended.

The activity aimed to further enhance the roles of the participants in their respective barangays.

Topics such as BAPTs’ roles, duties and responsibilities, the First Responders duties and responsibilities, basic hand cuffing techniques, basic human rights of a person and the Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004, were discussed during the training. (JPG/Talacogon MPS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


AASSA-NAST PHL calls for synergy among researchers, scientists and stakeholders

BUTUAN CITY, Oct 2 (PIA) – The international symposium organized by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) and the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), supported by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippines held in Tagaytay City, has called for collaboration among scientists, researchers, private and public sectors to produce tangible results from the different scientific researches through translational research.

Dr. Michael Barber, a member of the expert panel of the IAP, emphasized the importance of cognitive diversity, collaboration, and engagement of researchers with policy makers for the success of translational research. According to him, science in the academies can affect the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He challenged the science community to think about how science advice can be translated to mechanisms, framework, and tools for the attainment of the SDGs.

AASSA President, Dr. Yoo Hang Kim, said that the disconnection between and among basic science researchers, implementers, and end users must be addressed through translational research. He encouraged the researchers to put prime consideration to the end users of the study. Relevance of research is important in integrating translational research to societal policies.

During the two-day activity, topics related to translational research were tackled, such as metrics for success, communications strategy, financing mechanism, agriculture and biological sciences, translational research through science and engineering education, translational research in health, social sciences, and policy.

Experts from different parts of Asia, including the Philippines, and Australia presented the results of their studies, including the challenges they faced in making their projects successful. They emphasized the importance of synergy and collaboration in the process. Different strategies were also presented on how to best communicate science.

Resolutions summarizing the recommendations of the AASSA-NAST PHL International Symposium were presented to DOST Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña by the AASSA President Dr. Yoo Hang Kim and NAST Philippines Academician William G. Padolina during the closing ceremonies of the international symposium.

In response, Secretary de la Peña elaborated that a scientist alone cannot do the full translation of research. The support of other stakeholders, in public and private sector, is very important. The communication of research results in an appropriate and timely manner will make its utilization possible.

AASSA-NAST PHL International Workshop recommended 6 action points for science academies and their networks that include (1) formulating and developing strategies on how member academies can share and learn from best practices in research translation; (2) promoting and supporting multi- and trans-disciplinary research to realize real and holistic impacts on the community; (3) advocating and supporting ethics and scientific robustness in the conduct of research; (4) communicating in an appropriate and timely manner to all key stakeholders the available knowledge or technologies from researches for their utilization; (5) training and mentoring young talents on research translation by providing innovative platforms for learning and development, including mobility among academies; and (6) promoting collaborative initiatives among academies to help in the attainment of the SDGs.

For higher educational institutions, it was recommended that the teaching of research translation in science and technology be imbedded in STEM degree programs, as a critical link to the supply chain of new concepts, devices and systems.

On the other hand, funding agencies should recognize and support technology transfer as a critical step in the process of research and development, either through adoption and commercialization by the private sector or deployment by mandated government agencies as part of national and local programs.

Lastly, all R&D Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate in the formulation of the Research and Development Agenda, in order to focus resources on priority issues. The national government is urged to provide an enabling and conducive environment to realize the full cycle of research and development in relation to the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations.

The Academy expressed its hope that the results of the international symposium will be favorably considered by the concerned sectors of the society in the different AASSA-member countries. (PIA-Caraga)


Infra projects underway in Surigao del Norte

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Surigao del Norte 1st district representative Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II announced that he is working on the construction of Siargao Nautical Highway by 2019, which means putting up of a bridge connecting Hayangabon to Socorro and Socorro to Consolacion, Dapa in Surigao del Norte.

“I am coordinating with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade for the opening of a full-blown Siargao International Airport. That is why we are expanding the roads leading to the Sayak air terminal,” said Matugas.

He also said that all is set for Siargao Materials Recovery Facility in collaboration with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu.

“We seek to control the production and segregation of waste materials because we do not want to become just another polluted area in this part of the globe. Siargao is well-known in the field of tourism. We have a lot of domestic and foreign visitors, that is why we are doing everything to enrich and improve it,” he added.

He also said that there is a big possibility that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) will soon visit Cloud Nine. “There are four cabinet secretaries who confirmed their attendance in the World Surfing Cup which we will be hosting. House Speaker Sonny Alvarez has a beach house in Malinao, Gen. Luna. We are very optimistic that the president is coming, and most likely, it will be a surprise visit,” he said.

Matugas also attended the blessing and inauguration of the Municipal Public Market, level 3 water system, community fish landing center and Brgy. Talisay Seawall, in line with the Araw ng San Benito.

“Warmest congratulations to all for the infra projects that we are championing. Thanks to former Governor Lalo Matugas for his wholehearted support, for planting the seed which now blossoms and produces fruits. Next will be the rehabilitation of the San Benito Municipal Gymnasium,” he remarked. (FEA/VLG/PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Surigao solon to revive golden days of sports

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) – Recalling the golden days of Philippine sports when Atty. Jose Sering was still a governor, Surigao del Norte 1st district representative Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II promised to revitalize sports tourism in Siargao.

“We belonged in the top three circles in Southeast Asia before. I remember this vividly because I was part of the SEA Games Organizing Committee in the 1990s. It’s about time that we go back to the drawing board,” said Matugas as he expressed his confidence that Siargao can make it the assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Coaches were comprehensively trained by PSC, which had initial sessions in Dapa, General Luna and Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

Pursuant to the marching orders of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to PSC Chair William Martinez, a consultative meeting with Matugas was put in order.

Sport Mapping Action Research Talent (SMART) ID Train was also operationalized to train Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) teachers and identify potential athletes from 50 students, through anthropometric and performance tests.

Anthropometric data involves arm/wing span, height when standing and sitting, and weight. Performance covers endurance, agility, speed and power.

Internationally-licensed trainers and officiating officials from the National Sports Association (NSAs) will coach and officiate the course for the grassroots level.

In addition, lectures are also organized and initiated by sports nutritionists, sports psychologists, sports physiologists, strength and conditioning specialists, sports medicine, first aid doctors and physical therapists.

There are also non-competitive children’s games to generate awareness, fun and excitement. (FEA/VLG/PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


DOE E-Power Mo to visit Mindanaoans

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 2 - After empowering Luzon and Visayas, the Department of Energy (DOE) will bring the E-Power Mo Campaign to Mindanao on October 3, 2017 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City as part of its continuing effort to invest knowledge and sound information to energy consumers and stakeholders.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "The E-Power Mo Mindanao is visiting President Duterte’s home town to empower Mindanaoans. It’s about energy and how people can have better energy options for their daily living.”

“We’ve done this in Luzon and Visayas, and this time we will provide this avenue for Mindanaoans to learn and grasp essential information and energy concepts, such as existing policies, programs and plans,” Cusi said.

The E-Power Mo Energy Investment Forum and Stakeholders Conference will highlight energy programs, opportunities, development plans and policies, financing and best practices, as well as the energy supply and demand outlook for Mindanao.

Like in the previous E-Power Mo, there are six (6) sectoral breakout sessions:

Breakout Session 1: Downstream Oil and Natural Gas Sector, which will focus on the Philippine National Standards for petroleum, consumer safety and protection protocols in the industry, and the development plans in the emerging natural gas industry;

Breakout Session 2: Upstream Sector, which will include presentations and thorough discussions on the proposed “Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Round” for coal at petroleum resources;

Breakout Session 3: Renewable Energy (RE) Sector, which will include the latest RE development in the sector (i.e., policies and programs), administrative procedures on RE service contracting, and the challenges and way forward;

Breakout Session 4: Power Sector, which will cover Local Government Units’ benefits and participation under the Energy Regulations 1-94 (ER 1-94) as well as the proposed amendments to include Indigenous Peoples in the policy. ER 1-94 entitles host communities of a power generating facility to have a share of P0.01/kWh of electricity sales to be used for projects that will uplift the living conditions within the locality;

Breakout Session 5: Alternative Fuels and Energy Efficiency Sector, which will give an overview of the energy efficiency and alternative fuels and technology programs of the DOE, which will highlight the Government Energy Management Program, new and emerging energy technologies; and

Breakout Session 6: Consumer Sector, which will mainstream gender and development in the sector, provide understanding on the energy supply chain, energy safety practices and labeling program, gender and development in the energy sector, RE as energy of the future, and lastly, make the attendees an energy smart consumer.

The DOE E-Power Mo campaign is in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The campaign has four guiding principles that summarize the president’s energy policy agenda:

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). (DOE/PIA-Caraga)