Thursday, February 23, 2017

4Ps’ cash card pawning rife in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office here hinted that “cash card pawning” was quite rampant among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Surigao del Sur.

According to Jimbo Jamoner, DSWD Provincial Grievance Officer, the scheme has been discovered and started to be officially documented since 2014.

Initially it was found out that some 100 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Barobo town, 105 kilometers south this city, were not in possession of their respective cash card. Upon checking out further, to Jamoner’s dismay, their cash cards had already been in the hands of “loan sharks” for some time.   Involved moneylenders owned up to the money-making deal, he bared.

With breakdown of cases at “300 plus in 2015” and “500 plus in 2016,” documents showed that cash card pawning had been noted at about 1,000 household beneficiaries, the grievance officer disclosed. 

Jamoner admitted to have noticed that the “numbers” had been continuing to heap up even up to this time.

Lest the purpose of the program would be defeated, the DSWD here had taken up the cudgel of bringing the matter to the attention of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to craft a legislative solution to put a stop to the malpractice.

Yesterday, the second of the four-day series of public hearing in select areas province-wide was held at the Capitol Social Hall for the proposed ordinance entitled “Prohibiting Government Officials/Employees and Private Individuals/Groups and Local Businesses or Corporation in Accepting Pantawid Pamilya Cash Card as Loan Collateral.”  The event was filled to the rafters, most of them were 4Ps grantees, it was learned.

A day earlier, February 21, 2017, the first public hearing was held at Lanuza Gymnasium in Lanuza town, 43 kilometers north, this city.  The last two schedules had been set for Barobo town and Bislig City, respectively, on February 23 and 24, 2017.

Jamoner revealed that resorting to “resealing” the cash card by concerned DSWD authorities right after withdrawal from ATM failed to foil card holders from doing so.   Resealing was likened to laminating the card in a thin plastic material not only for protective purposes but primarily to dissuade pawnbrokers to accept any offer. 

Behind the conduct of the series of public hearing have been officials of the DSWD, in close ties with the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC), the Committee on Social Services and Community Development, the Committee on Laws and Justice and Human Rights as well as other stakeholders.

Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr., SP Members Mary Grace Lim and Teresita Palma-Donasco respectively chair the above-mentioned committees.

Meanwhile, the provincial grievance officer hoped that people engaging in such deals would be meted out punitive actions sooner or later. 

As of November 2016, there are 44,565 households which stand to benefit under the 4Ps in the entire province, according to Jamoner.

However, Meiraflor Cabigon, DSWD Social Welfare Officer IV and Provincial Link of the Pantawid Pamilya bared during the recent affair that there had been over 46,000 households in their rolls of 4Ps as of the latest. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DSWD-Caraga, NGAs lead 2017 adoption consciousness celebration

By Ryan Malbas Tapayan

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 23 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with other national government agencies (NGAs), leads this year’s week-long Adoption Consciousness Celebration from February 11-19, 2017.

With the theme “Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin (Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption),” the celebration targets to advocate legal adoption as a means of providing compassion and unconditional love to abandoned, neglected and surrendered children.

The Adoption Forum served as one of the highlights since there were invited partner-agencies, selected Local Government Units (LGUs), adoptive parents who attended the said activity at LJ Mega Convention, this city on Feb. 16.

The primary objectives of the activity are:  1) to disseminate basic information about legal adoption including the adoption process, documentary requirements, procedures and the benefits and effects of adoption to the public; 2)  to educate the public on the legal process of adoption that may lead to applicants for domestic adoptions or inquiries on adoption and other forms of alternative family care; 3)  to respond to inquiries of the public on adoption and other forms of alternative family care thru Adoption Help Desks; and 4)  to provide program orientation on adoption and foster care laws and guidelines to the officials and staff of DILG.

Jessie Catherine Aranas, Regional Focal on Adoption, reported during the seminar the total picture of adoption natiowide.

“According to DSWD – Protective Services Bureau, out of 5,695 children declared as legally available for adoption (CY 2009- as of January 17, 2017), only 1,409 children were placed-out for domestic adoption. The data reveals that there is a high number of neglected/abandoned children in centers/institutions waiting to be adopted,” said Aranas.

“Other than this growing data, issues such as public’s perception on adoption, lack of interest of families to adopt and the discrimination experienced by adopted children should likewise be addressed,” she added.

OIC Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim encourages all government agencies to promote and advocate legal adoption as it remains a strange concept in the society.

“Let us altogether advocate legal adoption all the time and not just during occasions that we commemorate this celebration. The underlying objective is towards our goal of providing a child a kind of family he/she deserves,” Lim exclaimed.

Presidential Proclamation No. 72 signed on February 3, 1999 by the former President Ejercito Estrada stipulated the observance of Adoption Consciousness Day to call for public attention and ensure nationwide awareness on legal adoption of surrendered, orphaned, abandoned, and neglected Filipino children in need of permanent home. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Phivolcs finds unusual ground movements in no-fault areas near Surigao City

By Jun Ian Facundo

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Feb. 23 (PIA) - Team of experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) visited San Jose, Dinagat Islands on Friday, February 17 to install an earthquake monitoring device after major aftershocks were recorded in the Province of Dinagat Islands even when no existing faults cut across the island province.

On February 10, the Surigao earthquake was also felt by the residents in Dinagat Islands. But unlike Surigao, the Province of Dinagat Islands managed to shun the devastation, reported zero injuries and casualties and recorded only a few damaged infrastructures.

However, the Philvolcs team expressed that the number of aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 2.2 up to 3.0 recorded in the province is in the same range with the aftershocks happening in Surigao City.

The aftershocks felt by the Dinagatnons puzzled the Phivolcs Team who are also monitoring aftershocks in Surigao City and nearby towns in mainland Surigao del Norte. According to Engr. Melchor P. Lasala of Phivolcs, the sudden shift of the majority of earthquake aftershocks towards Dinagat Islands is unusual as since there is no major fault located in the island province.

“What is interesting about this phenomena is the aftershocks are not identical to each other. They have different intensity and the epicenters weren’t concentrated in the same location,” explains Engr. Lasala.

Fourty-one aftershocks were already recorded with epicenters located near Municipality of Basilisa, San Jose and Dinagat. The recently recorded in this series is a 2.9 intensity aftershock in the Municipality of Loreto.

The Phivolcs team installed the earthquake monitoring device to further observe this unusual phenomena. The team secured the device in the town of San Jose and tasked the DOST Provincial Office of Dinagat Islands to watch over the device. The primary function of the device is to record sudden soil movement in the area in a period of time. The device is equipped with a Geographic Positioning System (GPS and other applications that are vital to the monitoring of any movement.

The Phivolcs team will visit the island bimonthly to inspect and monitor the device. Phivolcs urged Dinagatnons to report any sightings of unusual cracks in the soil and be resilient with the aftershocks that will continue to occur. (DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Behind CRAM 2017: An expression of gratitude

By Liza M. Guinguing

The success of Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) 2017 in Tandag City can be attributed to the confidence and motivation from the prime movers of the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office led by the Dr. May B.  Eclar; likewise the highly capable and spirited CRAM Technical Working Group, to the support and willpower of the front-runners of the 12 participating divisions, provinces and cities. More so, for the exemplary coordination in bringing together the people of the host province, city and divisions.

Together, all have opened a new chapter of the sporting history of Caraga Region as well as showcased to the country the appeal as sports capital. The participation of all has promoted the spirit of solidarity. The games have become not just an important event in the regional sports calendar but also a platform for friendship  and cultural exchanges across the region.

At this moment when the flame is about to extinguished, it is but fitting to give due credit and recognition to the inter-agency tasking deeply rooted from the strong leadership of Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. and his working associates, Tandag City Mayor Alexander T. Pimentel, Representative of First District Prospero A. Pichay and Representative of the Second District Johnny T. Pimentel.

From its opening salvo, to the daily sporting activities, all the people behind are in full gear to see to it that everything is in place. Their hard work is remunerated by the capability of the Steering Committee composed of the Schools Division Superintendents of Surigao del Sur, Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, CESO V and Tandag City, Dr. Gregoria T. Su, PESS and Education Supervisors and other Division Personnel.

From this strong partnership, yields the excellence-motivated services of the people who worked in the field. One of SurSur’s brand of hospitality is making sure that all are properly billeted, welcomed and supplied with enough essentials. In addition, Police Officers, Personnel from Philippine Army, Fire Marshals, Waste Management In-charge, CAT Officers, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, Medical Team, private Contributors are visible all over Tandag specially in the different sporting areas.

The officiating officials who ensured the fair and smooth conduct of the games; the working Committee on Finance, Souvenir Program, Ground Preparation, Publicity/Media/Communication, Billeting Facilities, Playing Venues, ID’s of Athletic Delegation, Athletic Equipment/Procurement of Sports Materials, Technical Assistance, General Services, Security, Peace and order, Medical, Dental, Sanitation, and Emergency Preparedness, Transportation, Prizes, Trophies, and Awards, Upkeep of Grandstand and other Playing Venues, Usherettes, Grand and Oval Parade, Inspectorate, Mass and Church Services, Corsage/Leis and Tokens, Lightning Facilities, Sound System, Water Facilities, Guests Accommodation, Flagpoles, Strings, Torch, and Banners, Welcome Signage, Signs and Tarpaulins, Stage Decoration, Program Hosting, Food and Refreshment, Mass Field Demonstration and Chorale/Ceremonial Cutting of Ribbon have remarkably shown their best shot to make sure that all of the planned activities and preparations will be realized.

The whole CRAM endeavor reveals not just the sports aptitude of the young Caraganon athletes but as well as the nobility of these seemingly modern day heroes whose noble acts may not have been printed on books but are the best imprinted on the head, hand and heart of these promising athletes.

Truly, the people who worked collectively behind CRAM 2017 are the wind beneath the wings of these determined athletes as they soar higher in their quest of fulfilling their sports potentials. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Agusan del Norte reigns special games

By Lyoid Hunahuna

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 23 (PIA) - The special games of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic (CRAM) winded up with triumphant smiles from the special children, coaches and delegation officials from the division of Agusan del Norte as they were hailed as over all champion of the CRAM special events garnering a total  of 15 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals.

Receiving their medals and trophies, the CRAM partakers with special needs together with their coaches of Agusan del Norte expressed their happiness as they stood on the victory stand signifying their triumph in the different athletic events over the other 11 delegations despite their disabilities.

On the other hand, the special athletes from Siargao Islands ranked as over-all 1st runner up copping 15 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals while Cabadbaran City racked up eight gold, seven silver and three bronze medals, and landed as 2nd runner up. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

43 students sign scholarship with DOST Caraga

By Gabrielle Espinosa

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA) - A total of 43 scholars from the different state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private institutions in Caraga recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the granting of their Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) effective this school year 2016-2017.

The JLSS orientation and MoA signing was conducted consecutively in three separate venues: Caraga State University, Philippine Normal University and Surigao State College of Technology.

Policies of the scholarship agreement were discussed with the students along with their parents during the MoA signing and orientation.

Ricardo Varela, chief of the technical operations of DOST Caraga, emphasized the responsibility that the students bring with them not only as DOST scholars but also as future S&T contributors in the country.

“The number of scholars who have passionately and seriously pursued their field have been decreasing in this country. As DOST scholars, you have to look more than just being a scholar and the responsibilities this entails even after you graduate. We believe that you are one of those chosen few who will greatly contribute to nation building. We hope that you will not fail your countrymen,” Varela said.

Meriam Bouquia, the regional scholarship coordinator, also explained the different privileges that the scholars can get after their graduation. According to Bouquia, the scholars can still acquire scholarships from other institutions providing that it does not conflict with the general policies stipulated under the JLSS Memorandum of Agreement.

The Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) is one of the S&T scholarships of DOST Science Education Institution catered to the on-going regular 3rd year students with Bachelor of Science degrees in the field of natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. This year’s pioneering batch of JLSS scholars will be given 2-3 years of scholarship contract, depending on the course they are taking in. (DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DTI Surigao Norte, SEC remind public on investment scam

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte has posted its latest advisory from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the companies SUREADZ/SUREADZ, J.I. JOE Marketing, 7Seals Trading and Fazcoin Marketing Services.

The said companies are engaged in illegal solicitation of investments by enticing the public to invest in its Revenue Profit Shares/Revenue Shares Investment and Hybrid Marketing Compensation Plan for a minimum amount of P1,000 or up to P1,000.000 for a promise of 100 percent return/profit upon maturity date or expiration of term (either 60-day term or 30-day term) as preferred by the investor plus 10 percent commissions at the end of the term.

Per verification by the Commission, said companies are not authorized to solicit investments from the public as these entities did not secure prior registration and/or license or permit to solicit investments from SEC as required under Section 8.1 of the Securities Regulation Code.

The SEC also added that those who invite or recruit other people to join or invest in the said venture or other investment contracts or securities to the public maybe held criminally liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized, in accordance with the Supreme Court decision in the case of SEC vs. Oudine Santos (G.R No. 19554, March 19, 2014).

The public is hereby advised to stop investing and recruiting other people to invest money into such scheme and to take the necessary precautions in dealing with the above-named entities and their representatives.

The SEC is requesting the public to call their office at SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension Office at Telephone Numbers (088) 857-4235 or 857-7225 for more information regarding the operation of the said entities. (SEC/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

DICT to hold data privacy roadshow

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Department of Information and Communications Technology – Mindanao Cluster 2 (DICT-MC 2) is set to hold the Data Privacy Roadshow on March 3, 2017 at Dotties Place Hotel, this city.

“With the rise of hacking incidents, data breaches and the recent Comeleak issues, no endeavor would be as timey as educating our communities about data privacy,” stressed DICT acting director Eva May Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa added that the activities under the roadshow will focus on the importance of data privacy and improving data management across all its target sectors. The National Privacy Commission, an attached agency of DICT will provide an opportunity for technical interaction from the participants and presentations on Data Privacy Republic Act 10173.

It was learned that participants of said activity will have to pay P1,200 as registration fee to defray the cost on meals, snacks and kit.

For more information, the DICT office can be reached at telephone number (085) 225-9264. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City champs in 2017 Caraga Reg'l Athletic Meet

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Butuan City Division Athletic Delegation was proclaimed as champion in the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) 2017 held here last Feb. 12-17, 2017.

Based on the results released by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Butuan City Division garnered 103 Gold, 61 Silver and 43 Bronze medals in different events.

Agusan del Norte Division athletic delegation ranked 2nd with 40 Gold, 37 Silver, and 63 Bronze medals.

Despite the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City the night before the CRAM starts, the Surigao City Division Athletic Delegation still performed their best putting them on the 3rd rank, garnering 39 Gold, 29 Silver, and 24 Bronze medals.

The Surigao del Sur Athletic Delegation, the host province of this year’s event, ranked as 4th with 36 Gold, 47 Silver, and 58 Bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the Tandag City Division, which has 20 Gold, 41 Silver, and 26 Bronze medals and Bislig City Division with 20 Gold, 21 Silver and 38 Bronze medals ranked as 5th and 6th, respectively.

Agusan del Sur delegation ranked as 7th, Cabadbaran City ranked 8th, Province of Dinagat Islands 9th; Surigao del Norte ranked 10th; Bayugan City ranked 11; and Siargao Islands ranked 12th.

A total of 12 schools divisions coming from the five provinces of Caraga Region competed in the annual event. The winners will represent the Caraga Region Athletic Delegation for the Palarong Pambansa. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Surigao quake damage reaches P688 million

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 21 (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Surigao del Norte has released its damage assessment following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that occurred on Feb. 10 here.

PDRRMO officer-in-charge Engr. Marlyn Pono said the total damage caused by the quake and its aftershocks reached P668 million. Pono said the damage to school facilities is estimated at P176.5 million while damage to infrastructure is pegged at P194.8 million.

The damage to various provincial government buildings reached P104.3 million. Basic utilities like the electric power reached P7.3 million and water supply was reported at P2.3 million. The Caraga regional hospital was also affected by the strong quake with cost of the damage is P488,000 while the damage on national roads and bridges was P201.8 million.

During the recent press briefing, Governor Sol Matugas has ordered to fast track the distribution of relief goods to badly affected families especially in isolated communities where supplies remain scarce.

She recommended that there should be a regular evaluation of public and private infrastructures such as buildings, bridges and other structures to ensure that they can withstand strong earthquakes and enjoined Phivolcs and barangay officials to determine open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and craft evacuation plans that would help the people find out the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas.

Gov. Matugas encouraged residents of the city and affected municipalities to remain calm and alert with the safety of their families as their primary concern because aftershocks are still expected.

When asked why there is an aftershock and how long does it last, Phivolcs Science Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez said that aftershocks are normal after a strong earthquake and this could last for days or weeks.

Perez also said that a total of 185 aftershocks were recorded in Surigao Norte, as of 4pm, Feb. 15, of which 88 were plotted and 18 were reportedly felt.

Meanwhile, Provincial Social Services Office (PSSO) officer-in-charge Arlene Tongco appealed to those who want to donate that the priority needs for the earthquake victims are food packs, medicines, flashlights, tents for temporary shelter for evacuees in camps, financial assistance, portable generators, kitchen utensils, beddings, potable water and housing materials.

Tongco said volunteers for psychosocial needs and stress debriefing are also badly needed by the affected families. (PDRRMO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOE, PEZA to facilitate development of regional ecozones

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) - In a bid to attract more investments into the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the accelerated development of regional economic zones or ecozones with the assurance of a reliable and reasonably-priced supply of electricity.

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, “the MOU is an initiative consistent with the long-term economic vision of President Rodrigo Duterte known as ‘Ambisyon 2040’ and complements his 10-point socio-economic agenda.”

“Energy policies will be developed to facilitate the reduction of the cost of doing business in the country, including the ecozones," he added.

“Energy efficiency programs, like the adoption of the Energy Management Systems (ISO 50001), will be given importance to help the locator companies to be more efficient in their use of energy resources. This will result in lower power costs to sustain the companies’ competitiveness, while also encouraging the establishment of more energy efficient ecozones in the country,” Cusi said.

Cusi also underscored the importance of policies that would streamline the permitting processes for energy projects, to ensure stable and reliable supply of energy to drive the economic activities in the ecozones.

The MOU was signed by DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque representing Secretary Cusi and PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza on February 2, 2017 in Davao City.

“With the MOU in place, the country can expect the flow of critical investment which in the long-run creates more job opportunities and spur rural development,” Cusi said. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

DOE consultations show wide support for WESM Mindanao establishment

BUTUAN CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) - Given the excess in power generation capacity in Mindanao, preparatory activities for the launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao are being undertaken by the Department of Energy (DOE). This is in coordination with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The DOE has already completed two public consultations this month in Cagayan de Oro and in Zamboanga City. It focused on a draft circular that will govern the operation of WESM Mindanao in fulfillment of the DOE's mandate to ensure the security, reliability and availability of transparent and reasonably-priced electricity in the country.

The above-mentioned mandate of the DOE, under the stewardship of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, is underlined in Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

The two public consultations on the draft circular “Declaring the Launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Mindanao and Providing for Transition Arrangements" gathered together energy experts and power industry participants, as well as investors, consumers, members of the academe and other stakeholders.

The consultation participants were united in expressing confidence that with a stable and competitively-priced energy source, Mindanao can experience and sustain an economic boom under the Duterte Administration's 10-point socio-economic program.

The establishment of WESM in Mindanao is a high priority agenda of Cusi targeting its commercial operation by June 26, 2017. The DOE is set to conduct three more public consultations in Davao City on February 21, Butuan City on the 28th, and General Santos City on March 7.

For decades, Mindanao has lagged behind Luzon and the Visayas in economic development under the past Administrations with their Manila centrist policies which the Duterte Administration has seen as one of the root causes of poverty and strife in Mindanao.

The objective of the public consultations is to solicit the views of all stakeholders on how to improve the circular which will lay down the policies for the establishment of WESM Mindanao.

To be able to reach more participants, the DOE forged a partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority which, together with the PEMC and NGCP, will undertake an intensive and massive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) drive.

The information drive will help more Mindanaoans better understand WESM and to appreciate the benefits it will bring about in sustaining investments in Mindanao, which needs a robust power sector to support a booming economy.

In 2016, Mindanao had an additional generating capacity of 782 megawatts (MW) and is expecting the commercial operations of additional 1,208 MW this year.

Despite the additional supply, there remains power interruptions in Mindanao especially in the franchise areas of distribution utilities which do not have sufficient power supply agreements to cover their increasing demand for electricity.

In the absence of such contracts, power generation companies are hesitant to operate their plants without an approved supply contract or any compensation mechanism duly approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Thus, the establishment of the WESM will serve as the mechanism to efficiently tap the excess capacities in the area to avoid rotating brownouts and ensure 24-hours continuous electricity service.

From the two consultations, the DOE recognized that most of the concerns were operational in nature rendering the need to move forward with the IEC drive.

Through the IEC, the DOE hopes to address also occasional opposing views which can be attributed to the lack of deeper understanding of the WESM.

The draft circular was posted at the DOE and PEMC website last January 24. Comments and suggestions will be processed until March 14, 2017. (DOE/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands LGU deploys response team, donates cash assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao Norte

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Feb. 21 (PIA) - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) deployed a response team tagged as “Dinagat Islands Volunteers” for a humanitarian mission to help the earthquake victims in Surigao City and affected municipalities of the province during the 6.7 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 10, 2017.

The response team being deployed composed of three groups with 70 members for a humanitarian mission for the survivors of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake.

Three groups were assigned on different areas: Group 1- composed of 20 providers for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services; Group 2 – composed of five PICE accredited Structural Engineers to assess the structural integrity of commercial and residential buildings and Group 3 with 25 composite members from Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Dinagat Islands Search and Rescue in-charge for water rationing.

The Psychosocial Group debriefed a total of 317 personnel of Caraga Regional Hospital as well as the quake trauma patients.

On the other hand, more or less 2,000 purified drinking waters were distributed to different barangays in the city and province, while 30 buildings and houses were assessed by Structural Integrity Assessment Group.

The week-long humanitarian mission that started on Feb. 13, 2017 ended with an expressive arts psychosocial activity in Brgy. Poblacion, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte considered to be the severely affected barangay by the said quake.

Assorted goodies and toiletries were also given to children and adults who joined the said expressive art social activity.

The Province of Dinagat Islands also handed a financial assistance worth P200,000 each to the Municipality of San Francisco and Surigao City. (PDRRMO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Energy department moves to ensure viability of e-vehicle charging stations

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) - Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi underscored on Tuesday the need to ensure the viability and safety of e-vehicle charging stations in gasoline stations.

Cusi cited the importance of the ground-laying work being done by an Ad-Hoc Technical Working Group (TWG) on the installation of the e-vehicle charging stations.

"We want the TWG to study the technical viability of the infrastructure, evaluate its safe operations by assessing the necessary protocols and standards, and to determine required policies and its supporting legal basis," said Cusi.

The Department of Energy (DOE) stands at the forefront of the government's promotion of alternative fuels and energy technologies, he added.

"The Technical Team must make recommendations on the advancement of e-vehicle charging stations and related infrastructures, such as other viable options for locations like malls and other establishments."

Cusi said safety and accessibility are also major considerations on where to put up e-vehicle charging stations.

Cusi created the TWG to determine the suitability of gasoline stations as charging areas for electric or e-vehicles with the emergence of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.

The TWG is co-chaired by the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau.

The DOE is in the process of drafting a circular for the policy guidelines in the overall development and increased utilization of alternative fuels and energy technologies, which includes the e-vehicle industry.

"I have to stress that this venture should be in compliance with existing environmental, safety and other relevant rules and regulations,” he added.

“Apart from increasing public awareness, the DOE in coordination with relevant government agencies will create an environment for the equitable and non-discriminatory access for alternative fuels and energy technologies with preference for indigenous ones. In the end, we seek the support of our kababayans to look into this endeavor and look into ways to enable our country to ably compete and create wealth for every Filipino,” Cusi concluded. (DOE/PIA-Caraga) 

Monday, February 20, 2017

Caraga RGADC all set for 2017 Women’s Month celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – The Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) Caraga is all set for this year’s Women’s Month celebration in March, with various lined-up activities to be participated by the different sectors in the region.

On March 1, a press conference will be conducted to be facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga. On the following day (March 2), all the member-agencies will convene for its Full Council Meeting.

Said celebration will officially kick-off on March 8 with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral and followed by a motorcade from Guingona Park going to Agusan del Norte Covered Court.

The opening program along with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for partnership with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and RGADC, as well as the Women’s Summit (Awarding and Recognition) will be held at the provincial capitol covered court.

The RGADC members will also hold jail visitation to women inmates of Butuan City Jail and will benefit from the medical mission, legal counseling, and feeding and giving of toiletries.

Meanwhile, the culmination activity will be on March 29 with the conduct of Medium Term Pre-Planning Workshop for RGADC. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PhilHealth celebrates 22nd year, showcases latest services

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – As the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation is celebrating its 22nd year anniversary, the agency is also promoting its latest products and services for 2017.

PhilHealth Caraga regional vice president Johnny Sychua bared that in line with the said celebration, they will be convening the media partners here for a briefing on February 24, 2017 at the Almont Inland Hotel to showcase their latest products and services, recognize best implementation and utilization of National health Insurance Corporation (NHIP) and NHI Fund.

“This activity also aspires to strengthen our engagement with members of the media as advocates,” Sychua underscored.

Sychua further bared that through Proclamation No. 1400 series of 2007, February of each year is declared as the NHIP month in recognition of the vital role that the program plays in every Filipino’s life. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Norte guv wants fair treatment, fast action for quake victims

By Glenn Platil

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) - Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas on Friday issued a marching order enjoining all agencies to strictly observe the "no color-coding and no favoritism" policy in the speedy distribution of relief goods and cash assistance to the victims of the recent earthquake in the province.

Matugas said the earthquake survivors “are human beings like us who need full attention and wholehearted care,” noting how the 6.7 magnitude temblor claimed lives and destroyed properties.

She also said that the province needs help from the national government in terms of rebuilding and rehabilitation works.

Just recently, the entire province was placed under a state of calamity following the turbulent earthquake that wreaked havoc in various properties and severely displaced many families. Initial cost of damages in Surigao City alone were gaged at P161,500,000 in port facilities, P7,309,532.91 in electric supply and P1,700,000 in water supply.

National roads and bridges were accounted to damage amounting to P201,820,000 while the provincial government buildings were pegged at P104,391,000 and the Surigao State College at P162,000,000.

These do not include the other structures who were severely hit, residential houses, commercial establishments and other schools. Figures are expected to rise as the days increase in number.

Recorded deaths were Roberto Eludo, JM Ariar, Lito Wilson, Lorenzo Deguiño, Roda Taganahan, Wenefreda Bernal, Jenelyn Ebale and Rommel Tano. They succumbed to blunt trauma, cardiac arrest and cerebral hemorrhage. These do not cover those who died while being treated at the medical facilities or those directly sent to the morgue. (LGU-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Caraga)