Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Caraganons gear up for ASEAN multi-sectoral forum in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) – As an endeavor in keeping the people to be well-acquainted on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its socio-economic impacts, Caraganons from all levels of society will come together for the ‘ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Forum’ to be held on April 11, 2017, 1:00 p.m. at the Convention Hall of Watergate Hotel, here.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga-led ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Forum will be participated by some 500 youth/indigenous people, information officers and representatives of local government units and national line agencies, student leaders and educators, religious group representatives, community movers and media practitioners.

According to PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga, the activity also aims to drum up support to Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN this year. “PIA, as the government’s information arm, wants to share how the Filipino can keep advantage from being citizens of an ASEAN member country,” said Caga.

Topics that will be discussed in the said forum include Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN 2017, positive impact of the ASEAN and how this opens opportunities for all Filipinos, as well as the challenges and accomplishments of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Executive Order, and Ambisyon Natin 2040, among others.

Philippine Information Agency Director General Harold Clavite and Deputy Director General Gregorio Angelo Villar will personally grace the event.

The ASEAN’s 50th Founding Anniversary this year is anchored on the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”.

“It is hoped that as we work together using the awareness on how Filipinos can participate in and benefit from the programs, policies and services of the government and the ASEAN, we can best define our roles in pursuing the goals for sustainable development,” underlined Caga. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga RDRRMC spearheads 1st Quarter NSED in Bislig City

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Apr. 5 (PIA) – The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) spearheaded the conduct of the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) 2017 in Bislig City.

The earthquake drill was held at Bislig Central Elementary School and Bislig Central Special Science Elementary School with the presence of Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Rosauro Arnel Gonzalez Jr. and Bislig City Mayor and City DRRM Council Chairperson Librado Navarro with the regional evaluators.

Around 1,100 students and teachers from Bislig City have joined the simultaneous drill performing the “duck, cover, and hold.”

According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Abel de Guzman, the activity is in line with the ongoing efforts of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) to educate the public on what to do if major tremors will hit the country.

"The NSED aims to enhance the level of alertness as awareness before, during and after disaster or calamity," said.

Based on the report received from the PDRRMO - Surigao del Sur, a total of 7,021 participants from nine local DRRMOs of the province participated in the activity, they are the cities of Bislig and Tandag; the towns of Lanuza, Bayabas, Lianga, Carrascal, Cantilan, Marihatag; and for the provincial level: the Police Provincial Office (PPO), 402nd Brigade, and Department of Public Works and Highways-1st District. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Butuanons to pay tribute for PH heroes

By Janen Lumandas

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) - In line with the 'Araw ng Kagitingan' commemoration on the 9th of April every year, the city government of Butuan will have a half-day tribute on Sunday to honor the memory of heroes who made an impact on our country.

The event will take place at the Butuan City Library at 7:00 a.m. Public servants and other private employees and guests are expected to participate in the activities prepared for the celebration.

'Araw ng Kagitingan' has been celebrated annually throughout the country to give recognition to World War II veterans and the Filipino heroism displayed during the Bataan death march. (PIA-Caraga)

DAR AgNor personnel, women-farmers attend GAD symposium

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) - The Provincial Agrarian Reform Office in the Province of Agusan del Norte, in coordination with the Gender and Development (GAD) team recently conducted a Gender Sensitivity Cum Entrepreneurship Seminar here.

The seminar participated in by all provincial Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) personnel led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega and selected women farmer-beneficiaries in the province.

The activity is in line with the nationwide observance of the month-long celebration of the women’s month with the theme, “We make change work for women.”

Provincial GAD point person Ellen J. Torralba said the activity aimed to promote self-reliance for women agrarian reform beneficiaries. The seminar shared inputs on how they can actively make decisions for themselves, for community and able to participate for organization-building efforts.

“The participants, despite coming from different backgrounds were able to integrate under a common objective for improving the welfare of all rural women in the community,” Torralba said.

The morning session was presented by the resource person, Commission on Human Rights Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe T. Bacang who discussed, among others, the topic on basic concept on gender and development and emphasizing the women’s rule in nation building.

In the afternoon, the discussion on Entrepreneurship skills training took place with invited resource speaker from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga Region Irene L. Macheca who presented business planning ideas and latest trends in business.

With this intention to enhance the well-being of women, the agency is hopeful that the inputs will have a long term benefit to emancipate the oppressed women against violence and discrimination. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga RDRRMC holds 1st quarter full council meeting in 2017

By April Rose Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) - The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) held its 1st Quarter RDRRMC Full Council Meeting on Tuesday in one of the convention centers here.

As the RDRRMC institutionalizes the four DRRM Committees, the agenda for the full council meeting were presented per committee/thematic area.

The agenda of the meeting included the Seasonal Weather Outlook for the 2nd Quarter by PAGASA; Update on the Harmonization of Vulnerability Assessment Tools (VATs) and Presentation of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee Road Map for 2017 by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); updates of the Regional Disaster Preparedness Plan (RDPP) and presentation of Disaster Preparedness Committee Road Map for 2017 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); After Action Review on recent weather disturbances and 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Caraga Region and Presentation of Disaster Response Committee Road Map for 2017 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Report on various weather disturbances and 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Caraga Region and presentation of Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee Road Map for 2017 by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); and the significant accomplishments and milestones of the province of Surigao del Norte and Butuan City for the 1st Quarter.

The meeting was presided by the RDRRMC Chairperson and OCD Caraga Regional Director Rosauro Arnel Gonzales,Jr. It was attended by the members of the RDRRMC Executive Committee (Dir. Dominga D. Mallonga, DOST Caraga Regional Diector and Vice Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Ray Gregory Jaranilla of DILG Caraga as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness; Angel Bert Casimillo of DSWD Caraga as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Response; and Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna of NEDA as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery), RDRRMC member-agencies including representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Provincial and City DRRM officers.

The six agencies that complied with the Implementation of the Disaster Capability Assessment Checklist for All RDRRMC Members, Associations and Organizations pursuant to RDRRMC Resolution No. 1 series of 2015 entitled “A Resolution Enjoining All Member Agencies, Associations and Organizations of the RDRRMC to Undertake the Disaster Capability Assessment” were awarded with Plaque of Recognition during the meeting. The checklist is a self-assessment tool to evaluate the disaster preparedness capability of all RDRRMC member agencies, associations and organizations. This is also to determine whether government agencies are compliant to the provisions of RA 10121 particularly on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). These agencies were DILG, DOST, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine National Police and National Telecommunications Commission.

The next full council meeting is scheduled in June 2017. (OCD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

USS Fitzgerald arrives in Subic Bay

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 5 (PIA) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Subic Bay on Saturday for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.

The ship’s crew will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Philippine companies.

The United States and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities.  The American and Philippine militaries have worked together on areas of mutual interest including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, cyber security, and maritime security.

USS Fitzgerald is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Embassy/PIA-Caraga) 

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

PIA-Caraga set to launch ASEAN info kiosks at Bancasi Airport

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 4 (PIA) – In view of the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN’s) 50th Founding Anniversary, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-Butuan, is all set for the ASEAN Information Kiosks Launching at the Bancasi Airport in this city on morning of April 11, 2017.

The launching will commence right after the arrival of the PIA director general Harold Clavite, deputy director general Gregorio Angelo Villar, along with other guests, who will be taking the first flight from Manila.

The said information booth that will be widely known as ‘ASEAN Info Kiosk’ will serve as a medium toward a particular goal of addressing the perceived information needs of visiting guests and the laypeople about ASEAN, government and PIA local services, and vital information of the region.

“It is also one of the many endeavors to continually communicate the government policies and services to the general public down to the grassroots level,” underscored PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga.

Caga said that DG Clavite and DDG Villar will take the lead in the ceremonious cutting of ribbons indicating the opening of the kiosk to the general public. They will be joined by director Caga who is also the cluster head of Northern and Northeastern Mindanao, and Butuan Airport manager Evangeline Daba.

According to Daba, they are designating spaces both at the arrival and departure areas to where the kiosks will be set up for easy access of air passengers.

“For those travellers who are awaiting for their boarding time, the information, education and communication materials that are readily available and up for grab at the kiosks will help them gain awareness derived from the information contained in the brochures,” said Daba.

The ASEAN Info Kiosks are inaugurated in different regions of the country as part of the advocacy campaign to increase consciousness and knowledge not only about ASEAN but as well as the government’s programs and projects, its interventions to the people and nation in entirety. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

NFA Surigao Norte now ready to buy palay

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 4 (PIA) - The office of the National Food Authority (NFA) Surigao del Norte is now ready to buy palay with additional incentives.

According to NFA provincial manager Gleen P. Echin the NFA’s buying price for clean and dry palay is P17.00 per kg with an additional P0.20/kg drying incentive if the moisture content (MC) is 14 percent or lower.

She said an additional incentive is given to farmers if they will deliver their harvest to the NFA warehouse with additional P0.20 to P0.50/kg delivery incentive.

“We also give an additional P0.30/kg to farmer group as Cooperative Development Incentive Fee (CDIF) if they will sell their palay to NFA,” Echin said.

NFA will also conduct a mobile procurement especially to remote areas to ease the burden of the farmers to bring their harvest to NFA warehouse.

For more information just contact the NFA Hotline number at 0932-8681554 or 0917-8258302. (NFA-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Feature: Priceless efforts of community volunteers

By Marko Davey Reyes

Barangay Zone 3 in the municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur has been blessed with pristine water sources such as rivers, streams, and creeks. The bounties of nature have blessed them with clean and useful water they use every day.

But during rainy days, these bodies of water rise, sometimes even flood certain areas. Motorcycles, which are the most common form of transportation in their barangay, could not pass through the streams because of the strong water currents.

In 2014, Lanuza was among the new areas for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The program became the venue for the community to express their needs. Since the program utilizes the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, the community was able to voice out their needs and propose proper solutions to resolve their problems. Volunteers were chosen from among the community to implement their sub-projects.

They were able to propose, and implement two community sub-projects that mitigated their road access problems. The community was able to complete a 9.50 linear-meter spillway with road concreting for the approach in 2015 and a double-barrel box culvert in 2016. The CDD process used by the program provided an opportunity for the community volunteers to identify their sub-projects. They were the ones who prepared for the sub-project plan and proposal, did all the canvassing and bidding for the materials, and oversaw the project implementation.  

Emanuel Calmares, who served as Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson, could not believe they were able to achieve the feat especially that community volunteers, who never had any background in project implementation, did all the work for the program. And they never had any problems spending time and effort volunteering for the program (without any pay/honorarium) since they have come to realize that the program was an opportunity for them to better their community’s situation.

“Nagtratrabaho kami kahit na walang sweldo. Para kaming mga kawani – time in at time out araw-araw. Ang tanging sweldo namin ay aming community sub-project na natanggap at nakompleto namin dahil sa aming kooperasyon at pagbibigay oras at panahon. Ginawa namin ito alang-alang sa aming pamilya lalo na sa aming mga anak (We work even though we do not have any salary. We are like regular workers – we do “time in” and “time out” every day. We consider our community sub-projects that we have completed through everyone’s cooperation and by spending some time and effort to complete as our salary, our compensation. We did this for the sake of our families, specially our children)," Calmares said. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PRO Caraga tightens security measures for Lent, summer

By Honey Dy

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 4 (PIA) - The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Caraga has intensified its security operations for the Lenten and entire summer season dubbed as “Ligtas Sumvac 2017.”

PRO Caraga Regional Director PCSupt. Rolando B. Felix directed all city and provincial directors to implement the “Ligtas SUMVAC 2017” campaign to ensure the safety and security of the public.

The region’s top cop also assured the public that security measures are in place to keep the streets and roads leading to churches and other summer destinations safe.

More police personnel have been deployed with influx of travellers and tourists. Police presence will be intensified through increased foot/mobile patrols, checkpoints, and the establishment of Police Assistance Desks Centers in places of public convergence to stop the criminal elements from taking advantage of the occasion.

“The Caraga Police will collaborate with other government agencies, stakeholders and the community in keeping the summer vacation safe and secure for everyone," PCSupt Felix said.

Police Regional Office 13 is urging the citizenry to report crime-related incidents through phone (815-3325 or 09399354084) or hotline numbers of police stations posted in public areas. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

Monday, April 3, 2017

NPA leader surrenders in Agusan Sur

By Janen Lumandas

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 3 (PIA) - A New People’s Army (NPA) leader has surrendered to the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army on Sunday, Apr. 2.

Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, 401st Brigade Commander, identified the NPA leader as Estelito Camino Jr., also known as Ka Puma, commanding officer of the Sub-Region Sentro de Grabidad of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA operating on the boundaries of Surigao del Sur and Agusan provinces.

Accordingly, Ka Puma was with the NPA for 14 years where he earned several warrants of arrest including those for murder cases for the atrocities they committed.

Ka Puma cited hardship and disillusionment with the NPA as reasons for his surrender. He said he wants to be an example to his sub-commanders in pursuing with their surrender plan after he has proven that no maltreatment is committed by government forces to those who surrender, contrary to the stories told them by their older cadres.

He revealed that being with the NPAs left him no chance of being with his wife and three kids who are also hard-up after they failed to give their promised monthly support to his family. He also bared that most of his comrades are already thinking of laying down their arms at an opportune time as they accordingly believe that the Duterte administration is their best chance for a peaceful life.

As top ranking NPA, he accordingly saw how corruption works in the NPA and named top ranking leaders pocketing extorted money from businesses and farmers.

Meanwhile, Col. Zaragoza also credited the surrender of Ka Puma to the relentless pressure exerted by the 402nd Brigade and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao and Agusan which led to the arrest of Ka Puma. He revealed that Ka Puma is willing to face his criminal cases and hopes that his surrender will mitigate his legal cases.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal of the 4th Infantry Division congratulated the two Brigades, the PNP Caraga and the intelligence units of the Army for the feat. He instructed them to prepare for the influx of surrenders as Ka Puma has a following in the NPAs in the region. (401st Brigade/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Wonder women of Brgy. Sta. Cruz

By Marko Davey Reyes

Amidst the scorching heat of the sun, you would find Tessie Dador, Alicia Ang, and Richelyn Morales clothed not with a dainty dress but with sweatshirts or jackets paired with work boots and gloves wearing hard hats while shoveling and filling sacks with gravel and stones. They work hand in hand with Eglecerio Socagel and other men at the site of their Kalahi-CIDSS funded 130 linear meter concrete pavement community sub-project.

This setting may perhaps come off as a surprise not just for some people who are not familiar with the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but most especially because of the prevailing notion of society, stereotyping and limiting women in traditional roles. For Tessie, Alicia, Richelyn and other mighty Kalahi-CIDSS women volunteers and paid laborers of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands, this is a perception that they have come to challenge.

Kalahi-CIDSS recognizes the valuable contribution and vital role of women in nation building that is why the program ensures to offer equal opportunities for women, young, old and even those with disabilities, to participate in decision making and engage in the implementation of community development projects. The program also provides opportunities for women with income generating activities through employing them in short-term engagements in the construction of their sub-projects.

The program uses the Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy to achieve a more inclusive growth and development through facilitating community empowerment as well as promoting gender equality. With this approach, all sectors of the community is given a chance to voice out their needs, identify projects which would address these needs and allow them to implement these sub-projects themselves. To empower communities, volunteers and prospect laborers undergo a series of trainings which not only enrich their knowledge on community development and local governance but also enhance their skills while preparing them for their sub-project implementation and maintenance.

Through the years, Kalahi-CIDSS has been successful in promoting gender equality by strengthening and integrating Gender and Development (GAD) principles in its processes.

In Caraga Region alone, the program was able to employ 3,141 women paid laborers and engage 13,470 women volunteers during its 2nd cycle of implementation from June to December 2016. The whole process in itself is an arduous journey for communities like Brgy. Sta Cruz, but this is something that people like Tessie, Alicia and Richelyn are so willing to undergo not only because of their deep aspiration to make a profound change in their community but also to send a message to other women that it is not up to society or anyone but you to decide what you can and cannot do to mark a difference.

As what Alicia Ang, the oldest of the three wonder women of Sta. Cruz, would want to put it: “Kung unsay makaya sa mga lalaki makaya pud sa babaye (Women can do anything men can do)." (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Friday, March 31, 2017

All systems go for 10th Siargao international game fishing tourney

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 31 (PIA) - It’s all systems go for the Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament which is set on April 6-9, 2017 in Pilar town, Siargao Island.

Now on its 10 years, Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Ivonnie B. Dumadag said all are now ready, including side events that the local and foreign tourists can enjoy aside from game fishing.

She said that about 75 anglers from the Philippines and abroad are expected to compete for the following categories: Biggest Billfish, Biggest Talakitok, Biggest Wahoo/Tangigue and Biggest Dorado.

Cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs for the biggest catch in the island.

Dumadag said other side events are lined up for tourists and residents to enjoy, these include: Game Fishing Art Workshop (elementary school), On the Spot Poster Making Contest  (elementary and secondary), Photo Exhibit “Celebrating a Decade of Game Fishing”, Tiange-Tiange sa Siargao, Siargao Island Discovery Tour, 1st Siargao Invitational Photo Shoot Competition, Catch and Release Tournament (elementary and secondary level), Lip-Lipan Cooking Contest, Zumba na Pilarnon, Pahugjaw sa Siargao (sayawitan nan barangay, creative dance contest, hip-hop dance competition), Surigao del Norte Inter-Municipality AVPs Competition, 1st Pliar Baroto Race, Paduwa sa Barangay, LGBT Pilar Triathlon (running, swimming, boating), and Siargao International Game Fishing Electro Night Party.

“Every year towards the end of April or the beginning of May, Siargao hosts this international sport fishing tournament. One of the features of the tournament is that competitors are encouraged to hire local fishing boats, completes with local fishermen as captains and guides,” said Dumadag.

Dumadag added that the sport fishing tournament aims to provide additional income for the community, through boat hire and from visitors who will usually stay in a well-managed “home stay” accomodation offered by the townfolks, but it also offers a unique cultural exchange opportunity that has been cited as one of the significant benefits of the overall event.

For registration, please contact the following persons: Municipal Mayor Atty. Maria Liza G. Resurreccion at cellular number 0949-1588517; Municipal Vice Mayor Lucio Gonzales at 0999-9922973; Abegail D. Española at 0998-8673969/0995-6028644, and Marife D. Villa at 0918-9636211. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Public warned against investment scams operating in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 31 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office has warned the public against fraudulent investment schemes operating in the province.

Based on the documents sent to Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the KAPPA or Kabus Padatoon and Programme Blessing for Filipino People Association Incorporation are not authorized to solicit investments from the public.

The DTI advisory stated that KAPPA, founded by Joel Apolinario, is currently operating in Bislig City. Accordingly, they were collecting investments from the public with a promise that the 30 percent of one’s investment will be paid back every month until forever to their client.

The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the other hand released SEC advisory posted on social media, which stated that “KAPPA is not registered with the Commission as a corporation or partnership. There being no primary license, it is not authorized to solicit investments which are require a secondary license as provided under Sec. 8.1 the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).”

SEC also certified that the Programme Blessing for the Filipino People Association Inc. operating in Caraga region is registered with the Commission as a non-stock corporation on September 2016, and clearly stated of being no secondary license. The corporation is not authorized to solicit any investments from their client.

Along this line, the public is advised if they have invested money or were invited to invest, they may seek the assistance of SEC at SEC Building, corner 14th and Tomasaco Del Lara Streets in Cagayan de Oro city or may call telephone number (0888) 857-4325 and (088) 857-7225. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Preparedness saves lives, mitigate damage to assets - DILG

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 31 - The Disaster Preparedness (DP) Committee of the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) – Region 13 (Caraga) chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminds the local government units (LGUs) to be on full force in disaster preparedness and readiness during its 1st Quarter Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting on March 24, 2017 at Prince Hotel, this city.

DILG Caraga assistant regional director Donald A. Seronay emphasized that preparedness saves lives and mitigate damage to assets, which calls for the need of LGUs to comply with the disaster preparedness minimum standards set forth by the Department.

Having faced with several disasters starting early this January, from the Tail-End of the Cold Front (TECF), Low Pressure Area (LPA) and heavy rains which caused flooding in the areas of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Butuan City aggravated by the earthquake in the province of Surigao del Norte, the Department is pushing every LGU to comply with the minimum standards of disaster preparedness, observe the expedient utilization of the disaster funds, and follow strictly the Operation L!STO protocols.

As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness, 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. Part of the meeting is the engagement of member agencies in Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Listong Pamayanan with the conduct of Community Drills by the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), Listong Pamilyang Pilipino by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the reproduction of disaster risk reduction/climate change materials for advocacy and information campaign by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The meeting was attended by the Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (P/CDRRMOs), Local Resource Institutes (LRIs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and disaster preparedness member-agencies. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PNP launches firearms registration caravan in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 31 - The Philippine National Police (PNP) Civil Security Unit 13 caravan is going around the region to receive application for License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and for the delinquent gun owners to have their expired LTOPF renewed.

The caravan has started at Police Regional Office 13 in Camp Rodriguez, Libertad, this city on March 27-28.

The caravan will be at the following PNP provincial headquarters: Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO), Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on March 30-31, 2017; Surigao del Sur PPO, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on April 3-4, 2017;  Surigao del Norte PPO, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte on April 6-7, 2017; and Dinagat Islands PPO, San Jose, Dinagat Islands on April 11-12, 2017.

“This caravan is launched to make it easier for gun owners to apply for the firearm license or to renew their expired gun licenses,” Chief Supt Rolando Felix, Caraga Police director said.

Felix also encouraged the gun holders to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands LGU formulates tourism development plan

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 31 - The Provincial Tourism and Culture Office - technical working group (PTCO-TWG) of Dinagat Islands conducted a two-day workshop on the formulation of Provincial Tourism Development Plan (PTDP) held at the Provincial Guest Center, Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.

The two-day activity aims to present and discuss the drafted Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation - enhanced PTDP 2016-2025 for its finalization and formulate plans on product prioritization and identify needs assessment and costing.

During the said activity, workshop facilitator Carlos Libosada, Jr. of the University of the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Tourism, who is known as the "Father of Philippine Eco-Tourism,” discussed the importance of tourism planning, ecotourism and beach management, which are very essential in drafting tourism plans.

Said activity was participated by tourism chairperson and board member Joslyn I. Ecleo and PTCO-TWG members composed of the municipal tourism officers, tourism officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism and representatives from the provincial government. (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

OCD Caraga holds manual of operations workshop in Butuan

By April Rose Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 31 - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga spearheads the Workshop for the Development of Caraga RDRRMC Manual of Operations on March 29-31 at Almont City Hotel, this city.

A total of 52 RDRRMC member-agencies participated in the said workshop facilitated by Graziella C. Harting of NEDA Caraga.

"I am very thankful for the commitment you have shown as we develop the Manual of Operations of our Regional DRRM Council. Thank you for answering our call and for letting yourselves be involved in this initiative," expressed by Dir. Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, RDRRMC chairperson and OCD Caraga regional director, during the opening program.

"The manual of operations is our guide in executing and setting our mainframe of rules and regulations so as to ensure consistency of DRRM-related efforts at the regional level," added Gonzales.

"The workshop will enable us to describe the specific roles, functions, duties and responsibilities of the RDRRMC, Technical Working Group, the four Thematic Area Committees (Preparedness, Prevention and Mitigation, Response and Rehabilitation and Recovery Committees) and Local DRRMCs as well as the rules and procedures, systems, processes and protocols governing its operationalization," Harting explained.

Further, the workshop identified the monitoring mechanism to keep track of the RDRRMC 13 periodic performance and also identifies activities to further strengthen linkages and partnerships between and among the RDRRMC member agencies. (OCD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)