Thursday, September 14, 2017

DepEd to establish 30 IP schools in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 14 (PIA) – To further expand the basic education services for indigenous people (IP), the Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division would add 30 more public schools in the province.

DepEd Surigao del Sur Division Indigenous People Coordinator Danilo Alcantara said that currently, there are already 30 public schools serving IP learners in 30 different communities in the province.

Alcantara said some of the ‘indigenized’ classrooms established during the 1st batch of the Classroom Construction for Lumads (CCL) project were already finished and turned over.

The Surigao del Sur Division has already employed 67 permanent teachers in 2016, while 36 more will be hired before 2017 ends.

This project is intended for the IP communities in Mindanao, as implemented by the Duterte administration. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Two barangays in SurSur town benefit from solar-powered streetlights

By Nida Grace P. Barcena 

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 14 (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program turned over solar-powered streetlights to two barangays in the municipality of Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

Barangay Cancayan received 40 units of solar-powered streetlights while Brgy. Antao received 28 units, which was worth P1,244,728.80 and P874,750.00, respectively.

With the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen and the help of its community volunteers, DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS was able to fund this community project.

During the Barangay Participatory Situational Analysis (BPSA) that was conducted by DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS, different stakeholders in the community were gathered and encouraged to partake in determining the pressing needs of their community. It was then identified that streetlights in the area should be a priority in the community.

Around 107 households in Brgy. Cancavan and 236 households in Brgy. Antao benefitted from these cost-efficient and environment friendly technology. (DSWD-Kalahi-CIDSS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Surigao Norte gov advocates for greener environs

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) – Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas said that her recent official travel in Australia was a substantive eight-day benchmarking on legitimate, responsible and sustainable mining.

“There are innovative strategies and best practices that the province can replicate even though my meaningful trip in Australia was cut short, but I have learned so much in such short a time,” said the visionary Governor Matugas.

She explained that the Australian government piloted a huge plant that can reprocess harmful waste materials from large-scale mining companies.

In line with her Marajaw Kinaiyahan (Better Environment) advocacy, the governor also announced that “the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, through the leadership of Cong. Arnel Ty as chair and Cong. Francisco Jose 'Bingo' Matugas II, 1st district representative of Surigao del Norte, as vice chair, is set to initiate a full-blown inspection of mining sites in the municipality of Claver.”

All matters directly and principally relating to natural resources, and their exploration, conservation, management and utilization, lands of the public domain, mines and minerals, forests, parks and wildlife, and marine resources, are under the custody and jurisdiction of said House Committee.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier issued a marching order to make sure that mining companies comply with the official standards set by the national government.

Gov. Matugas said that Australia has universally-acclaimed standing and prominence in mine control, administration and rehabilitation. “It boasts of companies which are certified world leaders and top-caliber economic team-players,” she added.

True enough, the Australian government acknowledges the fact that by sharing Australia’s savvy, competence and technology, mining industries in the Philippines can step up to the challenge of nurturing the environment, and in taking care of the natural resources to promote ecological balance.

Such environment-friendly approach will pave way to profitable income, sweeping progress, great opportunities, and cost-productive exchange.

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Strong adherence to the salient provisions of environmental policies empowers companies to fully deliver high-valued services, excellent results and undying synergy with host barangays and local government units. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Tuesday, September 12, 2017

TESDA-Caraga personnel receive loyalty award on “Araw ng Parangal”

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 12 – Aside from the institutional, stakeholders and partners’ awards, personnel who have served the agency for a minimum of ten years were recognized during the conduct of 2017 Araw ng Parangal – TESDA-Caraga’s Service and Institutional Awards Ceremonies held recently in this city.

Juvi P. Reños, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of the Finance and Administrative Services Division (FASD) led the roster of awardees having been serving the agency for 10 years. Myra E. Divinagracia, Instructor I of the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) was also awarded for serving the said school for 10 years.

Also, Marivel L. Padino, Senior TESD Specialist of TESDA-Agusan del Norte received the 15 years Loyalty Award together with Roland B. Hoyle, TESD Specialist II of TESDA-Dinagat Islands Provincial Office; Chiselo Joiada R. Bernaldez, Administrative Assistant III of the Regional Operations Division; and Shelah B. Tapere, Administrative Assistant III of the FASD.

Loyalty awardees under the 20 years of service are Jennifer A. Divinagracia, Administrative Assistant IV of the Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), and Laurean U. Arena, Instructor I of SNCAT.

Thirty (30) years of service was likewise awarded to Evelyn M. Selidio, Administrative Officer I of SNCAT, while Nicolas H. Deroca, Vocational Instruction Supervisor II of ASSAT received his 35 years of service award, and Judith L. Yamson, Instructor II of SNCAT received her loyalty award for serving SNCAT for 40 years.

The awardees who have served the agency for 10 and 15 years received a Certificate of Recognition while those who have served for 20 years and above each received a Plaque of Recognition from Regional Director Ashary A. Banto.

Pursuant to CSC Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2001, providing for the revised policies of Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), TESDA-PRAISE aims to encourage, recognize and reward employees, individually or in group for their suggestions, innovative ideas, inventions, discoveries, superior accomplishments, heroic deeds, exemplary behavior, extraordinary acts or services for the public interest and other personal efforts which contribute to the efficiency, economy and improvement in government operations, and/or acts which lead to the productivity of the organization.

The loyalty incentive is granted to an employee who has served TESDA continuously and satisfactorily for at least 10 years. The recipient is entitled to a cash bonus in the amount of P1, 000 per year subject to the existing CSC polices and availability of funds.

However, those who have received the cash award for their first 10 years in service shall, upon reaching fifteen (15) years shall only receive the cash award for the succeeding five years and so on. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD Caraga joins Paladong Festival, conducts Information Caravan

By Mary Carmelle C. Jumawan

HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 12 (PIA) – Eager to bring its program services closer to the people as it is mandated to serve, protect and empower, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has recently conducted its third leg of Information Caravan during the Paladong Festival in the municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

During the caravan, the information officers of the Social Marketing Unit have discussed the thrusts of the agency and brought about a better understanding of the different programs and services of the agency. To deepen the communication campaign, frequently asked questions were highlighted during the one-hour set of information dissemination. The less known but equally important protective services such as Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and other services were made known.

Further, flyers and other IEC materials were distributed during the caravan and inquiries and grievances were addressed to update and acquaint the general public to the different programs and services apart from the mainstream programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kapit-Bisig-Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

DSWD Caraga OIC – Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim expressed her gratitude to the local government unit, headed by Mayor Shem G. Garay, for permitting the Field Office to be part of the colorful and elated celebration of prosperity and culture.

“We are grateful for the opportunity given by the LGU of Hinatuan for us to let the people know that the agency truly cares for the disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable sectors,” Lim said.

“We hope to get support from other LGUs as we continue this journey of bringing the agency’s program to the people of Caraga and promote different services being offered,” she concluded. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Stingers troopers join blood drive in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 12 (PIA) - The 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade based in the city participated in the nationwide bloodletting activity in celebration of the peace consciousness month with the theme: “Dugo para sa Kapayapaan.” This activity was held at the Stingers headquarters, Camp Vicente T. Pimentel Sr. in Barangay Telaie.

Civil Miltary Officer Captain Regie Go said around 10,000 cc of blood were collected from the troopers.

Col. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, 402nd Infantry Brigade commanding officer, believed that donating blood is a worthy undertaking.

“I enjoin everyone to participate in this noble commitment of your security forces. It is worthy because you are able to save someone’s life", said Gacal.

The simultaneous bloodletting activity was conducted in partnership with the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC); army reservists and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from 1504th (SDS) CDC, 15th Regional Community Defense Group; Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) personnel from 7th Special Forces Company; 402nd brigade personnel; and the local media in the province of Surigao del Sur.

The underprivileged constituents who are in need of blood transfusion from the province of Surigao del Sur will be the beneficiaries of the said activity.

Meanwhile, ASTMMC Chief Dra Janice P. Alcordo expressed her gratitude to the 402nd brigade and the participants who voluntarily donated their blood and further emphasized the health benefits of donating blood. (402nd Brigade/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Monday, September 11, 2017

Four OFW families nominated for MOFYA 2017

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 – Four (4) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) families have been nominated for this year’s regional search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in Caraga Region.

Now on its 12th year, MOFYA was conceptualized to recognize outstanding achievement of OFW families who have maintained family solidarity and have used the gains of working overseas in achieving success within their families, communities and the society at large.

This year, three families are nominated for the Land-based Category: OFW Victor Caparoso Cuba, who used to be a heavy truck driver overseas hailing from Tago, Surigao del Sur; OFW Jason Sigfred S. Seril from Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, a technical consultant in his stint in Korea; Dr. Rolando C. Hordista, an optometrist both in the Philippines and abroad, a resident of Trento, Agusan del Sur; while only one was nominated for the Sea-based Category, Filseaman Napoleon J. Jovita from Surigao City, who worked overseas for 28 years.

The families were nominated by different organizations including religious, socio-civic and OFW family circles both Philippine-based and abroad.

Meanwhile, the regional screening and selection committee who shall assist the region in choosing this year’s winners consists of top caliber personalities from the different sectors. Representatives from different corporate sector, religious groups, academe, non-government organizations, land-based and sea-based sectors shall comprise the board chaired by DOLE Caraga Regional Director Chona M. Mantilla, CESO III.

An awarding ceremony will be held on September 16, 2017, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at VCDU Prince Hotel Grand Convention Hall, Villa Kananga, Butuan City.

The winning family for each category will represent the region in the national selection to be held in Manila on December 4, 2017. (JPIM, OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Provincial partners and stakeholders awarded on TESDA’s Araw ng Parangal

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA) – Partners and stakeholders were recognized during the conduct of the 2017 Araw ng Parangal of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Caraga held recently in one of the local convention centers in the city.

In his welcome message, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto underscored the contributions of the partners and stakeholders of the agency saying that the success and accomplishments of TESDA-Caraga can be attributed to the strong partnership, good relationship and linkage between and among the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers and trainers, and industry partners.

Institutional awardees from the province of Agusan del Norte include: SR Metals, Inc. (2017 Provincial Kabalikat ng TESDA Award – Industry Category); Arne A. Madarieta, (2017 Provincial TESDA Idol); Edilberto R. Tamiok and Mel-Ann L. Gerona (2017 Provincial Tagsanay).

Recognized partners and stakeholders of Agusan del Norte Provincial Office are as follows: Emmie V. Yanong, Engr. Julio P. Carlon Jr., Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, LTC Glenn Joy U. Aynera of the Philippine Army, Balanghai Eagles Club and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte.

Agusan del Sur institutional awardees are led by Vermar C. Cubarol (2017 TESDA Provincial Idol); and Engr. Jermy E. Divinagracia (2017 Provincial Tagsanay).

Local chief executives of the province were also recognized for their support to the programs of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Office. They are Mayor Ambrosio Lim of La Paz, Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan of Esperanza, Mayor Myrna S. Mondejar, and Mayor William E. Calvez of Trento. Likewise, Engr. Vivencio P. Ocite, VPO Rosario Agro-Industrial Development Cooperation, Inc. President was also recognized during the event.

The local government unit of Alegria, Surigao del Norte thru the leadership of Mayor Rene G. Esma is this year’s Provincial Kabalikat ng TESDA awardee of the province and received a plaque of recognition. Also, Ms. Dylen Mantiza, 2017 Provincial Idol was recognized.

Leading the list of awarded partners and stakeholders are prominent officials of the province composed of: 1st District Cong. Francisco Jose F. Matugas, 2nd District Cong. Robert Ace S. Barbers and Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Sol F. Matugas.

Other awardees include: Felicitas M. Gonzales; DPWH Surigao del Norte 1st Engineering District; Engr. Roger A. De Dios, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Caraga Regional Director; Gigaquit Mayor Elvira A. Egay; San Francisco Mayor Guia P. Sabanal; Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Corro II; Malimono Mayor Wallace R. Sinaca; Tagana-an Mayor Cesar B. Diaz, Jr.; Taganito Mining Corporation, PNP-Surigao del Norte; ADNAMA Mining Resources, Inc.; Engr. Dulmar M. Raagas; Saint Paul University – Surigao Campus; BJMP Surigao del Norte District Jail; PNP-Burgos Municipal Police Station; Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT); Surigao Education Center (SEC); BJMP Surigao City; and Department of Education – Surigao City Division.

Meanwhile, the Local Government of Carmen led the institutional awardees of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Office as this year’s 2017 Provincial Kabalikat ng TESDA awardee. Ms. Richelyn L. Dagoc also received her plaque being the 2017 Provincial TESDA Idol while Marlinda M. Tidalgo was adjudged 2017 Provincial Tagsanay.

The provincial office’s partners and stakeholders who were given recognition are Carmen Mayor Jane V. Plaza; San Miguel Mayor Alvaro S. Elizalde; Cantilan Mayor Philip A. Pichay; Tandag City Councilors Rey-Vic M Geli and Bernardo C. Urbiztondo, Jr.; SURE-FM Radio; dxJS Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag City; TNTV 6 Tandag City; Real Radio FM Tandag City; 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion; and PNP-Surigao del Sur.

The provincial office of Dinagat Islands has also awarded its partners and stakeholders whose support to the programs of TESDA has made the agency popular in the province. Cong. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao of the lone district of Dinagat Islands led the list together with Gov. Glenda B. Ecleo, and Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo.

Other awardees are Gaspar Rodriguez of GREAT Center, Inc.; Cagdianao Mining Corporation; Emma Y. Mausisa; Rudolfo J. Napalla; Merlie A. Bantayanon; Myrlinda J. Navarrete; Rex A. Diaz; Tita A. Edera; Benjiemen T. Vargas; Elvis A. Dela Merced; and the Local Government Unit of Cagdianao.

Awardees recognized by the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries, a TESDA-administered school in Agusan del Norte, are Forester Norman A. Asugan, CENR Officer of DENR-CENRO Nasipit; Ms. Adelfa B. Pace, General Manager of Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort; Dr. Nancy U. Ramirez of Toyota Motors Philippines – Butuan; and Matabao Brgy. Capt. Edna A. Tabanao.

Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center awardees: Fit Cars Service Center; MEVEC Corporation; LGU-Cabadbaran City; Office of the Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District; and SR Metals, Inc.

Awardees from the Provincial Training Center of Surigao del Norte were: Charlz Construction and the Hinatuan Mining Corporation.

The 2017 Araw ng Parangal was the highlight of the 23rd TESDA Anniversary Celebration in Caraga Region, which was anchored on the theme: “Malasakit at Pagbabago… TESDA, Susi sa Kaunlaran.” (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)