(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.


Thursday, September 13, 2018


Caraga core group inks MOU to enhance human rights situation

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA)  Human rights advocates led by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday aimed at addressing the issues and concerns on human rights violations as well as on security, peace and development concerns in the region.

Witnessed by the local media partners, the MOU signing was led by the members of the Community-Based Dialogue (CBD) Core Group at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga regional office in Butuan City.

CHR-Caraga regional director lawyer Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang said the goal of the CBD Core Group is mainly to contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation in the Philippines primarily through the enhancement of the relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local communities and civil society organizations in the common effort to promote human rights.

Bacang added that the CBD Core Group was already presented during the recent Regional Development Council-Development Administration Committee (RDC-DAC) Meeting and has endorsed CBD to RDC to be one of the mechanisms that will address the human rights violations, security, and peace and development issues and concerns in Caraga region.

Meanwhile, 401st Brigade commander BGen. Andres Centino said that constant communication among stakeholders is important and with the CBD Core Group, issues and concerns on human rights violations as well as on peace and security will be thoroughly discussed and will be given appropriate responses.

“We should take away our biases and individual prejudices and promote the welfare of the vulnerable, minority sector,” he said.

BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 402nd Brigade commander, also underlined that the Philippine Army does not only protect the lives of the people, but also promotes their welfare.

“Respect for human rights and rule of law have been an imperative of the Philippine Army. With the Community-Based Dialogue Core Group comprising various government agencies and civil society organizations, we welcome community visits and fact-finding mission in the region,” he added.

Also, NEDA Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said that development is a human rights dimension and NEDA is one with the other members that would want to ensure that commitments for the welfare of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable sectors are delivered.

Meantime, Concepcion Asis of the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) said that the challenge now is to bring forth the sincerity of the CBD Core Group to the different communities and show them that the group is willing and ready to assist and address the issues and concerns of the stakeholders.

The members of the CBD Core Group in Caraga region include the 401st Brigade and 402nd Brigade of the Phil. Army, PNP, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), NEDA; Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza Baywatch Association Inc., PPVR, and CHR Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH 13 holds 'La Fiesta Pelicula' competition

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) – With the aim to develop and raise community awareness and to provide information through the involvement of students in Caraga region, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region will hold an integrated healthy lifestyle advocacy awareness competition entitled “La Fiesta Pelicula."

According to DOH Caraga assistant regional director Dr. Gerna Manatad, the "La Fiesta Pelicula" will involve Senior High School students of the region.

It is an infomercial making contest or a video clip making competition that will focus on the four themes, these include Global Handwashing Day, World Toilet Day, World Blood Donor Day/Voluntary Blood Donation and Prevention of Kidney-related Diseases or Taking Good Care of Your Kidneys.

The National Voluntary Blood Donation (NVBD) Category is open to all professional video editors in the region.

The video clip should be in 30 seconds material and should encourage eligible blood donors to donate blood freely or demonstrate a blood donor’s selfless act to be a hero and help others.

Winners will receive Php20,000 for the 1stprize, Php15,000 for the 2nd prize, Php10,000 for the 3rd prize, and Php3,000 for consolation with a maximum of five listed infomercials only.

For the Global Handwashing Day (GHD) Category, entries should be in 15 seconds only and should encourage school age children to regularly wash hands to avoid diseases (e.g. Before and after meals, before and after toilet use), where the winners will receive Php8,000, Php5,000, Php3,000, and Php2,000 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and consolation (maximum of three short listed infomercials only), respectively.

On the other hand, the video material for the World Toilet Day (WTD) Category should be in 15 seconds and should encourage school age children to use the toilet regularly and avoid defecation in public to avoid diseases, where the  winners will also receive Php8,000 (1st); Php5,000 (2nd); Php3,000 (3rd); and Php2,000 for the consolation prize(maximum of three short listed infomercials only).

The category on the Taking Good Care of Your Kidneys (TGCYK) should also be in 15 seconds only and should encourage school age children to adapt healthy lifestyle practices to avoid kidney-related diseases (e.g. avoid junk foods, eat healthy, drink water regularly) and the winners will receive Php8,000 for the 1st prize; Php5,000 for the 2nd prize; Php3,000 for the 3rd prize; and Php2,000 for consolation with a maximum of three listed infomercials only.

Submission of entries will be on September 27 to 28, 2018 only and the video clip must be submitted at dohroxiiipu@gmail.com with the following details: SUBJECT: LA FIESTA NVBD/GHD/WTD/TGCYK; your Name; Address; Contact Number; and attach resume of produced infomercials/films, joined competition/s.

The list of winners in the competition will be posted at http://www.facebook.com/ caraga.doh.gov.ph. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Bislig City to host 3rd Organic Asia Congress

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 13 (PIA) – The city government of Bislig is all set to host the 3rd Organic Asia Congress (OAC) on September 18 to 21, 2018 to be held here.

With this year’s theme, “One Big Family For Innovation and Sustainability,” this annual event is organized by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements in Asia (IFOAM Asia) with the support of the local government units in Asia. It is also an annual gathering of IFOAM Asia affiliates, including Asian Local Governments of Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) members, and their partners in Asia to discuss and share the developments in the organic sector in the region.

The OAC will work to institutionalize the mechanisms of enhanced cooperation, which will move forward organic food systems and consumption across Asia, it was learned.

The host organic city of Bislig led by City Mayor Librado Navaro is now ready to welcome both foreign and local participants, delegates and guests for the upcoming series of activities.

“Our journey towards organic agriculture started last 2015 with its vision to be the 'model city for organic agriculture in the Philippines by 2020.' We are on halfway towards the attainment of its vision,” Mayor Librado said.

Mayor Librado also urged not only the Bisliganons but the whole province of Surigao del Sur to join them in their journey.

Meanwhile, based on the program of activities released, the Organic Youth Forum is set on September 16 to 18 to be held at the Surigao del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. hall; the 6th Asian Organic Rice Conference and ALGOA Philippines Member's Forum will be on September 18, and the highlight of the event - the 3rd OAC is set on September 19 to 21, 2018.

Other activities include Pre-Forum Tours and Organic Trade Fair on September 18 to 21.

Presently, Bislig City has its own City Organic Agri-Fishery Complex (COAFC), a 27-hectare facility for Organic Agriculture Education, Training, and Research. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Pisay Caraga scholars bring home medals

By Nora L. Molde


BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) – Team Philippines A from Philippine Science High School – Caraga region Campus (PSHS-CRC) finished fourth in the recently concluded 7th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT-JSO) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The team,  that brought pride to the nation, is composed of three scholars namely Krystil Maureen A. Tupas, Grade 10; Jo Dee B. Salise, Grade 10; and Shaina Delia G. Tomaneng, Grade 9 with their coach, Jay Maique.

Of the 19 teams that joined in the annual competition, Maique is very thankful for getting it to the 4th place.

They received Gold Medals in the Great Science Quest, Silver Medals in the Great Science Ideas, and another Silver Medals in the Great Science Pitch.

The team also won in the Most Liked Video on the Great Science Ideas, Maique said.

The competition was joined by the different ASEAN+3 countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Republic of Korea.

The ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) is an annual educational event in the field of science and technology for the young students aged between 13 to 15 year.

The event is designed specifically to develop the gifted and talented young individuals in the field of science and technology and to nurture future scientists and engineers.

This year, the competition focused on the theme: Good Health and Societal Wellbeing.

According to Maique, the competition also made the Philippines regain its victory, after two years by being the Overall Champion for this year’s APT JSO competition. Philippine Team B from PSHS – Soccsksargen Region Campus made it on top. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group wins in Bonok-Bonok Festival 2018

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 13 (PIA) - The Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group from the municipality of Placer, Surigao del Norte was declared as champion in the Bonok-Bonok Festival of Festivals (BFF) while Mat-i National High School (MNHS) of Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City was proclaimed grand winner in the Bonok-Bonok Based category (BB) in the recently concluded 34th Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival held at the Provincial Sports Complex, this city.

In this year’s competition, the Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF) and MNHS (BB) contingents brought with them Php500,000 plus trophy as their winning prize.

The Sumayajaw nan Clementians - C.V. Diez Memorial Central Elementary School (BB) and Mt. Sioan Academy of Gingoog City (BFF) Barangay Anomar were declared 1st runner-up with Php350,000 cash prize plus trophy and the 2nd runner-up went to Surigao City National High School Special Program for the Arts (BB) and Kulturang Capalaynon Performing Arts of Barangay Capalayan, Surigao City (BFF) with Php200,000 cash prize plus trophy.

The special awards for Rayna ng Bonok-Bonok went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group,  Best in Contingent ID went to Lipata Elementary School in coordination with Lipata National High School, Best in Costume went to Sumayajaw nan Clementians – C.V Diez Central Elem. School (BB) and Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF), Best in Street Dancing went to Sumayajaw nan Clemetians – C.V Diez Central Elem. School (BB) and Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF), for Best in Choreography went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BB) and Mat-I National High School (BFF), and for Best in Musicality the 1st place went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group, 2nd place went to Mt. Sioan Academy of Gingoog City and 3rd place went to Kulturang Capalaynon Performing Arts.

In his message during the opening of the competition, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Laurence “Bong” Go lauded the officials of the city and province for the successful celebration.

He assured the Surigaonons that the government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is always at the service of the Filipino. (Susil D. Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tagalog News: SAP Go sinigurong mapabilis ang proyektong pang-imprastraktura sa Surigao del Norte

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Setyembre 13 (PIA) -- Sa kanyang pagdalo sa selebrasyon ng 34th Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival dito sa lungsod ng Surigao kamakailan, naging mainit ang pagtanggap ng mga Surigaonon kay special assistant to the president Bong Go na agad naman niyang sinuklian sa pamamagitan ng pag-abot sa kanyang mensahe na ang adminitrasyong Duterte ay nakatuon sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga mamamayang Pilipino.

Sinabi ni Go na tutulong siya para sa mabilisan at agarang pagsasaayos at rehabilitasyon ng runway sa paliparan ng Surigao City na napinsala dahilan ng 6.8 magnitude na lindol noong nakaraang taon.

Kakausapin raw niya kaagad si Secretary Arthur Tugade ng Department of Transportation hinggil nito dahil nakikita niya mismo umano ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng airport runway.

Tungkol naman sa Dinagat-Surigao bridge link project, sinabi ni Go na makikipag-usap daw siya sa kinatawan ng Department of Public Works and Highways upang tuloy-tuloy nang mabigyang solusyon ang problema sa transportasyon sa nasabing lugar.

Dagdag pa ni Go na makikipagtulungan din ang Office of the President sa lokal na pamahalaan ng lalawigan ng Surigao del Norte kaugnay sa pagpapatayo at paglunsad ng ‘Malasakit Center’ na magbibigay prayoridad sa pangangailangan ng mga senior citizens at persons with disability.

Samantala, naging makabuluhan naman ang okasyon ng Bonok-Bonok Festival 2018 bilang pagpaparangal sa kanilang patron na si San Nicolas kung saan masaya at magiliw na nagpakita ng kanilang galing at talento sa ritwal na sayaw ang mga nakilahok mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan at barangay.

Binigyang halaga din ni Go ang makulay at mayamang kultura ng surigao at kanya ding pinasalamatan ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at mapayapang pamayanan. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Tagalog News: Pederalismo umani ng ibat-ibang reaksyon mula sa local media practitioners sa Caraga region


By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Set. 13 (PIA) - Umani ng ibat-ibang reaksyon ang pagsusulong ng Pederalismo sa bansa mula sa mga media practitioners sa Caraga region.

Sa isinagawang media forum on Federalism kamakailan sa lungsod ng Butuan, ibinahagi ng mga partisipante ang kanilang mga tanong at saloobin patungkol sa Pederalismo at posibleng maidudulot ng pagbabago sa struktura ng pamamahala sa bansa, maging sa rehiyon.

Sa inisyatibong ito ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), at mga miyembro ng Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution na nagmula pa sa ibat-ibang rehiyon, natipon ang may 30 media practitioners at naipaliwanag sa kanila ang mga mahahalagang impormasyon ukol sa isinusulong ng gobyerno na Federal form of government.

Ibinahagi ni Celestino Ybañez Jr., radio commentator ng Real Radio FM Butuan, ang kanyang pag-aalinlangan at pagtutol sa pagpapatupad ng Pederalismo sa bansa. Hindi umano pagbabago sa struktura ng pamahalaang gobyerno ang kailangan, kundi ang mga opisyal na nasa posisyon.

Lubos naman ang suporta sa Pederalismo ni Glenn Bequibel, disc jockey ng Magik FM Butuan dahil magkakaroon na umano ng equal representation ang Federal regions sa national government at mas mapapalawak pa ang implementsyon ng mga programa at serbisyo sa mga local constituents.

Hindi rin makapag-desisyon sa ngayon si Julius Lacierda, station manager ng Brigada News FM sa Butuan City kung sang-ayon sya sa pagsusulong ng Pederalismo dahil hindi pa umano sya kombinsido at marami pa umanong dapat ayusin at ihanda na mga detalye sa pagpapatupad nito.

Ayon naman kay DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion, malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng mga media sa pagpalaganap ng kampanya tungo Pederalismo, na ito’y mas lalo pang maintindihan ng mga Pilipino lalo na sa Caraga region.

Samantala, kasabay sa isinagawang Media Forum, tinipon din ang ibat-ibang sektor sa lipunan para sa isang Federalism Roadshow na kung saan naibahagi nila ang kanilang saloobin sa pagpapatupad ng Pederalismo sa bansa, at karamihan sa kanila ay sumusuporta dito dahil na rin sa magandang pagbabagong maibibigay nito sa mga pinoy. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Paglulunsad ng Kalinaw Kultura sa lungsod ng Butuan naging makulay at makabuluhan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Set. 13 (PIA) - Matapos ang unang paglulunsad ng Kalinaw Kultura sa lungsod ng Iligan, naging kaabang-abang ang pangalawang paglulunsad nito sa lungsod ng Butuan na pinangunahan ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, kasama ang National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), pamahalaang lokal ng Butuan at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno.

Makukulay na kasuotan ng mga katutubong lumad sa Caraga region, instrumentong bumubuo ng musikang nagpapahiwatig ng katatagan at mayamang kultura ng rehiyon, at sayaw na nagbabadya ng pagkakaisa ng mga Caraganon, lahat ng yan nasaksihan sa paglulunsad kamakailan ng Kalinaw kultura sa Robinsons Place.

Naging instrumento ang Kalinaw Kultura na matipon ang ibat-ibang sektor sa Robinsons Place Atrium na punong-puno ng mga taga-panood at tiga-suporta ng mga mang-aawit at mananayaw mula sa ibat-ibang skwelahan sa lungsod ng Butuan, probinsya ng Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte at Surigao del Sur.

Sa pamamagitan ng kulturang sayaw at kanta, layon ng Kalinaw Kultura na mas maitaguyod pa ang mayamang kultura ng mga pilipino lalu na ng mga katutubo sa mindanao. Pinapakita nito ang katatagan ng Mindanaoan at pagkakaisa ng ibat-ibat lahi ng pinoy.

Ibinahagi ni Director-General Harold Clavite ng PIA na ang bawat indibidwal ay nanggaling sa iisang komunidad bilang isang Pilipino.

Ayon sa kanya, ang Mindanao ay mapayapa at pinaninirahan ng mga mapagmahal na Pilipino.

Pinasalamatan naman ni NCCA Information Officer Anne Cabrera ang PIA sa pagtanggap at pagyakap sa hamon ng komisyon na mas mapalaganap pa ang pagtataguyod ng Filipino Arts and Culture. Binigyang-diin din niya na nararapat na maintindihan at isabuhay ng bawat pinoy ang kanilang kultura at maipagmalaki ito.

Samantala, naging highlight din ang ginanap na pagsuot ng friendship-peace wrist bands ng mga partisipante at paglagda ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa isang cultural painting na likha ni Chris Tamis, isang local artist sa Butuan City. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Tulay sa Gigaquit gi-inagurahan

By PNP-Gigaquit

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 13 - Giinagurahan bag-uhay pa lamang ang Lahi-Sico sico-Camamonan (LASICAM) Bridge nga gitawag og "Tulay sa Paglaum" didto sa Brgy. Sico-sico, Gigaquit, ning probinsya.

Ang "Tulay Nan Paglaum" usa ka proyekto ubos sa Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA)gikan sa programa sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) diin nagkantidad mokabat sa 200 milyones ka pesos.

Sa pagkatukod sa maong tulay, nahimo kining ganghaan para mahimong sayon ang paghatud sa mga serbisyo sa gobyerno ngadto sa katawhan ug pagdala sa produkto gikan sa LASICAM ngadto sa merkado.

Ang maong kalihukan gitambungan ni Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) secretary Jesus Dureza, Regional Development Council chairperson Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas; Regional Peace and Order Council chairperson Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay Jr., NEDA-Caraga Regional directo Myla Faye Aurora B Cariño,  Mayor Elvira Egay sa lungsod sa Gigaquit, PRO 13 Chief Regional Operations and Plans Division PSSupt. Rogelio Z. Raymundo, Eastern Mindanao Command Commanding General Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.,402nd Phil. Army Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Nemesio Gacal, 4th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Villanueva,  Brig. Gen. Andres Centino, 401st Brigade, PA; Mayor Eddie Gokiangkee sa Claver; Punong Barangay Julito Dicap sa Lahi; Punong Barangay Fernando Lopez sa Sico-sico ug Punong Barangay Indayflor Bangga sa Camam-onan sa lungsod sa Gigaquit.

Aron mahimong malampuson ug hapsay ang maong kalihukan, ang hiniusang pwersa sa Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office sa pagpangulo ni PSupt Rudy L. Elandag, mga sakop sa kapulisan sa Gigaquit Municipal Police Station, dugang pwersa sa kapulisan nga gikan sa istasyon sa Placer, Bacuag, Claver, Surigao de del Norte ug uban pang mga yunit, ug mga miyembro sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) lakip na ang mga barangay tanod ang misiguro sa seguridad sa lugar aron nga walay kakulian nga mahitabo sa maong gihimong programa. (PNP-Gigaquit/PIA-Surigao del Norte)