Saturday, February 17, 2018

DSWD-Caraga sends P2.8M relief aid to LGUs affected by TS Basyang

By Eunice Montaos Plaza

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 17 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga provided augmentation support to the local government units (LGUs) of the municipalities of Sison, Gigaquit, Mainit, and Carrascal, which were seriously hit by tropical storm Basyang on February 12 to 13, 2018.

With the huge number of affected families, the LGU of the said municipalities requested the agency’s augmentation support to assist the families who are still staying at the evacuation centers, as of reporting time.

The regional office mobilized its field staff stationed at the affected towns to assist the local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs) in providing relief goods, both food and non-food items amounting to P2,809,139.18 in total.

In Mainit, DSWD-Caraga provided 1,000 family food packs, malongs, blankets, and plastic mats. There were also 1,150 dignity kits given.

In Carrascal, the agency augmented 1,500 family food packs, and 500 dignity kits, malongs, blankets, mosquito nets, and plastic mats.

For the municipality of Sison, the field office gave 1,364 family food packs, 70 dignity kits, 2,000 1-liter water, and 500 malong, mosquito nets, and plastic mats.

In the town of Gigaquit, 1,350 family packs, 300 dignity kits, and 990 malongs and plastic mats were given.

As of reporting time, respective Provincial/City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (P/C/MDRRMCs) across the region are still on active status and the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team, and Provincial/City/Municipal Action Team (P/C/MAT) are constantly monitoring in coordination with the LSWDOs and LDRRMOs for data generation and reporting.

Per latest report received by the Quick Response Team (QRT) of DSWD-Caraga, TD Basyang has affected four provinces with 33 municipalities and 1 city in the region.

A total of 776 families or 3,496 persons are inside the 15 existing evacuation centers (EC) while a total of 56 families with 187 persons served outside ECs.

From the start of the disaster operation in Caraga Region, 154 ECs were activated evacuation centers.

DSWD Caraga OIC Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim, together with the whole workforce of DSWD-Caraga, extends her sympathy to the families of the eight (8) lost lives due to the landslides and floods caused by TD Basyang.

“Our prayers go to the families who have lost their loved ones because of Basyang,” expressed Lim.

The regional director also assured those affected families and individuals that the DSWD-Caraga is on active standby and in close coordination with the LGUs monitoring the status and needs in this time of calamity.

“As to those who are still staying at the evacuation camps, we at the regional office are trying our very best to assist the LGUs. Rest assured that we have ready and available resources to provide necessary augmentation support if needed.” said Lim. (EMPlaza/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga holds suppliers’ conference solar-powered projects

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 17 – In response to the need for supplementary energy provision through renewable energy technology, the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KaIahi-CIDSS) hosted a forum dubbed 'Suppliers Conference for Solar-Powered Sub-Projects' held at Prince Hotel Convention Center, this city.

The conference aimed to establish a common understanding and interpretation among key stakeholders on the technical aspects of the program implementation, especially with solar street light projects.

In attendance were KaIahi-CIDSS workers, Engr. Jovenal L. Bernat, Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist, Engr. Esphar Lamela, Regional Procurement Officer, and representatives from different suppliers marketing solar power materials.

The activity was a good venue especially that stakeholders were able to discuss enhancements on the designs and specifications whatever to the applicability of the new technology approach.

The conference was also an opportune time to discuss about the technicalities and details of the program implementation. Specifically, they tackled on the clarification of contracts between suppliers and DSWD-Kalahi CIDSS, bidding and signing of contract and breach of contract. It was made clear during the forum that the Regional Director will be the authorized person to discontinue any breached contracts depending on the level of violation.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi G. Lim specifically instructed the engineering unit of the program to ensure that future engagements with the suppliers and the community should be well-planned and in accordance to the set guidelines. In more than a decade of the program’s implementation, issues with contracts and procurement have caused delays in the completion of the program implementation causing problems to the communities who are recipients of the sub-projects.

The KaIahi-CIDSS is a program of DSWD which aims to provide support to the community in alleviating them from poverty through community’s active participation. (SMLorenzo/ MDDReyes/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD Field Office X conducts field visit in Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga champion town

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 17 – Around 130 Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) workers from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 conducted a cross-learning visit in Field Office Caraga. The team was able to visit the evacuation center-community sub-project in the municipality of Hinatuan, this province.

Successfully implemented in 2017, the Kalahi-CIDSS sub-project in Barangay Bitoon was considered as the biggest evacuation center nationwide.  The P14-million worth community sub-project became the subject for the visit since DSWD Caraga was the only Kalahi-CIDSS implementing region that was able to complete such infrastructure with a tight budget. This was because of the combined efforts of the different partner-stakeholders, led by community volunteers from different barangays in the municipality.

“Diri gayud nako nasulayan sa Kalahi-CIDSS kung unsa ka-importante ang transparency sa pagpadagan sa usa ka-proyekto. Bisan pa adunay mga pagsulay ang niagi sa amuang organisasyon, nagpabilin kami nga madasigon; tungod niini, naangkon namo ang proyekto nga dugay na namong gihandom. (It is only through Kalahi-CIDSS that I have experienced how important transparency in implementing a project was. Even though our organization faced trials, we remained courageous; because of this, we achieved the project that we have long been dreaming of),” Cris Tarona, the Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee Chairperson said during the focus group discussion (FGD).

The FGD was facilitated by the Area Coordinating Team (ACT), the Municipal Local Government Unit of Hinatuan, and the Sub/Regional Program Management Office.

The visitors commended the empowered volunteers as they narrated their stories of challenges, strategies, and best practices implementing the Community-Driven Development (CDD) Program. The said community sub-project was a great challenge for the stakeholders to complete. But with its completion, it has greatly impacted the communities in Hinatuan.

Shem “Titing” Garay, Municipal Mayor of Hinatuan, recognized the proper and consistent coordination of the volunteers in their effort to successfully finish the biggest evacuation center in the Philippines, and thanked the visitors for coming to their municipality to learn from the success and challenges encountered by Hinatuan in the implementation of the program.  (JRPMillama/ MDDReyes/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

BIR unveils tax campaign logo in SurSur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 14 – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Office 106 in Surigao del Sur has joined the simultaneous nationwide unveiling of the “2018 Salamat Sayo!” tax campaign logo during the simple flag-raising ceremony program on February 12, 2018. 

Roger Cadavas, BIR Revenue District Officer (RDO), said that the activity of their office was President Rodrigo Duterte’s and BIR Commissioner Ceasar Dulay’s way of saying “thank you” to the taxpaying public, citing the agency’s record-high collection growth rate of up to P1.779 trillion for the last five years. 

The BIR chief added that such Salamat Sayo! logo would soon be hung in tarps around the town for the public to see how great it was for both President Duterte and Commissioner Dulay to feel such an impressive tax collection feat made in 2017.

"Of course, the effort of all the men and women of BIR was taken into account," Cadavas pointed out.

Meanwhile, the BIR District chief admitted a three percent shortfall in collection here in 2017. He cited that as assigned they were supposed to collect P986 million but was only able to rake P949 million.  However, Cadavas was glad to say that as compared to 2016 collection, they were able to exceed it with the tax collected in 2017.

In a related development, the local BIR chief bared that for 2018, they were assigned to get as much as P1.193 billion.

He then again made a strong appeal for an improved level of tax compliance.

Besides, Cadavas also reminded taxpayers to always demand for receipts.

The BIR chief shared the same observation, particularly with most drivers or car owners. He stressed that these sectors were not yet used to the habit of demanding for receipts after gassing up.  On the other hand, he said that gas stations just ignored this obligation to issue receipts, hence, no record of transaction could be traced to the detriment of government. Expounding on the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, he went on saying that the state was supposed to earn as much as P4.00 per liter in excise tax. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Two SurSur northern towns declare state of calamity

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 14 – “Valentine’s Day” might not be that happy for the province of Surigao del Sur after Tropical Storm Basyang made landfall in Cortes town and wreaked havoc on February 13. 

In fact, according to Abel De Guzman, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, state of calamity had already been declared in two municipalities – Carrascal and Lanuza. "Some neighboring towns might follow suit depending on the result of the on-going Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment," he added. 

Among the northern towns mentioned, which were mostly affected due to flooding,  Carrascal, 72 kilometers north of Tandag City, also known to be a mining area, had been hit the worst. This was due to the landslide that occurred in Barangays Babuyan and Gamuton. "As a result, five remains had been being mourned, three of which were a mother and her two children," De Guzman reported.

Besides, the PDRRM chief said that two bodies, believed to be father and son, were still missing in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza town. 

While awaiting submission of reports from both the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAg) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), De Guzman admitted that his office had yet to account for all damages incurred especially in agriculture and infrastructure.

As of PDRRM Council’s Situational Report No. 3 released at 9:00 a.m. on February 14, 2018, a total of 4,947 families had been affected, but some 2,237 of which were reported to be still staying in evacuation centers. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

NPA rebels kill Lumad leader in Surigao del Norte

 

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 14 (PIA) – A Lumad leader was allegedly killed by the New People's Army (NPA) on February 9, 2018 at Sitio Palo 10, Brgy Camp Edward, Alegria town.

The victim was identified as Dakula Guillermo Tiambong, 58 years old, a farmer and currently held the position as the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of the Mamanwa Tribe in Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

Datu Tiambong was shot to death in front of his family while attending his farm in the mountains of Brgy. Camp Edward, Alegria.

According to the victim's daughter, Girlie, days before the shooting incident, her father received death threats from the NPAs for being an active peace and development advocate.

In behalf of the Philippine Army, 30th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Allen Raymund Tomas extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

“Datu Tiambong was the voice of the Mamanwa tribe during the 3-days IP Summit in Davao on January 30 to February 1, 2018, where President Rodrigo Roa Duterte met them,” Tomas said.

On his part, Philippine Army Brigade Commander BGen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal condemned the terrorist CPP-NPA for such unlawful act of murder.

“This is again a clear violation of the human rights. With their crime committed, full force of the law will be utilized to bring justice to the victim," said Gacal.

Data Tiambong was the second Lumad leader killed by the NPA after the IP Summit 2018. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Red tide alert still up in SurSur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 14 (PIA) – Only after coming out with three consecutive lab test with negative results can the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officially and safely declare Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur clear again of red tide toxin, according to Bernesita Rojas, chief of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office (PFARO) here.

Although the PFAR Officer is optimistic that good news will soon get its way, gathering of “all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or Alamang” from the area will have to remain banned as per Shellfish Bulletin Nos. 03, 04, and 05 issued in early 2018.  Hence, “to avoid Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP),” Rojas took again the advice of BFAR to the public “to refrain from harvesting, marketing and consumption” of the said species.

On the other hand, quoting what was stated in the official communication received from BFAR Caraga Regional Director Dr. Juan Alabaladejo dated February 2, 2018, the PFAR chief mentioned that “fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines were removed before cooking.”

Except that of Lianga Bay, all other bays in the province have been cited free from red tide toxin contamination. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

AgNor town implements educational assistance

 

Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 13 – The local government unit of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte will now be implementing Educational Assistance through Municipal Ordinance No. 11-2017, otherwise known as the "Municipal Assistance Fund Program (MEAFP)."

The said ordinance, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Virgilio F. Baja was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 318-2017.

The said ordinance aims to provide educational assistance to qualified poor students who enrolled in Grade VII up to Grade 10 (Junior High School) who are residents of the municipality.

The said program is one of the basic social services under the Educational Assistance Fund Program prioritized by the municipality of Nasipit by providing appropriations for its sustainability. This ordinance was enacted to promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels.

In line with the powers of the local governments to enact ordinances under the Local Government Code of 1991, the said municipal ordinance was approved through the efforts of Board Member Aquino W. Gambe, Chairman of the Committee on Education and Culture. (JVLumonsod, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Skills training development center to be established in Buenavista

  

Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 13 – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte approved the Municipal Ordinance No. 37-2017 from the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, establishing the Buenavista Skill Training and Development Center, providing mechanism in its implementation thereof and other purposes.

The proposed Training and Development Center is an alternative learning center in the said municipality, wherein the youth who are underprivileged and cannot afford to proceed his/her college education will be given the chance to harness their potentials through training programs to improve their learning skills which help them become competitive in finding a job or employment opportunities.

The center aims to contribute to the national government’s thrust in addressing poverty alleviation.

The proposed measure is in line with Republic Act 7160, particularly Section 17 which provides that local government units shall continue exercising the powers and discharging the duties and functions currently vested upon, and likewise exercise such other powers and discharge such other responsibilities as are necessary. appropriate, or incidental to efficient and effective provisions of the basic services and

Pushing for the approval of said ordinance was through the efforts of the Committee on Education and Culture, chaired by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe. (JOMellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

3 NPA terrorists killed in AgNor clash

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 13 – Three New Peoples’ Army (NPA) terrorists died in an encounter with 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army at Sitio Taiwan, Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on February 11, 2018.

The three dead bodies of the NPAs Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) have yet to be identified. One M4 sniper rifle with scope, several ammunitions, five improvised landmines, one hand grenade, one rifle grenade, and a cellphone were among those recovered in the terrorists’ encampment that can accommodate 100 persons. Bloodstains in the withdrawal routes of the terrorist NPAs are still being tracked.

“We will pursue these terrorists at all cost just to ensure that the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions will attain the peace they deserve so that economic development that they were long deprived of will come in,” said Major General Ronald Villanueva of the 4th Infantry Division when he thanked the civilian informants who gave the location of the NPA camp.

Villanueva also congratulated the 29IB and the 402nd Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal as he also exhorted them to continue the pressure so that the NPA terrorists will no longer hold their members who are already contemplating to surrender. (1st Lt Tere Ingente (FS) PA 4ID/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

ATI-Caraga secures anew ISO 9001 certification

Butuan City, Feb. 13 – The aim to provide quality and excellent extension services is not merely paper and words for the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-Caraga). Its total commitment to serve its citizen-customers is demonstrated through the recent ISO 9001: 2015 certification that it received from the global certification body TÜV SÜD Group.

The ISO 9001: 2015 is the latest revision of the international standard on quality management systems. It is an update of ISO 9001: 2008 certification which ATI-Caraga also received last year. Being ISO certified for two consecutive years indicates that the Center has maintained the standard specifically in the development and provision of trainings, knowledge products and services, accreditation of Extension Service Providers (ESP), scholarships, alliance building, national extension system planning, monitoring and evaluation.

The ATI-Caraga is among the eight training centers within the ATI network that was conferred the ISO certification. These centers include the ATI Central Office, International Training Center for Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), ATI-RTC II, ATI-RTC CAR, ATI-RTC VI, ATI-RTC VIII, ATI-RTC XII AND ATI-RTC XIII.

Former ATI Caraga Center Director Robert T. Poculan Jr. and current OIC Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo received the certificate on January 29, 2018 at the ATI Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Present during the awarding were Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, and Dr. Luz A. Taposok, ATI National Director. (JPDEJampac, ATI-Caraga Technical Staff)