Tuesday, May 7, 2019

AFP, PNP send-off troops for 2019 election in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 7 (PIA) - A send-off ceremony was held at the 36th Infantry Batallion (36IB) headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago town on May 6, 2019 for the soldiers, and police personnel who will be performing election duties on May 13.

Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer Lt. Jonal Romorosa of the 36IB said the security forces are composed of troops from the 36IB, 75IB, and 7th Special Forces, and Police Provincial Office. The ceremonial send-off was attended by ranking officials from the AFP, PNP, and Comelec.

Also, the security personnel took an oath in front of their commanders and Comelec officials witnessed by the media partners, to bear true faith in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities for the accomplishment of its mission for a peaceful, orderly, and secure election day.

Meanwhile, Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Riza Ann Constantino thanked the security forces for their never-ending support to Comelec.

"What you are doing is more than courage, it is a sacrifice for yourself and your family for something," she said.

"We hope and pray that you accomplish your given tasks for National and Local Elections 2019 and return safely with pride and integrity," Constantino noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Butuan’s public market vendors participate in BSP piso caravan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - Vendors at Langihan Public Market of this city, rushed to the personnel of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Butuan Branch as they exchanged their unfit or mutilated banknotes during the piso caravan and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) advocacy campaign.

Ruby Almonia, a cook from one of the eateries inside the public market brought with her several unfit and mutilated banknotes and coins, and exchange them with new ones from the BSP. She said, big stores no longer accept mutilated banknotes and coins, and even in sari-sari stores.

“This is an opportune time for us vendors to exchange the unfit and mutilated money that we have kept for such a long time since these are no longer accepted in the market,” said Almonia.

Glizriel Rose Quijada, Bank Officer II of BSP Butuan underscored that in partnership with the local bankers club and various commercial banks from the different provinces of Caraga region, they regularly conduct piso caravan to inform the public on the right and proper handling of banknotes and coins.

Quijada added that the BSP would also conduct similar activity in Surigao City and other provinces of Caraga region. Aside from the piso caravan, an orientation-seminar will also be conducted for the cash handlers of commercial establishments, bakeshop, malls, sari-sari stores, and transport sector, among others. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Over 1,100 cops deployed for 2019 elections in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 - Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has deployed 1,142 cops to render election duties in the different parts of Caraga after the joint police and military send-off ceremony held Monday.

The activity was graced by Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO13 regional director, Colonel Maurito L. Licudine, 402nd Brigade commander, and Atty. Alvin Prandy T. Canta, Election Supervisor of COMELEC-Agusan del Norte.

Personnel from the PRO13 headquarters, Special Weapons and Tactics, Special Action Force, support units, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and those who are on mandatory and specialized trainings formed part of the deployment.

The deployed personnel will man the police assistance desks, conduct checkpoints and enforce election laws.

“With our security preparations in place, I believe we are more than ready for the electoral process. Let us give our best shot to ensure the safety and security of the 2019 midterm polls,” PBGen. Cruz said.

In 2016, PRO13 was awarded by the national headquarters as the unit with the least number of election-related violent incidents during the election period. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

AgSur PWDs participate in DRRM orientation 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - Having seen the significance and value of learning the best means and ways to be safe during any calamity or disaster in the province of Agusan del Sur, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga conducted a one-day orientation-seminar on DRRM.

Liza Culentas, a person with disability (PWD) is one among other PWDs from the said province that actively participated in the said event.

“Ever since, this is the first time that I experience attending such activity for our sector – the PWDs. It is only now that I felt that the government really cares for us and want to provide our welfare,” said Culentas.

Armando Gomez, PDRRMO Agusan del Sur stressed that the PWD sector forms part of nation-building and performs a vital role in society. Hence, there is also a need for them to be well-informed on how to secure them with their family, including evacuation protocol.

“There is a need for our PWDs to be well-informed and trained on disaster preparedness, as well as the evacuation protocol. The government ensures the sector’s safety before, during and even after any disaster or calamity,” underscored Gomez.

This initiative is also supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, and the Philippine National Police. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

LGU-Dinagat Islands launches community-based broadcasting system

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - With the aim to disseminate timely and accurate information to the local residents of the province of Dinagat Islands, the provincial government has recently launched its community-based broadcasting system.

The provincial government saw the need of putting up this facility, which is very useful in times of calamity, emergency or in any eventualities.

It will also serve as an avenue for national line agencies where they could easily relay and broadcast their various programs and projects for the locals.

This broadcast system is installed at the annex building of the provincial capitol in Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands affiliated under the Philippine Broadcast System (PBS) with a permit to operate from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

This initiative is also in support of the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to make all Filipinos well-informed citizens with the advent of the mass media and using it rightfully.

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) supports this endeavor and encourages the employees of the provincial government, as well as its broadcasters to continuously report factual information and fight the proliferation of fake news.

With this development, regional director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga also recognized the efforts of the provincial government for taking steps and finally established a communication system that will enhance ties between the government and the constituents.

Meanwhile, Governor Glenda Ecleo underscored that this will greatly help the Dinagatnons to be well-informed of the government’s programs on infrastructure, tourism, solid waste management, social services, among others. (JPG/SDR/PIA-Caraga)

Gov't agencies conduct site inspection to non-formal schools in SurSur town

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur, May 7 (PIA) - Government agencies in Caraga region assessed the situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, this province and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) - a non-formal school not registered under the Department of Education, believed to be managed by the New Peoples Army.

DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas said they have reached out to the group and encouraged them to have the school registered under DepEd, however, the group refused and does not want government’s intervention.

This was after the Committee on Cultural Communities from the House of Representatives received a report that said school along with the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) is managed and influenced by the NPAs, and also served as a training ground of the youth to fight against the government.

According to Adora Pueblos, secretary of the committee, they wanted to know the bases of the information or complaint that they received against said schools in the area.

She said government agencies are taking steps through a whole of nation approach to come up with solutions in any issues and concerns.

Lawyer Reuben Dasay Lingating of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also revealed that there are also reports claiming that non-government organizations from the European countries are giving multi-million budget as financial support to TRIFPSS and ALCADEV and other non-government organizations, however, these funds are not utilized for projects and programs that directly address to the education of the IPs in the region.

Meanwhile, according to Remegio Pareja, punong barangay of Diatagon, they have encouraged the TRIFPSS management to register their school under DepEd, however, they always refuse to do such, and they decline assistance from the government that promotes the welfare of the locals. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

TESDA eyes more livelihood trainings for FR in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 7 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur official has committed to provide more livelihood training programs for former rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In a press statement, TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva reiterated his commitment to provide livelihood trainings during the discussion with the officials of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB) recently.

“The agency is prepared to accommodate more students to fast-track their reintegration process," Cueva said.

Both officials said the trainings are aimed at developing technical skills and competencies which could help former terrorists land jobs or start their own livelihood activities.

The trainings offered for this year are welding and fabrication, electrical installation, and maintenance, bread and pastry production, food processing, and organic agriculture.

Both officials discussed the agency’s plan to provide various trainings to former rebels who are enrolled in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as part of the re-integration process. The said trainings they planned are aimed at developing technical skills and competencies which could help former rebels land a job or start their own livelihood activities.

According to Captain Edwin Leo Franco Francisco, 75IB Civil Military Operation Officer, TESDA was able to train 30 E-CLIP beneficiaries on carpentry, automotive mechanic, and masonry among others last year.

Lt. Colonel Jaime Datuin, 75IB Battalion Commander, thanked TESDA official for its commitment and dedication to help in ending the local communist armed conflict.

“We want our former terrorist members to go back to their communities and become responsible and productive citizens. Providing them with livelihood skills is one way of helping them regain their dignity which was taken away by the communist-terrorist CPP-NPA,” he said.

Datuin is hopeful that other NPAs would be encouraged to lay down their arms and back to the folds of the government and live into a normal life.

“We do not want them to die in vain as terrorists because they are still our brothers,” he noted. (with a report from 75IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DSWD Caraga names reg'l. entries for Pantawid Pamilya National Partners Summit

By Joana Rica P. Millama

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 – In the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga to acknowledge the efforts of its partners/stakeholders in the implementation of their programs and services, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) conducted a regional selection of the best Pantawid Focal Persons to be recognized in the National Partners Summit this May 2019.

As a result of the series of desk and field validations, two Pantawid Focal Persons in Health and Education were selected as regional entries to the summit.

For education, Natividad Labial, master teacher III of Florida National High School in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (FNHS), stood out among all other focal persons because of her innovations such as establishing a Grievance Committee to address the pressing issues within the program, such as absenteeism among Pantawid Pamilya students.

“Mrs. Labial is one of the best teachers in this school. She has established good practices on the 4Ps program especially with students with tardiness and absences. In fact, she always gives orientation about the Program during flag ceremonies,” Ramelio Polestico, school head of FNHS, shared.

For health, Rozana Bantugan, midwife I of Rural Health Unit (RHU) in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, was selected because of her untiring dedication in serving the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries especially those who are located in Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) group.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Mary Michelle Paganpan was all praises about Bantugan’s work ethics.

“Sa kadaghan sa trabaho, nakit-an nako sa iya ang kagustuhan na mutabang (Amidst lot of workloads, I saw her willingness to help). The heart of service and volunteerism, that no matter how hard this work is, taos-puso siya at may adhikain na makatulong (she has the heart and the goal which to help),” she said.

The summit seeks to recognize the efforts and services of Pantawid Pamilya’s partner-stakeholders from the Schools and Health Centers which plays a vital role in contributing to the success of the program.

It is also an avenue to celebrate their milestones as the linkages to key agencies, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH). (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Butuanons witness 2019 Candidates’ Forum

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 (PIA) - The candidates for mayor, vice mayor, and representatives have revealed their platform of government and solutions to various issues and concerns raised during the Candidates' Forum held here, witnessed by various stakeholders.

The said event was spearheaded by Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

The discussion focused on issues, policies, projects and programs that will provide better opportunities for employment to Butuanons and other relevant matters.

For an entrepreneur like Jocelyn Yee from Butuan City, the conduct of Candidates’ Forum was an opportune time for her to know very well the candidates and be able to choose those who deserve the posts.

"We, in the business sector, also hope that the winning candidates would address the problem on water supply, as well as lowering down the rate of water and electricity, so more investors would also put up businesses in the city," she said.

According to lawyer Josefe Ty, FSUU Policy Center executive director, the process or mechanism of the forum still ran smoothly despite the non-attendance of other candidates. She also emphasized that a well-informed Butuanons will prevent them from being victims of vote-buying.

Meanwhile, Butuan City election officer Ganger Ranada highlighted that forum like this is a good venue for voters to see and hear straight from the candidates how they would address the issues and concerns of the city.

He also called on the public to choose their candidates wisely this May 2019 elections. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Over P1-B worth of cocaine bricks found in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY, May 7 - Amid the intensive information drive and the ‘one sack of rice per brick of cocaine’ reward, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 seized 182 bricks of cocaine worth a billion pesos from the seawaters of Caraga since February 12, 2019.

Based on the record of the Regional Operations Division, a total of 227 kilograms of cocaine with Dangerous Drug Board value of Php 1,135,000,000.00 were turned-over to the police stations in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

On April 30, 2019, some 18 bricks of cocaine were discovered by a fisherman in the seawaters of Lingig town, Surigao del Sur. Jolan B. Pucot, 25 years old, resident of Barangay Handamayan of the same municipality received his reward from Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO13 director on May 1.

Most of the turned-over cocaine bricks were marked ‘Bugatti’ and ‘Dollar Sign ($)’ but the newly discovered cocaine in Lingig had the marking ‘Coca-Cola.’

“The recovery of billion worth of cocaine in the coastal areas of Caraga had saved possible victims of substance abuse," said Cruz. 

"We encourage our local folks to immediately report to the nearest police unit any suspected bricks of cocaine they may find washed ashore or floating in the sea," he added.

During his visit on April 29, 2019 at the headquarters of PRO13, the Deputy PNP Chief for Operations Lieutenant General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa lauded the initiative of Cruz in giving reward to the local folks who can turn-over bricks of cocaine. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

AgSur PWDs nakilahok sa DRRM orientation-seminar

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Lumahok sa Orientation-Seminar ang mga persons with disabilities (PWD) sa Agusan del Sur upang mahasa ang kanilang kakayahan at abilidad nang maging handa sa anumang sakuna o kalamidad.

Isinagawa ito ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), kasama ang Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga.

Aktibong lumahok ang PWD na si Liza Culentas sa orientation tungkol sa paghahanda sa mga sakuna at kalamidad. Ayon sa kanya, mas naramdaman niya ngayon ang pag-aalala at malasakit ng pamahalaan para sa kanilang sektor. Dagdag pa niya, mas naging kampante siya at mas nadagdagan ang tiwala sa sarili sa kabila nang kanyang kapansanan.

“Mula noon, ngayon ko pa naranasan ito. Ngayon ay alam ko na ang mahalagang papel namin. Sa amin, sa Purok-Uno Barangay La Caridad, Prosperidad, ay binabaha talaga. Kaya ngayon na wala pang baha, pinaghahandaan na namin at alam na namin ang aming mga dapit gawin," sabi ni Culentas.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Armando Gomez, PDRRMO ng Agusan del Sur na ang mga PWDs ay kabilang sa mga mahahalagang sector sa lipunan na kinakailangang  pagtuonan ng pansin. Mahalaga, ayon sa kanya, na mapalawak pa ang kaalaman ng mga may kapansanan  para mas mahasa sila sa paghahanda upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan.

“Isa itong mahalagang orientation sa disaster risk reduction and management para sa mga persons with disability dahil ang mga PWds ay isa sa mga vulnerable sectors ng lipunan na kailangang pagtugunan-pansin lalu na sa pagturo o pagbigay alam sa kanila tungkol sa evacuation protocol, at kailangan ding magabayan at masiguro ang kanilang kahandaan at kaligtasan bago paman mangyari ang anumang sakuna, maging after ng sakuna,” pahayag ni Gomez.

Ang inisyatibong ito ay suportado rin ng Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, at Philippine National Police. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 

LGU-Dinagat Islands inilunsad ang isang community-based broadcasting system

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Sa layuning maipaabot sa mga residente sa probinsya ng Dinagat Islands ang tama at napapanahong impormasyon at balita, pormal nang inilunsad ng probinsya ang isang community-based broadcasting system.

Layon nitong makatulong at magamit sa panahon ng kalamidad at sakuna, at magsisilbing benyu para mga ahensya ng gobyerno lalo na ang national line agencies na mapaaabot at maipa-alam ang kanilang ibat-ibang mga proyekto at programa para sa mga residente.

Ang bagong broadcasting system na ito ay matagtagpuan mismo sa annex building ng provincial capitol, Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands, sa ilalim ng Philippine Broadcast System (PBS) at may pahintulot o permit to operate galing sa National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Ang inisyatibong ito ay bilang suporta na rin sa mandato ni President Rodrigo Duterte na maging well-informed citizens ang mga Pilipino sa bansa sa pamamagitan na rin ng pagamit ng mass media sa tamang paraan.

Suportado rin ito ni Secretary Martin Andanar ng Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) at hinihikayat ang lahat ng empleyado ng gobyerno at mamamahayag na manatiling tapat sa kanilang tungkulin na itaguyod ang katotohanan sa pagbabalita at magpatuloy na labanan ang “fake news.”

Ipinapaabot din ni regional director Abner Caga ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga ang kanyang pagbati sa lokal na pamahalaan ng probinsya sa kanilang pagsisikap na magkaroon ng community based broadcasting system na aasahan ng mga residente sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang impormasyon.

Binigyan-diin din niya ang ginagampanang mahalagang papel ng mass media bilang tulay ng gobyerno at mamamayan.

Samantala, sa kanyang mensahe, sinabi ni Governor Glenda Ecleo na malaking tulong ang sistemang ito sa komunikasyon ng mga Dinagatnon upang malaman ng publiko ang mga programang nagawa sa probinsya sa larangan ng infrastructura, turismo, solid waste management, social services at iba pa. (JPG/SDR/PIA-Caraga) 

Piso Caravan ng BSP isinagawa sa palengke ng Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Mayo 7 (PIA) - Mas naging matao ang Langihan Public Market sa lungsod ng Butuan nang magsimula nang magtawag ng mga tindero at tindera ang mga tauhan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Butuan branch sa kanilang isinagawang Piso Caravan kung saan mapapalitan ng bagong banknotes at barya ang mga luma ng pera sa pamilihan.

Isa si Ruby Almonia, tindera ng isang karenderya sa loob ng palengke sa mga nagmamadaling lumapit sa BSP at nagpapalit ng ilang barya dahil nangitim na ang kulay ng mga ito, at hindi na tinatanggap sa malalaking tindahan.

“Okay po ito kasi at least yung perang medyo luma na napundo lang dahil sa hindi tinatanggap ng malalaking tindahan ay mapapalitan na rin. lalu na kami rito sa palengke, di rin namin tinatanggap ang mga perang nasira na o wala sa tamang ayos,” sabi ni Almonia.

Ayon kay Glizriel Rose Quijada, Bank Officer II ng BSP Butuan, kasama ang Bankers Club at ibat-ibang commercial banks ng mga probinsya sa Caraga region, sinasagawa nila ang Piso Caravan upang maipalaganap ang impormasyon sa publiko kung papaano ang tamang pag-handle o pag-alaga at pagpapanatiling maayos ang kalidad ng mga pera.

“Isa po itong oportunidad sa ating publiko na makasali sa ating tinatawag na Piso Caravan para ma-exchange po ang kanilang mga unfit or mutiliated na mga banknotes.

Ang activity rin na ito ay bilang suporta sa BSP advocacy campaign on the use of clean and fit notes para maprotektahan natin yung currency integrity kasi kapag fit notes ang ginagamit, madali po nating ma-identify kung ano yung counterfeit o genuine na banknotes and at the same time maiwasan din natin yung transmission ng diseases na sanhi ng bakterya,” paliwanang ni Quijada.

Dagdag pa ni Quijada, magsasagawa rin sila ng Piso Caravan sa Surigao City at iba pang probinsya ng rehiyon.

Maliban sa Piso Caravan, magdadaos rin ang BSP ng orientation-seminar para sa cash handlers ng mga commercial establishments, bakeshop, malls, sari-sari vendors, mula sa transport sector at marami pang iba. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)