(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.


Tuesday, August 13, 2019

DOTr urges contractors to fast-track repair of airport’s runway in Surigao City

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 -- Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), urged contractors to fast-track repair of the runway at the Surigao City airport, which was damaged by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake last February 10, 2017.

It can be recalled that right after the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte and his cabinet members in Surigao City to assess the situation of the quake victims, the operation at the Surigao City airport also resumed, however, only 1,000 meters from the standard 1,700-meter runway are being used until this time, and has only one airline company being accommodated and operating.

The limited flights posed an impact on the tourism industry of the said city.

In the recent surprise visit at the airport led by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), together with DOTr Asec. Giovanni Lopez, CAAP Director-General Jim Sydiongco, and Regional Director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, the officials thoroughly assessed and checked the condition of the runway.

“The provincial development council of Surigao del Norte requested yours truly to help follow-up the repair of the runway. That’s why I’m here, though this is the job of the DOTr and CAAP, we wanted to fast-track its repair and finish it within the timeline,” said Andanar.

The government has allocated more than P123-million fund for the Surigao Airport Development Project. Andanar and Lopez agreed that the contractors, the Pacific Concrete Products and VT Lao Construction, should set-up a concrete plant and batching plant near the airport to avoid similar delays in the future.

“While it is true that there is a delay of this project, but like what the secretary has said that the original contract duration is February 2020, that is non-negotiable. We are looking for ways really make that happen. We will deliver within the same period of time regardless of the delay,” Lopez said.

The 1,400 meters runway is expected to be finished by November in order to accommodate the high demand of flights in the Christmas season.

While the entire 1,700 meters will be completed by February 2020, CAAP emphasized that they will be monitoring the progress of this project. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Different sectors gear up preparation for various infra projects in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- Various sectors here convened and deepened the discussion on several infrastructure projects to be established, which will boost the economy and tourism of the city.

During the 3rd stakeholders forum on the Master Plan for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development (MPSUID) in Butuan, different sectors involved explore further the pros and cons of the proposed infra projects they have identified for the city.

With the assistance and guidance from the experts, they took all relevant factors thru the conduct of feasibility study in various potential tourism attractions to ensure that identified projects are suitable and to ascertain the likelihood of completing the project successfully that would benefit the public.

According to Joselito Supangco, Tourism and Recreation Expert and Economic Cluster Team Leader, among these projects include the farm to market roads in five upland barangays and irrigation and drainage facilities in five rice-producing barangays.

Dr. Jun Castro, Transport Specialist and Team Leader of infra cluster, also revealed that they intend to enhance the urban traffic management system of Butuan City, as well those structures which are appropriate to be built near the Agusan River.

Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, other projects identified include the drainage and flood control projects, solid waste management facilities, and power or electricity facilities.

Kantuna also urged every Butuanon to continue to give their trust and support to the city government as it takes steps towards sustainable development for the city and its people.

The official added that from several identified proposed projects by the different sectors, five of these will be prioritized and will be submitted to the city council and the regional development council for approval. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Over 30 kids benefit RIACAT-VAWC’s gift-giving activity

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) - More than 30 kids received gift packs from the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking – Violence Against Women And Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga held in this city and in Buenavista in Agusan del Norte.

The said activity formed part of the World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT) celebration.
These are kids who are sheltered at Home for the Boys in Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City, and Gesu Eucharistico Incorporated in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. They all received various hygiene kits and food packs.

Sister Marilou Besere and Cleto Pastor, care takers of the two centers were delighted to have welcomed the guests from various government agencies and received their gifts for the kids who are considered ‘child at risk’, ‘children in conflict with the law’, and those that have been abused.

Sister Marilou further called on government agencies and private sector to help them in the establishment of a center for children with special needs; developmental pediatricians who will look after the condition of the children with special diagnosis; and scholarship for children sheltered at the centers.

“I asked the government and non-government organizations to help us as we wanted to raise these children with a better future. We hope also that these children will be included in your advocacy against any form of abuse and violence,” she appealed.

Cleto also urged parents to guide and take good care of their children well, so they will not get involved in any illegal activity; they will grow responsibly and with proper nutrition.

“Parents should be taking care of their children. Please do not disregard their needs and give them due attention because they need it from you especially at home. Help your children cope with life’s challenges so they won’t be tempted to get involved in any illegal activity,” said Cleto.

Meanwhile, Catherine Aranas, Social Welfare Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and focal person for RIACAT-VAWC bared that trafficking cases in the region are still high, however, this also indicates that many without hesitation already report such cases to the authorities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

‘Bae’ competition in AgNor highlights disaster preparedness

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 (PIA) – As Agusanons are becoming more disaster resilient and active advocates of climate change adaptation, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Agusan del Norte has organized an event that showcased the qualities of empowered women in the province.

Eleven ‘Bae’ or ladies from various towns in Agusan del Norte have showcased their talents and different kinds of preparation for any calamity or eventuality, during the conduct of DRRM Bae Competition of the said province.

Each candidate showed their skills on how to effectively respond in times of emergency and calamity while wearing their responder's outfit made of recycled materials.

Cultural attires of the different ethnic groups in Agusan were also featured.

The DRRM Bae competition is a unique competition among women, wherein people get to witness their beauties, skills in rescue operation, act of empowerment, and understands DRRM advocacies.

Specific advocacy, particularly on disaster risk reduction, was also presented.

Meanwhile, in the said competition, Daphne Eronco of Cabadbaran City was crowned as DRRM Bae 2019; Maxine Lou Plenos of Kitcharao as 1st runner-up and Miss Young ADNERT 2019; and Jan Krizzia Beniga of Buenavista as 2nd runner-up. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Union group declares Reds persona non grata

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Aug. 13 (PIA) -- Two hundred twenty four (224) regular members of the newly-organized Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Independent Workers Union (FPPIWU) unanimously approved the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in the areas covered by Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Incorporated (FPPI) in the municipalities of Rosario and San Francisco of Agusan del Sur during a dialogue held recently inside the FPPI Compound.

Through its Resolution Number 2, Series of 2019, the FPPIWU officers and members condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF including its allied organizations such as the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR) and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), for their atrocities in their communities and continuous exploitation of the poor farmers and workers of FPPI.

It can be recalled that the former Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Inc. Workers Union (FPIWU) which was created and registered in 2007 by the National Federations of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno (NAFLU-KMU) to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), was recently reorganized and became FPPIWU after all its 224 members decided to formally separate from its mother federation through a resolution passed during a general assembly.

The newly-organized union wanted to pursue its autonomy due to some serious issues within the company in order to achieve its organizational objectives while observing the internationally accepted principles and domestic laws.

Accordingly, under the NAFLU-KMU, the FPIWU was able to launch two crippling strikes against the company, one in October 2010 and the other in November 2012, which resulted to the dismissal of several workers and displacement of some families.

"For the sake of my co-workers and our families, we should tread the right way, without any reservation. With 93 percent of members voted, we formally disaffiliate ourselves from NAFLU-KMU, that is why we created our independent union, the FPPIWU, to formally put an end to the issues of exploitation and propaganda that became the source of spat between us and the FPPI management," Elmer Jamero, former FPIWU President said, in his message to his co-workers.

Jay Lagapa, the newly-installed FPPIWU President, read the resolution followed by the signing of the officers and its members. "I also thanked the assistance given to us by the authorities and the management that made things easier for us to reorganize and formally disaffiliate from NAFLU-KMU," he emphasized.

The members of the FPPIWU also took their oath to maintain the peace and order within the FPPI areas and to never let their union be used again for the interests of few people and dubious organizations.

Also, Gil Delos Santos, FPPI General Manager, promised to provide more support through programs and trainings to the union members, so that every member could have another source of livelihood and additional income.

Col. Allan Hambala, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, expressed his appreciation to all the members of FPPIWU who decided to choose to be independent and take part in the declaration of persona non grata against their former federation, the NAFLU-KMU.

“This is the most commendable decision you have ever made as members of your union to finally decide for your own welfare without being dependent to those dubious organizations that covertly manipulated and exploited you financially," he said.

"Now that EO 70 has been operationalized in the region, I will assure you that we in the government, will always keep an eye on the protection of every worker's rights against exploitation and injustices, through the assistance of the concerned government agencies,” Hambala added. (75IB/ 401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Preparasyon ng LGU-Butuan para sa mga itatayong infra projects, mas pinaigting pa

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 13 (PIA) - Ilan pang mga proyektong pangkaunlaran ang itatayo dito na inaasahang magbibigay ng pangmatagalang pag-unlad sa ekonomiya at turismo.

Tinalakay ito ng ibat-ibang sektor sa isinagawang 3rd Stakeholders Forum para sa Master Plan For Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development (MPSUID).

Sa tulong ng mga eksperto, mas paiigtingin ang pagsasagawa ng feasibility study para sa mga potensyal na tourist attractions sa Butuan upang masiguro na akma at naaayon ito sa pangangailangan ng publiko.

Ayon kay Joselito Supangco, tourism and recreation expert at team leader ng economic cluster, kabilang ang farm-to-market roads sa limang upland barangays, at irrigation at drainage facilities sa limang rice-producing barangays sa mga itatayong bagong imprastraktura.

Inihayag naman ni Dr. Jun Castro, Transport Specialist at Team Leader ng Infra Cluster, na tinututukan din nila ang mas maayos na urban traffic management system, maging ang mga infra projects malapit sa Agusan River.

Ibinahagi naman ni Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, kabilang ang drainage at flood control projects, solid waste management facilities at power o energy projects sa mga proyektong nais mapaunlad pa ng lungsod.

Hinimok din niya ang mga Butuanons na patuloy na sumuporta sa mga hakbang ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, sa mga natukoy na mga infra projects ng mga sektor, pipili ng limang pangunahing infra projects at saka ito isusumite sa city council at regional development council para aprobahan ang mga ito. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Pagkumpuni ng nasirang runway sa Surigao City airport, pinamamadali

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 13 (PIA) - Pinamamadali na ni Secretary Arthur Tugade ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) at ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) ang pagkumpuni ng nasirang runway ng Surigao City airport matapos ang 6.7 magnitude na lindol noong February 10, 2017.

Matatandaan na matapos bumisita ni President Rodrigo Duterte at gabinete nito sa mga biktima ng lindol sa lungsod ng Surigao, nagbalik operasyon ang nasabing airport ngunit hanggang sa ngayon 1,000 meters lamang ng runway ang nagagamit at isang airline company lamang ang nakakagamit nito.

Dahil dito, apektado na rin ang turismo sa lungsod dahil sa limitadong biyahe rito.

Sa isinagawang surprising pagbisita sa nasabing airport na pinangunahan ni Secretary Martin Andanar ng Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), kasama si DOTr Asec. Giovanni Lopez, CAAP Director-General Jim Sydiongco, at Regional Director Abner Caga ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, sinuri ng mga opisyal ang kondisyon ng runway.

“Ang provincial council ng Surigao del Norte ay nagpasa ng Resolution No. 103, series of 2019, at nirequest po nila ang inyong lingkod, Sec. Andanar na tumulong na maipadali na ang pagkumpuni ng paliparan, kaya huwag po kayong magtaka kung bakit nandito ang communications secretary, ito po’y trabaho ng DOTr at ng CAAP,” sabi ni Andanar.

Naglaan ang gobyerno ng mahigit P123-milyong na pondo para sa pagkumpuni ng paliparan. Napag-alaman din na hindi natapos ng dati nitong kontraktor ang pagkukumpuni at ngayon ay ang Pacific Concrete Products at VT Lao Construction na ang tatapus ng proyekto.

“Totoo po na naantala ang proyektong ito pero sabi ho ni Secretary na kahit naantala ang orihinal na contract duration sa February 2020, yan po ay non-negotiable. Ang ginagawa natin, gumagawa tayo ng paraan ngayon, para yan po talaga ang mangyayari. Matatapos ang proyektong ito sa itinakdang panahon bagamat may delay sa pagsagawa nito,” sabi ni Lopez.

Napagkasunduan ng mga kinauukulang ahensya ng gobyerno at bagong kontraktor na tatapusin ang 1,400 meters runway bago mag-pasko ngayong taon. Habang ang kabuuan nito na 1,700 meters ay makokompleto sa February 2020. May monitoring ding gagawin ang CAAP para dito. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Mga bata tumanggap ng regalo mula sa RIACAT-VAWC Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 13 (PIA) - Mahigit 30 bata ang masayang tumanggap ng regalo mula sa Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking – Violence Against Women And Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga dito sa lungsod at bayan ng Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Ito ay bilang bahagi sa selebrasyon ng World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT). Sila ang mga batang nakatira sa Home for Boys sa Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City, at GESU Eucaristico Incorporated sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Tumanggap ang mga ito ng ibat-ibang personal hygiene kits at food packs.

Laking pasasalamat ni Sister Marilou at Mang Cleto, tagapamahala ng nasabing mga centers sa lahat ng bumisita mula sa ibat-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan at sa regalong binigay nila para sa mga batang napasailalim sa ‘child at risk,' child in conflict with the law, at batang nabiktima ng karahasan.  

Nananawagan din si Sister Marilou, sana ay matulungan din sila ng gobyerno at pribadong sektor sa pagpapatayo ng center para sa mga batang may special needs; pagkakaroon o pagtalaga ng developmental pediatricians na titingin sa kalagayan ng mga batang may special diagnosis; at scholarship para sa mga batang nasa center.

Pakiusap naman ni Mang Cleto na sana ay tutukang mabuti ng mga magulang ang kanilang mga anak upang malayo ito sa kapahamakan at lumaki nang maayos.


Samantala, ibinahagi naman ni Catherine Aranas, Social Welfare Officer ng Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga at Focal Person ng RIACAT-VAWC na mataas pa rin ang kaso ng trafficking sa rehiyon, subalit indikasyon daw ito na nairereport na sa otoridad ang mga insidente hinggil dito. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DA-Caraga helps boost cassava industry in Dinagat

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 13 -- With the inclusion of cassava in the priority commodity of the province of Dinagat Islands (PDI), the Provincial Agriculture Office conducted series of activities to come up with community-based target setting of the crop.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – PDI, through its corn and cassava focal person Rico Galinato, spearheaded the conduct of the cassava utilization training and stakeholder's forum in the Municipality of Libjo, August 6-7, 2019.

The activities were participated in by cassava processors, farmers association leaders, cooperative representatives, local government unit program coordinators and Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga staff.

Francis Louie Parina, DA-Caraga Cassava focal person, said that the department can support PDI's plan with the provision of high yielding variety, farm mechanization, and technical training. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

BFAR-Caraga promotes fishery products

By Salve M. Dinolan

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 13 -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Caraga joins the Department of Agriculture in the 6th Regional Technology Forum and Product Exhibition held here.

The two-day technology forum that runs from August 8 to 9, 2019 showcases products and lectures on technologies for tilapia, coconut, cacao, soybean and sorghum production.

"Product exhibition, as part of product promotion of value-added fishery and aquatic products from potential producers among the fishers of Caraga region, is one of the approaches being used by BFAR to help the fisherfolk family's level of income. This scheme is aligned with the new Secretary of the Department's priority strategies in the first 100 days at DA," said BFAR-Caraga regional director Visa Tan-Dimerin.

The forum brought together farmers, agripreneurs, agricultural extension workers, representatives from academe, agricultural institutions and local government units.

This year's theme is “Technologies from Agri-Fisheries as Catalyst for Sustainability and Competitiveness.” (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Caraga)