(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, October 22, 2019


SurSur guv initiates IP dialogue in Lianga town

By PIA Surigao del Sur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- With the aim to resolve the issues and concerns raised by some Manobo tribal groups led by the Malahutayong Pakigbisug Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) in the upper communities of Barangay Diatagon in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur governor Alexander Pimentel has initiated a peace dialogue on Monday, Oct. 21 held in Km. 9, Sitio Simuwao, Diatagon, Lianga, this province.           
                           
Two Bayan Muna Partylist representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate and Eufemia Cullamat, a council member of MAPASU, attended the activity and both shared their thoughts and sentiments to the members of the MAPASU organization.   
                      
Hawudon Mario Mangadlao, a tribal chieftain, suggested during the open forum that there is a need to reconcile first within their tribe through the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) judicial system based on the customary laws that they have. The majority of the IP leaders headed by indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) Datu Jimmy Guinsod had agreed with the suggestion.

It was the second activity that the governor had initiated. During the first dialogue conducted on September 11, 2019, the leaders of the said organization, accordingly, told the governor that they would push to conduct the mass evacuation if the government could not find the solution to their demands.

In the recent dialogue, they demanded for the pullout of the military from their respective communities; to cease the recruitment for Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) from their tribe and the establishment of the patrol base/detachment; and to stop criticizing the Lumad schools such as the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), which are both non-DepEd accredited schools, among others.

Pimentel, on the other hand, explained that the presence of the military in the area is part of their mandate coming from the higher up officials, and it is beyond his capacity as the governor to give them an order to withdraw. "The military personnel in the area are performing their duties and responsibilities to secure our land and the people," said Pimentel.
 
He further urged the people to support President Duterte’s call to institutionalize the Executive Order (EO) 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

"As a support to the president's order to end local communist armed conflict, we are here and we will be coming back together with other government agencies to bring the services and programs directly to the people in order to solve the primary issue of insurgency which is poverty,” said Pimentel.

Pimentel added that the provincial government will support the livelihood programs in the area and the construction of school buildings provided that they comply with the requirements such as the accreditation with the Department of Education (DepEd). (NGBarcena/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur province stands firm in 'Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Insurgency'

By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan


The scheme continued but failed again for Bayan Muna representatives, Eufemia Campos Cullamat and Carlos Isagani Zarate with the militant group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) to compel the Surigao del Sur provincial government to withdraw the Community Support Teams assigned in Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

During the peace dialogue held on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, the provincial government cited that military presence is crucial to further establish sustainable peace and development in the area through Executive Order No. 70.

The peace dialogue was intended to promote reconciliation, convergence, sustainable peace and synergy through exploratory and consultative discussions with the community, concerned government agencies including AFP and other sectors. Yet, MAPASU and Bayan Muna insisted on their demand for the immediate pullout of all Community Support Teams and discrediting the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict citing that it is not the right formula to end the conflict in the community.

The military, as an observer, never said a word but a clear and straightforward message of the province through Gov. Alexander Pimentel summed it all.

“With all due respect, I must tell you frankly, only President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), can order the Army personnel to move anytime and anywhere when needed. They have a mission to fulfill in line with the Whole of Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict that is very crucial to our national security,” Gov. Pimentel said.

The presence of the military is not the issue, said the governor. He encouraged all attendees to move forward and focus on far more relevant issues such as education, health, and economic, among others and let the military do their mandate and sworn duty to serve and protect the Filipino people from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

MAPASU and Bayan Muna discredit EO 70 and the AFP

The Bayan Muna and MAPASU members have strongly opposed the peace and development initiatives of E.O. 70 and cited rehash false and malicious accusations against the military.

The governor challenged them to tell all, “Sabihin ninyo at ituro ngayon kung sino ang sundalo na nandito sa KM 9 ang nagcommit ng violation at ipatanggal ko agad o paalisin dito,” he said.

Datu Constancio Duhac and Datu Jumar Bucales said, “Only those who are connected with the Communist NPA terrorists fear the Army. If you’re not in any way connected, there’s no reason to fear the military.”

The Lianga Indigenous People's (IP) Council members under their legitimate IP Political Structure were dismayed to Bayan Muna, ”We thought they would support ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict), but then again, they were not here for convergence, they are here to discredit the military and the EO 70 peace initiatives,” they said.

Nevertheless, despite Bayan Muna and MAPASU’s accusations, the Army personnel did not retaliate and showed respect. It is the local government and the IP Community who stood on their ground to defend the presence of the military in the conflict-affected area. (CMO-3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


PDL-senior citizens receive gifts from gov't agencies

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) Caraga have brought their gifts for the elderly persons deprived of liberty (PDL) inside the Surigao City Jail and Surigao del Norte District Jail.

Each PDL-senior citizen received a personal hygiene kit and food pack, and availed of the free blood sugar testing and flu vaccination from the Department of Health (DOH).

The recipients were thankful to the concerned government agencies, as this was the first time that they experienced being visited by an organization with all the gifts handed to them in time with the elderly week celebration.

According to Jail Officer Lawrence Ortega, shift-in-charge of Surigao City Jail, one of their priorities is to ensure the health condition and overall wellness of the senior citizens inside the jail.

He also hoped that this kind of activity will continue and more organizations would generously extend help to the PDL-senior citizens.

Ortega added that the PDL-senior citizens also need a long-term supply of medicines and vitamin supplements. Hence, he asked the help of other stakeholders for support.

“The government continuously provide medicines for the PDLs, however, with the increasing number of PDLs here, the medicines and vitamin supplements are still not enough for all of them. We would welcome any help and donation of medicines from other organizations,” said Ortega.

Meanwhile, Jail Chief Inspector Felix Resullar of Surigao del Norte District Jail has also raised the concerns of the PDL.

“We hope that the government could help fast track the proceedings/ trials of the PDLs’ cases in court,” Resullar said.

Several PDL also took the chance to inquire on the different programs and services of the government agencies, expressing also their intent to avail of it. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

BSP patuloy sa pagsagawa ng Piso Caravan sa Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 22 (PIA) -- Mas pinaigting pa ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) - Butuan City Branch ang pagsasagawa ng Piso Caravan sa ibat-ibang probinsya ng rehiyon.

Ito ay upang mas marami pa ang makapagpalit ng lumang pera at barya sa bago at malinis na banknotes at coins.

Ayon kay Glizriel Rose Quijada, bank officer II ng BSP Butuan City Branch, marami pa  ang hindi nakakaalam na may libreng serbisyo sa mga bangko kung saan pwede silang magpapalit ng kanilang lumang pera.

Kaya naman sila na rin mismo ang pumupunta sa mga probinsya upang mas madali para sa mga lokal na residente na magpapalit.

“Ito pong piso caravan ay one-time activity para malaman ng publiko na meron po tayong banking service na magpapalit po ng lumang pera at papalitan po siya ng bago. Kasi dapat po sa pang-araw-araw na financial transaction, yung gamitin natin is clean and fit, para madali po nating matukoy kung ano po yung genuine versus na-counterfeit na mga pera. At maiiwasan din natin ang pagkalat ng mga bacteria na dahilan na magkakaroon ng ng mga sakit,” pahayag ni Quijada.

Nagpasalamat naman ang iilang residente dahil mas napadali ang kanilang panahong iginugol sa pagpapapalit ng lumang mga pera sa bago, sa tulong ng BSP.

“Mas naging madali sa amin ang magpapalit ng bagong pera dahil sa tulong ng BSP. Gusto rin naming talagang mapalitan na ng bago ang napag-lumaan nang pera dahil hindi na ito tinatanggap ng mga malalaking tindahan,” sabi ni Helen Celana, may-ari ng isang karenderya.

Para naman kay John Michael Atenta na isang vendor, bawas perwesyo sa oras ang ginagawang Piso Caravan ng BSP dahil sila na mismo ang pumupunta at tumatanggap ng mga lumang pera at pinapalitan ito.


Binigyang-diin din ni Quijada ang kahalagahan ng maayos na pagamit na pera at sa pagpapanatili ng integridad nito.

“Ang kakulangan or challenge pa din for the banking community ay ang pagpapalaganap pa ng tamang impormasyon sa publiko at paghikayat sa kanila na ugaliing magpapalit ng mga bagong notes at coins. Kasi nakikita namin na yung publiko gusto talagang nilang makasali sa Piso Caravan kasi nga iniisip nila na wala ng ganitong service sa mga bangko, pero and hindi nila alam, regular po yung financial transaction ng bangko para sa publiko,” sabi ni Quijada.

Dagdag pa ni Quijada, may karampatang parusa  para sa mga mahuhuling may lalabag hinggil sa tamang pagamit ng pera.

Samantala, magsasagawa rin ng Piso Caravan sa susunod na buwan ang BSP sa San Francisco, Agusan del Sur at Surigao City. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


DTI-Surigao Norte conducts ACT session

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Surigao del Norte has recently conducted an Assessment, Consultation and Triage (ACT) Session under its One Town, One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) program that was participated by selected micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province held at Surigao City Negosyo Center, this city.

The ACT session, the first phase of the OTOP Next Gen, is a two-day provincial event where selected MSMEs  from the province are gathered for their OTOP products to be assessed by designers, food experts, brand consultants and other resource or service providers whether from DTI and its attached functionaries or from other government agencies and partners.

OTOP Philippines is a priority stimulus program for MSMEs as government's customized intervention to drive inclusive local economic growth.

The program has two major components. First, OTOP Next Gen - the supply side of the program which offers package of assistance to capacitate MSMEs with the goal of leveling up their products in the areas of design, quality, volume, among others.

After capacitating the MSMEs comes the market side of the program which is the OTOP Philippines Hub that will provide physical online channels and market access platform to OTOP products.

Among the participants during the activity were indigenous peoples (IPs) from Sitio Tagbasingan, Brgy. Mat-i Surigao City, an Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners under the advisory of Arnel Marte which produces handicrafts (baskets) made of baliw, rattan and nito.

To date, 17 IPs are undergoing prototype execution at Mamanwa Community Learning Center, Sitio Tagbasingan, Brgy. Mat-i, Surigao City. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Diamond anniversary sa Loreto landing gisaulog

By Susil D. Ragas

LORETO, Dinagat Islands, Oktubre 22 (PIA) - Makahuluganong gisaulog sa mga Loretohanon kauban ang mga opisyal sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa probinsya sa Dinagat Islands ang Diamond Anniversary sa Loreto landing by the American Liberation Forces niadtong Oktubre 17, 2019.

Gisugdan ang gihimong okasyon sa pagsaka sa bandera sa Pilipinas, United States of America, Australia, ug Japan inubanan sa 21 gun salute isip paghinumdom sa pagbisita sa pipila ka mga sundalo nga Amerikano ug kinabuhi sa mga bayani nga nakigbisog aron makab-ot ang kagawasan ug kalinaw atol sa ika 2 nga nahitabong gubat sa kalibutan niadtong tuig 1944.

Taliwala sa kondisyon sa panahon, wala kini mahimong babag sa mga nitambong aron ipakita ang ilang suporta ug pakigduyog sa paghinumdom sa ika-75 nga kaadlawan sa Loreto landing. Makita ang dakong garbo sa matag usa kanila nga naapil ang lungsod sa Loreto sa masaysayon nga kaagi.

Gisadya kini nga kalihukan sa lokal nga opisyal sa probinsya nga gipangunahan ni Loreto Mayor Doandre Bill A. Ladaga, Dinagat Islands Representative Congressman Alan I B. Ecleo, Governor's Representative Board Member Anna Lyn C. Dialde, Vice Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr., Senior Board Member Errol Conrad B. dela Cruz ug Board Member Gwendolyn Ecleo-Pols, National Line Agencies, Kapitan sa matag barangay nga sakop sa lungsod sa Loreto, Loretohanon, ug mga Dinagatnon gikan pa sa nagkalain-laing lungsod aron saksihan ang nasangpit nga kalihukan. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)