(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 19 March 2024) Easterlies affecting 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. Light to moderate winds coming from Northeast to North will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Wednesday, October 9, 2019


PNP Caraga personnel learn LGBTQI's SOGIE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the different police provincial offices of Caraga region learned about the Sexual Orientation And Gender Equality And Expression (SOGIE) during an orientation-seminar conducted by the Ladlad Caraga Incorporated - a non-government organization composed of the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer and  intersex (LGBTQI) community.

The participating PNP personnel were briefed on how to become more gender-sensitive as law enforcers, especially in handling cases with the concerned LGBTQI.

“We fully understand that aside from men and women, we, as law enforcers should also protect the rights of the LGBTQI community, and making sure that we do not violate their rights,” said Police Master Sergeant Estaniel Galve, police community relation - PNCO, Rosario Municipal Police Station, Agusan del Sur.

“As law enforcers, we practice gender sensitivity and promote equality and we do not discriminate the LGBTQI. We should also be careful in our decisions such as when handling cases involving the LGBTQI,” said Police Staff Sergeant Helen Jane Cabalo, assistant women and children protection desk/ asst. human rights desk - PNCO, Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station, Siargao Islands.

According to Ysang Bacasmas, chairperson of Ladlad Caraga, it is important for the LGBTQI community that the public including the law enforcers understand better their situation.


Thru the help of the experts on gender and development from various government agencies, the laws that protect and uphold the rights of the said sector were also discussed.

With the recent issue on the SOGIE bill, Bacasmas clarified that they do not insist passage of same-sex marriage while they campaign only for gender sensitivity and equality.

Bacasmas added that their organization has also scheduled next month another orientation-seminar on SOGIE with the media practitioners in the region. This is to provide them with an in-depth understanding about SOGIE, which they could also disseminate in their respective programs and publications.

“We want to enhance network with the media and we believe they could help prevent the spread of fake news about the LGBTQI community,” said Bacasmas.

Meanwhile, the Ladlad Caraga also continues to advocate for the anti-discrimination ordinance particularly in the schools of Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

CSP Teams deployed in AgSur

By 1Lt. Roel Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 9 -- The local government unit (LGU) of Sibagat, together with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga conducted the send-off ceremony for the Community Support Program-Community Action (CSP-ComAct) Teams held on October 8, 2019 at the headquarters, Charlie Company, 23IB, Brgy. Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The deployment of the CSP teams is in line with the Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which aims to conduct development support operations; sustain peace efforts; ensure security; and help maintain public order to foster the foundation for economic and human development.

The activity symbolizes that the LGU, PNP, AFP and other stakeholders are one in achieving conflict-resilient, as well as disaster-resilient communities.

Mayor Ma. Liza L. Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was the honored guest speaker of said ceremony.

“It is our pleasure to fully support the program. You have been doing CSP, and the people with the local government have also been doing their best in bringing the government closer to the people. The lady mayor bared that she is thankful for this program and hopefully, this will kick-off a big difference. "I am a believer of Executive Order No. 70 and I believe that in everything we do in the government, it has to be a whole-of-nation approach. There is always this convergence of efforts; it is not always in the local government or from the people, but with all the partner agencies as well," she said.


Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB, highlighted that “The CSP operation is one of our means to help our local government units in addressing the peace and security concerns of the communities and to deliver basic government services especially in the far-flung and conflict-affected areas. It also aims to bring our government closer to the people by delivering quality services down to the grassroots.”

This event also formed part of the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. (CMO, 23IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

IPs join LGU, AFP for peace covenant in AgSur

By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 9 -- The members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from three tribal groups in the municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur unite as they joined the local government unit of Esperanza and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through 401st Infantry Brigade and 26th Infantry Battalion during the recently held tribal forum.

The said activity was one of the major highlights of the 2nd Nalandang Festival and 66th Founding Anniversary celebration of Esperanza with the theme “Pagpukaw sa Kulturuhanong Kabilin alang sa Pangkatibuk-ang Kaugmaran.” The celebration showcased the cultural practices of the three major tribes, namely, Higaonon, Manobo and Banwaon, as well as promote the potential tourism sites, native products, local talents, beauty, and good local governance.

Municipal Mayor Leonida Manpatilan, assisted by the Municipal Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Victor Manpatilan led the event. Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander and Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commanding officer of 26th Infantry Battalion also attended the celebration, together with the supreme tribal leaders along with 168 members and representatives from the three tribal groups.

One of the major agenda discussed was the planned declaration of persona non-grata against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the municipality of Esperanza. “The IPs in Esperanza had already recognized the mayhem and disruption brought about by these leftist radicals. As the chief local executive of this municipality, it is my sworn duty to take necessary actions in support of the national mandate to end local communist armed conflict,” said Manpatilan.

With the intensified implementation of Executive Order No.70 which is the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, every local government unit is given responsibility to contribute to this national mandate. “It is overwhelming to witness that our IP brothers and sisters from different tribal groups, unite to support their LGU and the AFP to end the five decades of armed conflict in order to achieve long-lasting peace and development,” Lt. Col. Jimenea said as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees.

Likewise, Col. Hambala lauded all the IPs for the decision and action they had done. “We have to work hand in hand to resolve the root cause of armed conflict in order to achieve lasting peace. These terrorist NPAs only bring violence and disorder to our communities. We are one with you in your call for justice to all the chaos done by these terrorists. They do not deserve a place in our community,” he said.

“Despite our differences in religious affiliation, traditions, and cultures, we should all be united to contribute to the success of EO No. 70 in eradicating the terrorist NPAs,” Hambala ended. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DA Caraga honors organic agriculture prime movers

By Rhea Abao

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga annually recognized the efforts of individual farmers, organizations, and local government units' exemplary contributions to the implementation of organic agriculture.

In the recently conducted 5th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress last September 5-6 in Butuan City, outstanding organic implementers were given recognition through the 2019 Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards (ROAAA).

The ROAAA winners were named by categories, such as the outstanding municipal/city local government units, organic agriculture (OA) focal persons, agricultural extension worker, small individual farmer, and organic farming family.

The city government of Bislig won and received a plaque of recognition and 300,000 proposal-based agricultural projects. Bislig through the leadership of former Mayor Librado Navarro is steadfast in pursuing the program which is now being sustained by the present administration. The LGU of Bislig is also being shortlisted to the National OA Search on the said category with ongoing deliberation at the national level.

One of the major accomplishments is the implementation of the program to the grassroots level specifically in its vision to become the Model City for OA in the country by 2020.

Edgar Opalia from Alegria, Surigao del Norte was also recognized as Organic Agriculture Focal Person while Jenebelle B. Sasi of Trento, Agusan del Sur as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker. Outstanding Organic Farming Family was given to Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Estrella of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

In the same occasion, Analyn P. Dulpina from Burgos, Surigao del Norte was named as ROAAA Outstanding Small Individual Farmer and at the same time the 2019 Outstanding Rural Woman in the region.

The Outstanding Rural Woman Award is in recognition of the vital role and valuable contribution of rural women in ensuring food security and economic stability in rural areas. They recognize individuals received a plaque of recognition and cash awards. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga RDRRMC tiniyak ang kahandaan sa human-induced hazard

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 9 (PIA) -- Isang komprehensibong plano na magsisilbing pamantayan sa mga nararapat na hakbang at pagpapatupad ng polisiya hinggil sa human-induced displacement ang binalangkas ng mga miyembro ng response cluster at regional disaster risk reduction and management council sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Layon ng regional contingency plan for human-induced displacement workshop na i-review, i-update at isama sa nasabing dokumento ang interoperability ng naitatag na response system gaya ng cluster approach, emergency operations center at incident command system.

Binigyag-diin ni Office of Civil Defense Caraga regional director Liza Mazo ang kahalagahan ng pagsunod sa protocol sa pagresponde at pagtugon sa krisis hindi lamang tuwing may natural na kalamidad kundi pati na rin sa armed conflict.


“Nasimulan natin itong contingency plan for conflict-induced displacement noong taong 2016 dahil kinakailangan nating magkaroon ng contingency plan sa bawat hazard at mahalaga ang paggawa ng protocol sa pagresponde,” sabi ni Mazo.

Tinilakay din ni Arthur Casiño, resource person ng nasabing three-day workshop, ang conflict-sensitivity approach at ‘Do No Harm’ (DNH) principle.

“Natutuwa akong malaman na pinapraktis ng mga responsableng mga responder at organisasyon dito sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang Do No Harm principle,” sabi ni Casiño.

Kailangang daw sundin at iaplay ang DNH at conflict-sensitivity framework. Dapat din daw maintindihan kung paano harapin ang conflict at kung paano gawin ang mga hakbang sa mas mabisang paraan habang pinagtutulungan na makontrol ang negatibong epekto nito.

Para kay Captain Aldim Viernes na kasali sa nasabing workhop, mahalaga rin daw ang pagkakaroon ng konkretong plano upang makagawa ng mga angkop na aksyon para matulungan ang mga mamamayang maaring maapektuhan ng human-induced hazard.

Dagdag pa ni Direktor Mazo na kaakibat din ang pagbuo ng mga istratehiya upang lalong mapatibay at mapalakas ang kakayahan ng lahat na harapin at solusyunan ang human-induced disaster. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DOTr, LTFRB puspusan sa paghahanda sa implementasyon ng PUVMP; iilang units ng e-jeep dumating na sa Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 9 (PIA) - Puspusan na ang paghahanda ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) at Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) sa implementasyon ng Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Sa katunayan, may ilang units ng electronic at solar modernized PUVs ang dumating sa Butuan City at magsisimula nang bumiyahe sa mga nakatalagang rota sa lungsod, maging sa ibang probinsya ngayong buwan ng Oktubre.

Sa isinagawang PUV Caravan sa lungsod ng Butuan na dinaluhan ng transport cooperatives sa Caraga, nakasama ng operators at drivers ang manufacturers mula sa ibat-ibang kompanya kung saan mas nabigyang-linaw ang concerns sa pag-operate sa modernized PUVs.

Dumalo rin ang mga kinatawan ng LandBank at Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) upang mas maintindihan ng transport sector kung papaano makakuha ng financial assistance.

Ibinahagi ni Jose Evagelous Lawenko, chairperson ng Diamond Transport Service Cooperative (DATSCO) na sa tulong ng LTFRB, naging mabilis din ang kanilang pagproseso ng loan sa bangko. pinaliwanag din niya ang magandang benepisyo sa PUVMP.

“Sa ibang hindi kasali sa coop, ang iniisip nila na mahal nga ang unit. Paano ba daw ang pagbayad o downpayment. Wala namang down yan, hindi naman sila magbibigay ng down payment. Tapos hindi naman sila magbabayad kahit piso, dahil base na rin sa automatic per collection system, automatic din yung amortization doon sa bank kaya wala silang babayaran. So ganyan kaganda ang modernization, kasi hindi sila magbabayad pero kasama sila sa sharing ng kita,” paliwanag ni Lawenko.

Nagpahayag din ng reaksyon ang ilang mga drivers. “Dapat sana hindi ito madaliin dahil mawawalan ng trabaho ang mga drivers. Kung matuloy na ito, kailangang mabigyan din ng trabaho ang mga drivers para may pangsuporta rin sila sa kani-kanilang pamilya,” pahayag ni Nicasio Sabellano.

“Okay lang naman ang modernization, wala namang problema doon kasi tama din naman 'yun. Ang hindi ko lang nagustuhan yung kailangang maging miyembro ng kooperatiba ang lahat. Dagdag perwesyo na aksi yun,” sabi ni Celedonio Goyocan, isa ring driver.

Ayon naman kay OIC-regional director Maria Kristina Cassion ng LTFRB-Caraga, ang PUVMP ang pinakamalaking non-infrastructure flagship program ng administrasyong Duterte. Napapanahon na rin na maranasan ng publiko ang mas komportable at ligtas na biyahe. Suportado naman ito ng mga transport cooperatives sa rehiyon.

Pagtitiyak naman ng opisyal na sa taong 2020, wala nang matitirang lumang pampublikong sasakyan.

“Matapos ang taong 2020, wala na talaga sila. Kasi sa July 1, 2020, wala nang lumang na mga public utility vehicles ang papayagan. Alam naman nila kung gaano tayo kahigpit. Kahit nuon pa, ilan na yong nahuhuli namin. Kaya alam din nila na magkakahulihan na sa July 1, 2020,” sabi ni Cassion. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)