Friday, January 18, 2019

AgNor honors stakeholders in ANGELL awards

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte recognizes several local government units (LGUs), schools, personalities and offices that have greatly contributed to the fulfillment of the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration towards honest, transparent and good governance.

During the recently held Accelerating New Dimensions on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL) awards here, where former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go served as the guest of honor and speaker, the local government unit of Las Nieves received the award as Disaster-Resilient LGU for the year 2017 and 2018.

According to Jover Manliguez, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, aside from what has stipulated in the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act, their LGU has also allocated a budget for the conduct of Community-Based DRR Trainings in the barangays. This is to intensify capacity-building efforts for the local residents. Such activity is done every year, along with the conduct of the localized search for disaster-resilient barangays.

Also, the Cabadbaran South Central Elementary School (CSCES) in Cabadbaran City bagged the award as Best Ecological Solid Waste Management implementer for the year 2018.

Christina Abecia, CSCES ecological solid waste management coordinator, said proper waste segregation and recycling of solid wastes are just some of the many ways that they do in their school.

Abecia added that through the ANGELL awards, they have become motivated to do more and enhance their program on solid waste.

Meanwhile, former SAP Bong Go also congratulated all the worthy awardees and recognized their dedication and sincerity in providing services to the people in their respective community. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

'Cold Chain, Food Loss Summit' to be conducted in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- Winrock International and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are set to conduct the "Cold Chain and Food Loss Summit + Expo" on January 24-26, 2019 here.

This three-day event will use mix channels which include plenary discussion, open forum, talk show, theater performances, information and education campaign, individual and group contests and booth exhibits.

The event aims to bring together different value chain actors in food production industry, policy-makers and consumers alike in the discourse of giving value of food through improved techniques and cold chain technology.

It also has the objectives to raise awareness and understanding on how food loss and waste is linked to national level issues on food security, climate change and food safety; to introduce cold chain technology innovations, costs involved and benefits, and possible financing options for improved post-harvest handling and storage and food safety and quality; and to provide the platform to coordinate planning and policy development to facilitate regional level cold chain system improvements.

The Philippine Cold Chain Project is an ongoing program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by Winrock International in Caraga region. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraganon debaters qualify in 4th PDA HS parliamentary debate

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 -- A team of debaters from Timber City Academy (TCA) - Debate Society here will fly to Japan on January 17 to compete at the 4th PDA High School Parliamentary Debate World Congress 2019 in Japan on January 18 to 20, 2019.

The team composed of Senior High School debaters: Adonis Joshua A. Po (Grade 11), Aleister S. Busico (Grade 12), and Lemuel D. Ang (Grade 12), under the tutelage of Kim Christian Tutor Matildo, qualified to the said international debate congress and competition after they won at the 11th Visayas - Mindanao Debate Championship on August 24-26, 2018 held in Butuan City.

They will represent not only Caraga but the entire Philippines as well.

Meanwhile, Ang is Department of Education Caraga's representative to the 2019 Festival of Talents - PopDev Debate in Dagupan, Pangasinan on January 28 to February 1, 2019.

Ang, representing Butuan City Division, was unanimously voted by the judges as the landslide winner in the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) held in December 2018 besting 11 contenders from other Schools Division in Caraga Region. (Ariem Cinco, Deped Caraga/PIA Caraga)

The Philippine Cold Chain Project is an ongoing program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by Winrock International in Caraga region. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

'Best practices' ng Agusan del Norte kinilala sa ANGELL awards

By Nora L. Molde

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 16 (PIA) -- Sa ginanap na awarding ceremony ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte sa pamamagitan ng ANGELL awards o Accelerating New Dimensions on Good Hovernance and Excellence in Local Leadershp, kinilala ng probinsya ang mga local government units (LGUs), eskwelahan, personalidad at mga opisina na nakatulong upang maisulong ang maayos na gobyerno at pamamalakad nito.

Sa taong 2017 at 2018, isa ang LGU ng Las Nieves kung saan ay kinilala sa kanilang pagiging disaster-resilient LGU. Ayon kay Jover Manliguez, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer, maliban sa nakasaad sa Republic Act 10121 o ang Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, ang LGU ay naglaan din ng budget para sa mga community-based DRR trainings sa mga barangays upang magkaroon ng kapasidad ang mga taong nakatira dito at taon-taon gumagawa din sila ng localized search for disaster-resilient barangays.

Ayon din kay Felisa Curaza, punong barangay ng Poblacion sa bayan ng Carmen kung saan nakatanggap bilang best performing anti-drug abused council, iba’t ibang mga aktibidades at paraan ang kanilang ginagawa upang mabigyang pansin ang kanilang mga nasasakupan lalo na ang mga kabataan.

Matatandaang ang bayan ng Carmen ay ang kauna-unahang bayan na naideklara ng PDEA at PNP na drug-free community sa probinsya.

Ang Cabadbaran South Central Elementary School ng Cabadbaran City ay natanggap naman ang best ecological solid waste management implementer para sa taong 2018. Ayon kay Christina  Abecia, ecological solid waste man

agement coordinator, pagkakaroon ng proper waste seggregation at pagrerecycle ang ilan lamang sa kanilang mga ginagawa sa paaralan. Ayon pa sa kanya, dahil sa ANGELL awards, namotivate din sila upang mas maging maayos pa ang kanilang programa sa solid waste.

Ilan din sa nga awards na ibinigay ay ang most child-friendly LGU, best barangay peace and order council, best performing barangay, best herbal garden, outstanding lupon tagapamayapa, barangay nutrition scholars, most functional nutrition council, best performing municIpal assessors office, at local legislative award.

Ang awarding ceremony ay dinaluhan ni dating SAP Bong Go na nagbigay mensahe at hinamon ang mga LGU officials na lalo pang ayusin ang kanilang mga pamamalakad upang mapaayos ang buhay ng kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Ang ANGELL awards ay isang award-giving body ng probinsya sa pamumuno ni governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba at upang mas lalo pang mapaayos ang mga serbisyo at programa ng gobyerno sa probinsya. Ito ay nasa ikalimang taon ng pagkikilala at pagbigay pugay sa mga LGUs, eskwelahan, opisina at mga emplyado sa kanilang konstribusyon sa probinsya (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte

Soil Mapping Tool for Agricultural Development

By Aurel Arais

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 18 -- A map is essential in planning for agricultural development.

Thus, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol directed the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) to conduct a nationwide soil mapping for soil fertility and suitability.

In Caraga Region, BSWM has already come-up with soul suitability map for rice in five provinces and initially includes other commodities.

Senior Agriculturist Efren Fabula of BSWM and Soil and Water Area coordinator Marcelo Dayo presented to DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo the result of soil mapping for the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) recently.

The map which was eventually turned-over to PDI contains soil suitability on ten various commodities such as coconut, fruit trees, banana, coffee, cacao, pineapple, root crops, corn, vegetables, and rice.

Monteagudo lauded BSWM for coming up with the map as it is a great help for the LGU development planners and farmers as well.

“We owe BSWM for this very valuable document since it could serve as a basis to ascertain what are the interventions needed in a particular area to develop agriculture,” he said.

Through the map, farmers would know what particular commodity is suitable in their specific area and the needs for fertilization.

“I hope that the respective LGU will maximize the use of the said map as it is so important especially in guiding the farmers,” the director said.

Farmers can access the said map through their respective LGU and or through BSWM website.

Under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, ten basic foundations of sound agriculture and fisheries programs were identified wherein a national color-coded agricultural guide map is on top of the list.

Other priorities include national food consumption quantification study; institutional restructuring and paradigm resetting for the Department of Agriculture and its officials and employees; intensive technology updating and sharing, modernization and mechanization program; and easy access financing program for farmers, fishermen and agriculture and fisheries stakeholders, or known as production loan easy access (PLEA).

DA also implements strategic and effective post-harvest, storage and processing facility; government-initiated and supported aggressive marketing campaign especially for high-value crop; national livestock, dairy and poultry program; relentless campaign for the enforcement of agricultural and fisheries laws, especially on land conversion and illegal fishing; and re-introduction of basic agriculture in the primary and elementary grades of the Philippine schools system. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Ex-NPA member now an active IP youth advocate in Caraga region

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) - In time with the conduct of the Regional Youth Leadership Summit held here, Roel “Datu Igtudan” Gano of the Manobo tribe based in Agusan del Sur shared how his life has changed when he surrendered to the government and experienced life in the mainstream society.

Datu Igdutan is one of the 13 members of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) who has been going around places to intensify their advocacy with other youths against the terrorist New People's Army (NPA) group.

Now that he enjoys living a life with his family free from causing harm to other people, Datu Igtudan said he is happy that he was able to see his tribesmen during meetings and other big events in the regional and national levels.

“Ang tinud-anay sa dihang ania nako sa gobyerno, nindot na akong kahimtang. kay ngano, makuyog nako ankong katribu, ma-invite nako kung naa mi meeting para makabalo pod sila. So dakong kalahian adtong tua ko sa bukid sauna ug karon nga naa ko sa MIPYO (The truth is, right after I surrendered to the government, I experienced good life and I was able to bring my tribesmen with me during meetings so they will also learn new things as well. Life in the mountain is very different compared with my life now with the MIPYO),” explained Datu Igtudan.

Datu Igtudan further stressed that the NPAs have long been abusive with the indigenous peoples.

The NPAs use them in their extortion activities, killing of innocent people and even in the conduct of senseless rallies on the streets, he said.

He added that he could not forget how he and his relatives suffered the ruthless acts of the NPAs and hoped that it will serve as a lesson to all the youths.

“Ang tan-aw nako nga matabang namo sa among grupo nga among agnihon ang ubang tribu kadto nakasulod ug wala pa kasulod sa NPA nga magbalik-loob sa gobyerno ug magminatarong ang uban nga wala pa kasulod sa NPA, ug manginabuhi  og tarong (I think our organization could help by convincing other youths especially those who already joined the NPA to surrender to the government. While those who were not yet exposed to the ruthless acts of the NPAs, they should choose to live rightfully and peacefully),” said Datu Igtudan.

He also underlined that the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao helps in securing the safety and protection of the people as security measures have been intensified thru the Philippine Army. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOST, DepEd to install STARBOOKS in Butuan schools

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 17 -- Fifteen districts of Butuan City Division allied with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga will be the beneficiaries of the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) that provide access to Science and Technology information and digital learning materials to students and teachers, principals, school IT personnel and teacher librarians.

During the STARBOOKS orientation held here recently attended by 130 participants from 40 schools of Butuan City Division, Division Librarian II Imie Concepcion Valdez  described the roles of school principals, IT personnel and teacher librarians in the implementation of the program.

“We invited specific people for we know they will directly affect the implementation," Valdez said.

"The principals will give the ‘go’ signal, while the school IT personnel will handle the technical work and teacher librarians will market the technology and monitor utilization of the materials,” she added.

The installation of STARBOOKS software will be scheduled after consultation with qualified schools in Butuan City. Additional training on the maintenance of the system will also be provided to school IT personnel and librarians.

Dr. Bebelyn Corvera, Curriculum Implementation Division Chief, expressed her support in expanding the scope of the program in Butuan City.

“STARBOOKS is suitable for the curious children today. It is only a matter of how we will start but if we take a step, there will be a positive effect on the student’s learning environment,” Dr. Corvera said.

Local government units, non-government organizations and educational institutions can avail of STARBOOKS. It is a technology developed by Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) - a “library in a box” that contains thousands of digitized S&T resources in various formats, text, and video/audio.

Aside from providing information, it aims to create interest among youngsters to enroll in S&T courses and encourage entrepreneurship and research.

To avail of the system, the organization needs to make a formal request to the nearest Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) or DOST Regional office.  (DOST Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Tagalog News: PNP, COMELEC nagsanib pwersa sa pagpatupad ng checkpoint sa SurSur

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Enero 17 (PIA) – Nagsanib pwersa ang Philippine National Police (PNP) at Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sa pagpapatupad ng checkpoints sa probinsya.

Ayon kay Police Senior Inspector Joemel Maquiling, hepe ng Tago Municipal Police Station, naging epektibo ang itinatag na checkpoint na makikita malapit sa Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU), kung saan hanggang sa pangatlong araw ng pagpapatupad ay wala pa itong naitala na may lumalabag dito.

Naniniwala naman si Atty.  Riza Ann Donalyn Constantino, Provincial Election Supervisor, na malaki  ang naitutulong ng pagpapatupad ng COMELEC checkpoint para mapanatili ang kapayapaan at malaki ang naitutulong nito sa pagsugpo ng iba’t ibang krimen sa probinsya.

Sinuportahan naman ito ng Police Provincial Office, na pinamumunuan ni PSSupt. Francisco Dungo Jr., na hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay wala pang naitalang nahulihan o anumang paglabag sa lahat ng pinatutupad na COMELEC checkpoint sa buong probinsya.

Dagdag pa ni Atty. Constantino na base sa guidelines ng pagtatayo ng COMELEC checkpoint, ang bawat bayan o lungsod ay kinakailangan na magtatag ng atleast isang checkpoint. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

Governance Roadmap sa probinsya sa Agusan Norte giaprobahan

By Ramon Joma R. Bungabong

BUTUAN CITY, Enero 17 – Gipalabang sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte atol sa sesyon regular bag-uhay pa lamang ang Proposed Provincial Resolution No. 405-2018 nga nag-aprobar sa Provincial Governance Reform Roadmap (PGRR).

Ang maong roadmap gisagop ug giduso sa Provincial Development Council (PDC) pinaagi sa PDC Resolution No. 8, series of 2018.

Sa sulat ni Gobernador Angel Amante-Matba ngadto sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, gihangyo niya ang mga bokal nga dalion ang pag-sagop sa naasoyng roadmap kay hapit na ang deadline pagsumite niini didto sa Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Ang maong PGRR naglangkob sa komprehensibong giya ug gabayan sa LGU aron mapakanaog ang usa ka kadumalaan nga masangputon ug mabuksanon para sa kinabag-an sa katawhan ilabi na sa mga kabos ug timawa. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PAGASA debunks claim of Dr. Lagmay

DOST-PAGASA
Press Release
16 January 2019

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) has debunked the claim of Dr. Mahar Lagmay, UP NOAH Executive Director, that the agency allegedly issued "wrong forecasts and late warnings" during the passage of Tropical Depression Usman.

Dr. Lagmay alleged in his Facebook Account post the wrong forecasts on TD Usman has caused a number of deaths due to landslides and floods particularly in the Bicol Region. He said that PAGASA issued a moderate to heavy rainfall forecast in Bicol on December 28 and 29 2018 instead of intense and torrential rainfall.

On this, PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano countered such claim and clarified that the agency defines moderate to heavy rainfall in its Severe Weather Bulletins (SWBs) as 24-hour daily accumulated rainfall of 60 to 180 mm and more than 180, respectively. In this premise, the December 28 to 29 PAGASA forecasters had sufficiently warned that the 24-hour accumulated rainfall of moderate to heavy would trigger massive flooding and landslides.

Moreover, Dr. Malano emphasized that PAGASA provides localized rainfall and thunderstorm warning in near-real time through its PAGASA Regional Services Division (PRSD). In the case of TD "USMAN," the Southern Luzon PRSD based in Legazpi City issued a separate color-coded Heavy Rainfall Warnings as supplemental to the HRWs stressed that there was an immediate threat of floods and landslides indicative of emergency actions.

He also explained that although PAGASA downgraded TD Usman into a Low Pressure Area (LPA) upon landfall, PAGASA Central Office and the SLPRSD reiterated their warnings of flooding and landslides as moderate to heavy rainfall would still persist.

Dr. Malano appealed to some concerned sectors to be more careful in the issuance of sweeping statements that may damage the credibility of PAGASA as a warning agency.

"The men and women of PAGASA remain fully committed to their mission of providing reliable and accurate weather-related information," he said.

For more information and clarification, please contact:

Dr. VICENTE B. MALANO
Administrator
(02) 929-4865

Public Information Unit
(02) 434-2696, (02) 9279308

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF DOST-PAGASA ON THE HEAVY RAINFALL EVENT ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL DEPRESSION USMAN

16 January 2019

This is to clarify claims of “wrong forecasts and late warnings” on the heavy rainfall event associated with Tropical Depression (TD) Usman as alleged by the following:

1. Dr. Mahar Lagmay on his Facebook account dated 04 January 2019 entitled, “Simpleng analysis kung bakit maraming namatay sa Bicol dahilsa #UsmanPH”, further quoted by different media sources, as follows:

"Ang forecast noong December 28-29, 2018 ay moderate (light blue) to heavy (dark blue) rainfall sa Bicol (Rappler 2018). Ang totoong nangyari ay intense (yellow) to torrential (red) ang pinakamalalakas na ulan. Malaki ang diperensiya nito, lalung-lalo na dahilang sukat ng moderate (2.5-7.5 mm/hr), heavy (7.5-15 mm/hour), intense (15-30 mm/hour) at torrential (>30 mm/hour) ay kada oras. Tumagal ng ilang mga oras ang intense at torrential rainfall sa Bicol.”

In response, although his above-stated definition is correct in terms of PAGASA’s hourly rainfall intensity classification as per PAGASA Memorandum dated 20 June 2012, PAGASA defines moderate and heavy rainfall in its Severe Weather Bulletins (SWBs) as 24-hour (daily) accumulated rainfall of 60 to 180 mm and more than 180 mm, respectively. The forecasts for 28 – 29 December 2018 indicated the “forecast 24-hour accumulated rainfall” of moderate to heavy, which would trigger flooding, and landslides. Verification of the observed 24-hour accumulated rainfall values for Bicol area showed that the amount falls within the moderate to heavy categories, as forecasted.

2. For the segment “Weather Forecast” of the TV show “Failon Ngayon” aired on 12 January 2019, as follows:

“Nang aming balikan ang mga forecast ng PAGASA, tanging Quezon at Visayas lamang ang binigyan ng Heavy Rainfall Warning nung gabi bago tumama ang bagyong Usman at Southern Quezon lamang ang may Yellow Heavy Rainfall Warning kinabukasan. Ang tanging Heavy Rainfall Warning at General Flood Advisory naapektado ang Bicol Area ay inilabas alas sais na ng gabi.” – Ted Failon

In response, supplemental to the issuance of SWBs, the Southern Luzon PAGASA Regional Services Division (SLPRSD) at Legazpi City, Albay also issued separate color-coded Heavy Rainfall Warnings (HRWs) that covered hourly and 3-hourly rainfall forecast over Bicol Area. The first Heavy Rainfall Warning issued for TD Usman by SLPRSD was a Yellow Warning for Sorsogon at 2PM on 28 December 2018. Albay, where disastrous landslides occurred, was placed under Yellow Warning at 7PM on 28 December 2018. This was further elevated into an Orange Warning at 8PM and later a Red Warning at 11PM of the same day. These warnings, especially those of higher levels, are indicative of the need for “emergency” actions.

"Yun ang problema eh, from Number 1 downgrade naman sila to Tropical Depression and Low Pressure… Yun ang nakalito sa mga tao. [sic]” – Mariano San Felipe Jr., Municipal Administrator, Sagňay, Camarines Sur

Based on available meteorological data at that time, TD Usman has weakened into a Low Pressure Area at landfall, which led to the lifting of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal #1. However, this does not imply that weather will rapidly improve and the threat of flooding and landslides are immediately reduced. In the Final SWB issued at 8AM on 29 December 2018, PAGASA stated that moderate to heavy rains will continue over Bicol Region in the next 24 hours. This was reiterated in the Weather Advisory for LPA and Tail-end of Cold Front issued at 11AM of the same day.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal System, which has been in effect since 1930s, is based solely on expected winds and its impacts over a locality, and has no relation with the accompanying rainfall of such tropical cyclone (TC). However, PAGASA has always emphasized the threat of heavy rains and other hydrometeorological hazards and its impacts associated with each TC in it's HRWs and SWB.

PAGASA had ensured that warnings and pertinent information were disseminated to disaster managers at the national and local levels.

In addition to the regular issuances of SWBs and HRWs, among other warnings and information, during the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) at the national and local level, PAGASA warned the DRRMOs/NDRRMC of prolonged heavy rainfall over areas to be affected by TD Usman, which could trigger flooding and landslides. It was also emphasized that rainfall over the past week made the soil very saturated, and even light to moderate rains could still trigger landslides in mountainous areas. Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB)had provided a list of areas with very high-high risk of floods and landslides during the PDRA.

The hardworking men and women of PAGASA remains committed to their mission of delivering reliable and relevant weather-related information, products and services to develop communities resilient to, among others, hydro-meteorological hazards during extreme weather events.

VICENTE B. MALANO, Ph.D.

Administrator

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

DOH Caraga chief calls for community effort to combat dengue

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) – With the significant increase of dengue cases in Caraga region, Department of Health (DOH) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. urges the communities especially barangay councils to help combat dengue.

As per data from DOH Caraga as of January 10, 2019, 11:00 a.m., a total of 153 patients with suspected dengue have been confined in the different hospitals of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, majority of which are admitted at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City.

In a statement from Dr. Llacuna, during a press conference held recently in Butuan City, he is asking the community to lead an intensified 4S campaign.

The 4S campaign, he said, includes Search and Destroy, Use of Self Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation and Saying No to indiscriminate fogging campaign in their barangays.

Llacuna also said that in the case of the increasing dengue cases in the region, the DOH Center for Health has extended the Code White Alert from January 4 up to February 14 in an effort to decrease the number of dengue cases.

“Dengue fast lanes have been implemented in all different hospitals in the region to give chance for those who are being suspected of dengue especially the referral cases from the rural health units to be given priority in the DOH and other health facilities,” Llacuna said.

For the year 2018, a total of 7,529 suspected cases have been reported to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, this is 186.2 percent higher compared to the 2,631 total cases in the year 2017.

Among the provinces and cities, majority of the cases came from Surigao del Sur with 2,197 and Bislig City with 539. Hot spot barangays identified in the region include: Taglatawan and Poblacion of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; Doongan, Ambago, Barangay 21 of Poblacion, Mahogany and Libertad in Butuan City; Doyos of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; Tagasaka, La Casa Poblacion and Roxas of Hinatuan and Sabang of Lingig in Surigao del Sur; and Rizal in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

 

“In times like these, responsibility towards protecting the community falls on the shoulders of every member of the community. Collective effort and unity are needed to combat dengue disease," Lacuna said.

Also, the DOH Service Delivery Network Helpline is also open to cater to Dengue queries from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. up to 5:00 p.m. through contact numbers 0945 3592632 for Globe/TM and 0948 2241857 for Smart/Tnt/Sun. (NCLM/DOH, PIA Caraga)

AgSur town declares NPA terrorist persona non grata

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 16 – The local government unit of Sibagat of this province has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist as persona non grata through a Municipal Resolution Number 137-18 dated Dec. 21, 2018.

Municipal Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista and all the members of the legislative council signed the resolution.

The declaration was due to the raid of the NPA terrorist of the New Tubigon Patrol Base at dawn of Dec. 19, 2018, where they abducted the 12 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) and two soldiers, aside from carting away several firearms from the soldiers and CAAs.

The abducted soldiers and CAAs were, later on, used as hostages by the CPP-NPAs while demanding ceasefire from the government.

The resolution stated that “the incident made the families of the hostages in chaos leaving them psychologically and mentally disturbed."

Moreover, the local officials as representatives of the people condemned the atrocious acts as they cited on the resolution that “the kidnapping and abduction perpetrated by the NPAs is a manifestation of betrayal of achieving peace, thus disrupting the peace and security of the community.”

The LGU also sighted the demands of the families of abducted CAAs and soldiers for the unconditional release of their loved ones.

Reached for comment about the resolution, BGen. Andres Centino, Commander of 401st Brigade said that “we welcome the declaration of the LGU of Sibagat with the CPP-NPA as 'persona non grata.' This shows that the CPP-NPA already lost their support from the people. These terrorists only confirm their true color as the enemy of the people and that nobody is supporting their lost ideology.” (401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PNP Caraga tops nationwide crime solution efficiency

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 16 --The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 topped, among the 17 police regional offices in the country, in the Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) for the 4th quarter of 2018.

According to Senior Supt. James T Goforth, Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, PRO13 garnered a rating of 86.19 percent followed by the National Capital Region Police Office with 86.07 percent as second and Police Regional Office4A with 79.32 percent as third.

In the last three months of 2018, the total crime volume in the region reached 2,259 comprised of 406 index crimes and 1,853 non-index crimes.

Out of 2,259 crime volume, 1,947 crime incidents were solved by the police units.

Chief Supt Gilberto DC Cruz, PNP Caraga Director, thanked the community, other law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders that contributed in the crime solving efforts of the police force.

CSE is the percentage of solved cases out of the total number of crime incidents handled by the PNP for a given period of time. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Caraganon youth, IPs join Regional Youth Leadership Summit

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) - Some 160 youths and Indigenous Peoples gathered recently for this year's Regional Youth Leadership Summit held at the Caraga State University (CSU) Gymnasium, this city.

Said activity served as an avenue for the youth leaders to increase their knowledge on how to develop their leadership skills as they will tackle various topics and issues and concerns in their respective community and come up with a plan on how they could contribute in solving pressing issues.

“These trained youths from the different provinces of Caraga region could greatly help in bringing the government closer to the people,” said Roberto Laurente Jr., President of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (Pointy) Incorporated

On behalf of Dr. Anthony Penaso, president of Caraga State University (CSU), vice president for academic affairs Dr. Rolando Paluga shared to the participants some tips and important skills, which could help the youths become more responsible and productive in their fields.

He emphasized that having the right character in any circumstance and knowing how to communicate well will allow them to overcome challenges.

Also, Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 402nd Brigade emphasized that the youths continue to play a vital role in promoting peace and development initiatives not only in the region, but also in the country in general.

“In this summit, the youths will draft their action plan that will respond to the issues and concerns on peace and order, illegal drugs, environment, and other social concerns. We are preparing these youths to become the future leaders of our country,” BGen. Gacal said.

The representatives of Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) from the five regions of Mindanao also joined in the said event, where the 13 members were warmly welcomed by all other participating stakeholders.

The three-day Regional Youth Leadership Summit, which is spearheaded by the 401st and 402nd Brigades of Philippine Army, together with other partner government agencies, is anchored on the theme "Filipino Youth: Future Leaders of the Country." (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Over 1K individuals join call for safe, peaceful midterm polls

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 -- Over 1,000 individuals from the different sectors participated in the unity walk, interfaith prayer rally, and peace covenant signing in the city, Sunday morning at about 6:00 a.m.

Police Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the Deputy Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief for Operations and the National Task Force Commander SAFE 2019, attended the event together with the Caraga Commission on Elections officials headed by lawyer Francisco Pobe, Philippine Army, other National Government Agencies, and political candidates who are running for local election.

According to Chief Supt Gilberto Cruz, PNP Caraga Director, the activity called for collaborative efforts among the voters, candidates running for local elective posts, and the community to ensure safe and peaceful election on May 2019 in Caraga Region.

The participants from other agencies, civic groups, non-government organizations, ROTC students, media personalities, running candidates, and private individuals walked together from Butuan City Sports Complex heading towards covered court of Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol to show commitment for free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election.

During the covenant signing, the political candidates who were surrounded by the participants, pledged to abide by the tenets of Philippine Constitution, election laws, rules and regulations, respecting the sanctity of the electoral exercise. (PNP Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

DOH nagbabala sa tumataas na bilang ng kaso ng dengue sa Caraga region

By Nora L. Molde

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 15 (PIA) -- Muling nagbabala si Department of Health (DOH) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. sa Caraganons na panatilihing malinis ang kapaligiran lalo na at tumaas ang bilang ng kaso ng dengue sa ilang lugar sa rehiyon.

Batay sa datos ng DOH Caraga, tumaas ng 186 porsyento ang bilang ng kaso ng dengue sa taong 2018 na may umabot sa 7,529 kumpara sa 2,631 cases noong 2017.

Sa tala na inilabas  ng DOH  nitong Enero 10, 2019, mayroon ng 153 dengue patients ang nakaconfine sa mga ospital ng lungsod ng Butuan at Agusan del Norte, kung saan ang pinakamarami ay nasa Butuan Medical Center na nasa 66.

Ayon pa ni Dr. Llacuna, umiiral pa rin ang Code White Alert sa  health facilities sa rehiyon gayundin ang pagkakaroon ng dengue fast lanes para mas matugonan pa ang mga pangangailan ng mga pasyente.

Samantala, nananawagan naman ang Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter sa mga gustong magdonate ng dugo  na bumisita lang sa kanilang local chapter dahil sa tumataas na demand ng dugo dahil na rin sa lumalalang kaso ng dengue sa rehiyon. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

RYLS dinaluhan ng mga kabataan sa Mindanao

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 15 (PIA) - Isa si Chiary Balinan, 28 taong gulang mula sa Ata – Manobo Tribe sa Davao City at nagsisilbing sekretarya ng Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO), ang dumalo sa isinagawang Regional Youth Leadership Summit sa lungsod ng Butuan kamakailan, at aktibong ibinahagi ang kanilang adbokasiya sa mga kabataan upang mapalayo sa impluwensya ng teroristang grupong New Peoples Army at makilahok ang mga ito sa mga aktibidad ng kani-kanilang komunidad.

Ayon kay Balinan, masaya siyang naibabahagi sa kapwa kabataan maging sa ibang sektor ang kanyang mga natututunan mula sa ibat-ibang seminars at trainings na kanyang nadadaluhan sa ibat-ibang rehiyon ng bansa sa tulong na rin ng ibat-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan.

Mahalaga umano ang partisipasyon ng mga kabataan sa pagresolba ng ibat-ibang isyung kinakaharap hindi lamang sa rehiyon kundi pati na ng bansa.

“Binuo namin ang organisasyong ito upang magsilbi kaming boses ng mga kabataan  dahil kailangan ma-educate din sila, kagaya ng mga kasamahan naming former rebels na bumalik na sa gobyerno at sila’y mga youth. So isa ito sa gusto naming ipaabot sa lahat na walang maidudulot na maganda sa mga kabataan ang pagsali sa makakaliwang grupo,” sabi ni balinan.

Dagdag pa ni Balinan, malaking tulong ang naibigay ng philippine army kasama ng iba pang ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa mga IP youths sa patuloy na pagbibigay programa at serbisyo nito para sa kanilang sektor.

Sinabi naman ni Roberto Laurente Jr., presidente ng Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY) Incorporated, na ang summit ay isang paraan upang matipon ang mga kabataan at mahasa ang kagalingan sa ibat-ibang aspekto ng buhay.

Samantala, binigyang-diin naman ni Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, kumander ng 402nd Brigade, na maraming magagawa ang mga kabataan sa pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa rehiyon.

“Parte ng aktibidad na ito ay ang pagsasagawa nila ng kanilang action plan hindi lamang para sa kani-kanilang probinsya, pati na rin sa Caraga region. Dito pag-usapan nila ang problema ng insurgency, problema ng drugs, problema ng environment at iba-ibang problema sa social issues. Hinahanda natin ang mga kabataang ito na maging mahuhusay na liders hindi lang sa kanilang probinsya pati na ng buong rehiyon,” sabi ni BGen. Gacal. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Dating miyembro ng NPA, isa nang aktibong miyembro ng youth org sa Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 15 (PIA) - Sa isinagawang Regional Youth Leadership Summit kamakailan dito sa lungsod, boluntaryong ibinahagi ni Roel Hayahay Gano o Datu Igtudan na tawag sa kanyang mga kasama sa Manobo Tribe na nakabase sa Agusan del Sur, ang kanyang kasalukuyang pamumuhay sa tribu taliwas noong nasa kilusan pa siya ng New Peoples Army (NPA).

Isa si Datu Igtudan sa 13 miyembro ng Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) na umiikot sa ibat-ibang rehiyon ng bansa para maipalaganap ang kanilang adbokasiya.

Ngayong nagbalik-loob na siya sa gobyerno, malaya na niyang nakakasama ang iba pa niyang mga ka-tribu sa mga dinadaluhang okasyon sa rehiyon at nakakapaglahok sa mga imbitasyon mula sa national government.

“Sa totoo lang, naging maayos na ang aking pamumuhay nang nagbalik-loob ako sa gobyerno. Nakakasama ko na ang aking mga ka-tribu sa mga meeting para may matutunan din sila. May malaking kaibahan talaga ang buhay ko noon sa bukid at buhay ko ngayon sa MIPYO,” sabi ni Datu Igtudan.

Ayon sa kanya, matagal na daw ginagamit ng NPA ang tribu upang masakop nila ang komunidad nito at magamit ang tribu sa pangingikil ng NPA sa kalapit na lugar, pagpatay ng mga inosenteng indibidwal at maging sa walang saysay na pagra-rally sa kalsada.

Sariwa pa umano sa kanyang alaala ang pang-aabusong ginagawa ng teroristang grupong NPA, maging ang pagkitil ng buhay ng NPA sa ilan niyang mga kamag-anak.

Magsilbing leksyon daw sa ibang kabataan ang kanyang masaklap na karanasan kasama ang mga NPA. May panawagan din siya sa lahat ng kabataan.

“Sa tingin ko, ang maitutulong ng grupo namin ay ang pagkumbinsi sa ibang tribu, yung nakapasok na sa NPA na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno at para naman sa hindi pa nakasama sa NPA ay dapat na mamuhay nang maayos,” dagdag ni Datu Igtudan.

Binigyang-diin din ni Datu Igtudan na malaking tulong sa kanila ang pinapatupad na Martial Law sa Mindanao dahil sa pinaigting na seguridad at proteksyon ng Philippine Army. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)