Friday, January 25, 2019

DAR's hauling trucks to lessen farmer's overhead expense

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Years after enduring the challenge of transporting their farm produce, the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Caraga region now enjoy a lower overhead expense as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed to them six hauling trucks amounting to P21.2 million.

The blessing and formal turn-over of the six-wheeler hauling trucks were led by Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Support Services Emily Padilla, Field Operations Office Undersecretary Karlo Bello and DAR-Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal.

According to Usec. Padilla, the provision of these equipment forms part of their agency’s support service delivery mechanism that is much needed after the lands have been awarded to the farmers to sustain productivity.

“We are strengthening our efforts in the implementation of our agency’s programs especially that President Duterte is sincere in his support to the farmers by enhancing farm productivity and promoting well-being of farmers,” said Padilla.

Apart from tractor, harvester, transplanter, and other farm machineries, the 97 hauling trucks are already scheduled for distribution to farmers in the different regions of the country.

DAR is also fast-tracking the distribution of the remaining 561,000 hectares acquired lands to the agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Usec. Padilla also said the remaining P142 million earmarked for farm equipment in 2018 will be added to the P300 million appropriation under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Project, making a total of P442 million set to be downloaded to DAR regional offices this year.

Wenefredo Maldo, chairperson of one of the recipient ARB organizations, said it will greatly benefit other farmer-members because it will help cut down the expense for trucking services rental.

“We appreciate so much the granting of this facility. We promise to keep it functional through proper vehicle maintenance and that it will be utilized as intended for its purpose,” said Maldo.

Meanwhile, Villareal assured that their agency is geared at pursuing full mechanization to increase household income, improve productivity, and enhance the competitiveness of agrarian reform communities.

Among the ARBOs who received the hauling tucks, which were provided to the farmers through the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), were Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative (PASCOFBEC) of Las Nieves; Beleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA) of Jabonga; Cebolin Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CEMPCO) of Trento; La Fortuna Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAMUPCO) of Veruela; Esperanza Farmers Credit Cooperative (ESFARCRECO) of Del Carmen; and San Isidro Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIMPUCO) of Gigaquit. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Mahigit 100K board feet na kahoy nasabat sa Surigao del Sur

By JPG/Herzon Gallego

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 25 (PIA) -- Nasabat ang dalawang mini-sawmill plants sa Barangay Linintian sa bayan ng Cantilan, Surigao del Sur dahil sa pinagsanib pwersa ng National Bureau Investigation (NBI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force at Philippine National Police.

May ilan-ilan ding nakuhang illegal lumber products na siyang ginagamit sa pagawa ng mga kasangkapan. Aabot ang mga ito sa mahigit 100,000 board feet. Kinumpiska rin ang iba pang mga aparato at sinira ang mga sawmill.

Limang indibidwal ang hinuli ng NBI agents, kabilang na dito ang dalawang nagmamay-ari ng nasabing mini-sawmill plants.

Ang mga ito ay nakilalang sina Susana Miranda, Susan Rada, Joseph Guimari, Francisco Espenido, at Brian Rozano na pawang mga residente ng nabanggit na barangay.

Ayon kay DENR Caraga regional executive director Atty. Felix Alicer, ang isinagawang raid sa nasabing ilegal na sawmill plants ay patunay na seryoso ang pamahalaan sa pagtugis sa loggers na ilegal na pumuputol ng mga puno at masugpo ang pagnanakaw ng mga ganitong uri ng kahoy.

Binigyang-diin ng opisyal na mula nang masimulan ang implementasyon ng National Greening Program ng pamahalaan, nararapat lang din na sumuporta ang publiko dito dahil sa magandang maidudulot nito sa kalikasan.

Sasailalim sa masusing imbestigasyon ang mga suspetsado at nahaharap ang mga ito sa patong-patong na kaso bunsod ng kanilang pagsira sa kalikasan.

Samantala, ayon naman kay CENRO Ruel Efren, ang mga nakompiskang lumber products ay dumaan na scaling process ng kanyang mga tauhan. (DENR/PIA-Caraga)

PNP Caraga top cop leads blessing, turn-over of new police station

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 -- Police Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, Regional Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, led the blessing and turn-over of newly constructed police station building in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur today, January 23.

After the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker, Chief Inspector Mark Virgil J. Ibardolaza, Regional Pastoral Officer, officiated the blessing with the presence of Mayor Raul T. Cubil, Vice-Mayor Rebecca S. Polinar, municipal councilors, barangay captains, and department heads of the local government unit of Marihatag.

In his message,  Cruz thanked the municipal officials for their untiring support to the local police force by donating a lot and providing assistance for the construction of new PNP building.

He also urged the PNP personnel to improve the delivery of services.

“This new building shall be coupled with better police services to our clients. It shall boost not only the image of the PNP but also the confidence of the general public to the police,” the region’s police chief said.

On the other hand, Mayor Cubil also expressed his joy over the turn-over of the newly built police station building and assured unrelenting support to Marihatag Municipal Police Station. (PNP Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

OWWA Caraga vows to produce more scholars

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has been implementing programs and services for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their beneficiaries and vows to continue to produce successful scholars.

Among this program are the Education and Training where OWWA offers scholarship programs like Education and Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (OFWDSP), Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) – Education Component with more than 100 college recipients who are sons, daughters or siblings of OFWs.

Some of these scholars have come a long way and now they are licensed engineers, teachers, doctors, CPAs, among others, it was learned.

All of whom expressed their gratitude for being one of the OWWA scholars.

With this, OWWA Caraga is likewise proud and honored for what they have become and these scholars will serve as an inspiration to others who are still in the process of achieving their dreams and aspirations.

“Don’t promise, just prove,” said OWWA Caraga Officer-in-Charge Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling as she challenges the scholars.

She wants them to realize that every human being aspires to be successful, but only those with high aims, will power and optimum strategies succeed in real life. They will have to do a lot of hard work in order to become big someday in the future.

For more information relative to the scholarship program, interested applicants may follow OWWA Caraga facebook page or visit OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga at Nimfa Tiu, Bldg. II, JP Rosales Ave., Butuan City or call telephone numbers (085) 815-1894/342-6178 or hotline numbers 09399259895 for Smart and 09173150590 for Globe. (AJMH/OWWA Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Joint Security Control Center reactivated for midterm polls

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 24 -- The Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) in Caraga has officially been reactivated as part of the security preparations and ensure peaceful conduct of the May 13, 2019 elections.

Police Regional Office 13  Director Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Caraga Regional Election Director lawyer Francisco Pobe, troops from the Philippine Army led by Col. Philip Lapinid and heads from the different government agencies attended the reactivation which was followed by a closed-door conference.

With the activation of the RJSCC, all government agencies are hopeful to pull off another peaceful,transparent and credible election in Caraga region.

“The Philippine National Police, as deputized agency of the Comelec, will exhaust all its best efforts and needed resources for the 2019 Midterm Polls,” CSupt. Cruz said.

He also assured the public that the police force remains apolitical and will never engage in partisan activities.  (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Army brigade chief: CPP-NPA violates IHL, CARHRIHL

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 23 -- “The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) committed a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and IHL (CARHRIHL).”

This was the statement of Brigadier General Andres Centino, commander of the 401st Brigade, as he cited groundless demand of the said terrorist group in exchange of the two soldiers and 14 Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) who were abducted in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 19, 2018.

BGen. Centino said the statement of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) which demands for a ceasefire before they will release the victims is proof enough that they are using the soldiers and CAAs as hostages in order to demand for the stoppage of military operations in the area.

“The 14 Cafgu Active Auxiliaries and two soldiers are used as human shields by this local terrorists up to this date,” said Centino.

Centino reiterated that based on the provisions of the CARHRIHL, “persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed 'hors de combat' by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria.”

“It also stated that persons who do not participate anymore in hostilities shall not be used as hostages by any party. Likewise, CARHRIHL also protects the victims against 'violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture,” he added.

It can be recalled that on January 18, the CPP-NPAs terrorist released a statement to the media blaming the AFP for the non-release of the soldiers and CAAs.

“If they truly care, the CPP-NPA can release their hostages at any time without calling for any ceasefire. They do not need a ceremony, they just need to let their victims walk away, I’m sure the soldiers and CAAs know where to go when released,” said Centino.

It was learned that the family of the victims last December 2018 have filed a human rights complaint with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Office for the CPP-NPA’s violations of the victim’s rights particularly on the right to be visited by their loved ones or to have communications with them.

These rights are all guaranteed by the IHL and CARHRIHL where the CPP-NPA was a signatory to the agreement. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DAR namahagi ng makinarya sa mga magsasaka sa Caraga

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 23 (PIA) - Matapos ang ilang taong pagtitiis sa kakulangan ng 'transport facility' ay masayang tinanggap ng mga Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations o ARBOS sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang anim na hauling trucks mula sa Kagawaran ng Repormang Pansakahan o DAR na nagkakahalaga ng humigit kumulang P21.2 milyon.

Ang mismong blessing at turn-over ng 6-wheeler hauling trucks ay pinangunahan nina DAR-Support Services Office Undersecretary Emily Padilla, Field Operations Office Undersecretary Karlo Bello at DAR-Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal.

“Sa atin pong kababayan dito sa Caraga. Itong programa ng DAR ay parte ng misyon ng ahensya na tumulong sa ating magsasaka. Sa ngayon, maliwanag po ang tinatahak ng DAR na talagang isagawa ad tatlong mandato ng ahensya,” sabi ni Padilla.

Tinukoy ni Padilla ang mapadali ang pagreresolba ng lahat ng kaso na nakapending ngayon sa lahat ng tanggapan ng DAR sa buong Pilipinas, mapadali ang pamamahagi ng mga natitira pang lupa na umaabot sa 561,000 ektarya at ang support services na talagang kailangan na kailangan pagkatapos na maibigay ang mga lupa sa mga magsasaka.

“Lalo nating pinalawig itong programa ng DAR sapagkat sa likod ng programang ito ay ang ating Pangulo Duterte kung saan ipinapakita niya yung kanyang totoong malasakit at pagmamahal sa lahat ng Pilipinong magsasaka,” sabi ni Padilla.

Bukod sa traktora, harvester, transplanter at iba pang makinarya, may siyam napu’t pitong units ng hauling trucks ang ipapamahagi pa ng dar sa iba’t ibang ARB sa buong Pilipinas.

Dagdag pa ni Padilla, ang natitira pang P142 milyong piso na alokasyon para sa makinarya sa pagsasaka noong nakaraang taon ay idadagdag sa P300 milyong piso na pondo ngayon sa ilalim ng Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Project.  Kaya aabot sa P442 milyong piso na pondo ang naitalagang ida-download sa iba’t ibang rehiyon.

“Gusto ng ating Pangulo at kalihim na si Sec. John Castriciones na ipakita sa ating mga magsasaka na ang pagsasaka ay hindi mahirap kaya ang pakay natin ngayon ay full mechanization kasi noong araw ay backbreaking ang pagsasaka. Pero sa tulong ng mga makinaryang ito ay maipakita natin na hindi mahirap at mahikayat natin ang iba na bumalik sa pagsasaka,” sabi ni Padilla.

Laking tuwa at pasasalamat naman ang ipinaabot ni Wenefredo Maldo, chairperson ng Beleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association dahil malaking tulong umano ito sa pagbabawas ng  labor cost at mapapadali ang pagbiyahe ng mga produkto galing sa malalayong taniman.

“Nagpapaalamat ako kay Pangulong Duterte dahil alam ko ‘man of the masses’ siya. Pinapangako namin na aalagaan yung hauling trucks hanggang sa makabili na rin kami at madagdagan ang mga yan dahil mas mapapabuti na ang kita namin,” sabi ni Maldo.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Villareal na patuloy ang kanilang ahensya na tulungan ang mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng kanilang programa upang mas lalo pang pagyamanin ang kani-kanilang lupain at mapalago ang produksyon.

Kabilang sa nakatanggap ng hauling trucks ay ang Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative o PASCOFBEC, Beleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association o BOFIA, Cebolin Multi-Purpose Cooperative o CEMPCO, La Fortuna Multi-Purpose Cooperative o LAMUPCO, Esperanza Farmers Credit Cooperative o ESFARCRECO, at San Isidro Multi-Purpose Cooperative o SIMPUCO.

Ang naipamigay na makinarya ay napabilang sa proyektong nasa ilalim ng  Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DA turns over P9.6-M FMR in Butuan City

By Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 23 - The Department of Agriculture (DA) turns over the Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) of Purok 7 to Purok 4 Pigdaulan Road Section worth P9.6-million to the city government of Butuan last January 17, 2019.

The concrete road from the Department's FMR Development Program covers 423 hectares of the service area and would benefit 445 farmers in the locality.

Per record from DA’s regional validation team, there are 327 hectares of rice, 50 hectares of coconut and 46 hectares of banana in the area.

“Our barangay is mostly an agricultural area. An intervention like this encourages the residents here especially the farmers to be more productive,” said Barangay Captain Dindo Hidalgo.

Hidalgo said the farm areas of Pigdaulan before was less utilized and some areas were just filled with grass.

“Residents have started to utilize their areas, they’re now planting different high-value crops since most of our roads are already concreted and it’s now easy to bring our products to the market,” Hidalgo added.

Field Operations Chief Rebecca Atega stressed that the Department has been finding ways on how to support the production of farmers and farmers’ associations.

“We’re glad that Brgy. Pigdaulan together with the city government of Butuan really worked out for the realization of this project. The Department can finance projects from those LGUs who submit proposals,” Atega said.

Butuan City is among the highly urbanized cities who desire that all of its road sections will be concreted.

“It’s the LGU’s desire that in the near future, all of our farm roads will be concreted,” said Congressman Lawrence Fortun.

Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Act of 1997 mandates the DA to be on top of FMR projects.

It leads the construction, restoration, and rehabilitation of infrastructures like irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, and FMR in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs). (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Carmen town bans liquor during calamities

By Justine V. Lumonsod

CARMEN, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 23 - The local government of Carmen, Agusan del Norte will now strictly ban the buying and selling of intoxicating liquors during emergencies and disasters to ensure public safety and security within the municipality.

It will be implemented under Municipal Ordinance No. 14-2018, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Wilfredo T. Taglucop.

Local officials believe that alcohol intoxication limits the physical capacity of the individual thereby putting them more at risk to potential danger, especially in times of emergencies where their alertness is required.

Under the said ordinance, there will be imposed a sanction on the person who violates the local ordinance with Php500.00 fine for the first offense, Php1,000.00 for the second offense and the third and succeeding offense a fine of Php1,500.00.

The said municipal ordinance was approved through Sanggunian Resolution No. 410-2018, authored by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PNP Caraga may panawagan sa mga kandidato para sa 2019 Midterm Elections

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 23 (PIA) - Kasabay sa isinagawang command conference at pag-reactivate ng Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) kamakailan dito sa lungsod, nanawagan si Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Gilberto DC Cruz, sa lahat ng kandidato para sa 2019 Midterm Elections na huwag tatangkilin ang Permit to Campaign at Permit to Win ng teroristang grupong New Peoples Army (NPA).

Dagdag pa ni RD Cruz na sinumang kandidato na hinaharass ng teroristang grupo sa permit to campaign at permit to win scheme ay dapat na makipag-ugnayan sa PNP o sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Ayon naman kay Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe, maliban sa security personnel ng mga kandidato, naka-alerto naman ang pulisya at militar sa kanilang area of responsibility para maseguro ang kaligtasan hindi lamang ng mga kandidato kundi maging ang publiko.

Samantala, handang-handa na rin ang PNP, kasama ang AFP, COMELEC, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan para sa gaganaping eleksyon sa buwan ng Mayo ngayong taon.

Sa ngayon ay pinaghahandaan din nila ang anumang glitches o aberya na posibleng mangyari hinggil sa nalalapit na eleksyon.

Ayon pa ni PNP director Cruz, bagaman naging generally peaceful ang mga nagdaang eleksyon sa rehiyon, mas paiigtingin pa rin ang security measures ng mga kinauukulang ahensya para mapanatiling maayos, ligtas, at makabuluhan ang gaganaping eleksyon.

Patuloy din ang kanilang isinasagawang checkpoints sa mga designated areas, maging ang implementasyon ng Election Gun Ban. Magdadagdag din aniya ng checkpoints sa ibang lugar na sa tingin ng pnp ay posibleng may mangyaring election-related incidents.

pinaalalahanan naman ni Dir. Pobe ang publiko na maging responsableng botante ngayong eleksyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Army troopers seize illegally-cut lumber in SurSur

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36th IB) seized some 3,071 board feet of illegally cut sawn-lumber in two separate anti-illegal logging operations in Surigao del Sur recently, said Lt. Jonald Romorosa, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 36th IB.

He said the two operations were conducted in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza town and Barangay Maitom, Tandag City in just one day.

The team confiscated 1,471 board feet sawn lumber with an estimated market value of P92,620.00, and banka keels in Lanuza, and a volume of 1,600 board feet with an estimated market value of P30,000.00 in Tandag City.

The 36th IB CMO officer disclosed that from January 2018 up to January 11, 2019, the 36th IB troopers had already conducted several anti-illegal logging operations in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The said operations resulted in the confiscation of 61,754.54 board feet of illegal logs/sawn lumber with an estimated market value worth of P1,547,096.80.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, 36th IB commanding officer, said they have always extended their full support to other government agencies in line with its mandate to protect the natural environment in its area of operation.

“We are serious in the campaign against anti-illegal logging operations and we are committed to support other law enforcement agencies. Let this be a stern warning to all illegal loggers in the province. Stop your illegal activities or suffer the consequences provided by law,” Lt. Colonel Trinidad said. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

Byahe ng mga barko sa Caraga, balik na sa normal

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte, Enero 22 (PIA) -- Nakabalik na sa normal ang biyahe ng lahat ng sasakyang pandagat sa mga pantalan ng Caraga region matapos ang pananalasa ng tropical depression “Amang" sa rehiyon nitong weekend.

Ayon sa ulat ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) ng Agusan del Norte, umaga pa ng Lunes ay nagbigay na ng go signal ng Philippine Coast Guard para makabiyahe ang mga barko sa nasipit port matapos na-lift ang typhoon signal warning sa probinsya.

Samantala,  hapon naman ng payagan rin ng  Coast Guard na makabiyahe ang mga sasakyang pandagat sa mga pantalan ng Surigao City at probinsya ng Dinagat Islands.

Base sa pinakahuling datus na nakalap sa Philippine Ports Authority, mayroong 84 na stranded na pasahero sa pantalan ng Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Sa Lipata  Ferry Terminal, ang stranded na pasahero ay umabot naman sa 148 rolling cargoes ang naantala.

Umabot naman sa 59 na indibidwal naman sa Surigao City Base Port ang stranded at may 22 rolling cargoes.

Inaasahang balik normal na rin ang klase sa lahat ng antas ng pampubliko at pribadong eskwelahan sa buong rehiyon ngayong Martes.

Base sa tala ng RDRRMC ng Caraga may 579 na pamilya o 2,859 na indibdwal ang nagsilikas sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur at pati na rin lungsod ng Butuan.

Wala pa namang naiulat na casualty sa pananalasa ng bagyong amang dito sa rehiyon. (VLG/FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Mga Butuanons nagkaisa sa paggunita ng ika-120 pormal, opisyal na pagwagayway ng watawat ng Pilipinas sa Mindanao

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 22 (PIA) -- Bagaman may pag-ulan, hindi ito naging hadlang sa mga Butuanon na maagang nagpunta sa Guingona Park para makiisa sa pagunita ng ika-120 anibersaryo ng pormal at opisyal na pagtaas at pagwagayway ng watawat ng Pilipinas sa Mindanao.

Matapos ang pagsagawa ng ‘entrance of flag’ na pinangunahan ng Butuan City Police Office, ang pagtunog ng sirena ang naging hudyat ng pagsisimula ng Flag Raising Ceremony kasama ang mga lokal na opisyal, empleyado ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, pribadong sektor at mag-aaral, at sabay-sabay na kinanta ang pambansang awit.

Isinadula rin ng Balangay Repertory of Kulture Revival Events Core ang kasaysayan ng mahalagang okasyon na ito.

Ayon kay Gregorio Hontiveros, presidente ng Butuan City Heritage Society, may mga dokumento na nagpapatunay na dito sa lungsod nga nangyari ang makasaysyang selebrasyon.

Ayon naman kay Butuan City vice mayor Jose Aquino II, ang pagunita ng nasabing selebrasyon ay isang pag-alala rin sa mga bayani ng bansa na siyang dahilan ng tinatamasang kalayaan at demokrasya ng mga Pilipino.

Binigyang-diin din ni Rev. Fr. Joesilo Amalla, parish priest ng San Vicente Ferrer Parish na hindi lang ang first mass ang kini-claim ng Butuan City kundi pati na ang iba pang historical events.

Para naman sa Grade 8 student na si Nicole Veen Winette Bonglay ng Timber City Academy sa lungsod ng Butuan, mahalaga sa mga kabataan na malaman ang makasaysayan at simbolikong pagunita ng nasabing selebrasyon at maibahagi ito sa iba. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor agrarian farmers receive hauling trucks

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 22 -- Two Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Agusan del Norte have expressed its appreciation to the Department

of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the successful turnover of two units of hauling trucks under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services Program (ARCCESS) held recently here.

During the ceremony, DAR Caraga handed over six units of hauling trucks worth P21.2 million to six different ARBOs all over Caraga region, two of which are from Agusan del Norte to include Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Coop (PASCOFBEC) of Las Nieves and Baleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA) of Jabonga.

The ceremony was led by Undersecretary lawyer Emily Padilla and Usec. lawyer Karlo S. Bello of DAR Central Office and assisted by Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal.

In her message, Usec. Padilla stressed how the hauling trucks could help the farmers.

“Ang hauling truck ay tulong upang maiahon ang magsasaka sa kahirapan upang magkakaroon ng rural industrialization and social justice,” she said. (The hauling truck helps the farmers out of poverty through its rural industrialization and social justice).

In the same occasion, the DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Andre B. Atega also pointed out that the hauling truck mainly geared towards farmers’ growth and rural development

In response, BOFIA Chair Winefredo Maldo expressed his gratitude and said that this has been a long-awaited project because the equipment will lower transport cost and raise farmers’ productivity and income.

This also goes true to PASCOFBEC Chairman Rodrigo C. Patente who said their business enterprise successfully involved of scaling-up copra trading.

Present also during the turn over ceremonies were Asst. Regional Director Naylinda Narisma, Asst. Reg. Dir. For operations Cenon Original and representatives of the local government units where the recipient ARBOs are located.

The ARCCESS project aims to strengthen the ARB organizations by building them as hubs of support services in the community which are expected to contribute. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)