Friday, February 1, 2019

'Juan Effect' launched in Siargao

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 1 (PIA) – Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific Air in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched its "Juan Effect" Program on January 11, 2019, in General Luna, Siargao Island.

Juan Effect Program aims to mitigate the impact of tourist arrivals on the environment.

It also aims to engage travelers and local stakeholders in raising awareness among Filipinos about their responsibilities as tourists and encourages them to make a difference by changing one daily habit.

The launching was led by DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Cebu Pacific Passenger Sales and Distribution Director Arlene Tena, Surigao del Norte 1st Congressional District Representative Francisco Bingo Matugas, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking, and other government officials.

According to Tena, the Juan Effect program is a call for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate and cooperate to ensure that the tourism industry progresses sustainably.

She said that since the launching of Juan Effect in August 2018, they have been working with the local government units in the island and the whole province to spur concerted action to properly manage the ever-increasing visitor numbers, ease the negative impact of tourism on the island, and balance the social and environmental concerns with its economic benefits.

“Colorful murals and signs made of used surfboards have been put up prior to the peak surfing season to help educate tourists and local residents,” Tena said.

DOT Sec. Berna Puyat, in her remarks, said the pilot module of Juan Effect project will be the models and yardsticks for sustainable tourism practices and action plans of the DOT.

She said that the DOT’s mandate is centered on creating a culture of sustainable tourism, a unique mandate to both sell and preserve, to ensure that the beauty of our country remains, while people get to enjoy a unique Philippine travel experience.

Puyat also said no business ventures can flourish on profit alone if it is not sustainable in itself, then, it cannot make any significant contribution to its industry.

“Let us start the year 2019 right by committing ourselves to our driving principle of sustainability. Instilling this culture of tourism would entail a paradigm shift among all of us in the public and private sectors alike, to change how we think business, to care more about our environment, our natural gems and our tourist attractions,” said Puyat.

On his part, Rep. Matugas encouraged everyone to keep Siargao clean and treat the natural environment with love and respect because the failure of the system would ultimately threaten the subsistence of human beings.

He said everyone can contribute if each of us can be more conscious to save the environment and willing to take some simple steps to care and preserved the natural beauty of the island for sustainable tourism.

Meanwhile, DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda has pledged to assist and provide technical assistance to the solid waste management plans of the islands.

“We are committed to help local government units in the preparation and implementation of their solid waste management plans which is very important in ensuring that there will be an efficient management solid waste in each municipality of Siargao,” Antiporda said.

The said launching was wrapped up with a ceremonial turn over of motorbikes “Fat Bikes” for Tourist Police in the Municipal Police Station of General Luna from the Office of the First Congressional District of Surigao del Norte. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DAR turns over organic fertilizer processing center to AgNor farmers

By Gil E. Miranda

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 1 - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte, in partnership with the Local Government of Kitcharao, formally handed over the Organic Fertilizer Processing Center funded under DAR’s Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project held at Barangay Jaliobong, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on January 25, 2019.

The recipient, Jaliobong Masipag Farmers Farmers Organization Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (JAMAFO ARB Coop), is one of the DAR’s assisted Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in the province.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO II) Andre B. Atega, CESO V, said the agency allocated Php300,000.00 for the construction of the organic fertilizer processing center.

Atega encouraged the group to work hard and ensure positive gains of the project to reinforce the current agribusiness to become one of the organic fertilizer producers in the province.

“Niining inyong ka aktibo ug panaghiusa, maoy timailhan nga adunay kahayag aron moasenso ang inyong kapunungan (It is understandable that your active part and unity is a sign that there is light leading to improve your organization)," he said.

“It is nice to see that along with your unity and cooperation, despite the limited budgetary resources allocated, you met your project possible,” he added.

The Kitcharao local government headed by Mayor Aristotle E. Montante provided in-kind 105 cubic meter embankment equivalent of Php90,000.00 for the said project.

The JAMAFO ARB Coop, meanwhile, shared location site equivalent to Php30,000.00 and Labor Equity amounted to Php110,000.00 as counterpart.

Punong Barangay Edwin Montante and Chair of JAMAFO Mr. Regor Vidal expressed commendation to DAR for the support as it will benefit the organization in raising agricultural productivity as well as to its members and the community.

This project, under the administration of President Duterte, aims to enhance the enterprise and livelihood activities of the agrarian reform beneficiaries at the community level. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

TESDA chief visits Agusan provinces

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 1 – Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday visited the two Agusan provinces as part of its commitment to visit and see for himself the act

ual situation in the regional offices of the agency.

From the Bancasi Airport where he arrived at 6:00 a.m., he immediately proceeded to the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) where he made site visitations of the fishponds, fish incubation and hatchery centers.

During the interaction with the NMSF employees, the official emphasized that his visit is a venue for the employees to express their opinions whenever there are certain issues and concerns that they want to bring to the top management.

“Ngayon, ako na po ang lumalapit sa inyo upang malaman ko kung ano ang mga issues and concerns na kailangan n’yong ipaabot sa management. (Now, I am getting near to you for me to know the issues and concerns you want to tell the management),” Sec. Lapeña said.

From NMSF, the TESDA chief heeded towards the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office and the Regional Office in downtown here to meet and interact with the employees.

The official enjoined the employees to be at their best to better serve the Caraganons.

“Gawin natin ang ating mga trabaho upang mapag-serbisyuhan ng mabuti an gating mga kapwang nangangailangan ng ating tulong. (We have to do our work so that we can serve well our fellow countrymen who need our help)," the Secretary said.

After the interaction with the employees, the party went to Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur to inaugurate the newly-constructed Php 3.8-million Administration Building of the TESDA administered school.

The building is a product of the training-cum-production scheme of ASSAT and TESDA-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office.

After the inauguration, Lapeña attended a luncheon meeting with the TESDA-Agusan del Sur stakeholders.

The meeting served as a venue for the stakeholders to raise issues and concerns pertaining to the implementation of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) not only in the province of Agusan del Sur but as well as the whole Caraga Region.

Last stop of the Secretary’s visit is the Mass Graduation Ceremony of TESDA Skills Training Programs held in Datu Lipus Macapandong Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur with a total of 477 graduates composed of trainees from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE), Former Rebels, Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Philippine Army, Alternative Learning System (ALS), Indigenous Peoples, and Informal Workers and Unemployed.

During the ceremony, key officials of the different government agencies in Caraga Region expressed their continuous support and commitment to the programs initiated by TESDA in the region. (TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Lapeña vows to support TTIs in Caraga

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 1 – Following the historic visit of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña on Wednesday in the two Agusan Provinces, the official vowed to support the TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs) in Caraga.

The development came after visiting the two TTIs in the region, meeting and interacting with the faculty and staff, and saw the situation in as far as upgrading of facilities is concerned.

Lapeña said "like in other regions where he has visited already, the TTIs have potential to help the Filipino people develop their skills."

“You have made a significant contribution in honi

ng the skills of the trainees in your region and I have seen potential in the delivery of instructions, as well as the geographical setting you have… So, during my stint as your Secretary, I will support you in as far as improving the facilities that you have nowhere in your school,” he said.

Meanwhile, during the interaction with the employees of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, TESDA-Caraga Regional Office, and Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT), the Secretary said he is also pushing for policies that promote the welfare of the employees of TESDA.

“You, the employees, are the backbone of the agency.  It is but fitting that you will also enjoy the welfare that are due for you.  I will discuss matters pertaining to employees’ welfare to your Union – the TESDA Association of Concerned Employees (ACE),” he added.

The secretary’s visit is part of his commitment to go to the grassroots of the agency’s organization and experience personally what were the actual situations happening in the regional, provincial, and TESDA administered schools, in support to the agenda of the national government specifically “inclusive growth.” (TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

DG Lapeña inaugurates ASSAT Admin Office

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 1 – Director General, Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday inaugurated the Php3.8 million Administration Building of the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT).

TESDA Provincial Director Braulio P. Dela Peña, Jr. said the newly-constructed building is a product of the training-cum-production scheme of the trainees in the Masonry and Carpentry NC II. “This building is one of the products of the training-cum-production of the trainees of the school,” he said.

Lapeña lauded the leadership of Dir. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. for coming up with a project that gave benefit not only for the school but more importantly to the trainees because they will be given a venue to apply what they have learned in the hours of training.

“The training-cum-production both give an advantage to the school and much more to the trainees because they will be exposed to the actual work in construction, thus, we have to continue with this scheme,” he said.

Prior to the inauguration, the Secretary visited the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, and TESDA-Caraga Regional Office in this city and have the opportunity to talk and discuss with the employees on the issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

Later in the afternoon, the Secretary was the guest of honor during the Joint Graduation Ceremony of TESDA trainees in different skills training programs where a total of 477 trainees received their Certificate of Training Completion from TESDA-Agusan del Sur. (TESDA-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

'Pipol Konek' umani ng positibong reaksyon mula sa ibat-ibang sektor sa Caraga

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Pebrero 1 (PIA) - Umani ng positibong reaksyon mula sa ibat-ibang sektor sa Caraga Region ang Pipol Konek Project o free WiFi internet connection sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni President Rodrigo Duterte.

Sa isinagawang Stakeholders Forum dito sa lungsod, napakinggan mula mismo sa mga benepisyaryo ng nasabing proyekto ang kanilang positibo at ilan umanong maliliit na aberya na kanilang naranasan sa pagamit ng Pipol Konek internet connection.

Ibinahagi ni John Eric Bual, school Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coordinator ng Butuan City School of Arts and Trade na malaking tulong sa kanilang mga guro at mga mag-aaral ang pagamit ng Pipol Konek internet connection, kung saan accessible, convenient at mabilis ang kanilang pagkuha ng mahahalagang impormasyon.

Hangad din niyang mas mapalawig pa ang Pipol Konek sa iba pang mga eskwelahan sa rehiyon.

Ayon naman kay Serge Sabuero, information systems analyst III ng City Information and Communications Office ng local na pamahalaan ng Butuan, na malaking bagay para sa kanilang mga empleyado, maging sa kanilang mga kliyente ang pagkakaroon ng libreng internet koneksyon dahil mas napabilis ang mga transaksyon at reporting system nila.

Ayon naman kay Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary Alan Silor, layon ng ahensya na makuha ang mga reaksyon at suhestyon ng mga benepisyaryo kung paano mas maging epektibo at kapakipakinabang pa ang pag-access ng Pipol Konek internet connection ng kanilang mga kliyente. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Hakbang pangseguridad sa nalalapit na eleksyon, pinatutupad sa SurSur

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Peb. 1 (PIA) – Mga hakbang pangseguridad kaugnay sa paghahanda sa nalalapit na National and Local Elections sa Mayo 13 ng taong kasalukuyan ay sinimulan ng pinatutupad sa Surigao del Sur, ayon sa opisyal ng militar.

Sa panayam kay 401st Brigade Commanding Officer BGen Andres Centino, napag-alaman na sinimulan ng pinatutupad ang ilan sa kanilang mga plano pangseguridad sa mga lugar na nasasakupan nito sa probinsya.

Ayun pa sa opisyal, kabilang na dito ang ginanap na reactivation ng Provincial Joint Security Command Center (PJSCC) na idinaos sa syudad ng Tandag kamakailan, kasama ang iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na myembro nito sa pangunguna ng Commission on Elections o COMELEC.

Napag alaman na sa  tuwing nalalapit ang halalan, lumalabas ang mga isyu at alegasyong pangingikil ng mga rebeldeng New People’s Army sa mga tumatakbong kandidato sa pamamagitan ng “permit to campaign” at “permit to win.”

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ni BGen. Centino ang napipintong ika-50 anibersaryo ng makakaliwang grupo, kung saan sinabi ng opisyal na nangangailangan ito ng pondo o panggastos para sa paghahanda sa pamamagitan ng pangingikil.

Samantala, inamin din ng opisyal na patuloy ang operasyong militar na tumutugis sa mga dumukot sa dalawang sundalo at 12 CAFGU noong Disyembre 2018 sa army detachment ng New Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

Sinabi ng opisyal na malaki ang kanyang paniniwala na nasa AOR pa rin ng 401st Brigade ang mga ito kung saan paliit na nang paliit ang lugar na pinagtataguan ng mga ito.

Ang area of responsibility ng 401st Brigade ay nakabase sa Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur ay sumasakop sa ilang bayan sa Katimogang bahagi ng Surigao del Sur at probinsya ng Agusan del Sur. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, January 31, 2019

2 rebels killed in Surigao Sur clash

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 31 (PIA) - Two communist terrorists died in an encounter with the government troops in San Agustin town, Surigao del Sur last January 24, 2019.

The operating troops under 401st Brigade were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of Sitio Kabulohan, Barangay Buhisan in San Agustin town when more or less 10 NPA terrorists fired at them prompting them to return fire.

The firefight lasted for about five minutes, after which the armed group scampered in different directions.

The 10 New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorists were believed to be members of Sub-Region Committee Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee led by Felizardo Valdez also known as “Ado.”

The troops also seized an M14 rifle, anti-personnel mines and ammunition, subversive documents and other war materials.

According to Brigadier General Andres Centino, the security operations against the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur started since December 2018 after they abducted the Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAA) and two soldiers in Barangay New Tubigon in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The NPAs took the CAAs and soldiers and used them as human shields until now. The security operations accordingly, intend to go after the armed groups responsible for the abduction.

Centino said the two cadavers are still in the area as of this time.

“The operating troops were not able to immediately extricate them due to bad weather,” he said.

“The soldiers will exert their best efforts to extricate them as soon as possible and turn-over them to the Philippine National Police and Barangay Officials for identification and proper disposition. We extend our condolences to the families of these two NPAs,”  Centino added. (401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

P158-M infra projects in Caraga seen to propel growth on agri

By Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 31 - The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Caraga Region in partnership with local government units recently breaks ground with two infrastructure projects totaling Php158 million.

These are the construction of the Php50 Million Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Barangay Poblacion, Rosario, Agusan del Sur and the construction of the 3.62-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Barangay R.E. Ecleo, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands amounting to Php108 million.

The construction of 4.76-km Main Canal with structures of the Limbatangan CIS in Rosario has a length of 4,961 meters with 23 units of canal structures to serve 264 hectares of rice area in Barangays Libuac, Poblacion and Tagbayan.

The said project is seen to increase rice production from 3 metric tons to 4 metric tons per hectare for conventional rice farming and 3 metric tons to 3.6 metric tons per hectare for natural farming. In addition, a total of 1,623 households or 8,226 individuals would benefit from the project after its completion.

“We thank the government for giving us this project. I believe that this intervention would enable us to expand our production area,” said Jimmy Magbanua, Vice Chairperson of Limbatangan Farmers Irrigators’ Association.

On the other hand, the construction of R. Ecleo–Upper Laguna FMR will benefit 1,571 farming and fishing households in San Jose, Dinagat Island and would allow better access to and from the agricultural production areas, public market and processing centers, and government social service centers.

The FMR traverses the barangays of Ma-atas and Sta. Rita and connects to Brgy. Laguna where it ends at Sitio Upper Laguna. It will link to the national road where the proposed cassava buying station and processing center would be located.

Both groundbreaking activities were followed by a pre-construction conference participated by the stakeholders of the project such as farmers, barangay officials, and the Barangay Implementing Team (BIT), municipal implementing units, PRDP regional counterparts and the contractor themselves. Purpose of which is to discuss the different aspects of the project and the role of each stakeholder that would ensure the smooth and proper implementation of the project.

“We’re briefing the stakeholders to empower and capacitate them in the community to become active and viable partners in the operation and maintenance of the project,” said Infrastructure Component Head Engr. Rene Morales.

DA-PRDP has been in partnership with the Local Government Units and private sector to provide key infrastructures and facilities to raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness of the farmers’ and fisherfolk’s associations in targeted areas. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Cabadbaran City wins best in health services

By Nora L. Molde

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 30 (PIA) – The City of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte has been awarded as the Best Performing City besting five other cities in Caraga Region.

During the recent awarding ceremony in Butuan City, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region has recognized the city because of its outstanding achievement in the 2017 Local Government Unit (LGU) Scorecard Assessment and for the continued contribution to better health outcomes of the city.

Also, they were recognized because of having responsive health systems, equitable health care financing and for the overall efforts of the city for the attainment of Formula One Plus goal as implemented and monitored by the DOH.

City Administrator Rene Retiquiz received the LGU Scorecard, check worth Php75,000 and the LGU Scorecard Result during the awarding ceremony.

Retiquiz is thankful to the DOH for the awards they received and for the support extended to the LGU. Retequiz also recognized the efforts of the city health workers.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of our health workers, the men and women of our City Health Office, headed by our City Health Officer Dr. Jose Zaldy Secote, who work more than enough just to respond the needs of our constituents,” Retiquiz said.

"This only shows that we are doing something right from the previous up to this present administration," he added.

Retiquiz has also recognized the significant support of their partner-stakeholders, the provincial government thru the Provincial Health Office and the DOH for the technical inputs and even financial support extended to the city to advance and foster quality health services to the constituents.

“The city shall continue to consider health services as our top priority. We are a strong advocate that a healthy community is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development,” Retiquiz said.

Cabadbaran City’s ultimate vision is to have an advanced, well-staffed and seamless health system that will focus on prevention, and make healthcare accessible to all, he added.

The second Best Performing City award was received by Tandag City in Surigao del Sur; the third place was received by Surigao City in Surigao del Norte; while the fourth, fifth and sixth place awards were received by Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur and Butuan City, respectively. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PNP Caraga’s outreach program reaches far-flung community

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 30 - Several free services from the government have reached the far-flung area of Brgy. Taod-oy, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte though the community outreach program of Police Regional Office 13 Tuesday.

Free medical and dental checkup, circumcision, haircut, medicines, food packs, feeding, school supplies and slippers, eyeglasses, and tooth extraction were availed by the local populace.

Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz, Regional Director of Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, personally led the activity which was also attended by Senior Supt. Ramir Perlito Perlas, Provincial Director of Agusan del Norte Provincial Police Office, teachers and barangay officials of Taod-oy.

Outstanding performances from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion’s Tagahadlang Band and the ‘Laro ng Lahi’ had entertained the children, parents, and even senior citizens.

“The government is always working for you and wants to see our people live in an environment conducive for peace and development.

These basic services are intended for you from your police force,” RD Cruz highlighted. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)

2 NPA terrorists killed in Surigao del Norte clash

By 1Lt. Ken Enciso

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jan. 30 (PIA) - Two Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army terrorists (CNTs) were found dead in an encounter with the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in the outskirts of Sitio Little Baguio, Brgy. Payapag, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on January 25, 2019.

The troops of 30IB conducted security operations in response to a report from a concerned citizen on the presence of NPAs in the said sitio. As they arrived in the area, they encountered an estimated 30 fully armed terrorists of Guerilla Front 16 (GF16) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) led by Alias JD/Bern.

The firefight lasted for one and a half hours. After which, the CNTs scampered in different directions and resulted to zero casualty on the government side while a female and a male CNTs in their 20s were found dead in the encounter site. More of them are believed to be wounded in the clash as stains of blood were visible in the withdrawal route.

The cadavers were brought at the Bacuag Funeral Homes and were properly turned over to barangay officials and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel for proper disposition and identification.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the dead NPA terrorists. It is tragic that up to this moment, there are still people who are blinded by the failed ideologies of these terrorists. We have coordinated with the local government unit and our PNP counterparts to help us find their families and ensure that proper burial will be given,” said Lieutenant Colonel Allen Raymund Tomas, commanding officer of 30IB.

Moreover, the army troops also overran the CNTs’ lair that can accommodate 50 persons and recovered one AK47 rifle, one M16 rifle, one landmine with 100 meters electrical wire, three magazines of M16, 10 magazines of AK47, assorted medicines, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 402nd Brigade, said the locals' timely information regarding the presence of CNTs in the area had helped the government troops in preempting possible NPA atrocities in connection with the celebration of the 50th NPA founding anniversary in March 2019.

“This is a great sign that the people are no longer allowing these terrorists to stay in there peaceful community. Rest assured that the Philippine Army will continue to take aggressive actions in order to stop the NPAs from committing crimes against the people,” said Gacal.

Major General Ronald Villanueva, 4th Infantry Division commander, also said the units under the 4ID have never stopped going after the NPA terrorists in their area of responsibility.

“We have not declared any suspension of operations even during the last holiday season and we are determined to end the deception and terrorism brought by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – NPA – National Democratic Front (NDF) or CNN in the communities,” he said.

On the other hand, members of the terrorist group who came to the realization that they are just being exploited are given the opportunity to go back to the folds of the law and return to the mainstream society. They can avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) being offered by the government," Villanueva added. (30IB, Phil. Army/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DA turns over P21-M FMR in Trento, AgSur

By Fretcher Magatao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 30 (PIA) - The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) has recently turned-over the completed construction of 2.7-kilometer Sitio Gasa to Algon Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) amounting to Php21.1 million to the farmers and residents of the municipality of Trento, this province.

The concrete road does not only support the rubber and palm oil industries in the municipality but also boost the production of other high-value crops like mangosteen, banana, and cacao in the area.

“No more hassle. The farm-to-market road has changed our farming attitudes and encourage us to produce more,” said Razel Altieza, a banana farmer in Barangay Algon.

Altieza said that the common commodities in the area before were just rice and corn when the road was narrow and muddy every time it rains.

“Farmers before were tired of expanding because of the hassle and big cost in transporting their produce. Now, people can see various commodities in our area. Farmers are inspired to expand and produce more because they can now save a big amount in transporting their commodities to the market,” Altieza said.

DA Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo recognized the good attitude and hard work of the farmers in utilizing their farm areas.

“I believe the farmers here are industrious in utilizing their areas. Various crops are everywhere. This FMR will surely bring better production in this part of Trento,” Monteagudo said.

Barangay Chairperson Doreen Peñaloga recalled that most farmers were hopeless for the realization of the concrete road since there were farm owners before who were not willing to donate a part of their land for the road right of way.

“It was really a struggle on our part as barangay officials to encourage some of the landowners to donate a part of their area for the road, but with the help of the residents and PRDP’s processes in dealing with concerns like this, the problem was eventually solved,” said Peñaloga.

The concrete road connects from Barangay Poblacion to Sitio Gaza and has paved the way for the opening of the road to Barangay Tudela. “This road really helps a lot not just to the farmers, but also for the easy transportation of the neighboring barangays in going in and out of this area,” Peñaloga added.

DA-PRDP partners with the local government units and the private sector to provide key infrastructures and facilities to raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness of the farmers and farmers’ associations in targeted areas. (RPCO-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Dinagat Islands idineklarang drug-free ng PDEA-Caraga

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte, Enero 30 (PIA) - Matapos maisagawa ang mahigpit na assessment at validation ng mga miyembro ng Provincial Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program sa mga kinakailangang dokumento na isinumite ng iba’t ibang barangay, idineklara ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency o PDEA - Caraga ang Dinagat Islands bilang kauna-unahang drug-free na probinsya sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Ayon kay PDEA-Caraga regional director Aileen Lovitos, ito’y kinabibilangan ng isang daang barangay kung saan pumasa ang mga ito sa naitakdang parameters para maideklara ang isang lugar na drug-free.

Paglilinaw ni Lovitos, ilan sa pamantayan para maging drug-free ang isang komunidad ay kung wala itong supply ng iligal na droga, walang tulak o gumagamit ng droga, at walang lihim na laboratoryo o marijuana plantation site.

Dapat din anya na mayroon ng aktibong anti-drug campaign programs ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, community-based rehabilitation o treatment center, education awareness program at pagkakaroon ng lokal na ordinansa laban sa iligal na droga.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na sa pagdedeklara ng mga drug-cleared na lugar ay hihinto na rin tayo sa ating kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, kundi magpapatuloy tayo sa pagmomonitor sa mga ito, dahil kapag may aktibidad na naman hinggil sa iligal na droga ay muling mapapabilang na naman ito sa listahan ng mga barangay na apekdo,” sabi ni Lovitos.

Nauna na ring naideklara ang munisipyo ng Tubod sa Surigao del Norte bilang drug-cleared na munisipyo habang nakatakda naman ang seremonyal na deklarasyon ng Surigao del Sur bilang pangalawang drug-free na probinsya sa Caraga.

Sa katatapos lang na Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs Coordinating Group Meeting, ibinalita din ni Lovitos na nangunguna sa buong Pilipinas ang PDEA-Caraga sa tulong ng mga partner stakeholder sa pagpapatupad ng barangay drug clearing program o BDCP kung saan may humigit anim na raang barangay na ang naideklarang drug-cleared.

Sinabi pa ni Lovitos na patuloy ang kanilang monitoring at validation sa mga personalidad na napabilang sa watchlist at kung makumpirmang may kinalaman sila sa operasyon ng iligal na droga ay isasagawa ang anti-illegal drug operation para mahuli ang mga ito at mahinto ang masamang gawain.

Sa ngayon ay mas pinalawak pa ng pdea-caraga ang kanilang manpower resource at hinikayat ang sinumang kwalipikado na mag-apply dahil ongoing ang kanilang recruitment ng drug enforcement officers. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)