Thursday, March 28, 2019

TESDA Caraga launches onsite skills training, assessment under 'Build, Build, Build' program

By Chiselo Joiada R. Bernaldez

BUTUAN CITY, March 28 – Responding to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to implement the “Build, Build, Build” program and under the mandate of TESDA Director General, Secretary Isidro S. La Peña, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Caraga launches the Onsite Skills Training and Assessment spearheaded by the TESDA Agusan del Norte Provincial Office in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways – Caraga and Local Contractors Association in Caraga.

A total of 371 Candidates for Assessment will undergo training under the various qualifications under the Construction Sector.

The training for those who will undergo assessment will be held in the industry sites so as not to disrupt their work schedule.

The qualifications that TESDA-Caraga will focus on the following qualifications with the number of participants for each qualification identified: HEO (Backhoe Operator) – 48 participants, Rigid Highway Dump Truck–45, Bulldozer Operator – 14,Driving NC III (Articulated) – 33, Wheel loader /Pay loader – 5, Grader Operator – 6, Crane Operator – 20, Welder – 50, Carpenter – 80, Mason with 70 participants.

This is a five-day skills upgrading to be conducted by the trainers of TESDA Caraga in the different venues in Butuan City, and then Assessment for each qualification will follow.

The participating contractors are Adfil Construction, NNAHARO Builders, CZARLES Construction, Fountain Head Construction among the many others that TESDA and DPWH will tap for this program.

In today’s launching attended

by various officials of TESDA and DPWH, TESDA Caraga Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. was overjoyed as this was the largest gathering of the construction sector in Caraga in time for the silver year of TESDA as an agency.

Sunico was delighted that quite a number of TESDA programs will be put to good use in this convergence, making it more significant as this is being led by the private-sector.

Sunico emphasized that in the continuous journey towards quality-assurance, there must be safety, security, high-standard and excellent workmanship and in order for workers to be declared as quality workers, they must be assessed and certified. (TESDA-Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Mahigit 60 miyembro ng CPP-NPA boluntaryong sumuko sa Surigao del Sur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 28 (PIA) - Sumuko ang 64 na mga miyembro ng Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) at mga tagasuporta nito mula sa Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur sa 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.

Ito ay sa harap ng puspusang kampanya ng pamahalaan kontra terorismo at pagtulong sa surrenderers. 

Ayon kay Thelma Salazar, kagawad ng Barangay Mampi at isa sa mga surenderees, dati na siyang tagasuporta ng teroristang NPA sa kanilang lugar at nagsilbing kalihim ng makakaliwang grupo.

Paliwanag ni Salazar na wala siyang intensyon na lumaban sa gobyerno at pumatay ng mga inosenteng tao. Dahil sa kalayuan ng kanilang barangay at kakulangan ng sapat at tamang impormasyon ay madali silang nakumbinse ng NPA na sumanib sa kanilang grupo. 

Laking pasasalamat din niya sa inisyatibo ng pamahalaan na silay masagip mula sa masasamang gawain ng NPA at mabigyan sila ng panibagong buhay.

May panawagan din sya sa iba pa nilang kasamahan na nasa bundok kasama ang NPA kabilang na ang kanyang anak na si Ivy at asawa nitong si Paquito Delicona. “Nananawagan ako na sana magkasama na tayong pamilya. Sana umuwi na kayo at magbalik loob sa gobyerno. Sana makonsensya kayo dahil kung nag-seserbisyo kayo sa taong bayan, mas lalong kailangan kayo ng inyong mga anak,” sabi niya.

Kasabay ng kanilang pagsuko ay nagkaisa rin sila kasama ng mga residente sa pagdeklara ng persona non-grata sa CPP-NPA-NDF sa kanilang lugar, sa tulong na rin ng barangay officials at tribal leaders sa pagbuo ng resolusyon ukol dito.

Napag-alaman na sa nakalipas na taon, may mga engkwentro na rin ang naitala sa pagitan ng militar at teroristang grupong NPA sa lugar.

Ang Barangay Mampi ay kauna-unahan din sa bayan ng Lanuza, Surigao del Sur na buo ang loob sa pagdeklara ng persona non-grata sa CPP-NPA-NDF.

Ipinahayag naman ni Lieutenant Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, commanding officer ng 36IB, Philippine Army na suportado nila ang inisyatibong ito ng Barangay Mampi.

Ito daw ay isang indikasyon na humihina na ang pwersa ng NPA at wala na silang kontrol sa mga residente na namulat na sa katotohanang walang maidudulot na maganda sa kanilang buhay ang pagsanib sa NPA. (NGB/JPG, PIA-Caraga)

DILG Caraga joins celebration of World Water Day 2019

BUTUAN CITY, March 28 - A total of 300 seedlings of Mangrove Tree were planted on March 22, 2019 in Brgy. Lumbocan, this city, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga joined in the celebration of World Water Day 2019.

As pronounced by the United Nations, the World Water Day is an annual celebration that commemorates the vitality of water to human life and strengthens the advocacy for the sustainable management and conservation of water. This year’s advocates shared the local theme, “Hawak Kamay, Tubig Kaagapay.”

 Some 150 individuals composed of DILG Caraga Regional Office and DILG Butuan City personnel, members of the RHub composed of Bayugan Water District and Propegemus Foundation, Inc. personnel, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Nasipit personnel, Barangay Lumbocan officials, students of Lumbocan National High School, and residents of the area participated in the Mangrove Tree Planting activity.

The participants gathered at 6:00 a.m. at the grounds of Lumbocan right before riding a Bangka or boat to get to the islet across the mainland where the seedlings would be planted.

In his talk, Winston Salvador, Deputy Director for Operations of Propegemus Foundation, Inc., a member of the RHub enjoined the participants, especially the students, to relentlessly advocate for the conservation of water given the current overpopulation and climate change the world is in dilemma with.

Other government offices and Civil Society Organizations also showed their support to this initiative, namely, Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, CENRO Butuan City, CENRO Nasipit, DILG Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, and the Barangay Council of Lumbocan who gave their wholehearted support to the conduct of the activity from start to end. (DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Adopt-an-estero program reaps support from Caraga stakeholders

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) - Caraga led the signing of memorandum of agreement for new partners of adopt-an-estero or water body program, one of the flagship programs of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which aims to promote collaborative efforts among stakeholders in the care of ‘esteros’ and waterways.

Six new donor-partners committed to adopt and sustain environmental improvement of a particular portion of the Ambangan creek.

These include the EMB-Caraga Credit Corporation, Philippine National Police Regional Office 13, Father Saturnino Urios University, Libertad National High School and barangays Ambago and Libertad in Butuan City.

According to Engr. Renato Tacubao, environmental monitoring enforcement division chief of EMB-Caraga, the parties agree to develop a comprehensive program intended to reduce pollution and to improve the present condition such as information and education campaign; community mobilization; solid waste management training; and greening activities.

“As a proactive action, we do this activity to prevent the worst case scenario from happening. So, part of the plan is to plant appropriate ornamental plants along the banks of Ambangan Creek aside from dredging and prohibiting the illegal dump
ing of waste,” said Tacubao.

Meanwhile, DENR-Caraga regional director atty. Felix Alicer also encouraged the barangay officials to keep their materials recycling facility operational.

“This is the very same area that we cleaned up before, but we still obviously see a heap of garbage being thrown into this creek. This clean-up activity is not a solution to the problem, however, we want to show to the residents how important it is for them to perform the good practice of solid waste management,” said Alicer.

After the commitment signing, the donor-partners and volunteers proceeded to the site for the clean-up activity.

For a boy scout and a grade eight student of the Libertad National High School, Jay Angao expressed how eager he was to join the activity as a way of contribution to his community.

“I believe that with a clean creek and environment, we can do away with health hazards and illnesses,” said Angao.

Fidel Samson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Caraga, along with his teammates, also participated as part of their advocacy. Samson cited the harmful effects of throwing garbage anywhere such as flooding during heavy downpour of rains where waterways are blocked resulting in water stagnation. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga farmers vow to increase palm oil production

By Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY, March 27 (PIA) – Following the high market demand of palm oil, the farmers in the Caraga region  vowed to increase their production.

During the 11th National Palm Oil Congress  here, participants heard straight from the invited guest speakers who are experts in the field their best practices, as well as tips on how the sector could improve their plantation.

Coming from the five provinces of the region, farmers also expressed their positive outlook on the efforts of the government during the conduct of the said congress.

Narciso Samblasinio, chairperson of JCA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur is one of those who thanked the government for continuously addressing the needs of the sector to develop more their livelihood and gain higher income.

“In behalf of the coop, we are very thankful to DTI, DA, and DAR for giving us a chance to participate or to have this plantation because they are always very helpful to the farmers like us,” said Samblasinio.

However, despite farmers’ determination to expand their palm oil plantation in order to address its high market demand, they also urged the government to address their other concerns.

Rafael Rabaya, vice president of Oil Palm Growers Association (OPGAS) in Surigao del Sur is also delighted on the government’s initiative to provide them free seedlings.

Meanwhile, according to Erwin Garcia, chairperson of the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc. (PPDCI), the government is eyeing additional hectares of land for the palm oil trees plantation in Mindanao. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Agrarian Farmers beef up financial literacy training

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, March 27 -- At least 131 small-scale farm holders comprised of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and non-ARBs attended a series of workshops on Basic Financial Literacy to provide the needed financial management skills held recently here.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega said the training is significantly beneficial to the clustered farmers, who are currently engaged in clustering approach to agro-enterprise development under the Linking Small Farm-Holder to Market (LinkSFarM) project through learning-by-doing collective marketing.

The training was participated in by at least 23 clusters comprised of 10 to 15 members who are committed to establish a market-linked agro-enterprise within Butuan City.

LinksFarM Prov  We tapped NGOs who can technically provide them the skills,” Balibay added.
incial coordinator Juanita Balibay of DAR Agusan del Norte said the clustered-farmers lacked the necessary technical skills in strengthening their financial system. “They need interventions that will capacitate them in managing financial resources.

Jonathan Tagalo, an NGO-tapped speaker, said the participants were taught financial statement analysis, credit, savings, and systematic planning for production and marketing.

Juan Pudalan, one of the participants, said “Kini nga training naghatag kanamo ug dugang kahibalo sa pagpadagan sa among grupo (This training gives us more knowledge to guide our group).”

The activity is part of DAR’s capability enhancements on financial literacy for the farmers. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Over 1,600 PNP personnel get promotion

BUTUAN CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- A total of 1,610 police personnel in Caraga were promoted to the next higher rank.

The simultaneous mass oath-taking and donning of rank insignia was held at the headquarters of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Monday morning, March 25.

Some 1,524 police non-commissioned officers and 22 commissioned officers took their oath under the regular promotion program while 64 cops were promoted to police inspectors via the PNP Lateral Entry Program for Line Officers.

Police Senior Supt. Jimili Macaraeg, deputy regional dir
ector for operations, represented the Regional Director and spearheaded the ceremony which was attended by the families, friends, and relatives of the promotees.

Promoted were
two new Police Superintendents; three Police Chief Inspectors; five Police Senior Inspectors; 76 Police Inspectors (regular promotion program and lateral entry); 10 SPO4; 102 SPO3; 38 SPO2; 129 SPO1; 693 PO3; and 552 PO2.

As the third man in the PRO13 hierarchy, Macaraeg urged the newly promoted uniformed personnel to remain steadfast in the conduct of focused police operations on the ground and to prove that they are worthy of their new ranks.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO13 director stressed out that under his watch, all police officers are going to keep that level of service going and try to find ways to improve on it.

“I always expect our uniformed men and women to serve with integrity and to uphold the rule of law. I have great confidence in the experience and abilities that each of you possesses,” Cruz added. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

Mga magsasaka sa Caraga region nagkaisa na palalaguin ang produksyon ng Palm Oil sa rehiyon

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Marso 27 (PIA) - Mahigit 400 partisipante mula sa ibat-ibang sektor kabilang na ang mga grupo ng magsasaka sa Caraga region ang nakibahagi sa 11th National Palm Oil Congress dito sa lungsod. Dito ay nalaman nila mismo sa mga eksperto kung papaano mas mapapalago pa ang industriya ng palm oil sa Mindanao.

Mula sa limang probinsya ng rehiyon, nagpahayag ng positibong pananaw ang mga magsasakang kalahok sa nasabing pagtitipon.

Isa na rito si Narciso Samblasinio, chairperson ng JCA Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative sa Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur na nagpasasalamat sa pagtugon ng gobyerno sa pangangailangan ng kanilang sektor para mas mapabuti ang kanilang pamumuhay at mapalago ang kanilang mga pananim na palm oil trees.

“Malaking tulong ang naibigay sa aming koop ang DAR, DA, at DTI partikular na sa plantasyon ng palm oil sa aming lugar,” sabi ni Samblasinio.

Bagamat pursigido ang kanilang kooperatiba sa pagpapalawak ng kanilang pananim nang matugunan din ang mataas na demand ng palm oil sa pamilihan, pakiusap din niya sa pamahalaan na mabigyang-tugon ang farm-to-market road na kailangan sa kanilang lugar.

Laking pasasalamat naman ni Rafael Rabaya, vice president ng Oil Palm Growers Association (OPGAS) sa Surigao del Sur sa naibigay na libreng seedlings ng gobyerno.

Samantala, ayon kay Erwin Garcia, chairperson ng Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc., layon ng pamahalaan na madagdagan din ang ektarya ng lupain na pagtataniman ng palm oil trees sa Mindanao.

Binigyang-linaw din ng nasabing opisyal na ang pagpapalago ng palm oil industry ay hindi makakapagdulot ng pagbagsak ng demand sa ibang klase ng vegetable oil tulad ng coconut oil dahil masagana naman aniya ang produksyon nito sa bansa. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

58 Rs avail skills training in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur, March 26 (PIA) – In time with the Women's Day celebration, 58 former rebels (FRs) from the municipality of San Miguel and Lanuza avail the skills training and livelihood program from the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) held recently in Barangay Tina, San Miguel.

The said FRs were also beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) last October 2018.

During the launching activity, TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva said the activity is the continuation of their reintegration program assistance, emphasizing the prioritization of the FRs to avail the livelihood program and skills training.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Governor Manuel Alameda said that the provincial government has always been a partner of the Philippine Army in the fight against insurgency.

“With this program, we have manifested a convergence effort from the national down to the local government units. The government is serious in its efforts in ending the insurgency,” he said.

Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Commanding Officer of the 36th Infantry Battalion, noted that the government gives an opportunity to uplift the lives of the FRs.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have extended their commitment of support to the FRs. They have committed to support in terms of putting up a business and avail of the agencies' facilities and equipment. (Report from 36IB/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Monday, March 25, 2019

Stakeholders commit to improve Butuan creek

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, March 25 (PIA) – In celebration of the World Water Day (WWD), employees from different government and private sectors and volunteers have participated this year’s celebration through a clean-up drive and beautification of the Ambangan Creek at Barangay Libertad, here facilitated by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga region.

Prior to the clean-up activity, the EMB Caraga with DENR Caraga led the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of the Multi-Stakeholders Adoption of Ambangan Creek held at FSUU Morelos Campus gym.

In addition to the existing partnership of EMB Caraga with Equiparco under the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program (AEWBP), five stakeholders , namely Phil. National Police- Regional Police Office, Father Saturnino Urios University, Libertad National High School, Brgy. Libertad and Brgy. Ambago, committed to improve the situation of Ambangan Creek.

According to Engr. Renato C. Tacubao, chief of the Environmental Monitoring Enforcement Division of EMB Caraga, 51 water bodies (73 kms.) all over the region are being adopted for the clean-up and improvement activity. The stakeholders are committed to maintain the cleanliness and improvement of the water bodies.

The five stakeholders will not only clean the creek but monitor the activities, maintain its cleanliness and improve the present situation, said Tacubao.

The WWD is an environmental event done every year to educate the public about the importance of water with this year’s national theme, “Hawak-Kamay, Tubig-Kaagapay” with a hashtag #SATUBIGWALANGIWANAN and #WORLDWATERDAYPH2019. It reminds the people to work hand in hand especially in promoting the sustainable management of the water resources. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

58 FRs avail skills training in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur, March 26 (PIA) – In time with the Women's Day celebration, 58 former rebels (FRs) from the municipality of San Miguel and Lanuza avail the skills training and livelihood program from the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) held recently in Barangay Tina, San Miguel.

The said FRs were also beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) last October 2018.

During the launching activity, TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva said the activity is the continuation of their reintegration program assistance, emphasizing the prioritization of the FRs to avail the livelihood program and skills training.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Governor Manuel Alameda said that the provincial government has always been a partner of the Philippine Army in the fight against insurgency.

“With this program, we have manifested a convergence effort from the national down to the local government units. The government is serious in its efforts in ending the insurgency,” he said.

Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Commanding Officer of the 36th Infantry Battalion, noted that the government gives an opportunity to uplift the lives of the FRs.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have extended their commitment of support to the FRs. They have committed to support in terms of putting up a business and avail of the agencies' facilities and equipment. (Report from 36IB/PIA Surigao del Sur)

DepEd holds SHS ExSPO in Tandag

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, March 25 (PIA) – The Department of Education, Surigao del Sur Division held its 1st Senior High School ExSPO - "Exhibit of Students’ Performance and Outputs" held at the Prospero B. Pichay Sr. Gymnasium Surigao del Sur State University-Main Campus on Friday, March 21, 2019 with the theme of "Surigao del Sur Senior High School at its best in paving way for college, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities."

All 88 DepEd Schools and 14 Non-DepEd Schools under the said division that offered two tracks in Senior High School – the Academic and the Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) participated in, according to Edna Trinidad, Education Program Supervisor (EPS)/Division Senior High School Coordinator.

In the Academic track, each learner has the solid plan to proceed to college depending on the strand: Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand; Humanities and Social Sciences Strand (HUMSS); Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strand; and General Academic Strand.

While for TVL, Trinidad said this track is divided into four strands that would cater to those who want to work immediately after Senior High School: Home Economics Strand; Information and Communication Technology Strand; Agri-Fisheries Strand; and Industrial Arts Strand.

During the event, the performance and outputs of the Senior High School Students were also showcased in the exhibit.

Senior High Students of the Technical Vocational Livelihood (TVL) track under the Home Economics Strand showcase their talents.

“We are so very happy, so excited, and so overwhelmed of the performance of the Senior High School students,” said Schools Division Superintendent Marilou Dedumo, in her message.

The Senior High School candidates for graduation for academic year 2018-2019 is the second batch of the K-12 program after its implementation in 2016. (PIA- Surigao del Sur)

BFAR-Caraga urges fisherfolks to strengthen fishery council

By Salve M. Dinolan

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, March 25 - Concerned about the progress of the agriculture and fisheries in every community, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Caraga promotes the strengthening of Agriculture and Fisheries Council in various municipalities and provinces in the region.

Anna Melissa Talavera, officer-in-charge of Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RFTFCD), encouraged the fisherfolk representatives and directors to take initiatives, pursue more accomplishments,  and to activate all Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) units.

This, she relayed, during the election of Caraga regional fisherfolk director (RFD) facilitated by BFAR-Caraga held March 11, 2019 at the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Surigao City, wherein Robustiano S. Patayon, Jr. of Loreto, province of Dinagat Islands accepted his responsibilities as the new RFD in Caraga.

Patayon, the current Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) chairman in Loreto and a former security guard, expressed his gratitude for being chosen as the RFD. He likewise asked for the support and cooperation of his fellows in the formulation of plans and future activities that they have to undertake.

Also, Ruben Timogan from Nasipit, Agusan del Norte will represent Caraga region in the election for national fisherfolk director (NFD) for the year 2019, which will happen on March 21 in Tagaytay City.

Timogan is the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) chairman of Nasipit, a deputy fish warden and an entrepreneur.

Renito Mindaña was also elected as the regional fisherfolk representative (RFR), while Perfecto Lisondra as RFR Alternate.

The RFR will represent in behalf of the fisherfolks in the region, and act as a spokesperson during consultations with government agencies and other meetings. (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)