Friday, September 6, 2019

AgNor town to implement striker measures to fight dengue

By Justine Lumonsod

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 6 - The local government unit of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte will implement striker measures to fight dengue virus due to the rising incidence of dengue cases in the said municipality.

In order to control the transmittal of dengue virus effectively and efficiently, the said municipality adopted a mechanism such as mandatory removal of vectors breeding, conduct of information drive campaign and creation of Anti Dengue Task Force which is tasked to monitor the incidence of dengue cases in 19 barangays and submit monthly report.

The said measures will be implemented under the Municipal Ordinance No. 005-2019, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Raul A. Olario.

Under the said ordinance, all owners, managers, and caretakers of households, schools, vacant lots, abandoned houses, tire trading/merchandiser are mandated to get rid of vectors breeding ground, particularly stagnant water to avoid mosquito larvae.

Any person who violates the provisions of the ordinance will be penalized.

The ordinance was approved through Sanggunian Resolution No. 018-2019 thru the efforts of Honorable Elizabeth Marie R. Calo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Army intensifies security awareness in Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 6 -- The 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army recently conducted a Security Awareness Symposium to the Civic Welfare Training Services (CWTS), Literacy Training Services (LTS) and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) held at the SSCT Main Campus, this city.

The one-day activity is in partnership with the SSCT and 1503rd (Surigao del Norte) Community Defense Center, 15th (Caraga) Regional Community Defense Center Group (15RCDG), Army Reserve Command.

This was conducted to the incoming freshmen students during the National Service Training Program (NSTP) General Orientation and Registration, as part of the school's curriculum.

Civil-Military Operations Acting Officer 1Lt. Wilfredo F. Quilang of 30IB enlightened the students regarding the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) infiltration in the schools.

He emphasized the CNTs deceptive tactics and how they use deceit and lies to organize the folks in the barrios and the students in school campuses.

He also said that one of the duties of the Philippine Army is to educate and inform the young people regarding the nature of the CNTs and their deceptive and manipulative recruitment strategy.

“The youth is among the target sectors for radicalization to pursue the CNTs' agenda. We must protect them from being used by the terrorists, please bear in mind that the CNTs do not believe that there is an Almighty God that's why they are not afraid of their evil acts. Love of God must be our priority so that we will not be swayed by their deceptions and lies, “ Lt. Quilang said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Villarosa, commanding officer of 30IB said that "the youth is the hope of the nation, and in partnership with key stakeholders, we must help enlighten the minds of the young people so that they will not be easily swayed by the sweet promises of the terrorist groups."

Lt. Col. Villarosa added that the national security awareness campaign of the Philippine Army is part of the symposium where participants will be informed and be made aware of the local terrorists groups that exist in the country. (30IB-Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Mikabat sa 2K kahoy nga Agoho ang natanom sa Loreto

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- Ang buhatan sa  Department of Environment and Natural Resources sa pakigtambayayong sa Provincial Environment and Natural Office (PENRO Dinagat Islands nagpahigayon og tree planting activity nga gitawag “Verde Dinagat” niadtong Septyembre 2, 2019 didto sa kilid sa kadalanan sa Barangay Carmen, lungsod sa Loreto hangtod sa Barangay Mabini, lungsod sa Tubajon, ning probisnya.

Tumong ug tinguha sa maong kalihukan nga matagamtaman sa matag Dinagatnon ang ka presko ug kalimpyo sa hangin matag adlaw.

Ang nasagpit nga kalihukan gipahigayon usab atol sa pag-abli sa Araw ng Loreto diin gitambungan kini sa lokal nga mga opisyales sa lungsod nga gipangunahan ni Mayor Doandre Bill A. Ladaga ug Sangguniang Bayan Member, kauban ang pipila ka mga lumulupyo sa Loreto,Vice Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Provincial Board Member Ali P. Adlawan (District I), ug Philippine Councilors League President Provincial Board Member Absalon Colandog.

Sumala pa sa PENRO mikabat sa 2000 ka mga agoho nga kahoy ang natanom sa mga katawhan atol sa maong kalihukan. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat

All set for Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2019

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 6 (PIA) - Now on its 35th year, the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival with the theme, "Sadjaw Pagdayeg sa Dios nan Surigao," will take center stage here on Monday, September 9. 2019.

This year’s Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Festival Day will start with the thanksgiving mass, 5:30 a.m. at the Surigao City Cathedral Church followed by the street dancing from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and dance showdown from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Provincial Sports Complex.

As announced by the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw committee, the search for Rayna Nan Bonok-Bonok 2019 and Musical Showdown will be held on September 8, 2019 form 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the NEMCO Quadrangle.

A total of eight contingents will be competing for this year’s Bonok-Bonok based category, namely: Taft National High School; Hingas San Juan Performing Arts of Barangay San Juan; Capalayan National High School, Barangay Capalayan; Barangay Mabua; Barangay Anomar Folkloric Ensemble; Surigao City National High School Special Program for the Arts; Sumayajaw Nan Canlanipa Central Elementary School in cooperation with Barangay Council; and Lipata Elementary School.

For the Bonok-Bonok festival of festivals, a total of five contingents will be competing namely: Banza National High School of Banza, Butuan City; Barangay Mananum of Daan Medina, Misamis Oriental; Mat-i National High School in cooperation with Mat-i Barangay Council; Siargao Island; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

The competition is part of the city's annual fiesta celebration on September 10 in honor of patron Saint Nicolas de Tolentino, sponsored by the city government, Surigao del Norte provincial government and the Surigao City Tourism and Cultural Development Council, Inc.

Other lined up calendar of activities for the month-long celebration include 1st Bonok-Bonok Mindanao-wide Hip-Hop Competition and Bonok-Bonok Theatre Festival on September 10 (7:00 p.m. at the Provincial Gymnasium); Submission of Photo Contest on September 12-17 at the City Tourism Office; 10th Kalagan Caraga Culinary Show on September 24-25 at the SSCT Surigao; and the Awarding of Photo Contest 2019 on September 27 at the Luneta Kiosk, Surigao City. (Susil D. Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DENR-13 launches 'Task Force Siargao'

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 6 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga has launched recently the Task Force Siargao in the municipality of General Luna, Siargao Island.

The Task Force Siargao was created as per DENR Regional Special Order No. 0132, series of 2019 that primarily aims to conduct monitoring and assessment as to compliance to environmental laws, rules, and regulations by the local commercial and other establishments in the island.

DENR Caraga regional director Felix S. Alicer, on his update during the meeting of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) held here on August 27, 2019,  said that since 2018 they already prepared an action plan for the rehabilitation of the Siargao Island ecotourism areas and the task force has already inspected a total of 1,298 establishments located in eleven barangays of General Luna town and about 671 of those inspected facilities are tourism-related establishments.

He said the task force surveyed and recorded a total of 400 accommodation establishments without environmental compliance certificate (ECC); 90 establishments with generator sets; 82 establishments without permit to operate; 780 establishments without water permit; and 361 establishments violated easement rule.

According to Alicer, the function hall of Cabuntog Resort which is managed by the local government of General Luna was voluntarily demolished as it violates easement zone.

He said since the creation of the task force, the SIPLAS PAMB has passed a resolution authorizing the regional executive director of DENR Caraga to issue cease and desist order to the municipalities operating open-dump sites operation.

Alicer added that the launching was highlighted with the ribbon cutting and formal opening of Residual Containment Area (RCA) in barangay Malinao, General Luna spearheaded by DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu together with DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, Congressman Francisco Jose F. Matugas II, Governor Francisco T. Matugas, and Mayor Cecilia Rusillon. (Susil D. Ragas/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Grupo nang isang datu sumuko upang harapin ang kanilang kaso

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BAYAN NG TAGO, Surigao del Sur, Setyembre 5 (PIA) -- Matagumpay ang ginawang boluntaryong pagsuko dala ang mga armas ng armadong grupo na pinamumunuan ni Jasmen Acevedo alyas “Datu Jasmen” kasama ang siyam na kasamahan  nito na ipinipresenta sa mga media nuong Lunes, Setyembre 2, 2019 sa 36th Infantry Battalion Headquarters, Barangay Dayo-an, Tago. 

Ito ay matapos ang ilang serye ng diayalogo sa pamamagitan ng mapayapang negosasyon na ginawa ng mga kinauukulan.  

Ang grupo ni Datu Jasmen ay mga lumad na residente ng Barangay Umalag na sakop ng bayan ng San Miguel.  

Ayun sa militar, ang mga ito ay dating mga kaanib ng NPA na nagbalik loob na sa gobyerno.  

Isinuko ng nasabing grupo ang mga sumunod: isang M16 rifle, isang Carbine rifle, tatlong homemade shotguns at dalawang .45 na calibre ng baril. 

Ayon kay Datu Jasmen, kaya sila ay gumamit ng armas ay dahil na rin  sa banta ng mg NPA na nais kamkamin ang lupain ng kanilang mga ninuno. 

Sinabi ni Datu Jasmen na sila ay mga “Bagani” ng kanilang tribong Manobo sa kanilang lugar, na kumakampi sa ating gobyerno.

Para na rin sa kanilang seguridad, ang grupo nila ay dinala sa headquarters ng 36IB, sa bayan ng San Miguel kasama ng mga lokal na opisyal, mga pulis, sundalo at IP leaders na tumutulong sa negosasyon. 

Dito na rin pormal na inihain ang warrant of arrest sa nasabing grupo na binasa at ipinaliwanag sa kanila ni Police Lt. Colonel Allan Macapagal, ang Deputy Provincial Director for Operation (DPDO) ng Police Provincial Office (PPO) ng Surigao del Sur. 

Ang mga sumuko ay nahaharap sa kasong “three counts of robbery with homicide” base sa pinalabas na warrant of arrest noong December 5, 2012  ni Presiding Judge Rufo Naragas. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Nasipit mariculture park pagatukoron

By Shiene V. Deligero

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte, Setyembre 5 -- Gitakdang pagatukoron na ang Mariculture Park sa lungsod sa Nasipit sa may Barangay Ata-atahon ug Cubi-Cubi human gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Sanggunian Resolution No.041-2019, nga nagdeklarang balido ang Municipal Ordinance No. 004-2019 nga nag-establisar niini.

Ang mariculture park nga pagatukoron sa Brgy. Ata-atahon ug Cubi-Cubi adunay sukod nga 234 hectares diin kini usa sa mga programa ug proyekto nga gitutokan karon sa LGU sa Nasipit alang sa pagtan-aw sa kita ug kapasidad sa pagmugna og alternatibong panginabuhian para sa mga mangingisda.

Tumong niini nga makunhuran ang kalisod sa panginabuhian, paghatag og igong oportunidad nga trabaho ug pagtanyag sa kinaiyahan alang sa padayon nga paglambo sa maong lungsod.

Ang lakang mao ang pagtukod og floating fish cage aron madugangan pa ang produksyon sa isda ug kini makahatag dugang kita sa LGU pinaagi sa pag invest sa mga local investors ug stakeholders.

Ubos sa maong ordinansa mao ang mga deklarasyon sa palisiya para mahibaluan ang mga bahin ug ang kadaghanon sa fish cages nga pagatukoron sa usa ka investor o operator, mga probisyon, paggamit ug pagdumala sa mga pagpangisda, apil usab niini ang mga regulasyon, prebilihiyo ug mga limitasyon sa mga mangingisda.

Ang ordinansa sa munisipyo nagtumong nga mapalambo, mapanalipdan ug madumalahan ang paggamit sa mga coastal areas sa lungsod nga nahisubay sa RA 8550, An Act Providing for the Development, Management and Conservation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aron mahimong mabungahon ang pagpanginabuhi sa baybayon ug makab-ot ang malungtaron nga pag-uswag sa lugar. Kini usab nag tumong nga mapataas pa ang kahimtang sa pagpanginabuhi sa mga mangingisda.

Nagmugna usab og Nasipit Mariculture Executive Management Cuncil kun NMEMC ang maong lungsod alang sa episyente nga pagpatuman ug pagdumala sa proyekto sa mariculture park. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Pag-ayo sa provincial road sa Nasipit aprobado na

By Prisilina P. Amoroso

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte, Setyembre 5 -- Naaprobahan bag-ohay pa lamang sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang kinatibuk-ang sumada sa proyekto alang sa pagpalapad ug pag-ayo sa duha ka probinsyal road sa lungsod sa Nasipit, ning lalawigan, nga nagkantidad sa P53,999,800.51, human gitagaan og otoridad si Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera aron sa pagpirma og usa ka kontrata sa kasabutan sa ngalan sa Agusan del Norte.

Tungod sa kamahinungdanon niini, gi-aprobahan ang pag-implementar sa duha ka proyektong Upgrading/ Improvement of Amontay – Sta-Ana Provincial Road (Phase II) sa kantidad nga P21,438,890.25 ug ang Upgrading/ Improvement NRJ- Kinabjangan Dampias Provincial Road sa kantidad nga P32,560,910.26 sa nasangpit nga lungsod.

Kani nga Contract of Agreement pagapirmahan ni Gobernor Dale B. Corvera ug sa duha ka contractors, ang OLIN Development Engineering and Construction ug ang ADSE Enterprises, aron sa saktong pag-implementar sa maong proyekto.

Kasabutan kini nga nalangkob sa termino ug kondisyon ingon man ang mga responsibilidad tali sa probinsya ug mga contractors nga maoy mo-implementar sa nasangpit nga proyekto.

Gihatagan og dakong pagtagad ang proyekto sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa probinsya, alang sa episyente, epektibo ug ekonomikanhong pagdumala, ang katuyoan alang sa kinatibuk-ang kaayohan sa lalawigan ug mga lumulopyo niini.

Ang maong otoridad gi-aprobahan, sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona, pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 038 ug 039-2019. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgNor mopirma sa kontrata nga adunay seguridad sa visa security services

By Jessica O. Mellejor

BUTUAN CITY, Setyembre 5 -- Gihatagan og awtoridad sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan si Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera, alang sa pagpirma og kontrata tali sa Visa Security Services nga maoy mohatag sa mga serbisyong pangseguridad sa probinsiya.

Sa pagtuon nga gihimo sa Committee on Human Resource Development, Labor and Employment, nasayran nga ang Contract of Service (COS) nga gisudlan sa lalawigan ug ang Visa Security Service usa ka pagbag-o sa mga serbisyo sa seguridad sa giingon nga ahensya sa gobyerno sa lalawigan. Ang kontrata naglangkob sa mga termino ug kundisyon, ingon man ang responsibilidad sa duha nga partido alang sa epektibo nga pagpatuman sa paghatag sa mga security personnel sa mga opisina sa lalawigan.

Ubos sa kasabutan, apil sa mga responsibilidad sa ahensiya ang maghatag og unom ka dugang nga mga guwardya para sa seguridad nga magtrabaho otso ka oras matag adlaw, lakip ang Sabado, Domingo ug Holidays, aron mahatagan og seguridad ug mahuptan ang kalinaw ug kahapsay sa mga natad sa sulod sa Kapitolyo, labi na sa mga empleyado ug mga kabtangan niini.

Ang nahisgutan nga ahensya lisensyado nga maghatag serbisyong proteksyon sa bisan unsang mga kompanya ug mga opisina sama sa mga opisina sa probinsya ug hingpit nga kwalipikado ug adunay mga kapabilidad ug kasinatian aron mahatag ang mga serbisyo sa lalawigan.

Ang pag-apruba sa nasangpit nga awtoridad nahimo pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. R-047-2019, nga gipangamahanan ni Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

DSWD recognizes community volunteers in Caraga region

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized the community volunteers for their constant support to the programs and projects under the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Caraga region.

This was in time with the conduct of the 3rd National Community Volunteers’ Congress and 5th National Bayani Ka! Awards held in Butuan City.

Led by DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, awardees received a plaque and were encouraged to continue their humanitarian and voluntary works in the communities.

Bautista emphasized the relevance of helping people and its impact to the communities, as well as the role of the social workers and community volunteers as they serve as silent heroes for their effort to help uplift the lives of the Filipino people.

Bautista also acknowledged the active participation of the officials from the local government units.

“We believe that the projects that have been established in the different communities address the needs, issues, and concerns of the populace. With this, we thanked the local government units for continuously embracing the processes and principles of KALAHI-CIDSS to ensure the provision of relevant programs and projects to the Filipino people,” said Bautista.

There were eight awardees from Caraga region. These are: 1) Barug Kababaihan Sa San Roque Association in Trento, Agusan del Sur (gender and development category); 2) Bayogo Tribal Community in Madrid, Surigao del Sur (IPs welfare category); 3) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Zillovia in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (promotion of just peace category); 4) Bayogo Tribal Community in Madrid, Surigao del Sur (youth category); 5) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Bayugan 3 in Rosario, Agusan del Sur (person with disability welfare category); 6) Barangay Local Government Unit of San Ignacio in Trento, Agusan del Sur (improved local governance category); 7) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Antao, Carmen, Surigao del Sur (environment protection category); and 8) Las Nieves Poblacion Rural Water Works and Sanitation Association (LAPRUWASA) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte (sustained community volunteers group category).

Meanwhile, beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude for having availed of the different projects from the KALAHI-CIDSS.

Joan Montañez, president of Barug Kababaihan of Trento, Agusan del Sur highlighted how the women sector has become empowered through the programs of the government and how their livelihood has increased and helped their families. “Our organization will expand and will help more women in our community,” she said.

“Our life has significant changes and we hope that the government will continue to provide us more developmental projects,” said Delfina Angeles – Grol, IP welfare from Madrid, Surigao del Sur. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga hinimok ang mga Caraganon na labanan ang paglaganap ng TB

By Nora L. Molde

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Setyembre 4 (PIA) -- Nananawagan ang Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region sa publiko na tumulong sa paglaban sa sakit na Tuberculosis o TB.

Bagamat libre ang gamutan nito, batay sa rekord ng DOH, 60 Pilipino ang namamatay araw-araw dahil dito.

Ayon kay Arlene Serrano, TB program coordinator ng DOH Caraga, dapat ay  magpakonsulta ang mga taong mayroong ubo ng halos dalawang linggo  upang masuri ng maigi at mabigyan ng gamot kung sila ay magpopositibo sa TB.

Sa layuning masugpo ang TB sa rehiyon, hinikayat din ni Romelyn Torralba,  DOH Caraga  health information officer ang mga Caraganons na tumulong sa kampanya ukol rito.

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong 88 DOTS facilities o directly observed treatment – short course at 124 na laboratories sa Caraga region upang  mabigyan ng gamot ang mga pasyenteng may TB,  drug susceptible man ito o drug resistant TB patient. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

100 IPs in Caraga receive PhilHealth cards

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- The indigenous peoples (IPs) have been known for their great contribution in maintaining peace and order in their respective communities, hence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga recognized their effort and has partnered with the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation for the distribution of PhilHealth cards to be used by the IPs in their medical needs.

This was in time with the 118th Police Service Anniversary celebration of PNP Caraga held in Butuan City.

Led by PNP Caraga regional director Police Brigadier General Gilberto Cruz, together with Herzon Zenon Leonardo Malate, the acting regional vice president of PhilHealth Caraga, and Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa, deputy chief PNP for operations, some 100 PhilHealth cards were distributed and received by the respective tribal leaders from the different provinces of the region.

Each of the tribal leaders received the PhilHealth cards intended for their respective tribal members.

In his message, Cruz highlighted the significant role of the IPs in nation-building. He stressed that specific programs intended for the IP sector should be enhanced and sustained.

Meanwhile, Gamboa thanked all IPs in Caraga region for their active support, cooperation and participation in the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to stop the insurgency in the country. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Agusan, MisOr tribal leaders unite to end insurgency

By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Sept. 3 -- A total of 55 tribal leaders of Higaonon, Banwaon and Manobo from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental spoke out their stand to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) on August 24, 2019 at the headquarters of 23rd Infantry Battalion, Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The activity was conducted to define the roles of tribal leaders in relation to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) institutionalizing the 'whole-of-nation' approach to end local communist armed conflict.

The whole-of-nation approach requires the participation of not only the different agencies of the government but the different sectors of the community in addressing the very long existing insurgency caused by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army (CPP-NPA) which hinders development, particularly in the countryside.

Hence, the different tribal leaders expressed their desire to fight the CPP-NPA to finally end insurgency and other armed struggles.

Present during the meeting were Agusan del Norte 2nd district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, NCIP Caraga regional director Ferdaussi Cerna, and provincial indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) of Agusan del Norte Datu Bawang Eddie Ampiyawan. 

Ampiyawan extended his gratitude to the local government unit of Agusan del Norte and the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) for helping the indigenous peoples (IPs)/lumads and for hearing their grievances against the CPP-NPA terrorists who continuously sow terror in their communities.

“I encourage all tribal leaders to support the government to end insurgency. Let us be one in fighting the CPP-NPA for us to have a peaceful community. We will not allow them to deceive and manipulate anymore our families and become victims again of their evil interest,” Ampiyawan said.

Moreover, Matba expressed her appreciation for holding the activity as a support to the efforts of the government in implementing EO 70 particularly in the province of Agusan del Norte.

“I know that there are many IPs who were deceived and recruited by the NPA rebels. I can’t take it if lumads will fight against each other. Let us work hand-in-hand, converge our efforts to end insurgency,” Matba said.

Likewise, Cerna said that the best contribution that tribal leaders can extend to end insurgency in Caraga is to inform the people that there is only one government. “We shall support only the duly constituted government. Let us not be deceived by the CPP-NPA because they destroy the lives of our people. They had caused disintegration among the indigenous peoples,” he said.

Further, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Molina, Jr., commanding officer of 23IB expressed his appreciation to the tribal leaders for their passion in helping the government in ending local communist armed conflict. “Insurgency is not only the concern of the AFP and PNP, but it is the concern of every Filipino. With your cooperation and support, we can achieve peace and development in our communities,” said Molina. (23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Disgruntled rebels surrender in Surigao Sur

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 3 (PIA) -- The loss of the will to fight in the futile struggle of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists or CNTs is the reason to the surrender of two regular NPA members of the Guerilla Front Committee 30 (GFC 30), CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on August 22 in Barangay Bolhoon, interior town of San Miguel of this province.

They surrendered to the troops of the 7th Special Forces (Spartans) Company under the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion (3SFBn) of the Philippine Army.

The surrenderers were identified as Ka Queen, 28 years old and a regular NPA; and Ka Arnel, 42 years old, a designated supply officer of GF 30, NEMRC, both residents of Barangay, Kabangahan of the said town. They brought with them one Armscor shotgun and one caliber 38 pistol with defaced serial numbers along with two shotgun ammunition.

With the President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) enjoining all Filipinos to take part in the 'whole-of-nation' approach to end insurgency, the local government units (LGUs), concerned government agencies and even local residents became more active in propagating the President’s message to topple the CNTs.

The 3rd Special Forces Battalion, in coordination with the LGUs, is poised to further intensify their campaign towards the realization of ending local communist armed conflict in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

Currently, CSP teams are already immersed in the identified priority areas for peace and development of the said provinces.

“Knowing that the fight to end insurgency is the responsibility of all Filipinos, it feels great to see all units of the government and the residents work hand-in-hand with us (military) to achieve a common goal towards lasting peace in our area of operations. We know that our tactical footprints and presence degraded the CNTs’ mass base and its support structures that is why some of their elements are returning into the folds of the law. So, we encourage all other CNT members that our door is always open if they want to surrender. It is better to live peacefully with your families than being fooled for a useless cause,” said Lieutenant Colonel Joey B Baybayan, commanding officer of the 3SF Battalion.

The surrenderers will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a complete assistance package under the government’s program for former rebels and will undergo series of consultations and counseling as part of their transition process in the mainstream society. (3SF Battalion-CMO/PIA Surigao del Sur)

WCO 2019 HOTS grateful to TESDA

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 3 -- Hired on the Spot (HOTS) during the conduct of World Café of Opportunities (WCO) here are grateful to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

John Paul B. Bernasor, 18 from Brgy. Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte said he is happy because he did not expect that he will be hired on the spot by Fit Cars Service Center of this city as a mason.

When asked what might be the reason why he was immediately hired, he said “I was hired by the company because I believe that the employers who were here knew that I really know the work and I am capable of the skills that they are looking for.”

Bernasor is a graduate of Alternative Learning System (ALS) and also finished Carpentry NC II from the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) in Matabao, Agusan del Norte, whose mother is working abroad.

“My new job now can really help my family in the financial aspect and this is also a way for me to pay my mother in return who is working abroad to earn a living,” Bernasor said.

Bernasor likewise said he is very much thankful to TESDA for the knowledge and skills that they have imparted to him. “Because of my trainers, I was able to have an opportunity to help my family and prove to myself that I can do it and be an asset to my community,” he said.

Also, Michael V. Pande of Brgy. 1, Purok 6, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte is a 23-year-old ALS Graduate and holder of Carpentry NC II.

He said because of the encouragement of one of the faculty members of NMSF, he came here today not expecting that he will be able to find a job as he was one of those who were hired on the spot also by Fit Cars Service Center as Mason.

“Aside from the fact that I already have a lot of experience in the construction field, I feel that the knowledge and skills that I have obtained from my trainings in TESDA are a big factor why I was hired on the spot,” he said when asked why the company hired him.

Pande said his new employment now is a big help to his family especially that they are in financial crisis right now.

“I am thankful to TESDA especially the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) through Mr. Romel M. Natad, Vocational School Administrator II because though I am an ALS graduate, they gave me a warm welcome and offered an opportunity that can transform not only mine but more importantly, my family… To TESDA, thank you very much,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lance Oliver P. Ortuyo, 21 of Batitang Subdivision, Cabadbaran City 21 is a two-year Air Craft Maintenance Technician graduate of Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology, (AISAT) Davao City. He is also a holder of Cookery NC II at PTC-Agusan del Norte.

Ortuyo said he learned this activity from one of his friends who is also his classmate during their Cookery Class in PTC-Agusan del Norte. “I went here hoping for an opportunity… and I really got it because I was hired on the Spot by New Rosario’s Foods Corporation, Butuan City,” he added.

Unlike the other applicants, Ortuyo said he has high hopes of being hired on the spot. “I expected to be hired as Food and Beverage Associate because I am equipped with knowledge and skills that I have obtained from my training in PTC-Agusan del Norte and with this, I am confident of coming here,” he added.

Because of his new employment, he pointed out that this can help his family specifically in financial needs.

“The 17-kilometer distance from Cabadbaran City to Butuan City is not a hindrance to my new work… What is important is to have self-determination and to believe that I can survive in all the challenges that may come to my life,” he added.

“I am very much grateful for the opportunity that TESDA has given me that will change my life and transform my well-being as a skilled worker,” Ortuyo said.

TESDA Memorandum No. 14, series of 2018 directed all TESDA Regional and Provincial Offices to conduct Sectoral WCO through Job Linkaging and Networking (JoLINS), a strategy to increase impact and build the image of TESDA as a caring institution. (TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

NCIP Caraga, IP community, nanawagan sa publiko na huwag magpalinlang sa NPA

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Setyembre 3 (PIA) -- Sa patuloy na kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa terorismo, nagkaisa ang mga kawani ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), kasama ang indigenous peoples (IP) community sa Caraga, na palalawakin sa publiko ang mga panlilinlang ng mga grupong tulad ng New People’s Army (NPA).

Ayon kay Bae Magdalina Gano, IP Truth Ambassador mula Surigao del Sur, nais nilang malaman ng publiko ang katotohanan sa kapahamakang dulot ng teroristang grupo sa mga komunidad lalo na sa mga kabataan.

Masakit mang balikan ang alaala ni Bae Magdalina sa kanyang pamilyang inabuso ng NPA, nanindigan siya na kailangan nilang ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan at hindi magpapaloko o magpapalinlang.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi siya natatakot sa kung ano man ang kahihinatnan ng kanilang pakikipaglaban sa mga NPA dahil sinasabi lang nila ang buong katotohanan sa mga karumal-dumal na gawain nito.

Binigyang-diin din ni NCIP Caraga Regional Director Ferdausi Cerna na nakikiisa sila sa IP community at ipinaglalaban din ng ahensiya ang karapatang pantao at dignidad ng mga IPs, at proteksyon nito mula sa makakaliwang grupo.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, aktibo rin sila sa pakikipagtulungan kasama ang iba pang ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa implementasyon ng Executive Order No. 70 o ang whole of nation approach sa pagkamit ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa bansa. 

Mas paiigtingin din nila ang magandang relasyon ng IP community at ng gobyerno. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD kinilala ang mga community volunteers sa Caraga region

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Setyembre 3 (PIA) -- Kinilala ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang community volunteers sa kanilang pagbibigay suporta sa mga programa at proyekto sa ilalim ng Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Isinagawa ito sa pagdiriwang ng 3rd National Community Volunteers’ Congress at 5th National Bayani Ka! Awards sa lungsod ng Butuan.

Sa pangunguna ni DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, tumanggap ng plake ang awardees at hinimok ang mga ito na magpatuloy sa kanilang boluntaryong pagtulong sa mga komunidad.

Binigyang-diin din ni Bautista ang kahalagahan ng pagtulong sa kapwa at ang pagiging bayani ng mga social workers at community volunteers para makatulong sa mga Pilipino.

Pinasalamatan din niya ang lahat ng aktibong opisyal ng mga lokal na pamahalaan.

“Kami ay panatag na ang mga proyektong naisagawa ninyo sa komunidad ay tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng karamihan dahil naniniwala kami sa inyong pagpapasya, at pinagdaanang proseso sa pagsasakatuparan nito. Bukod sa mga proyekto, kami ay nagpapasalamat din sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at community based group sa inyong pagyakap sa mga proseso at prinsipyo ng KALAHI-CIDSS para masiguro ang patuloy na pagdinig sa boses ng bawat mamamayan,” sabi ni Bautista.

May walong awardees ang Caraga, at ito ay ang: 1) Barug Kababaihan sa San Roque Association in Trento, Agusan del Sur (gender and development category); 2) Bayogo Tribal Community sa Madrid, Surigao del Sur (IPs welfare category); 3) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Zillovia sa Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (promotion of just peace category); 4) Bayogo Tribal Community sa Madrid, Surigao del Sur (youth category); 5) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Bayugan 3 sa Rosario, Agusan del Sur (person with disability welfare category); 6) Barangay local government unit ng San Ignacio sa Trento, Agusan del Sur (improved local governance category); 7) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee ng Antao, Carmen, Surigao del Sur (environment protection category); at 8) Las Nieves Poblacion Rural Water Works and Sanitation Association (LAPRUWASA) sa Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte (sustained community volunteers group category).

Samantala, nagpasalamat din ang mga benepisyaryong nabiyayaan ng ilang proyekto sa KALAHI-CIDSS.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa KALAHI-CIDSS dahil sa mga programang ibinigay nila, naging mas abala kami sa pagpapalago ng aming organisasyon at sa maidudulot din na tulong nito sa aming komunidad,” sabi ni Joan Montañez, presidente ng Barug Kababaihan sa Trento, Agusan del Sur. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)