Wednesday, October 9, 2019

PNP Caraga personnel learn LGBTQI's SOGIE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the different police provincial offices of Caraga region learned about the Sexual Orientation And Gender Equality And Expression (SOGIE) during an orientation-seminar conducted by the Ladlad Caraga Incorporated - a non-government organization composed of the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer and  intersex (LGBTQI) community.

The participating PNP personnel were briefed on how to become more gender-sensitive as law enforcers, especially in handling cases with the concerned LGBTQI.

“We fully understand that aside from men and women, we, as law enforcers should also protect the rights of the LGBTQI community, and making sure that we do not violate their rights,” said Police Master Sergeant Estaniel Galve, police community relation - PNCO, Rosario Municipal Police Station, Agusan del Sur.

“As law enforcers, we practice gender sensitivity and promote equality and we do not discriminate the LGBTQI. We should also be careful in our decisions such as when handling cases involving the LGBTQI,” said Police Staff Sergeant Helen Jane Cabalo, assistant women and children protection desk/ asst. human rights desk - PNCO, Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station, Siargao Islands.

According to Ysang Bacasmas, chairperson of Ladlad Caraga, it is important for the LGBTQI community that the public including the law enforcers understand better their situation.

Thru the help of the experts on gender and development from various government agencies, the laws that protect and uphold the rights of the said sector were also discussed.

With the recent issue on the SOGIE bill, Bacasmas clarified that they do not insist passage of same-sex marriage while they campaign only for gender sensitivity and equality.

Bacasmas added that their organization has also scheduled next month another orientation-seminar on SOGIE with the media practitioners in the region. This is to provide them with an in-depth understanding about SOGIE, which they could also disseminate in their respective programs and publications.

“We want to enhance network with the media and we believe they could help prevent the spread of fake news about the LGBTQI community,” said Bacasmas.

Meanwhile, the Ladlad Caraga also continues to advocate for the anti-discrimination ordinance particularly in the schools of Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

CSP Teams deployed in AgSur

By 1Lt. Roel Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 9 -- The local government unit (LGU) of Sibagat, together with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga conducted the send-off ceremony for the Community Support Program-Community Action (CSP-ComAct) Teams held on October 8, 2019 at the headquarters, Charlie Company, 23IB, Brgy. Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The deployment of the CSP teams is in line with the Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which aims to conduct development support operations; sustain peace efforts; ensure security; and help maintain public order to foster the foundation for economic and human development.

The activity symbolizes that the LGU, PNP, AFP and other stakeholders are one in achieving conflict-resilient, as well as disaster-resilient communities.

Mayor Ma. Liza L. Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was the honored guest speaker of said ceremony.

“It is our pleasure to fully support the program. You have been doing CSP, and the people with the local government have also been doing their best in bringing the government closer to the people. The lady mayor bared that she is thankful for this program and hopefully, this will kick-off a big difference. "I am a believer of Executive Order No. 70 and I believe that in everything we do in the government, it has to be a whole-of-nation approach. There is always this convergence of efforts; it is not always in the local government or from the people, but with all the partner agencies as well," she said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB, highlighted that “The CSP operation is one of our means to help our local government units in addressing the peace and security concerns of the communities and to deliver basic government services especially in the far-flung and conflict-affected areas. It also aims to bring our government closer to the people by delivering quality services down to the grassroots.”

This event also formed part of the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. (CMO, 23IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

IPs join LGU, AFP for peace covenant in AgSur

By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 9 -- The members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from three tribal groups in the municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur unite as they joined the local government unit of Esperanza and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through 401st Infantry Brigade and 26th Infantry Battalion during the recently held tribal forum.

The said activity was one of the major highlights of the 2nd Nalandang Festival and 66th Founding Anniversary celebration of Esperanza with the theme “Pagpukaw sa Kulturuhanong Kabilin alang sa Pangkatibuk-ang Kaugmaran.” The celebration showcased the cultural practices of the three major tribes, namely, Higaonon, Manobo and Banwaon, as well as promote the potential tourism sites, native products, local talents, beauty, and good local governance.

Municipal Mayor Leonida Manpatilan, assisted by the Municipal Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Victor Manpatilan led the event. Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander and Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commanding officer of 26th Infantry Battalion also attended the celebration, together with the supreme tribal leaders along with 168 members and representatives from the three tribal groups.

One of the major agenda discussed was the planned declaration of persona non-grata against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the municipality of Esperanza. “The IPs in Esperanza had already recognized the mayhem and disruption brought about by these leftist radicals. As the chief local executive of this municipality, it is my sworn duty to take necessary actions in support of the national mandate to end local communist armed conflict,” said Manpatilan.

With the intensified implementation of Executive Order No.70 which is the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, every local government unit is given responsibility to contribute to this national mandate. “It is overwhelming to witness that our IP brothers and sisters from different tribal groups, unite to support their LGU and the AFP to end the five decades of armed conflict in order to achieve long-lasting peace and development,” Lt. Col. Jimenea said as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees.

Likewise, Col. Hambala lauded all the IPs for the decision and action they had done. “We have to work hand in hand to resolve the root cause of armed conflict in order to achieve lasting peace. These terrorist NPAs only bring violence and disorder to our communities. We are one with you in your call for justice to all the chaos done by these terrorists. They do not deserve a place in our community,” he said.

“Despite our differences in religious affiliation, traditions, and cultures, we should all be united to contribute to the success of EO No. 70 in eradicating the terrorist NPAs,” Hambala ended. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DA Caraga honors organic agriculture prime movers

By Rhea Abao

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga annually recognized the efforts of individual farmers, organizations, and local government units' exemplary contributions to the implementation of organic agriculture.

In the recently conducted 5th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress last September 5-6 in Butuan City, outstanding organic implementers were given recognition through the 2019 Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards (ROAAA).

The ROAAA winners were named by categories, such as the outstanding municipal/city local government units, organic agriculture (OA) focal persons, agricultural extension worker, small individual farmer, and organic farming family.

The city government of Bislig won and received a plaque of recognition and ₱300,000 proposal-based agricultural projects. Bislig through the leadership of former Mayor Librado Navarro is steadfast in pursuing the program which is now being sustained by the present administration. The LGU of Bislig is also being shortlisted to the National OA Search on the said category with ongoing deliberation at the national level.

One of the major accomplishments is the implementation of the program to the grassroots level specifically in its vision to become the Model City for OA in the country by 2020.

Edgar Opalia from Alegria, Surigao del Norte was also recognized as Organic Agriculture Focal Person while Jenebelle B. Sasi of Trento, Agusan del Sur as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker. Outstanding Organic Farming Family was given to Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Estrella of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

In the same occasion, Analyn P. Dulpina from Burgos, Surigao del Norte was named as ROAAA Outstanding Small Individual Farmer and at the same time the 2019 Outstanding Rural Woman in the region.

The Outstanding Rural Woman Award is in recognition of the vital role and valuable contribution of rural women in ensuring food security and economic stability in rural areas. They recognize individuals received a plaque of recognition and cash awards. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga RDRRMC tiniyak ang kahandaan sa human-induced hazard

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 9 (PIA) -- Isang komprehensibong plano na magsisilbing pamantayan sa mga nararapat na hakbang at pagpapatupad ng polisiya hinggil sa human-induced displacement ang binalangkas ng mga miyembro ng response cluster at regional disaster risk reduction and management council sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Layon ng regional contingency plan for human-induced displacement workshop na i-review, i-update at isama sa nasabing dokumento ang interoperability ng naitatag na response system gaya ng cluster approach, emergency operations center at incident command system.

Binigyag-diin ni Office of Civil Defense Caraga regional director Liza Mazo ang kahalagahan ng pagsunod sa protocol sa pagresponde at pagtugon sa krisis hindi lamang tuwing may natural na kalamidad kundi pati na rin sa armed conflict.

“Nasimulan natin itong contingency plan for conflict-induced displacement noong taong 2016 dahil kinakailangan nating magkaroon ng contingency plan sa bawat hazard at mahalaga ang paggawa ng protocol sa pagresponde,” sabi ni Mazo.

Tinilakay din ni Arthur Casiño, resource person ng nasabing three-day workshop, ang conflict-sensitivity approach at ‘Do No Harm’ (DNH) principle.

“Natutuwa akong malaman na pinapraktis ng mga responsableng mga responder at organisasyon dito sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang Do No Harm principle,” sabi ni Casiño.

Kailangang daw sundin at iaplay ang DNH at conflict-sensitivity framework. Dapat din daw maintindihan kung paano harapin ang conflict at kung paano gawin ang mga hakbang sa mas mabisang paraan habang pinagtutulungan na makontrol ang negatibong epekto nito.

Para kay Captain Aldim Viernes na kasali sa nasabing workhop, mahalaga rin daw ang pagkakaroon ng konkretong plano upang makagawa ng mga angkop na aksyon para matulungan ang mga mamamayang maaring maapektuhan ng human-induced hazard.

Dagdag pa ni Direktor Mazo na kaakibat din ang pagbuo ng mga istratehiya upang lalong mapatibay at mapalakas ang kakayahan ng lahat na harapin at solusyunan ang human-induced disaster. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DOTr, LTFRB puspusan sa paghahanda sa implementasyon ng PUVMP; iilang units ng e-jeep dumating na sa Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 9 (PIA) - Puspusan na ang paghahanda ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) at Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) sa implementasyon ng Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Sa katunayan, may ilang units ng electronic at solar modernized PUVs ang dumating sa Butuan City at magsisimula nang bumiyahe sa mga nakatalagang rota sa lungsod, maging sa ibang probinsya ngayong buwan ng Oktubre.

Sa isinagawang PUV Caravan sa lungsod ng Butuan na dinaluhan ng transport cooperatives sa Caraga, nakasama ng operators at drivers ang manufacturers mula sa ibat-ibang kompanya kung saan mas nabigyang-linaw ang concerns sa pag-operate sa modernized PUVs.

Dumalo rin ang mga kinatawan ng LandBank at Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) upang mas maintindihan ng transport sector kung papaano makakuha ng financial assistance.

Ibinahagi ni Jose Evagelous Lawenko, chairperson ng Diamond Transport Service Cooperative (DATSCO) na sa tulong ng LTFRB, naging mabilis din ang kanilang pagproseso ng loan sa bangko. pinaliwanag din niya ang magandang benepisyo sa PUVMP.

“Sa ibang hindi kasali sa coop, ang iniisip nila na mahal nga ang unit. Paano ba daw ang pagbayad o downpayment. Wala namang down yan, hindi naman sila magbibigay ng down payment. Tapos hindi naman sila magbabayad kahit piso, dahil base na rin sa automatic per collection system, automatic din yung amortization doon sa bank kaya wala silang babayaran. So ganyan kaganda ang modernization, kasi hindi sila magbabayad pero kasama sila sa sharing ng kita,” paliwanag ni Lawenko.

Nagpahayag din ng reaksyon ang ilang mga drivers. “Dapat sana hindi ito madaliin dahil mawawalan ng trabaho ang mga drivers. Kung matuloy na ito, kailangang mabigyan din ng trabaho ang mga drivers para may pangsuporta rin sila sa kani-kanilang pamilya,” pahayag ni Nicasio Sabellano.

“Okay lang naman ang modernization, wala namang problema doon kasi tama din naman 'yun. Ang hindi ko lang nagustuhan yung kailangang maging miyembro ng kooperatiba ang lahat. Dagdag perwesyo na aksi yun,” sabi ni Celedonio Goyocan, isa ring driver.

Ayon naman kay OIC-regional director Maria Kristina Cassion ng LTFRB-Caraga, ang PUVMP ang pinakamalaking non-infrastructure flagship program ng administrasyong Duterte. Napapanahon na rin na maranasan ng publiko ang mas komportable at ligtas na biyahe. Suportado naman ito ng mga transport cooperatives sa rehiyon.

Pagtitiyak naman ng opisyal na sa taong 2020, wala nang matitirang lumang pampublikong sasakyan.

“Matapos ang taong 2020, wala na talaga sila. Kasi sa July 1, 2020, wala nang lumang na mga public utility vehicles ang papayagan. Alam naman nila kung gaano tayo kahigpit. Kahit nuon pa, ilan na yong nahuhuli namin. Kaya alam din nila na magkakahulihan na sa July 1, 2020,” sabi ni Cassion. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Agusanon youths participate in 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019

By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 8 – The youths from different barangays of this city have actively participated in the 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) spearheaded by the Bayugan City Local Government Unit, in partnership with the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion held on September 24-26, 2019 at the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium, this city.

Ryan Enriquez, Chairman and chief executive officer of the National Youth Commission (NYC) was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening. Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis, who was also a product of YLS and became the president and chairman of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) also delivered his message.

YLS emphasizes positive activism through values-based interactive discussions on the role of youth in nation-building, the youth of today, prejudice and biases, strengthening the youth spirit, the role of youth in ending local communist armed conflict in the city.

Further, a series of team building activities and workshops to craft their YLS Action Plan will be conducted.

After the activity, the 90 YLS graduates composed of Sangguniang Kabataan members, out-of-school youth and Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth were integrated to the Propelling Our Inherited Nation through our Youth, Incorporated (POINTY Inc.), who will also be the core group to lead the succeeding youth leadership summits in Bayugan City.

LTC Joey Baybayan, commander of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, expressed his gratitude to the partner units and government agencies; the 8th Special Forces (Dragoons) Company, 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade, the POINTY Inc. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bayugan City Police Station, and the LGU of Bayugan City for this effort to save the youth and transform them as ambassadors of peace to end local communist armed conflict in the city.

“The YLS is a mechanism and movement of peace-oriented advocates to protect our youth against Communist NPA Terrorists and its allied militant groups’ recruitment which violates the Republic Act on Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act and other Human Rights laws by recruiting minors and the youth in their armed and political struggle to overthrow the government,” said Baybayan.

Said event which was anchored on the theme: “Bridging Attainable Objectives in Gearing the Youth and Government in Adhering to Nation’s Effort in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict,” is in support to the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Narekober na IEDs galing sa NPA sa Caraga region, pinasabog ng Philippine Army

By Nora L. Molde

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oktubre 8 (PIA) -- Mahigit 600 improvised explosive devices o IEDs na narekober ng militar at pulisya sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang pinasabog ng 23rd Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Kabilang sa mga pinasabog ay ang 105 IEDs, 10 claymore mines at 526  na nitro 1500 TNT na nakuha mula sa mga rebel-infested areas ng probinsya ng Surigao del Sur.

Ayon kay Ltc Joey Baybayan, commanding officer ng 3rd Special Forces Battalion, kinakailangan na pasabugin  ang mga ito dahil delikado kung itatago ng matagal lalo na’t posible itong sumabog sa oras na maexpose sa init o mga kemikal.

Hinikayat din ni Ltc Francisco Molina, Jr., commanding officer ng 23IB, Philippine Army ang publiko na kung may makakitang mga pampasabog o mga kahinahinalang mga bagay sa kanilang lugar ay agad na ireport sa pinakamalapit na istasyon ng Philippine Army o pulisya para sa karampatang aksyon. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Monday, October 7, 2019

Senior citizens join different competitions in Butuan City

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 7 (PIA) - In celebration of this year’s Elderly Filipino Week, the senior citizens from the different barangays of this city showcased their talents in ballroom dance, song duet and harana (serenade) during a local contest spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).

Ramon Ubac, president of senior citizens in Barangay Maguinda Chapter, was one of the participants who took the challenge and manifested that age is really just a number. He gracefully danced along with others during the elimination round for the ballroom dance contest.

At age 72, he said he is happy to explore more his passion and engage himself on activities that interest him a lot like dancing, as he is still blessed to have a sound mind and health that enables him to participate in the yearly activity for the said celebration.

He also stressed the importance of practicing a healthy lifestyle and daily exercise in order to enjoy a longer and better life.

“Eating nutritious food and daily exercise would really help us get stronger and enables us to do whatever we want. So, I call on other senior citizens to do the same so that you could also participate in the activities like dancing and singing,” said Ubac.

Guests also witnessed the acting talent of Necerita Celocia, 69 years old, as she was serenaded during the harana contest.  Her groupmates showed versatility in melding song and acting ability, delving deeply into the past through the harana.

Celocia said, she gets excited knowing that various activities are lined-up for the annual celebration, where she could join and enjoy, regardless of her age.

“Let’s take part in the different activities that promote the welfare of the senior citizens. It would also help us live longer,” said Celocia.

She also encouraged other senior citizens to have a positive outlook in life despite the challenges they experience.

According to Josefina Tan, focal person for the elderly of Butuan CSWD, they are continuously stepping up its advocacy and programs for the sector and providing them any help they need.

She further stressed the importance of constant communication among family members and show love and care to the parents. This would help enhance family ties and serve as an inspiration to others.

“Our elderly men and women need our love and care. We should also continue to show them respect and make them feel that we are here for them,” Tan said.

The grand finalists for ballroom dance, duet, and harana will once again perform on October 18 during the culmination activity and winners will be given prizes by the CSWD and other concerned government agencies.

The Elderly Filipino Week is observed every first week of October pursuant to Proclamation No. 470 to promote the well-being of the elderly Filipinos. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

AgSur’s drug rehab center now open

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- After more than a year from its groundbreaking and construction, the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Health (DOH) situated in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur has finally received the certificate of completion on August 23, 2019.

With this development, the DOH, together with the provincial government of Agusan del Sur and other concerned government agencies has geared up its preparation for the start of operation of the rehab center.

During its official launching, doctors, medical specialists, nurses and other health workers expressed their eagerness to help rehabilitate the illegal drug victims.

According to Dr. Melhammid Tomawis, chief of hospital II said, the P370-million center will cater to at least 100 male and 50 female patients severely addicted to drugs. He stressed that this is the biggest in Caraga and the first in Mindanao that accepts female patients. And before the end of this year, they target to serve some 100 patients.

This brings hope to the locals as they would no longer go to other regions for treatment.

“This would help the locals especially those affected by illegal drugs to be rehabilitated and they need not go in Davao or Tagum because we have it here in San Francisco,” said Gebert Son, a resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

“We’re happy to know that the government is really serious in addressing the illegal drug menace,” said Richel Robles, resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Agnes Cullantes, drug abuse prevention and treatment coordinator of DOH-Center for Health Development (CHD) Caraga, bared that they continuously conduct their advocacy in the different barangays to prevent locals from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane called on the public to unite and support the government in its fight against illegal drugs. It is also his strong directive to the law enforcers to run after those who are involved in the illegal drug trade. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Mga senior citizens sa Butuan City, nagpakitang-gilas sa kanilang talento

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 7 (PIA) - Sa selebrasyon nh National Elderly Filipino Week ngayong unang linggo ng Oktubre, nagpakitang gilas sa ibat-ibang kompetisyon ang senior citizens sa lungsod, kabilang na dito ang ballroom dance, duet at harana contests.

Isa si Ramon Ubac, presidente ng senior citizens chapter sa Barangay Maguinda, sa tumanggap sa hamon at pinakita ang galing sa pagsasayaw sa isinagawang final elimination round sa ballroom dance contest.

Masaya siya dahil sa edad niyang 72, malakas pa ang kanyang pangangatawan at aktibo pang  nakakalahok sa taunang selebrasyon.

Dagdag pa niya, mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng healthy lifestyle at daily exercise para mas humaba ang buhay.

“Dapat maging malusog lalo na sa edad namin. Kaya payo ko sa iba na maging aktibo sa paglahok ng mga aktibidad sa komunidad, kumain nang masustansiyang pagkain at sana kayo na naman ang sasabak sa kompetisyon sa susunod na taon,” pahayag ni Ubac.

Hindi rin nagpahuli si Necerita Celocia, 69 na taong gulang sa kanyang hilig at galing sa pag-arte. Sa harana contest na sinalihan ng kanilang grupo, isinadula nila ang konsepto kung papaano isinasagawa ang harana noong panahong nauuso pa ito sa kabataan niya.

Inaabangan niya ang nasabing selebrasyon kada taon, dahil sa pamamagitan ng ibat-ibang aktibidad, maipapakita nila sa publiko ang kanilang galing at talento kahit anu paman ang kanilang edad.

Hinimok din niya ang ibang senior citizens na maging positibo sa buhay sa kabila ng mga hamong kinakaharap.

“Sa mga senior citizens na katulad ko, dapat patuloy lang tayo sa pagiging aktibo upang maging masaya at kapakipakinabang ang ating buhay,” sabi ni Celocia.

Ayon naman kay Josefina Tan, focal person for elderly ng City Social Welfare And Development (CSWD) sa Butuan, mas pinaigting pa nila ang kanilang mga programa para sa mga senior citizens sa mga barangay at tinutulungan sila sa kanilang mga pangangailangan.

Mahalaga rin ang patuloy na pagpapakita ng pagmamahal, pag-aaruga at pagbigay oras o panahon ng mga anak sa kanilang mga magulang upang mas tumibay pa ang kanilang relasyon at maging inspirasyon sa iba.

“Respituhin natin ang ating mga magulang, sa mga senior citizens at mahalin natin sila,” sabi ni Tan.

Ang grand finalists sa ballroom dance, duet at harana ay sasabak ulit sa October 18 para sa kanilang culmination activity at dito ay mapipili na ang mga nagwagi at mabibigyan ng premyo mula sa CSWD at iba pang kinauukulang ahensiya.

Ang taunang selebrasyon ng Elderly Filipino Week ay alinsunod sa Proclamation No. 470 na nilagdaan noong September 26, 1994. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Seminar on ordinance, resolution drafting gipahigayon sa Sanggunian

By Shiene Deligero

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Oktubre 7 - Nagpahigayon bag-ohay pa lang og ‘Seminar on Ordinance ang Resolution Drafting’ ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) diin kini gitambongan sa 34 ka empleyado sa SP.

Tumong sa nahisgotan nga seminar mao ang paghatag og saktong kapasidad ug kaalam sa mga empleyado labi na sa mga newly-hired staff sa mga Provincial Board Member aron mahimong episyente ug epektibo sa paghatod sa mga serbisyo sa lehislatura sa ika-18 nga SP uban sa tuyo ug tinguha sa gobyerno sa probinsya ug makabaton og epektibong trabahante sa probinsya.

Ang nasangpit nga aktibidad gitambongan sa 34 ka partisipante nga mao ang committee coordinators, Board member staff ug researchers sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan kauban ang Secretary to the Sanggunian Gerry Joey Laurito ug Vice-Governor Rambu Bungabong.

Ang resolusyon ug ordinansa mao ang mga produkto sa SP aron mahimong legal ang usa ka dokumento ug balaod nga i-implementar sa probinsya.

Nahimong resource speakers sila Attorney Jeson D. Pagapong isip mao ang Designated Legal Reviewing Officer sa SP office, mga Division Head sa SP nga sila Aimee B. Sienes, Lydia Manulat ug Procerfina C. Santillan ug Section Chief nga si Myrna A. Dacoseo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Mga kapulisan ng Caraga region, pinag-usapan ang gender equality kasama ang LGBTQI

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Oktubre 7 (PIA) - Aktibong nakibahagi sa diskusyon ukol sa usaping gender equality ang mga miyembro ng Philippine National Police sa Caraga Region kasama ang Ladlad Caraga Inc. na binubuo ng lesbian/gay/ bisexual/transgender/queer at intersex (LGBTQI) community.

Isa sa mga mahalagang tinalakay rito ay kung papaano mas magiging gender sensitive ang mga pulis bilang law enforcers.

“Importante para sa aming mga law enforcers na mas maging gender sensitive at mabigyan ng pansin ang LGBTQI sector, lalu na sa panahong mauugnay sila sa ano pang pangyayari,” pahayag ni Police Master Sergeant Estaniel Galve, police community relation - PNCO, Rosario Municipal Police Station, Agusan del Sur.

“Handa naman kaming tumulong sa kanila kung sila’y may mga reklamo kahit ano pa man ang kanilang gender identity. Sana hindi sila matakot sa kapulisan kung nais nilang magreport ng anumang insidente. Kami naman ay patuloy na magiging gender sensitive,” sabi ni Police Staff Sergeant Helen Jane Cabalo, assistant women and children protection desk/ assistant human rights desk - PNCO, Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station, Siargao Island.

Ayon kay Ysang Bacasmas, chairperson ng Ladlad Caraga, mahalaga para sa LGBTQI community na maintindihan ng publiko partikular na ang law enforcers ang kanilang sitwasyon.

Sa tulong na rin ng mga eksperto sa gender and development mula sa kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan, tinalakay ang mga batas na poprotekta sa karapatan ng nasabing sektor.

Sa harap naman ng mainit na usapin ngayon sa Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), nilinaw ni Bacasmas na hindi nila ipinipilit ang same sex marriage, dahil ibang usapin ito mula sa kanilang isinusulong na gender sensitivity and equality.

Dagdag pa niya, naka-schedule na rin  sa susunod na buwan ang kanilang Orientation-Seminar para sa Gender Equality kasama ang mga miyembro ng media sa rehiyon, upang matulungan din sila sa pagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon ukol dito.

“Gusto rin naming magkaroon ng network sa media at mapaigting pa ang kampanya laban fake news tungkol sa SOGIE na kumakalat ngayon sa social media,” sabi ni Ysang Bacasmas, executive director, Ladlad Caraga Inc.

Patuloy ding isinusulong ng Ladlad Caraga ang anti-discrimination ordinance lalu na sa mga paaralan sa rehiyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)