(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 24 April 2024) Easterlies affecting the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies/Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. ๐—™๐—ข๐—ฅ๐—˜๐—–๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ง ๐—ช๐—œ๐—ก๐—— ๐—”๐—ก๐—— ๐—–๐—ข๐—”๐—ฆ๐—ง๐—”๐—Ÿ ๐—ช๐—”๐—ง๐—˜๐—ฅ ๐—–๐—ข๐—ก๐——๐—œ๐—ง๐—œ๐—ข๐—ก: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Thursday, July 30, 2020

MGB 13, mining group lead 2020 Environment Month Celebration

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 30 (PIA) --The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 in partnership with the Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc (CMEMCI) spearheaded the 2020 Environment Month held recently at the MGB-13 Training Center this city.

Amidst the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Caraga mineral industry joined the celebration with this year’s theme, “Protect Nature, Sustain Our Future.”

The celebration was aimed to heighten public environmental consciousness and encourage the mining companies to intensify their efforts in the conservation of natural resources through the environmental video and succulent dish gardening competitions.

The entries for the said competitions were submitted to the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division on July 6, exactly 12 days after the notice of competitions was communicated to the mining companies. Only a few participants from the Caraga mining companies were able to take part in the event due to the current health protocol of social distancing.

In his message, MGB-13 Regional Director Engr. Glenn Marcelo C. Noble hoped that the mineral industry will continue its work in protecting the environment and providing development in host and neighboring communities and to the country as a whole.

After the short program, the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the succulent dish garden exhibit followed. Similarly, the viewing and judging of the entries for the succulent dish gardening and environmental video competitions simultaneously took place.

The succulent dish gardening competition aimed to encourage and tap the potentials of emerging gardeners as they campaign for environmental preservation through dish gardening.

The board of judges for the said competition were Roselyn Armida Merlin from the Surigao City Tourism Office; Joel Sembrano, professional landscaper and flower arranger; and Wilmar Dubria, professional florist.

While, the environmental video competition was aimed at tapping the creative potentials of individuals to campaign for environmental preservation by capturing their vision and expressing their message through videography and can be used as their info materials.

The board of judges for the said competition were Susil Ragas from the Philippine Information Agency Surigao del Norte Information Center; Richie Reynan Tan, professional Photographer and Proprietor of Wedding and Events Digital Studio; and Guilbert Mantala, vice president for Student Services of St. Paul University Surigao.

The winners of the video making contest are: Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. for the 1st place, Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation- 2nd place; and Hinatuan Mining Corporation for 3rd place.

Winners for the succulent dish gardening competition are: CTP Construction and Mining Corporation for the 1st place; Taganito Mining Corporation for the 2nd place; and Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation for the 3rd place.

The winners of the said competitions were recognized during the awarding ceremony. (Lizlit C. Cabag, MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Gov’t agencies facilitate SAP payout

By Marlon C. Monterola

BUTUAN CITY, July 30  –- Different government agencies worked hand-in-hand for the conduct of the payout for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.

Receiving the cash assistance of P5,000 are waitlisted beneficiaries in Caraga region.

The payout, which began on Wednesday, July 29, was conducted through direct cash payout or through digital payment by a Financial Service Provider engaged by the DSWD. These modalities are an improvement from the methodology utilized during the previous distribution to ensure a safer yet a more efficient way of releasing such subsidy amid the continuing threat of COVID-19.

To ensure that health and safety protocols were observed, staff of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional office assessed the off-site payout.

“We want to ensure the utmost success of the distribution of the SAP payout to the left-out beneficiaries of the program in the region.  Hence, DILG Caraga initiated the conduct of an assessment during the distribution in select barangays in Butuan City to see to it that health protocols are still strictly observed,” DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion said.

In addition, barangay officials and personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) facilitated the conduct of the payout and ushered the strict observance of the basic health standards and procedures. (DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Army gives recognition to wounded soldiers

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 30 -- The 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade of the Philippine Army conferred wounded personnel medals to the two soldiers who were wounded in action in the recent armed encounter against the Communist Terrorist Group, on July 21, 2020 in Alegria town, this province.

The awarding was made during the visit of 901Bde Commanding Officer Colonel George L. Banzon at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City where the wounded personnel are currently confined and recuperating from their incurred slight gunshot injuries.

Conferred with the award are Private First Class Kevin Cabugsa and Private First Class Jose Isagani De Guzman, both assigned with the 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion.

The soldiers sustained injuries in the recent encounter against more or less 30 members of the Communist Terrorist Group that resulted in the neutralization of one female communist terrorist and the recovery of five high-powered firearms in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria town, Surigao del Norte on July 20.

In his statement, Col. Banzon praised the wounded soldiers for their heroism and bravery in the performance of their sworn duty.

He further stressed that the actions displayed by the wounded personnel manifest the professionalism of every soldier who continue to risk their lives just to ensure the safety and security of everyone.

Col. Banzon mentioned that medals are not just being awarded because the soldiers became triumphant and survived any fierce battle but these are reminders of the high price that soldiers have to pay in order for our countrymen to continue living in peace and enjoy the freedom they deserve.

“Our injured soldiers took the risks and fought gallantly to preserve peace in Surigao del Norte. As professional soldiers, we are and will forever be grateful for their selfless service. Their acts of bravery must serve as a reminder for all of us that we are enjoying peace because somebody else is willing to sacrifice,” Col. Banzon said.

The Wounded Personnel Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who are injured or killed in combat. (901st Infantry Brigade/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Anti-illegal gambling operations in Caraga net 15 individuals

By PMaj. Renel E. Serrano

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 -- Fifteen individuals were arrested in a separate anti-illegal gambling operations conducted in the entire region on July 25, 2020.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., said during the conduct of anti-illegal gambling operations, the personnel of Butuan City Police Station at about 4:10 p.m. and Trento Municipal Police Station at 7:30 p.m. arrested six individuals who were caught in the act engaging in “tong-its” game. They are Ahlene Cornelia D. Pilo, Rowena N. Montajes, Virgilio T. Nibalisa, Norma C. Aparre, Meliton R. Ubatay, and Ruben D. Palma. Confiscated were one set of playing cards and P702 bet money.

Same operation was conducted by the personnel of Dapa Municipal Police Station at around 7:20 p.m which resulted in the arrest of Pastor C. Ampater, Randy C. Dulguime, Jeser E. Ortaniza, and Jigger B. Orejas who were playing  a “pusoy” game. One set of playing cards and P600 bet money were also confiscated during the operation.

Meanwhile, the operatives of Tandag City Police Station nabbed Juanito L. Perez Jr, Cojetia Tiedra, and Antonio P. Suarez who were also caught of conducting illegal cockfighting and “cara y cruz.”

The operatives confiscated five fighting cocks, ten pieces gaffers, two pieces cara y cruz board, one piece cara y cruz ring, one piece calculator, and P2,356 bet money.      

In Purok 6, Brgy Cabcabon, Butuan City, Evara A. Caluyong was also arrested around 1:30 p.m. and Marvin E. Ricabardo at 2:30 p.m. by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for Illegal Gambling.

“We will make sure that all gambling violators will be charged appropriately,” BGen. Esquivel said.

He likewise assured the public that massive crackdown on illegal gambling is in full swing amidst global pandemic. (PIO, PNP-13/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD official supports SurSur town's environmental initiative

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 30 (PIA) – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Rhea Peรฑaflor has planted a bamboo tree as her of supporting and promoting the “KAWAYANihan” activity held at the riverbank of Barangay Magobawok in Bayabas, during her visit to the smallest town of this province on July 25, 2020.

The bamboo planted by ASec Peรฑflor was named “Mochi Kawayanihan.”

“Nakapagtanim po ako ng kawayan na ipinangalan ko sa mahal naming aso, si Mochi Kawayanihan,” Asec Peรฑaflor said  on her Facebook post.

Bayabas Mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro said the KAWAYANihan is a riverbank stabilization initiative of the local government unit of Bayabas in response to the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation program of the national government.

Mayor Limbaro also extended her warmest gratitude to ASec Peรฑaflor. “Mochi Kawayanihan (your bamboo), will grow, thrive, and provide vast protection to the environment. Thank you for the great honor of making yourself part of this,” Mayor Limbaro said. 

The report said the DSWD official and staff have visited the town for the interview on the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) implementation in the area. The said LGU is one of the partner local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of the Department's programs/projects.

Asec Peรฑaflor and the team were able to visit the Risk Resiliency Program Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (RRP-CCAM-DRR) projects in the following areas:

1. Barangay. La Paz
 - Mangrove Reforestation (SAGIP-WAKATAN)
 - Communal Gardening (GULAYAN-BAYANIHAN)
2. Barangay Cagbaoto
 - Communal Gardening
3. Barangay Amag
 - Communal Gardening
4. Barangay Magobawok
 - Tree Growing (SAGIP-TUBIG)
 - Riverbank Stabilization (SAGIP-ILOG)

“My visit to your humble town is a memorable one. Thank you for being the DSWD's partner in uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Asec Peรฑaflor noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Responsible parenthood og family planning assessment workshop gipahigayon sa Libjo

MUNISIPYO SA SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Hulyo 30 -– Ang probinsya pinaagi sa Provincial Population Office ug Barangay Population Volunteers (BPV) mipahigayon og Semi-Annual Assessment and Workshop on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) bag-ohay pa lamang didto sa Barangay Garcia Covered Court, Libjo ning probinsya.

Ang maong kalihukan nagdala sa tema nga, "Putting the brakes on COVID-19: How to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now" tumong ug tinguha niini ang mapahingusgan ang family planning sa mga magti-ayon nga wala pa nagplano sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya ilabi na karon nga panahon nga adunay COVID-19.

Tinguha usab sa maong aktibidad nga makabalo ang matag usa kanila sa ilang mga katungod ug magbinantayon sa ilang panglawas aron mahilikay sa mga sakit.

Gipadayag sa mga tigpamulong gikan sa Provincial Health Office (PHO), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), ug Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang pipila ka mga hisgutanan kabahin sa violence against women and children (VAWC) ug ang mga angayang bantayan aron mapadayon ang kahimsog sa panglawas ug pag-igmat sa kanunay ilabi na sa sakit nga COVID-19.

Ngadto sa mga partisepante kung unsa ang sakit nga COVID-19 lakip na ang mga angaya buhaton aron malikayan kining maong sakit.

Madasigon si Provincial Population Officer Lucio Mercado sa gipakita nga kasibot ug pagkugi sa matag usa kanila sa ilang pagserbisyo ngadto sa mga katawhan.

Iya usab gikapasidad ang matag usa kanila sa mga angayang buhaton sa ilang mga katungdanan sa matag barangay nga adunay kalambigitan sa saktong pagplano sa usa ka pamilya panahon sa ilang pagbalay-balay aron mahibal-an sa hingtundan kung unsa ang angay nilang gamiton nga mga pamaagi ilabi na kadtong sayo nga nagmabdos nga kabatan-onan ug malikayan ang pas-pas nga pagdaghan sa miyembro sa pamilya.

Miduyog sa gihimong kalihukan si Board Member Anna Lyn Dialde (District 1) isip representante ug naghatod sa mensahe ni Gobernador Kaka Bag-ao ngadto sa mga partisipante nga gilangkuban sa Municipal Population Officers ug BPVs gikan sa lungsod sa Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, ug San Jose alang sa cluster 1.

Sa laing bahin, mitambong si Provincial Treasury Officer Maria Jocelyn Albores alang sa pagpanghatag sa honorarium sa mga BPV ug anaa usab ang Provincial Labor and Employment Manpower Office (PLEMO) nga misuporta sa gihimo nga kalihukan. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)