Friday, February 21, 2020

PPA implements preventive measures vs. COVID-19

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has strictly implemented the 14-day quarantine anchorage of a vessel in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

This is part of the preventive measures undertaken by the authorities against the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

According to  Mildred Padilla, port manager of the Port Management Office of Agusan, the said vessel docked near the Nasipit Port has been anchored since February 7 and right after the 22 crew of the said ship were given clearance, they were then allowed to sail heading to their main destination in Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

“We observe the 14-day quarantine period, so when the boarding team headed primarily by the Bureau of Quarantine did not see any manifestation, they will then issue the clearance,” bared Padilla.

PPA is also constantly monitoring the passengers coming in and out of the Nasipit Port through the use of non-contact thermometers with the help and assistance of the Rural Health Unit of Nasipit.

Meanwhile, the Emerging And Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Task Force led by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga was also strengthened to combat the spread of false information or fake news regarding the COVID-19.

Department of Health - Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. appealed to the public to only get updates on COVID-19 from their office, and assess carefully any information they see and read on social media before sharing it to others.

“I also urged all Caraganons to continuously listen to the health advisories of the Department of Health. The DOH will issue only official messages concerning COVID-19 for public order and safety,” said Dr. Llacuna.  

At present, the 14-day quarantine to a patient under investigation in the region has been complied with and showed a negative result of Coronavirus. Of the 36, 24 persons under monitoring have already undergone the 14-day monitoring period.

Dr. Llacuna thanked the local government units particularly the surveillance officers for ensuring that the monitoring of the persons under monitoring (PUMs) is strictly implemented.

He further encouraged the Caraganons to maintain personal hygiene and a healthy lifestyle for a strong immune system. (JPG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

NPA cadavers, firearms recovered in a joint operation in Agusan Sur

By 1Lt. Percival Carido

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Feb. 21 - Two cadavers of the New People’s Army (NPA) members and firearms caches were recovered during the conduct of joint Armed Forces of the Philippines - Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) operation in the hinterlands of Barangay San Vicente, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on February 16, 2020.

The location was revealed after seven members of NPA voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the law through the efforts of 26th Infantry Battalion, Police Regional Office 11 and 13 and concerned local government units.

Guilty conscience and realization pushed a certain Jason Alawayon alias Tiger, one of the former rebels (FRs), to reveal the location of the buried arms caches and cadavers of his comrades who were wounded and eventually died during the armed engagement with the government troops way back in 2017.

“Gikapoy na mi sa among kahimtang sa sulod sa kalihukan, lahi ra gyud sa kahimtang adtong sa gawasnon pa mi ug nagpuyo nga malinawon. Unya nakonsyensya pud mi sa mga pamilya sa among mga kauban nga namatay nga walay tarong nga paglubong, ug nagpadayon ang ilang pamilya sa paghuwat kung kanus-a sila mopauli (Our situation inside the movement is really exhausting, which is far different from our situation when we were living peacefully. And we felt guilty towards the bereaved families of our comrades who died without decent burial. Their families are still waiting for the remains to be brought back to them),” Alawayon said.

The operation also led to the recovery of two high powered firearms, an M14 rifle and a Garand rifle, including anti-personnel mine and assorted ammunitions.

Meanwhile, the two cadavers were only identified by their former comrades as “Ka Al” from Quezon, Bukidnon and “Ka Dope” from Cagayan de Oro City. Their remains were turned over to Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office for post mortem examination and future identification of their identities in order to inform their families and be given a decent burial.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Jimenea expressed his deepest sympathy to the families of the recovered NPA cadavers. “It is very regretful to think, that the life of our fellow citizens was wasted because of this deceiving propaganda of the terrorist NPA to join their false ideology in changing democracy into communism. This is not martyrdom as what CPP-NPA instills to the minds of their comrades and supporters. This is only a selfless pursuit of political ambition wherein their members and supporters are just sacrificial lambs,” he said.

“Hopefully, the outcome of this operation will serve as an eye-opener to all the remaining members, supporters and sympathizers of the CPP-NPA,” Jimenea added.

Likewise, Col. Allan D. Hambala, 401st Brigade commander, commended the efforts of the 26th IB and PNP in the success of the said operation. He further emphasized that the success was the result of a relentless intelligence operation and information drive with an effect of demoralizing the remaining members of the NPAs and later on decided to surrender.

“We have to strengthen our efforts in order to finally end this armed conflict. Remember that the local governments are already supporting us into the success of our goal through EO No. 70. Let’s all take advantage in making use of it against the communist-terrorists,” said Hambala.

“We are again appealing to all the remaining members of the NPAs to lay down their arms and be a law-abiding citizens once again. Your armed struggle had already brought numerous senseless deaths and miseries to the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos especially to the natives. Let us work hand in hand in pursuing lasting peace and sustainable development,” Hambala added. (CMO officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

US gov’t awards grants to Marawi’s displaced communities

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 21 -- The United States (US) awarded six micro-grants to community groups composed of Marawi’s displaced citizens and their host families. 

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman Emmanuel Piñol joined U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Economic Development and Governance chief Jeffrey Lehrer during  the recent handover ceremony in Iligan.

Each micro-grant is valued at P260,000 ($5,000) and will support community learning facilities, including training spaces and daycare centers.

The micro-grants are part of USAID’s three-year, P1.35 billion ($25 million) Marawi Response Project, which supports the economic recovery and social cohesion of displaced and host communities in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, and Iligan. 

Launched in 2018, the project is a partnership between USAID and international non-governmental organization Plan International, with support from local organizations Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. and Maranao People Development Center, Inc.

“The US government, in partnership with the Philippine government, is committed to supporting Lanao communities in their journey to recovery,” said Lehrer in his message to grant recipients. 

Representatives of Task Force Bangon Marawi, Lanao Del Sur provincial government, and city governments of Marawi and Iligan joined the event.

Nikki Macaraub, a beneficiary of the Marawi Response Project, worked with others in her community to set up a learning center for livelihood opportunities. 

“Now that we have a facility for teaching sewing and dressmaking, we can help more displaced women like me in restarting businesses to support our families and to rebuild our lives,” said Macaraub.

To date, the United States, through USAID, has committed more than P3.4 billion ($63.6 million) for humanitarian and recovery work in and around Marawi. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DOH puspusan ang kampanya kontra COVID-19 sa Caraga Region

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Pebrero 21 (PIA) -- Mahigpit na ipinatupad ng Philippine Ports Authority o PPA ang 14-day quarantine anchorage sa isang Chinese Vessel Jin Shui sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Ito ay bahagi ng hakbang ng mga otoridad kontra coronavirus disease 2019 o COVID-19. Ayon kay PPA Port Management Office ng Agusan port manager Mildred Padilla, naka-ankla ang naturang barko sa malapit sa Nasipit port mula pa noong Pebrero 7 at pagkatapos mabigyan ng clearance ang 22 crew ng nasabing chinese vessel agad naman itong pinahintulutang bumiyahe sa kanilang distinasyon sa Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

Puspusan din ang kanilang pagmomonitor sa lahat ng mga pasahero sa Nasipit port sa  pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng temperature gamit ang non-contact thermometers sa tulong ng Rural Health Unit ng Nasipit.

Samantala, pinaigting rin ng Emerging and Re-emerging Infectuous Disease (EREID) task force sa pangunguna ng Department of Health o DOH sa rehiyon ng Caraga upang labanan ang pagkalat ng mga maling impormasyon hinggil sa COVID-19.

Panawagan ni DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr sa publiko, kumuha lamang ng impormasyon hinggil sa COVID-19 mula sa kanilang ahensya at dapat suriing mabuti ang mga napapanood at nababasa sa social media.

Sa kasalukuyan, natapos na ang 14-day quarantine ng isang patient under investigation sa rehiyon at negatibo ito sa coronavirus.

Mula sa 36, nasa 24 na persons under monitoring o PUMs ang tapos na ng 14-day monitoring period.

Malaki naman ang pasalamat ni Dr. LLacuna sa  Local Government Units lalo na ang mga surveillance officers na tumulong upang maipatupad ang monitoring sa PUMs.

Panawagan naman nito sa Caraganons na panatilihin ang malinis na pangangatawan at gawing healthy ang lifestyle para sa mas matibay na immune system. (NCLM/PIA caraga)

Cabadbaran mohatag og retirement benefits alang BHW, BNS

By Jessica O. Mellejor

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Pebrero 21 -- Ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte nag-apruba bag-ohay pa lamang sa City Ordinance No. 2019-036 sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Cabadbaran, ning lalawigan, “Granting retirement and other benefits to all qualified Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in Cabadbaran City and providing funds therefor.”

Ang maong ordinansa, nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Hon. Alan M. Asio, nga sa pag-uyon sa RA 7305 nga gitawag nga Magna Carta of Public Health Workers, ug nahisubay usab sa Provincial Ordinance No. 092-2000, “An Ordinance Providing Benefits to Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholar Volunteers of the Province of Agusan del Norte and for other purposes.”

Gitinguha sa gobyerno sa syudad sa Cabadbaran nga maila ang kahinungdanon sa mga serbisyo nga gihatag sa mga BHWs ug BNS alang sa paglambo sa kinabuhi sa mga katawhan sa lungsod sa Cabadbaran pinaagi sa padayon nga probisyon sa sakto nga serbisyo sa kahimsog ug nutrisyon.

Kini gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa ika 30th Regular Session pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 067-2020 sa pagpanginahan ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, tsirman sa Committee on Health and Nutrition. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

5 ka eskwelahan alang OJT aprobado

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Pebrero 21 -- Andam na ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte alang sa On-the-Job Training (OJT) tali sa lima ka eswelahan human naaprobahan sa SP ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 76, 77, 78, 79 ug 80-2020 nga nagtugot niini.

Ubos sa maong kasabotan himoon ang On-the-Job-Training, nagdepende sa kinahanglanon nga oras sa work immersion ubos sa DepEd SHS curriculum.

Tumong sa maong training nga maexpose sila sa aktwal nga trabaho isip pagpangandam kanila sa ilang paggradwar diin ang ilang makat-onan ilang magamit sa ilang pagpanarbaho.

Unod sa kasabotan nga ang estudayante sa lima ka eskwelahan mag-OJT ug work immersion sa lainlaing mga opisina sa kagamhanan sa lalawigan ug gamiton ang pasilidad niini.

Ang nasangpit nga eskwelahan mao ang mosunod: Pareja Integrated Secondary School sa Butuan City, Surigao Del Sur State University-Tagbina Campus sa Surigao Del Sur, Kinamlutan National High School sa Butuan City, Gamut National High school sa Barobo Surigao Del Sur, ug Butuan City Colleges sa Butuan City.

Base sa rekomendasyon sa SP Committee on Education and Culture diin tsirman si Provincial Board Member Rodulfo A. Pitogo, gihatagan ug otoridad sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan si Gob. Dale B. Corvera aron sa pagpirma sa kasabotan. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, February 20, 2020

PCOO chief calls for hog raisers’ cooperation against ASF

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar calls for the cooperation of hog raisers in Mindanao to curb the spread the African swine fever (ASF) in the island.

With the ASF spreading over Davao provinces and the declaration of an outbreak in Davao Occidental, entry points for hog shipping in Mindanao have implemented stricter inspection, especially in areas near the said affected provinces.

In Caraga, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has activated the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Animal Disease Task Force to create interventions and preventive measures for the issue regionwide.

In addition, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte has established a task force to counter the spread of ASF and has implemented additional quarantine measures by establishing quarantine stations in the municipalities of RTR and Carmen.

The local government in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has also prohibited backyard hog raisers from practicing swill feeding, or feeding hogs with a mixture of leftover food.

Andanar also emphasized that independent hog raisers make up a significant portion of the hog industry in the country but are usually left unmonitored. Their commitment to abide by the necessary protocol and procedures will greatly contribute to the eradication of ASF in the country. (DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor SK officials to benefit from new ordinance

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) - The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the province of Agusan del Norte are grateful with the new ordinance to be implemented by the local government unit, which allows them to benefit from the financial assistance intended for their medical needs.

According to Kefee Blue Leonar, the SK Federation President of Agusan del Norte, the P10,000 budget as financial assistance to SK officials is really of great help, as they could use it for medication or hospital expense.

“Based on Republic Act 10742 which is the SK Reform Act of 2015, it does not mention that the SK members, secretaries and treasurers are to receive honorarium, so considering that the work or function of the SK is really not that easy, this would be one of the solutions to also recognize their effort,” bared Leonar.

With this new benefit, Governor Dale Corvera urged the SK officials to continue in improving their performance and come up with regular and useful activities for the local populace particularly the youths in the barangays and impart their knowledge on how they would be able to maintain peace and order in the community.  

“Do not focus your mind in infrastructure development or projects, leave that aspect to your punong barangays, to your mayors, to your governors. Instead, focus on your own development because that is the purpose why we have this SK. And as the governor, I will support you in all your activities,” Corvera underscored.

The said financial assistance is just one of the benefits being provided by the provincial government. Leonar is optimistic that there would be more plans and opportunities for the youth sector in the coming months.

"We will have an orientation regarding the functions and responsibilities of the SK because I know the youths really have a great role to play in attaining our goals for Agusan,” said Leonar. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City youths learn ways to curb proliferation of fake news

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

 

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) - Being equipped with the right information is vital to the development of the people in the communities. This was given emphasis during the Youth for Truth Caravan participated by students and youth leaders here.

According to Elimelech Mendoza V, the youths should be able to learn better ways to curb the spread of fake news, especially that they are exposed to various information they get to see in the social media and are prone to be deceived by the wrong information.

“The Youth for Truth caravan helped us understand better the importance of disseminating timely, accurate and relevant information to the public, and with the use of the social media, we could help curb the spread of fake news,” underscored Mendoza.

RM David Martinote was also grateful to have participated in the said caravan, having learned the danger of spreading fake news when shared unconsciously using different platforms.

“We are very fortunate to have heard all the information and for somehow training us on how we could help put a stop on the spread of fake news in social media,” Martinote said.

Butuan City SK Federation President Cynth Zephanee Nietes reminded her peers to be more responsible and meticulous in getting the information they see on social media.

Nietes further bared that the city government of Butuan has revived and strengthened the local youth development plan as a step towards producing a well-informed and responsible youth in the city.

She further urged all youths to first read and verify the content of an information they see online before sharing it on the different platforms.

The said caravan is one of the government programs through the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) that aims to equip the youth as a partner in countering the spread of fake news.

Meanwhile, PCOO Director Vinci Beltran expressed his optimism that the caravan would really help the participating youth in the campaign against fake news. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Pagbigay ng financial assistance sa mga SK officials ng AgNor, nilagdahan na

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Pebrero 20 (PIA) -- Ikinalugod ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan o SK officials ng Agusan del Norte ang paglagda ng isang ordinansa na layong mabigyan sila ng tulong pinansyal sa panahon na sila ay magkasakit.

Ayon kay Kefee Blue Leonar, ang SK federation president ng Agusan del Norte, malaking tulong ang P10,000.00 na tulong sa mga kabataan sa panahon na sila ay magkasakit at ma-ospital. Ito ay isang motivation upang mas maengganyo pa ang mga ito na magtrabaho para sa kapakanan ng probinsya.

Maliban sa binigay ng benipisyo, hinikayat din ni Gobernador Dale Corvera ang mga SK officials na magkaroon ng regular na mga aktibidad ang mga ito upang mas magkaroon pa ng panahon na maibahagi ang kanilang mga kaalaman para sa kaayosan ng probinsya.

Ang pagpirma ng Provincial Ordinance No. 544-2020 sa pamamagitan ni Gob. Corvera ay dinaluhan at sinaksihan ng mga SK officials mula sa iba’t ibang munisipyo at lungsod ng probinsya.

Ang financial assistance ay isa lang sa mga benipisyong bigay ng probinsya sa kasalukuyan, positibo din si Leonar na mas marami pang magagandang planong nakalaan para sa kabataan sa susunod na buwan. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

No COVID-19 case in Caraga, says DOH regional chief

By Nora C. Lanuza

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- While the region has no confirmed cases yet of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga said only one person is under investigation (PUI) for manifesting flu-like symptoms.

DOH Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna said his office with the help of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) Task Force, local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies has intensified its campaign to address issues and concerns on COVID-19 in the region.

Llacuna called on Caraganons to continuously listen to the health advisories of the DOH and verify sources of information for public order and safety.

As of February 17, 2020, the DOH Caraga has only 12 patients under monitoring or PUMs.

Llacuna said, a total of 36 PUM cases were recorded in the region and 24 of these cases have already completed the 14-day monitoring period. Because of this, he emphasized to practice a healthy lifestyle, do the regular handwashing and proper cough etiquette to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. “Our PUI is recovering now with an only mild cough and no fever, the patient’s specimen was already sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for a confirmatory test,” he said.

Llacuna has also commended the LGUs especially the surveillance officers for the implementation and monitoring of the PUMs during their home quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Port Management Office of Agusan del Norte has also seriously implemented the 14-day quarantine anchorage to one Chinese vessel M/V Jin Shui in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte that arrived in the area on February 7.

Port Manager Mildred Padilla said, the 22 crew of the said vessel were all given clearance by the authorities of the COVID-19 disease.

Padilla said that on February 15, M/V Jin Shui has already sailed towards Tubay, Agusan del Norte for the loading of Nickle ore from Agata Mining.

Also, Padilla said that PPA Agusan with the help of the Rural Health Unit of Nasipit is continuously monitoring COVID-19 and checking passengers coming into the province using the non-contact thermometers. Passengers can also view the video materials on COVID-19 in the televisions installed at the passenger terminal of Nasipit for them to know, be aware and protect themselves from the disease. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

SurSur town sets up checkpoint vs COVID-19

One of the checkpoints established in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur along major highways for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). (Photo credit: LGU HInatuan)

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- A checkpoint was set up by the local government unit of Hinatuan in entry point bound for Enchanted River, one of the famous tourist destinations in the province, as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

Based on the report, the setting up of the checkpoint was aimed to facilitate the speedy tracking of persons who had traveled to countries affected by the COVID-19 and those infected with the deadly disease.

The members of the task force have already conducted a meeting on the matter earlier to map out its strategies to prevent the entry of the tourists coming from the places with identified cases of COVID-19. 

Hinatuan Vice Mayor Atty. Tito Cañedo, Acting Mayor, signed the Executive Order No. 5 Series of 2020 last February 03, 2020, in the absence of Mayor Shem Garay, imposing a temporary ban on tourists from China and other nations with COVID-19 cases from entering the tourism destinations and facilities in the Municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Admission at the checkpoint is from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. with no early admission allowed. (with a report from LGU-Hinatuan Information Office/PIA-Bislig City)

Butuanons donate blood to ensure enough supply in hospitals

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- More than 300 Butuanons have donated their blood during a bloodletting activity held inside a mall here, in time with the Valentine's Day celebration on Friday with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter.

Said activity was aimed to ensure that there is enough blood supply for those who would need it in any hospital in the city, including the office of Philippine Red Cross local chapter.

The number of individuals who donated their blood this year is higher compared to last year.

Ronalyn Nimez and Mary Grace Lava, both Criminology students, are among of those who came early at the venue and participated in the bloodletting activity.

They claimed that apart from their intention to help other individuals, donating blood also gives several health advantages to them, as it helps in improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of cancer, among others.

“I really wanted to help other people who are in need of blood for their medication. In this little way, I hope I could help them save their lives,” cited Nimez.

“Donating blood has a lot of advantages to our body, that’s why I don’t hesitate doing it regularly,” said Lava.

According to Israel Palero, station manager of 95.1 Love Radio in Butuan City, who also initiated and organized the said activity, they wanted to help Butuanons in need of blood and ensure that there is enough supply of it.

He further stressed that as concerned media partner, they do not only provide entertainment to the listening public, but also extend help to them.

“This has been our second year for the bloodletting activity and we are optimistic that more will be joining in this cause to help other people who are in need of blood. We do not only give joy to people through entertainment, but we also care and want to help them in any way possible,” Palero said.

Meanwhile, officer incharge-administrator Alger Boter of the PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter called on the public to regularly donate their blood every three months. He also emphasized that whoever needs one could directly visit their office or in any hospital where their patient is to be confined.

“The conduct of bloodletting activity really contributes a lot in sustaining enough blood supply in the hospitals for the patients. I am calling on our co-Butuanons to continue to support such activity and encourage others to do the same. You can donate regularly every three months,” bared Boter. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor OKs ordinance granting financial assistance to SK officials

By Nora C. Lanuza

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- An ordinance authored by honorable Keefe Blue R. Leonar, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president, granting financial medical assistance to all SK officials in the province of Agusan del Norte, has been signed on Monday at the provincial capitol lobby, here.

The said signing was attended by Governor Dale Corvera and other provincial officials and witnessed by SK officials from the different municipalities and city of the province.

Governor Corvera, in his message, challenged the SK officials present to regularly conduct activities for the betterment of the youth in the province.

In his response, Leonar thanked the provincial government for supporting the SK officials and members. “The financial assistance adds motivation to the SK to perform more and be an active instrument for other youth to even do good,” he said.

In the Provincial Ordinance No. 544-2020, all SK officials (elective and appointive) in the province of Agusan del Norte may avail of the financial assistance in the maximum amount of P10,000 during their hospitalization. Also, the granting of such assistance shall be based on the billing in excess of PhilHealth deduction but not to exceed the P10,000.00 subject for evaluation by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and only be availed once by the SK officials.

The province of Agusan del Norte has 167 barangays with 1,670 SK officials. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

31 former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits

By 1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 19 --  Thirty-one former rebels (FRs) who already have surrendered to the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army recently received the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits at the headquarters of 29IB, Brgy. Del Pilar, this city.

The said benefits which have been given to the FRs included financial assistance, food packs and personal hygiene kits. Before being given the benefits, they were first subjected to some assessment and interview.

Sheryl Ann C. Disucatan, the Regional Social Welfare development Officer encouraged the FRs in her statement, “While there is life, there is hope. So, never lose hope and keep on believing that change and a better day for every one of you will surely come.

Remember that taking up arms against each other will never be a good solution to any of our problems. Yes, the government is willing to help, but the government will not be there all the time for you, you need also to help yourself. Because the change and help that you are all seeking will primarily start from YOU, and the rest will just follow."

Rosalind R. Sur, Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer reminded the FRs that these E-CLIP benefits are government programs to help them, "So, please plan and spend it well on things that will help and benefit yourself and your family. I hope there will be more training sessions and programs that other agencies will offer for your benefit," she said.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said he was grateful and happy to see how mindful the government is to its people especially in fulfilling its promise to help those former rebels who have once lost their way but have now found their way back. "This Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government is truly a blessing to our brothers and sisters who are now willing to change for the better,” he said.

“And yes, the government is doing its best to help and support its people. But I hope you may realize also that not all the time will there be a government who will look after all of your needs, a government that could always provide you whatever you want in an instant. No, that doesn’t work that way because just like us, our government isn’t perfect. But you and I know that we can do something to support the government and more so can we do something to help ourselves,” Criste ended. (CMO Officer, 29IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

SurSur LGU bans pigs, pork products from areas affected by swine fever

BISLIG CITY Surigao del Sur, Feb. 19 (PIA) --  The local chief of executive of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur has issued on Tuesday a temporary entry ban on live pigs and pork-by-products from Luzon and African Swine Fever (ASF) affected areas in Mindanao.

Based on the report, Hinatuan Mayor Shem Garay, through an Executive Order No. 08 series of 2020, temporarily banned all live pigs, pork, and pork-related products, and by-products whether fresh, frozen, processed or cooked from ASF affected areas to prevent the spread of the swine disease and further protect the local hog industry in the municipality.

Likewise, the backyard hog raisers were prohibited from practicing swill feeding (locally known as 'bahug' or 'lamaw') to prevent further spread of the deadly pig virus as food leftovers may contain contaminated pork meat.

Mayor Garay then urged the hog raisers, whether in small or commercial scale, to be vigilant and encouraged to immediately report sick pigs or incidence of pig mortality to the Municipal Agriculture Office.

“The local government unit of Hinatuan will be adopting stringent measures to prevent the invasion of the ASF in the municipality and protect the hog raisers and the swine industry,” said Mayor Garay, in a press statement.

The coordination meeting has already been conducted in the said municipality participated by the concerned government agencies, barangay captains from the 24 barangays, and private individuals engaged in hog-related business. (with a report from LGU-Hinatuan/PIA-Bislig City)

Rotary, ACE to host golf tournament for a cause

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Rotary Club of Butuan (RCB) has partnered with the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) and West Highlands Golf Club Inc. (WHGC) for the conduct of the three-day 12th Caraga Executives Open (CEO) Golf Tournament on May 15 to 17, 2020 at the West Highlands Golf Club in Brgy. Bon-bon, this city.

This is in line with the said organizations’ pledge to conduct at least one golf tournament with WHGC every year for 2020 to 2022.

Accordingly, tasking and designation of responsible personnel will be shared with the organizations involved. The host gold club will facilitate the registration before and during the tournament, including the scoring, and in tee-off times. In addition, WHGC will be designating the marshals for the duration of the event.

Partner organizations are tasked with assigning a rules committee that shall organize the rules of the play. Streamers and other advertising paraphernalia will likewise be produced, with the approval of WHGC Golf Operation Ben Ramos and Andy Bartolome.

The RCB and/or ACE are given the authority to determine the placement and distance of the pins, as well as the personnel who will serve as the hole-in-one witness during the tournament but with the supervision of the WHGC golf operation personnel.

WHGC has offered to produce other equipment needed for the tournament, such as fore caddies and hole markers, and ten units of golf carts, as well as two marshals and additional personnel for the participants’ accommodation and partner organizations are tasked to cover the expenses.

The proceeds for this year’s tournament will be given to Balay Silongan, a shelter house for street children situated in Brgy. Pinamungkulan, Butuan City. (DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Digging at the roots for better program implementation

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

As the saying goes, to effectively solve problems, you have to dig at the roots.

Thus, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Evelyn G. Laviña conducted a ground-level monitoring and evaluation of HVCDP implemented projects in the Caraga Region on February 10.

Laviña said that their role at the central office is to craft policies and guidelines for the various programs and projects being implemented.

“We want to ensure that the policies we make at the top will really fit the needs of our stakeholders that is why we came here to personally interact with the farmers and see the real scenario at the regional level.  We also want to see how the interventions are being implemented and if the recipients are benefitting from it,” she said.

Moreover, Laviña said they want to solicit inputs from the stakeholders themselves on how the program can be improved further.

The group visited the Sitio Antipolo Farmers Association of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Inc. and the  Simbalan Rubber Farmers Association, Inc. in Agusan del Norte, the Agricultural Resource Center of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture in Agusan del Sur, the Magkiangkang Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAMPC) in Bayugan. Agusan del Sur, the Farmers Alternative to Self-Reliance Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FASRMCO), and the Km. 7 Farmers Producers Cooperative in Butuan City.

Aside from discussing their projects, Usec. Laviña also discussed to the farmers about the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), a lending program of the DA that aims to increase the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk by providing the necessary credit. Further, she shared about the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) a lending program for farming enthusiasts aged 18-30 years old which aims to bring back the interest of the young generation to farming.

The Undersecretary also emphasized to the farmers the importance of crop diversification for improved productivity and increased income.

On the other hand, Gerry Obsid, the Chairman of SAFABAI, a group of coffee growers from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte said he was thankful that Usec. Laviña was able to visit their place for them to see their situation.

“I appreciate this initiative of the government, that they really came down to our level because it shows their commitment to serving the farmers,” he said. (DA-Caraga/PIA Caraga)

SMILE project addresses off-grid islands’ power, dev’t needs

A Solar ComMunity-Based Island Tourism and Livelihood Energizer Platform (SMILE Project) was being piloted in four sites of this province which addresses the islands’ power and development needs.

The SMILE project, which is being funded by the European Union (EU), is aimed at enhancing their capacity and resiliency against the impacts of climate change by harnessing the power of technology, such as renewable solar energy that have low-to-zero GHG emissions and connected to a resilient and efficient power network to provide sustainable and adequate 24/7 electricity; provides environmentally sound livelihood interventions to attain longer term human and environmental resilience; and developing the islands’ eco-tourism potentials.

All these were made possible by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines), together with the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism (UPAIT), Association of Isolated Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) through its subsidiary, AIEC Missionary Green Energy Corporation (AIEC MGEC), Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative (DIELCO), the Municipality of Del Carmen, and Dinagat Province Tourism Council, in cooperation with the local government units of the Province of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

Small-scale fishing communities often live a vulnerable existence. Physically, fishing is a demanding job. It also solely depends on what nature can offer at a particular time. And fishing is fraught with danger, even at the best of times.

In these days where the global community is facing a climate emergency, fishing resources, just like any other environmental resources that sustain households and communities are on a steady decline due to overexploitation in some parts that resulted to a diminishing supply. This put intense pressure on fishing families and communities to make ends meet.

A disruption in fishing is also a disruption in the community since fishing is not just a livelihood, especially in the islands, but a way of life. And this is more pronounced in the island-barangays of Anajawan, where 17 percent of residents aged 15 years old and over are dependent on fishing; Cab-ilan (22 percent); Halian (25 percent); and Kanihaan (17 percent).

Anajawan and Halian, located in the municipalities of General Luna and Del Carmen in Siargao, Surigao del Norte, respectively; and Cab-ilan and Kanihaan, in the municipalities of Dinagat and Libjo, both in the Province of Dinagat Islands; have huge eco-tourism potentials but their lack of 24/7 electricity services, isolation and climate vulnerabilities are hindering the economic opportunities such as livelihood and their development.

They are also very vulnerable to climate shocks. Identified climate change drivers of risks are sea-level rise (SLR), storm surge, tropical storm, increasing air and sea surface temperature and changing rainfall patterns. The risks also include loss of adaptive capacity and ecosystem services on which lives and livelihood of small island inhabitants depend.

Tourists are already visiting these islands to surf, dive or snorkel, among others, but due to lack of reliable 24-hour power and accommodation, there is hardly any development going on in the communities.

An essential part of sustainable eco-tourism is an eco-friendly accommodation that combines conservation with relaxation, whose operations integrate sustainability into its core. Eco-tourism is hailed as a more sustainable form of tourism since the tourists aim to reduce their impact on the environment while partaking in activities that immerse them in nature and promote the conservation of the natural environment they have come to enjoy.

Eco-tourism, according to the World Conservation Union, is an “environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.”

Integral to eco-tourism is the use of renewable energy in the project sites. In the case of the SMILE project, a solar powerhouse will be constructed on each site. Powering these powerhouses is an array of solar panels on the roofs of the micro hotels which will also be constructed in the four barangays to accommodate tourists.

With such power plant, the islands become self-sufficient in terms of energy and will no longer rely on GHG-emitting and noisy diesel-fueled generator sets that disturb locals, tourists and guests, and also the wildlife. The islands then have zero to low carbon emissions to help mitigate climate change. (WWF-Philippines/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Butuanons nagkaisa sa bloodletting activity sa Araw ng mga Puso

 

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Pebrero 19 (PIA) -- Mahigit 300 Butuanons ang nag-donate sa isinagawang bloodletting activity sa lungsod ng Butuan kasabay ng selebrasyon ng Araw ng mga Puso noong biyernes, katuwang ang Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter.

Layon nitong masigurong may sapat na supply ng dugo para sa mga mangangailangan na  mga ospital, maging sa Philippine Red Cross.

Tumaas ang bilang ng donors ngayon kumpara noong nakaraang taon. Sina Ronalyn Nimez at Mary Grace Lava, na pawang Criminology students ay kabilang sa mga maagang nagpunta at nag-donate ng kanilang dugo.

Ayon sa dalawa, maliban sa nakakatulong na sila sa iba, may kabutihang naidudulot rin ito sa kanilang kalusugan.

“Gusto ko talagang makatulong sa kapwa. Sa maliit na bagay at sa paraang ito, alam kong marami ang makikinabang at buhay na masasagip,” ani ni Nimez.

“Mabuti naman ang naidudulot na epekto sa katawan ng pagdodonate ng dugo kaya hindi ako maghihinayang na tumulong sa kapwa ko,” pahayag ni Lava.

Ayon kay Israel Palero, manager ng Love Radio Butuan na siyang nag-organisa sa nasabing bloodletting, layun nilang makatulong din sa kapwa maliban sa pagbibigay kasihayan sa mga ito.

“Pangalawang taon na naming ginagawa ito kasama ang Philippine Red Cross at iba pang stakeholders at masaya kami dahil dumarami rin ang sumusuporta at gustong tumulong,” sabi ni Palero.

Hinimok naman ni officer-in-charge administrator Alger Boter ng Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter ang lahat na ugaliing magdonate ng dugo kada tatlong buwan.

“Ang pagsagawa ng bloodletting ay malaking tulong upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga pasyente sa ospital. Ugaliing mag-donate ng dugo kada tatlong buwan dahil maliban sa nakakatulong na kayo sa ibang tao, may magandang naidudulot rin ito sa inyong katawan,” ani ni Boter. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)