Local SK highlights COVID-19 interventions, info drive vs fake news
By
Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN
CITY, May 26 (PIA) -- Combating fake news has been one of the primary agenda of
the current administration and in the frontlines are the nation’s youth. In the
Province of Dinagat Islands, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Brgy. Aurelio in
the municipality of San Jose continues to be a massive advocate for ending the
proliferation of disinformation and promoting the importance of giving and
receiving verified information.
“The
SK council has a big contribution in the fight against fake news. And with the
ongoing vaccination rollout, we will conduct an information drive in the
community against fake news about the vaccine,” he said during his guesting at
the Network Briefing News on Wednesday, May 26, with Presidential
Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar.
This is
currently one of the main agenda of the barangay youth council as views on the
COVID-19 jabs are still divided among the youth.
“Some
youth are willing to be vaccinated because they are afraid of COVID-19. Some
are afraid of the vaccine because of what might happen to them if they got
vaccinated.”
Meanwhile,
during the show, the barangay SK leader mapped out their COVID-19 response. For
this year, they plan on providing basic COVID-19-related medical articles
to residents and helping the education sector, which faces great challenges in
continuing the delivery of education amid the health crisis.
Since
the pandemic, the SK of Brgy. Aurelio has actively provided support for the
local government’s COVID-19 response. These include providing assistance in the
distribution of food packs to community members and manned the checkpoints
during heightened community quarantine implementation. They also assisted in
the establishment of the barangay containment and care center and even carried
out the burial of non-COVID-19 patients.
With
more interventions set to eradicate the effects of the pandemic, the youth
leader called out fellow SK leaders to launch initiatives that will address the
needs of the youth. He also urged the youth to continue abiding minimum health
standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields and observing physical
distancing. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
Dinagat Islands LGU eyes closing border amid rise of COVID-19 cases
By
Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY, May 26 (PIA) -- In response to the rise of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the municipality, Municipal Mayor of San Jose in the Province of Dinagat Islands Yngwie Hero Ecleo said Wednesday the local government unit might re-implement closed borders policy.
As of
May 24, 2021, the town of San Jose has a total of 234 confirmed cases, with 109
active cases, 122 recoveries, and three deaths.
Six
residents of San Jose town have also tested positive for the South African
variant of COVID-19. In a Facebook post made by the LGU, one confirmed case had
a travel history in Metro Manila while the rest contracted the new variant locally.
All cases have been declared clinically recovered after undergoing 10-day
isolation at the Provincial Care and Containment Center and the Dinagat
District Hospital (DDH).
While
new measures are still being formulated to regulate the transmission of the new
variant, Mayor Ecleo said they continue to implement granular lockdown in
affected barangays to contain the spread of the virus. Despite the lack of
needed health facilities, the LGU remained proactive in its COVID-19 responses.
The municipal gymnasium and three schools were utilized as isolation facilities
for mild COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 helplines were also established across the
municipality and are on-call 24/7.
Stricter
monitoring of the residents’ movement will also be enforced, the mayor added.
Mayor
Ecleo emphasized the need for locals to actively partake in putting an end to
the pandemic which they can show primarily by religiously abiding health
protocols.
“We
need to unite because what else can we do if we do not follow protocols? This
is for your own good. We are thankful to those who do their part and listen to
the authorities. And for those who still refuse to follow, we will not stop
making you understand the seriousness of this crisis,” he furthered.
(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)
AgSur media personalities receive golden heron media awards
By
Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN
CITY, May 26 (PIA) – Different media personalities were recognized for their
exemplary performance in their respective fields in the industry, particularly
in upholding righteous and accurate information to the general public thru the
recently concluded first Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Press Corps Golden Heron Media Awards.
Of the
media practitioners in the province, the Best of them were chosen for the
following categories: Best Newscaster Male/Female Category (TV and Radio); Best
News and Public Affairs Program; Best Field Reporter; Best TV Reporter; Best
Station ID; and Social Media Award for News and Public Affairs.
According
to Richard Grande, president of the PNP Press Corps, it is high-time that the
media practitioners could be given recognition and awards for their sincere
commitment and dedication in performing their duties and responsibilities.
“This
is the first time that we conduct this prestigious event in the province amid
the pandemic. We want our media peers to know that their efforts are recognized
and not put to waste. We want our good working relationship along with other
stakeholders to continue as we continue also the services we provide to the
public,” cited Grande.
For
Alexis Cabardo, who was awarded Best in Newscaster Male Category, this award
was meaningful and one-of-a-kind prestige. He said this will serve as
inspiration for him to work better and be a good example to others who are also
in the same field.
During
the event, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications
Operations Office (PCOO); Agusan del Sur 2nd District Representative Adolph
Edward Plaza; and Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., shared their
inspirational and congratulatory video messages to all the recipients of the
1st Golden Heron Award.
All the
guests and participants of the 1st Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office
(ADS-PPO) PNP Press Corps Golden Heron Awards had undergone antigen test before
they are allowed entrance at the ADS-PPO covered court, San Francisco, Agusan
del Sur. This is to ensure that all are safe and to prevent the transmission of
COVID-19. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Biocon effective
alternative for crop pest management
By Rhea
C. Abao
BUTUAN
CITY, May 26 -- Farmers’ struggle against pests and diseases is real. The
devastating effects of the outbreaks of insect pests and diseases add to a
farmer's distress and probable losses.
According
to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, pests and
diseases have historically affected food production either directly or
indirectly through losses in food crop yield. These losses are worsening by the
changing climate, and its increasing volatility, threatening food security and
rural livelihoods across the globe.
The
campaign aimed to capacitate and strengthen farmer's decision-making ability
and pests and disease management practices through the use of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM). DA also emphasized the use of Biological Control Agents (BCA
or Biocon) in optimizing the production of the region's major commodities.
According
to Science Research Specialist II Maricel Jabao-Didal of the Regional Crop Pest
Management Center (RCPMC), BCA is a friendly organism that is used to manage
different pests. It is considered the best alternative to pesticides, efficient
and safe for humans and also the environment.
Most
farmers rely heavily on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides without knowing
the environmental pollution caused by the excessive and indiscriminate use of
agrochemicals. This leads to the decline of the area’s biodiversity such as the
natural enemies and microorganisms in the field.
“The
RCPMC is into mass production of these useful Biocon agents to be a reliable
partner of the farmers for crop pest management,” Didal added.
This
year, RCPMC targets to distribute a total of 6,000 packs of Metarhizium
anisopliae, 6,000 packs of Trichoderma sp., 10,000 trichocards of Trichogramma,
and 50,000 adults of earwig.
Thus,
the regionwide information caravan reinforces the knowledge of the farmers
about pest management.
For
Narcie B. Rosales, a rice farmer from Barangay Poblacion, Jabonga, Agusan del
Norte, knowing how to deal with pests and diseases in her area is a big help.
"The
identification of beneficial and harmful insects on rice is very important
because this will help me to decide which appropriate prevention and management
control measures in the field I should use. I have now a better option knowing
the benefits of BCA," said Rosales.
Aside
from imparting awareness to farmers, DA believes that interpersonal
communication, even amid the pandemic, is vital in changing the mindset of the
farmers on chemical use and rather use the biological control agents in
managing pests and diseases. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)
New MGB-13 chief assumes
post
SURIGAO
CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 26 -- In a simple turnover ceremony held recently
at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional
Office in Butuan City, DENR Undersecretary for Enforcement, Mining and Muslim Affairs
Jim O. Sampulna officiated the turnover of leadership for the Mines and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 between outgoing Regional Director
Glenn Marcelo C. Noble and incoming OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez.
The
said ceremony was held in compliance with MGB Special Order No. 2021-055 dated
April 15, 2021 issued by MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano and DENR Special
Order No. 2021-238 dated May 7, 2021 issued by DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu
reassigning RD Noble to MGB MIMAROPA and designating Engr. Heradez as the
OIC-RD of MGB Regional Office 13.
DENR
Caraga Regional Executive Director Nonito Tamayo said the installation of MGB’s
directorship is contained under DENR Administrative Order No. 2018-18 which is
the establishment of a Centralized Management and Coordinative Mechanism at the
Regional Offices of DENR, MGB and EMB and Designation of the DENR Regional
Director as the Regional Executive Director providing the overall command of
Regional Operations for the efficient implementation of programs and rules and
regulations pertaining to the environment.
“I
count on your cooperation and in return you can count on our support including
our PENROs and CENROs just as we are counting on you in the implementation of
rules and regulations pertaining to mining laws. Together with the more
than 1,000 men and women of DENR Caraga, We welcome you! We are always there to
provide you help,” said Director Tamayo.
On his
part, Dir. Moncano delivered words of gratitude and encouragement for the two
officials. “Assuming the position of Regional Director is a very
important experience for any official of the MGB or DENR for that matter. My
congratulations to the incoming OIC-Regional Director, Engr. Larry
Heradez! I would also like to thank Engr. Glenn Noble for taking care of
MGB Regional Office No. XIII for almost 3 years. RD Noble has made a lot of
improvements in organizational matters and has managed all the pressures well.
And my expectation is that incoming OIC-Regional Director Larry Heradez will
also do the same," said Dir. Moncano
"Being
the Regional Director of any Regional Office comes with responsibility,
authority and accountability. And these are the standards that the Regional
Directors are measured. And for those who will be doing well, of course,
there will be promotions or recognition but all of us officers in government
are measured on these three parameters,” he added.
He also
said that there are high expectations for the mining sector as it might be one
of the saviors of the battered Philippine economy according to Finance
Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. With that in mind, he mentioned that MGB
has prepared the projects classified as priority projects phase 1, phase 2 and
phase 3 on the line in order for the sector to contribute to the recovery of
the economy.
Furthermore,
Director Moncano expressed his hope that MGB Regional Office 13 will expedite
the processing of mining applications as the mining capital of the
country.
He
encouraged the personnel to apply and comply with the Ease of Doing Business
Law and that he has high expectations for the MGB Regional Office 13 to be the
lead region in terms of contribution to the mining economy. (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
DA 13 reviews additional sub-projects in Placer, Cantilan
SURIGAO
CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 26 -- A thorough document review was done by the
Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project Caraga (DA-PRDP)
for the additional three subprojects of the I-BUILD or Infrastructure
component.
The
proposed subprojects under the additional financing of PRDP will be presented
during the prioritization run on May 28, which will secure them a budget spot.
The
PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) sat together with the local
government officials of Placer town in Surigao del Norte and Cantilan town in
Surigao del Sur in a joint Technical Review to help iron out the documents
needed.
The
proposed establishment of the 30 tons ice plant with ice storage of Placer, and
improvement of Tigabong Portable Water System Level II and construction of the
3 units watch Tower for Cantilan have to undergo every component of PRDP to
check if it has passed the set parameters.
According
to the I-BUILD focal person Rhidge Berdera, the I-PLAN has to initially
evaluate the documents so it can proceed to Geomapping and Governance Unit that
will check its location.
This
will be endorsed to the Social Environmental Safeguard that will then review
the project's environmental feasibility and safety. The Economics will then examine
its practicality and if all the parameters of each component are met.
Then,
I-BUILD will endorse the documents to the prioritization run, if not, it will
automatically dismiss the proposal.
Compliance
with the documents is still ongoing. Moreover, this will be included in the
Regional Program Advisory Board (RPAB) on May 27. The RPAB approval is also a
requirement for the prioritization run. (DA-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
P25-M livelihood aid given to internally displaced families
BUTUAN
CITY, May 26 - A total of Php25,000,000 livelihood grants have been distributed
to some 1,259 internally displaced families in the Caraga region by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through
the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Fund-releasing
for these beneficiaries began on February 2, 2021, while the most recent payout
was conducted on April 23, 2021.
DSWD-SLP
has already released the funds in the cities/municipalities of Butuan City,
Buenavista, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Cabadbaran City, and Magallanes
(Agusan del Norte); and the municipalities of Trento, Bunawan, Rosario, San
Francisco, Prosperidad, Talacogon, La Paz, Sibagat, Esperanza, and the city of
Bayugan (Agusan del Sur).
In
Surigao del Sur, eligible beneficiaries from Bislig City, Barobo, Lianga, San
Agustin, San Miguel, Tago have also been served with the said assistance. The
same assistance has also been received by fire victims in San Jose, Dinagat
Islands.
A
province-wide payout was also administered in the province of Surigao del
Norte, covering the areas of Alegria, Gigaquit, San Francisco (Anao-aon),
Sison, Surigao City, Tagana-an, and Tubod.
After
receiving the monetary assistance, these program beneficiaries are monitored by
the DSWD-SLP field staff to be certain that the recipients were able to use the
aid in establishing their livelihoods. These beneficiaries are also instructed
to submit the receipts of their purchases needed in putting up their
livelihoods such as raw materials to the DSWD-SLP Provincial Offices.
Through
the provision of livelihood assistance, the DSWD-SLP hopes that it will allow
the affected families to improve their socio-economic conditions, sustain their
livelihood, and become financially independent.
As
stipulated in the DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 11, Series of 2018, the DSWD
Sustainable Livelihood Program is delegated to provide seed capital fund to internally
displaced persons or persons displaced by disaster due to armed conflicts, or
any forms of disaster, may it be natural or man-made. In addition, only one
member of the family is eligible to receive financial assistance.
(DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DSWD personnel join
community organizing training in Butuan
BUTUAN
CITY, May 26 -– The technical staff of the Disaster Response and Management
Division (DRMD) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Field Office Caraga actively participated in the Three-day Community Organizing
Training on May 18-20, 2021 at the Grand Convention of Prince Hotel, this city.
This
said training was aimed to holistically equip the staff in their competence on
community facilitation and organizing in view of the agency’s objective to leg
up in building more self-reliant and empowered communities especially in the
implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM)
interventions.
“This
training is really helpful to our personnel especially in their continued
coordination with the people in the communities regionwide. This would also
make their work more convenient and accessible as they now know how to handle
the implementation of the CCAM interventions,” bared DSWD-Caraga regional
director Ramel Jamen.
The
resource speakers include Ms. Ester V. Villamor, PDO V, and Ms. Melanie G.
Juan, DRRS Head. They highlighted the significance of Community Organizing; its
goals, objectives, and principles are emphasized.
The
participating technical staff are underway on upgrading their skills on
Community Facilitation for Community Development; including the leveling off of
the roles and responsibilities of the Project Stakeholders. On the last
day of the training, the CCAM Team Planning was also undertaken by the same
group. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Human Rights Action
Center sa Las Nieves gi-mugna
By Jessica O. Mellejor
DAKBAYAN
SA BUTUAN, Mayo 26 -- Gimugna sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa lungsod sa Las
Nieves ang Las Nieves Agusan del Norte Human Rights Action Center kon LANHRAC
nga mabutang sa opisina sa Municipal Mayor ubos sa Municipal Ordinance No.
507-2021.
Gikauyunan
ug gi-deklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang maong ordinansa subay sa
1987 Constitution ug Local Government Code of 1991.
Namugna
kini aron mapalig-on ang estratehiya sa Human Rights Action Center ug Rule of
Law sa Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ug sa Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG) ug gikonsidera ang nagpadayon nga mga kalapasan sa
tawhanong katungod nga nagakahitabo matag adlaw. Nakita sa Sangguniang Bayan
ang panginahanglan nga magbutang usa ka Human Rights Action Center sa ilawom sa
opisina sa Munisipyo sa Lungsod alang sa padayon nga programa sa pagpanukiduki,
kasayuran ug edukasyon aron mapaayo ang pagtahod sa panguna sa tawhanong mga katungod.
Ubos sa
maong ordinansa, nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Larry F,
Bautista adunay LANHRAC Team mao ang mosunod:
Chairperson: Municipal Administrator
Co-Chairperson: Municipal Vice Mayor
As Co-Chairperson: SB Chairman Committee on Human Rights Members:
- Philippine National Police Human Rights Officer
- MSWD Officer
- Municipal Health Officer
- President of the Barangay Human Rights Action Officer (BHRAO)
- Four members nominated by Civil Society Group, Non-government organization/People
Organization accredited by CHR
-School District Supervisor or a DepEd Representative
-Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Officer (MENRO)
-Municipal Public Information Officer.
Giduso kini sa Committee on Laws, Ethics and Good Government sa pagpangusog ni
Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, atol sa ika 90th Regular Session
niadtong Mayo 17, 2021. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
