(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Thursday, 14 November 2024) At 4:00 AM today, the center of Typhoon “OFEL” (USAGI) was estimated based on all available data at 475 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 595 km East of Daet, Camarines Norte (14.6 °N, 128.5 °E ) with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gustiness of up to 150 km/h. It is moving Westward at 35 km/h. TROPICAL CYCLONE OUTSIDE PAR AS OF 3:00 AM TODAY TROPICAL STORM TORAJI (2423) [FORMERLY NIKA] LOCATION: 475 KM WEST OF CALAYAN, CAGAYAN (20.0°N, 117.0°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 85 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 105 KM/H MOVEMENT: WEST NORTHWESTWARD AT 15 KM/H TROPICAL STORM MAN-YI (2424) LOCATION: 2,210 KM EAST OF EASTERN VISAYAS (13.2°N, 145.0°E) MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 75 KM/H NEAR THE CENTER GUSTINESS: UP TO 90 KM/H MOVEMENT: WEST SOUTHWESTWARD AT 30 KM/H 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Northwest to Southwest will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Wednesday, May 26, 2021

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.

And for SK Chairperson Mark Antony Bacara, this campaign could not have been more relevant especially as controversies on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and the vaccination rollout are still out in the open.

 “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.

“This year we have planned programs like distribution of hygiene kits, sanitary kits, face shields, and face masks to the youth and residents of the barangay. We also plan to provide support to the education sector during the blended modular learning through the provision of bond papers and other school supplies,” SK Chair Bacara elaborated.

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.

This, he said during his guesting at the Network Briefing News with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar.

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.

With this the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga Regional Agriculture and Fishery Information Section (RAFIS) together with the Crop Pest Management – Regional Technical Working Group conducted the Information Caravan on the Prevention and Control of Emerging Pest and Diseases on Rice and Corn in the Municipalities of Las Nieves, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Buenavista, and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on May 11, 18, and 20.

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.

"Farmers should know that there are effective environment-friendly alternatives to pest management such as the use of Biocon. RCPMC provides these services for free from technical assistance to the distribution of biological control agents such as parasitoids like Trichogramma sp., pathogen like Metarhizium anisopliae, Trichoderma sp, Beauveria bassiana, Nuclear Polyedrosis, and predators such as Chilocorus nigrita, earwig, green lacewing, and assassin bug which are beneficial in managing pest," said Didal.

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.

The livelihood assistance, amounting to Php20,000 per family, serves as start-up capital to rehabilitate the families’ existing small businesses or finance a new livelihood project. Through this intervention, the DSWD-SLP aims to help the families have a stable income and get back on their feet after being displaced due to various reasons such as fire and earthquake incidents, road widening activities, and typhoons.

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)