Friday, June 4, 2021

Typhoon Auring-affected residents in Butuan City, AgNor continue to receive aid 

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 4 -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued to help communities that were affected by Typhoon Auring that hit the country in February as he sent relief to hundreds of typhoon victims in Butuan City and the province of Agusan del Norte.

Go’s personnel handed out meals, food packs, masks, face shields, and vitamins to each beneficiary. There were selected recipients who received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that will serve as an alternative for commuters amid limited transportation options. Others received computer tablets that will help their children engage better during classes under the blended learning system.

To ensure the well-being of the 718 beneficiaries while adhering to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) safety and health protocols, his team conducted two simultaneous distribution activities in different venues. Around 502 recipients were in attendance at the Los Angeles Covered Court, while there were around 216 beneficiaries at Agusan Pequeño Covered Court. “Pakiusap lang, magtulungan lang tayo. Sino ba naman ang magtutulungan, kung ‘di tayo lang ding kapwa natin Pilipino. Mayroon pang tinamaan ng baha dahil sa bagyo noong nakaraan buwan na tinamaan ng bagyo. Magtulungan lang tayo at malalampasan din natin itong kinakaharap na krisis ngayon basta magtulungan lang tayo,” Go expressed in his video message.

Several government agencies were also present as they gave additional help to the beneficiaries. The Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. The Department of Trade and Industry will do an assessment where qualified recipients can be part of their livelihood program. Furthermore, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will evaluate beneficiaries for their scholarship program.

The Senator, then, encouraged the beneficiaries with medical conditions to seek medical assistance at the Malasakit Center located inside the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City.

Go primarily authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. It aims to reduce to the lowest amount possible the balance of the hospital bills of those who seek its assistance by covering patient services and expenses, such as laboratories, medicines, surgeries, and operations.

The center is a one-stop-shop where Filipinos, particularly poor and indigent patients, can efficiently access medical assistance from agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and PhilHealth.

“Salamat sa inyong tulong, mga kababayan, at mayroon rin tayong Malasakit Center dyan sa Butuan Medical center in Butuan City. Ang Malasakit center ay one-stop shop. Lapitan niyo lamang na handang tumulong sa poor and indigent patients,” Go said.

As he continued to extend his efforts to improve access to health care assistance, Senator Go also filed Senate Bill No. 1226, or the proposed DOH Hospital Bed Capacity and Service Rationalization Act of 2019, which aims to authorize the DOH to increase the bed capacity and capabilities of DOH-run hospitals for a more efficient and systematic approach in dealing with health crises.

“Magtiwala lang kayo sa ating gobyerno, mga kababayan ko. Ang importante ay maabot o ma-attain natin ang herd immunity sa community para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay,” said Go.

He, then, mentioned several projects he supported, such as the construction of the road connecting NRJ Masao Port Road-NRJ Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Logistical Highway, construction of Levee Road, concreting the road in Barangay Purok K-4 to Purok K-7 Tagabaca Farm-to-Market Road, and many others.

Go expressed his gratitude towards Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Lagnada, Butuan City Vice Mayor Jose Aquino II, and other local government officials who remain to serve their constituents amid crisis due to COVID-19.

“Kaunting tiis lang po at magtiwala po tayo sa ating gobyerno.  Basta kami ni Presidente Duterte, sa abot ng aming makakaya, handa kaming magserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” Go ended.

On May 27, similar distribution activities were conducted in the town of Tubay where 29 beneficiaries received assistance and Cabadbaran City where they handed out relief to 38 typhoon victims. (OSBG/PIA-Caraga)

World Bank meets AgSur town's banana coop

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 4 -- The World Bank that primarily funds the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) virtually conversed with the Kinabugawan Farmers Producers Cooperative (KIFAPCO) of Veruela, Agusan del Sur, the proponent group (PG) of the PRDP Caraga I-REAP or Enterprise Component.

KIFAPCO Chairperson, Zaldy Gabato shared how their micro-enterprise on Banana Production and Trading Marketing rapidly improved with the help of PRDP.

Apart from the increase in income, Gabato stressed that beneficiaries became more active in planting bananas making their coop expand from a two-hectare planting area to five hectares.

World Bank Consultant, Agnes Deshormes asked KIFAPCO how do the coop foresees growth and its plan to achieve it.

Gabato responded that they envision to strengthen KIFAPCO's marketing strategies which will also improve the lives of the banana farmers. "In our business marketing, we encourage the members to sell their bananas to us so that our income will increase. In every purchase, P0.25 goes to our coop, this little amount will go a long way," he said.

"Someday we can use the coop's income to increase the buying price of our farmers' bananas. This is our way to further develop the coop and help our farmers," added Gabato.

KIFAPCO also narrated that despite the harm brought by the pandemic, the lockdown also served to their advantage.

"Our LGU was very strict during the pandemic. Residents cannot go out even in our barangay. Because of this, residents concentrated in farming specifically banana since it is the notable commodity here. Most untilled lands were now planted and this increased our banana production," Gabato disclosed.

In the end, KIFAPCO and other PGs from Visayas and Mindanao were lauded by the World Bank consultants including Eli Weiss, Maria Theresa Quinones, Tim Hancock, and Agnes Deshormes for their hard work despite the calamities and crisis they have encountered along the way. (DA-RFO XIII, PRDP/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

POPCOM joins UN body calling for women, girls’ rights

By Matt Joe Ian F. Gonzaga

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Jun. 4 -- The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) launched online the State of the World Population Report in the country managing the global challenge of protecting the rights of women and girls to bodily autonomy by providing quality information and on Family Planning.

According to Dr. Leila Joudane, Philippines’ representative to United Nations Population Fund, the Philippines has 47 births annually per 1000 women aged 15-19 years, higher than the average adolescent birth rate of 44 globally and 33.5 in the ASEAN region.

Dr. Joudane highlighted that in every five girls, one is already a mother by age 19, which triggers the need for education regarding teenage pregnancy and sexuality to adolescents.

Meanwhile, POPCOM Executive Director Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III said that unplanned and unintended pregnancy is also considered a global pandemic labeling adolescent pregnancy as a national health emergency.

He underscored the Commission's effort, local government units, and the Department of Education in capacitating adolescents to their full potential by educating them through the right path and disclosing the negative impact of early sex that concludes unwanted pregnancy.

Dir. Perez also urged its regional offices to support the needs of the local government units to family planning services and quality information for the concrete implementation of the Philippine Population Management Program to the grassroots level.

Despite registering encouraging numbers in the level of Filipino women's decision-making on healthcare, as well as their sexual and reproductive health and rights or SRHR, the country's 20 million-plus young people continue to struggle in implementing their gender rights, which still account for the high prevalence of child marriages and intimate partner violence associated with adolescent pregnancies.

Attending the online launching on May 20, 2021, are the focal persons from the United Nations Population Fund, National Economic Development Authority, POPCOM executives, regional officials, and other partner agencies. (POPCOM Caraga)

OIE endorses program to control dog-mediated rabies

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 4 -- The endorsement of the Philippines' Dog-Mediated Rabies Program by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on May 27, 2021 certifies that the country’s protocol is in line with international standards.

This is a significant achievement of the Philippines in its continuous efforts to eradicate rabies from the local dog and cat population by 2030.

“We therefore invite the general public and pet owners to support the government's program on the control of this deadly but preventable viral disease. Let us keep in mind to ensure our pets are properly vaccinated against rabies,” said Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture.

BAI said the certification was an outcome of the joint efforts of the DA, Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, local government units, non-government organizations, the academe and private sector to fight rabies. (DA-BAI/PIA-Caraga)

Responsible parenthood, family planning program intensified in SurSur villages

By Charina May L. Lagunde

MARIHATAG, Surigao del Sur, Jun. 4 -- The local government unit (LGU) of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur has strengthened the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) Program to its five barangays amidst the pandemic.

In the official RPFP report submitted by said LGU to the regional office of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), population workers and barangay volunteers, observing the minimum standard health protocol, conducted house to house visit in the five barangays of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, namely Brgy. Amontay, Bayan, Mararag, Alegria, and San Isidro.

The said report showed that a total of 54 couples or individuals participated in which 39 of them expressed their interest in the different family planning methods. Most of them preferred pills as their chosen modern FP method; on one hand, four couples with unmet need for Modern Family Planning were validated, as well as four women of reproductive age were referred and provided with the service to the Regional Health Unit.

POPCOM Caraga together with its partners at the local and community level continues its advocacy to empower couples and individuals to achieve their desired number, timing, and spacing of children in the context of informed choice and responsible parenthood as one of the thrusts of the agency gearing towards “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Planadaong Pamilyang Pilipino.”

POPCOM is the country’s lead organization in population management for well-planned and empowered Filipino families and communities. Its goal is to attain a better quality of life for all Filipinos through the management and maintenance of population-level resources. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Gitukod nga pasilidad para sa COVID-19 sa Tandag, hapit na mahuman

By Raymond Samson Aplaya

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Hunyo 4 -- Hapit na mahuman ang gitukod nga Isolation o Quarantine Facility dinhi sa dakbayan. Kini ang gikumpirma ni Engineer Minda Roslinda, District Engineer sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering Office (DEO).

Sa iyang pakighinabi, gibutyag niini nga iyang nabisitahan ang maong proyekto ug mamahimo na unta kining  i- turn over sunod semana.

Apan gikabutyag nga aduna lang kini ginagmay nga gipausab sa contractor tungod kay diskontento kini susama na sa kurtina nga iyang gipailisan og mas nindot nga klase nga muhaom sa usa ka Quarantine Facility.

Gawas niini, iya usab gipabutangan og tangke sa tubig ang maong pasilidad aron nga aduna’y magamit nga tubig ang mga ikwarentena sa maong lugar.

Sumala pa nga iyang gipaningkamotan nga plastado tanan ang maong proyekto una kini pormal nga i-turn over dinhi sa siyudad aron magamit na alang sa mga pasyente sa COVID - 19 nga mopailawom sa kwarentena.

Mahinumduman nga gisugdan ang konstruksiyon sa nasangpit nga pasilidad niadtong bulan sa Enero niining tuiga, kungdiin gipahimutang kini sa Barangay Telaje dinhi sa siyudad sa Tandag. (RP1 Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Senior Citizens sa Agusan Norte kumbinsido magpabakuna batok COVID-19

By Karen Decamotan

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Hunyo 4 -- Dako ang pagtuo ug paglaum sa mga nabakunahan na nga mga senior citizens nga mamahimong protektado ug luwas sila batok coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ug kini ang nahimong basehan sa desisyon nga magpabakuna sila.

Usa kanila si Gorgornia Patayon Aca-ac, 74 anyos, lumulupyo sa syudad sa Cabadbaran.

Sumala pa ni Aca-ac aduna siyay allergies apan mituo siya nga inubanan sa pag-ampo ang makasulbad sa pandemya ang pagpabakuna lang. Niini siya mismo ang nag eng-ganyo sa iyang mga anak nga magpabakuna. 

Aminado usab si Acaac nga bisan fully vaccinated na siya dili mamahimo mag kumpyansa ug mo sunod gihapon siya sa mga nag-unang mga protocols nga gipatuman sa mga lokal nga panggamhanan.

Gawas nga maghimo kaniyang protektado gikan sa makamatay nga sakit, ang pagpabakuna alang usab kang Fortunata Abcede sa Buenavista ang pagpabakuna magsilbing pamaagi aron makakuha siyag vaccination card ug magamit kini niya ingkaso adunay mga establismento nga estriktong magpatuman og “no vaccination, no entry”, ug diha sa mga biyahe ug mga emerhensiya diin kinahanglan moadto og ospital.

Base sa datus sa Department of Health Caraga, natala nga ang priority group A2 o senior citizens sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang kasamtangang pinakataas nga percentage rate nga nagpabakuna kung itandi sa A1 ug A3 sa tibuok probinsya.

Daku ang kalipay ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera niini. Isip senior citizen ug apil usab sa priority group A2, malipayong siya nga taas ang rate sa nagpabakuna nga mga senior citizens. Iyang nakita nga usa ang mga katiguwangan ang huyang ug dali gyod matakdan sa COVID-19 ug nagpasalamat siya nga nagpabakuna gyud kini sila.

“I am happy that our senior citizen sa A2, sa akong tan-aw, nituo sila nga kini nga bakuna, safe para sa ila bisan sa ilang edad. Ikaduha, because ang tanan impormasyon nga niabot kanato, makita nato nga vulnerable gyod ang senior citizen. Kasagaran casualty aning covid, mga senior gyod. In order to be protected, mo-submit gyod sila para duna silay protection,” sumala pa ni Gob. Corvera.

Sa pagkakaron, padayon gipahigayon ang pagpabakuna sa tibuok probinsya sa Agusan del Norte, apil na niini ang second dose sa mga senior citizens. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Surigao del Norte PPO implements ‘barangayanihan’ program

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Jun. 3 (PIA) -- With the impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that keep devastating the lives and livelihood globally, the Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office (SDN-PPO) is advancing the ‘Barangayanihan Help’ or ‘Bayanihan’ in barangays and food bank.

It aims to help the communities especially now that heightened restrictions are imposed with the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Surigao City and other municipalities within Surigao del Norte province.

Recipients can avail of the food and non-food items such as rice, coffee, milk, sugar, vegetables, eggs, canned goods, noodles, soaps, and other essential goods that could help in supporting the daily needs of a family.

“Barangayanihan is part of the police community program that would enhance the bayanihan spirit of helping one another especially this time of COVID-19. Ang hangarin ng proyektong ito ay paigtingin ng inyong kapulisan ang iba’t ibang paraan ng pagbibigay ng tulong sa ating community,” said PCol. Noel C. Espinoza, provincial director of the Surigao del Norte PPO.

According to Espinoza, the said program also aims to encourage other stakeholders to voluntarily take part in giving assistance to fellow citizens.

“Sa ngayon, mayroon na po tayong naitalang 176 na barangayaihin actvities na ginawa ng iba’t ibang police station na nassakupan ng Suriao del Norte PPO sa buwan lamang po ng Mayo at mayroon naring 3,036 na natulongan ng programa,” said PCol. Espinoza.

The police troops also distributed leaflets on anti-terrorism and vaccination against COVID-19 to provide additional knowledge to the public.

The Barangayanihan covers all police community relations support activities and underscores the Philippine National Police (PNP) motto which is “to serve and protect.”

“Nagpapasalamat po kami dahil sa gitna ng kahirapang tinatamasa naming ngayon dulot ng pandemya  ay nabigyan pa rin kami tulong. Salamat karajaw!” said Luzviminda Anario, resident of barangay Punta Bilar, Surigao City.

Meanwhile, Surigao del  Norte PPO appeals to the Surigaonons to continue helping the police authorities; follow the health protocols; and to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Umasa po kayo na ang inyong kapulisan sa buong Surigao del Norte ay laging handa at patuloy na tatangkilikin ang mga programa para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ngayong apektado ang lahat sa pandemya. Patuloy pa tayo sa pagsunod sa itinakdang curfew hours nang sa ganun ay hindi po tayo malagay sa alangaanin. Umasa po kayo na patuloy po ang pamimigay namin ng mga alcohol at face masks,” said PCol Espinoza.

At present, police officers are deployed to render service at the designated checkpoints and continue with the monitoring and enforcement of laws. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Farmers, fisherfolks receive deep-sea fishing livelihood grant from DOLE

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 3 – The Barangay San Jose Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (BSJFFA) had recently received its livelihood grant under the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

The DOLE-Province of Dinagat Satellite Office (DOLE PDISO) conducted the turn-over ceremony of two fishing boats, nets, and other fishing gears for the Deep-Sea Fishing Livelihood project worth Php332,230.00 to BSJFFA, an association composed of 46 members of Brgy. San Jose, Cagdianao, Province of Dinagat Islands. Aside from the officers and members of BSJFFA, the ceremony was also attended by Municipal Mayor of Cagdianao Hon. Adolfo Longos; LGU-Cagdianao PESO Manager Salome Pegoro; and the barangay officials.

Mr. Verlan Diaz, outgoing DOLE PDISO Provincial Head reminded the officers and members of the association to be well-equipped in terms of business management to ensure the success of their livelihood.

“Manghinaot kami nga kini nga proyekto mouswag, mulambo ug inyong ampingan. Mao nga maghimu kamu ug business manager, nga unta magschedule kaninyo kung kanus-a kani gamiton ug kung kanus-a kani dili. Kay negosyo ni, negosyo nga kamu ang magpalambo (We hope that this project will develop and become sustainable. It would be better if you will assign a business manager to manage and schedule when to utilize the boats so that it will not easily get damage),” Diaz said.

Also, BSJFFA President Antonio A. Petallar, encouraged the association members to take care of the livelihood grant.

“Kini nga proyekto nga gihatag sa ato atimanon nato. Dili laong nga napura na, jaon na mag-atindir, kun dili kita tanan. Kita tanan ang responsibilidad aton nga project. Para mani sab sa atong karajawan, para mani sa atong pamilya. So, ato ipasalig sa ila kuman nga ato ampingan, ato atimanon. Nga ipakita nato sa ila nga magmalambuon kita. Ipakita nato nga nagpadayon ug milambo kita nan project nga gihatag sa ato. Masipo kita sa ila kung mapakyas kita nan pagpalambo ani nga proyekto (We must take care of this livelihood grant. Not just the officials, but all 46 members must take responsibility so that this project will be manage well. We must show to our community that we are successful with this. This is not just for us, but also for our family and community),” he underscored.

The BSJFFA is the first association in Brgy. San Jose that received a livelihood assistance in DOLE. (DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PRLEC activity in AgSur showcases DOLE programs

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, Jun. 3 - The programs and services of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) were showcased in the recently concluded “Launching of Barangay Zamora Village Enterprise and Mass Graduation on Various Skills Training” in Brgy. Zamora, Talacogon, this province.

The event was facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as part of the initiatives of the Poverty Reduction and Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in the province. Notably present in the event were TESDA Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, Deputy Director General Lina C. Sarmiento, along with TESDA Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, and TESDA Agusan del Sur Provincial Director Lorenzo Emanuel L. Guillermo.

Aside from the presentation of graduates of various skills training being offered to locals of Brgy. Zamora, DOLE programs were also highlighted during the event.

DOLE Agusan del Sur Provincial Office (ADSPO), together with Sec. Lapeña, officially handed the Rural Workers Association (RWA) Certificate of Registration to Diversified Organic Farmers Association (DOFA) of Brgy. Zamora. The documentary requirements were discussed with the association for their proposed livelihood project of Farm Cultivator.

Highlighted also was the pay-out of the salaries of the 20 Former Rebel (FR) beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) from Brgy. Zamora. A total of Php96,000.00 was released with Php4,800.00 for each beneficiary.

Sec. Lapeña commended the efforts of DOLE ADSPO for PRLEC and expressed that their contributions shall reach to the DOLE Secretary when he returns to Manila.

DOLE is one of the implementing agencies of PRLEC as a response to its commitment to provide programs and services that will aid poverty reduction in the country. (DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PESO institutionalization: For better public employment service

BUTUAN CITY, June 3 - With the drive of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to promote stronger employment facilitation, DOLE Surigao del Sur Provincial Office (SDSPO) continues to encourage Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province to institutionalize their respective Public Employment Service Offices (PESO).

Just recently, the DOLE-SDSPO together with DOLE Caraga Assistant Regional Director Naomi Lyn Abellana, attended the regular session of Sangguniang Bayan Members of Bislig City and discussed the Salient Features of Republic Act 10691 otherwise known as "An act defining the role of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Local Government Units (LGUs), and accredited Non-government Organization (NGOs) in the establishment and operation of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the operation of Job Placement Offices in Educational Institutions (Els), amending sections 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 of RA 8759 otherwise known as PESO Act of 1999."

Strengthening and institutionalization the role of PESO was one of the highlights discussed. PESO, as an employment service facility of the government, is tasked to ensure prompt, timely, and efficient delivery of employment services under the supervision of the LGU and the technical support of DOLE. Its institutionalization will enable the office to become more empowered and effective.

ARD Abellana emphasized to explain the benefits of PESO institutionalization to Bislig City. "The institutionalization of PESO can help you craft new ordinances. For instance, PESO can require the establishment to submit Job Vacancies report before they can renew their permits. This can help the LGU create a directory of vacant jobs available in the city,” she said.

During the same activity, Laine S. Elechicon, the PESO Manager-designate was commended for her exemplary efforts to multifunction in managing PESO effectively as she also takes the role of the Information Officer of the city.

At the end of the session, Hon. David Salazar, as well as other SB members supported to DOLE’s encouragement to institutionalize PESO Bislig City. A total of 19 PESOs are expected to be institutionalized in Surigao del Sur after DOLE’s intensive campaign of PESO institutionalization among LGUs. (DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

LGU Butuan eyes intervention to reduce teen pregnancies

By Matt Joe Ian F. Gonzaga

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Jun. 3 -- Together with the Zuellig Family Foundation, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) responded to the call of the local government unit (LGU) of Butuan for the institutionalization and implementation of “The Challenge Initiative” (TCI) project to address the necessary plan of action to combat early and teenage pregnancy.

LGU Butuan through its City Population Office, expresses the interest in the establishment of TCI Project in the city to reinforce its thrust and direction in creating a solution to the uprising cases of teenage pregnancy.

Meanwhile, POPCOM Deputy Executive Director Lolito R. Tacardon highlighted the need to institutionalize the TCI Project in Butuan City as it is considered the regional center of Caraga and contributed to the 80 percent of highest live births from mothers aged 10-17 years old in the province of Agusan del Norte.

Dir. Tacardon also added that Agusan del Norte has the 3rd highest live births from mothers aged 10-17 in Caraga, with 456 counts spotting to 26 percent to all cases.

The Challenge Initiative gives cities a bold strategy to scale high-impact family planning and reproductive health strategies for women and girls living in urban poverty quickly and sustainably.

TCI also helps cities scale up evidence-based family planning strategies that have been proven to function in urban environments in developing countries by assisting local communities with the design, implementation, and monitoring of these solutions.

Present during the conference were POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano; ZFF-TCI Philippines chief of party Dr. Dorie Lyn O. Balanoba; City Councilors Cherry Mae Busa and Cynth Nietes and Butuan City Population Officer Dr. Josephince Chua and staff.

Representatives from different partner agencies and civil society organizations also joined the said online activity.

The Expression of Interest sent by the City Population of Butuan will be processed and subjected for the next phase if they will meet the needed requirements. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DA chief directs BSWM to set up modern soil laboratories

By Adones Buhayan

Photo by: Adones Buhayan, DA-AFID

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 3 -- Through the recently approved National Soil Health Program with P523.575 million funding, Agriculture Secretary William Dar directed the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) to set up modern and efficient national and regional soil laboratories.

Photo by: Adones Buhayan, DA-AFID

The National Soil Health Program to be implemented in 2021–2023 by the BSWM has four project components: 1) institutionalizing national soil monitoring and rejuvenation program; 2) soil health monitoring through mobile soils laboratory; 3) strengthening of partnerships with various stakeholders; and 4) production and improvement in soil analysis.

Since his return as DA chief, Secretary Dar has been advocating for the National Soil Health Program and rainwater harvesting that will address concerns on crop productivity and water availability as soil and water are crucial elements in agriculture.

Secretary Dar congratulated the BSWM for the 70 years of service and for taking the lead in the Asian Soil Partnership Governance for 2021-2023. He also attended the anniversary celebration of the BSWM on June 2, 2021. (DA-AFID/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD, IJM equip frontliners handling online sexual exploitation cases

BUTUAN CITY, Jun. 3 - In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, protecting the children has never been more emphasized. Within this context, the International Justice Mission (IJM) and the Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) had recently supervised a week-long online Video In-Depth Interview (VIDI) training to frontliners handling cases of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC), with full support from the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga.

VIDI aims to uphold the best interest of children by protecting them from potential re-traumatization. Other objectives in the conducted training include (1) Understanding underlying policies in investigating and prosecuting OSEC cases; (2) Admissibility of VIDIs under the law in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic; (3) Guiding principles in conducting forensic interviews to children; (4) Practice skills in conducting a forensic interview of children in accordance with trauma informed standards and admissibility requirements under the law; and (5) Obtain stakeholders’ insight and perspective on the use of VIDIs and other child protective measures.

VIDI was further discussed as a recorded “inquiry or proceeding conducted by duly trained members of a multidisciplinary team or representatives of law enforcement or child protective services for the purpose of determining whether child abuse has been committed.” In layman’s term, the VIDI will serve as the evidence in lieu of the live victim’s testimony during the trial. Through this, the victim may need not to testify live during the trial and face the perpetrators once more.

Studies have confirmed that these court appearances cause anxiety, re-traumatization and re-victimization on the children’s part. Hence, VIDI is considered as an effective alternative measure to protect children against fear of having to face their abusers again.

The training was participated by law enforcers from Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), DSWD and LGU Social Workers who conduct assessment and interviews of children regarding any reported abuse including OSEC cases, as well as public prosecutors who utilize VIDI as evidence.

One of the highlights in the training was the mock interview session where participants experienced court hearings using actual OSEC cases that once utilized VIDI as a prosecution strategy. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Partisipasyon sa CSOs sa AgNor, gihisgutan sa forum

By Shena Mae Pabia

DAKBYAN SA BUTUAN, Hunyo 3 – Bag-uhay pa lamang gihimo sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa kapitolyo niini sa Butuan ang Civil Society Organization [CSO] Forum.

Gihimo kini sa pagpanguna ni Francisco Y. Chan, Jr. isip Chairperson sa Komitiba sa Kooperatiba ug mga Kapunongan sa Komunidad aron magkabayloay og hunahuna kalabot sa papel sa mga organisasyon sa mga kalihukang pangkalambuan sa probinsya, ilabina sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. 

Apil sa gihisgutan sa forum ang pagmugna og CSO Council ingon man ang mahimong mga oportunidad ilabina sa pagahimo pang aktibo sa mga CSOs pagpatuman na unya sa gitawag nga Mandanas Ruling o ang balaud nga magpadaku sa bahin sa lokal nga panggamhanan gikan sa kita nga mosulod sa nasudnong panudlanan.

“Tinguha ani niya nga ma klaro ug ma plastar ang ilang partisipasyon sa atong pang gobyerno,” sumala ni Eric Phully personahe sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga maoy nagpahiluna sa maong kalihukan.

Aron maseguro gyod ang partisipasyon sa CSOs, gi gipadayag ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito ang nahisgutan na nila ni Gob. Corvera nga posibleng pagpamugna og CSO Desk sa usa sa mga operating units sa probinsya.

Gipasabot usab sa mga CSOs sa maong forum unsa gyod ang AGUSAN UP! ug unsa ang posibleng mahimo nilang papel. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Surigao del Norte PPO nakikiisa sa programang ‘barangayanihan’

By Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Hunyo 3 (PIA) -- Dahil sa nararanasang krisis dulot ng pandemya, isinusulong ng Surigao del Norte Provincial Police Office (PPO) ang programang ‘Barangayanihan Help’ o ‘Bayanihan’ sa barangay at food bank.

Layunin nitong makatulong sa mamamayan lalung-lalo na sa panahon ngayon na limitado ang galaw dahil sa ipinapatupad na modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) sa lungsod ng Surigao at ilang mga munisipyo sa lalawigan ng Surigao del Norte.

Libreng makukuha sa nasabing food bank ng kapulisan ang food at non-food items kagaya ng bigas, kape, gatas, asukal, gulay, itlog, canned goods, noodles, sabon, at iba pang essential goods na makakatulong upang masuportahan ang pang araw-araw na pangangailangan ng pamilya.

“Barangayanihan is part of the police community program that would enhance the bayanihan spirit of helping one another specially this time of COVID-19. Ang hangarin ng proyektong ito ay paigtingin ng inyong kapulisan ang iba’t ibang paraan ng pagbibigay ng tulong sa ating community,” sabi ni PCol. Noel C. Espinoza, provincial director ng Surigao del Norte PPO.

Ayon kay Espinoza, layunin din nito na hikayatin ang iba pang stakeholders sa pamamagitan ng boluntaryong pagbibigay tulong sa mga kababayan.

“Sa ngayon, mayroon na po tayong naitalang 176 na barangayaihin actvities na ginawa ng iba’t ibang police station na nassakupan ng Suriao del Norte PPO sa buwan lamang po ng Mayo at mayroon naring 3,036 na natulongan ng programa,” ani PCol. Espinoza.

Namimigay din ang ating kapulisan ng mga leaflets bilang parte ng kampanya laban sa anti-terrorism at pagbabakuna laban sa COVID-19 upang mabigyan ng karagdagang kaalaman ang publiko.

Saklaw ng barangayanihan ang lahat ng police community relations support na mga aktibidad na nagbibigay diin sa tunay na kahulugan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) motto na “to serve and protect.”

“Nagpapasalamat po kami dahil sa gitna ng kahirapang tinatamasa naming ngayon dulot ng pandemya  ay nabigyan pa rin kami tulong. Salamat karajaw!” pahayag ni Luzviminda Anario, residente ng barangay Punta Bilar, Surigao City.

Samanatala, nanawagan at umapila pa rin sa mga Surigaonon ang Surigao del  Norte PPO na makipagtulungan sa otoridad; sumunod sa mga alintuntunin at health protocols; at manatili nalang sa tahanan kung kinakailanagn para maiwasan ang paglaganap nga virus.

“Umasa po kayo na ang inyong kapulisan sa buong Surigao del Norte ay laging handa at patuloy na tatangkilikin ang mga programa para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ngayong apektado ang lahat sa pandemya. Patuloy pa tayo sa pagsunod sa itinakdang curfew hours nang sa ganun ay hindi po tayo malagay sa alangaanin. Umasa po kayo na patuloy po ang pamimigay namin ng mga alcohol at face masks,” sabi ni PCol Espinoza.

Sa ngayon ay mahigpit na ipanapatupad ng kapulisan sa probinsiya ang  monitoring at checkpoints. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Pagbansay alang sa Plant! Plant! Plant! project, gisugdan na

By Karen Decamotan

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, Hunyo 3 -- Gisugdan na ang serye sa mga pagbansay sa pag-uma nga kinahanglang agian sa tanang mag-uuma nga apil sa “Mapadayonong Tisuk” o kadtong apil sa padayong kampanya sa pagtanum ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. 

Apil sa mga pagbansay nga unang gihimo sa Simbalan, Buenavista mao ang Farm Planning ug Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Apil sa maong pagbansay ang mga representante sa mga organisasyon sa mag-uuma gikan sa Benavista ug Las Nieves.

Himoon usab ang maong mga pagbansay sa ubang mga lungsod ning semanaha.

Gipunting nga tamnan sa priority crops – abaca, saging, kape, cacao, manga ug uban pang prutas, lubi, bulanghoy, rubber ug commercial trees – ubos sa AGUSAN UP! ang 125,000 ektaryas hangtud sa 2027. Mokabat sa 5,000 ektaryas ang tamnan niing tuiga ug sugdan kini karong Hunyo 12.

Kaabag sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center sa maong pagbansay ang personahe sa buhatan sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) nga si Jim Razonabe isip guest speaker.

Gipaambit niya ang iyang kaalam sa representante sa 15 ka mga organisasyon ang husto nga preparasyon sa dili pa magsugod og pananom. (with reports from Jessa Mindajao, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)