Saturday, January 22, 2022

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte led the virtual program for the blessing and inauguration of the Mental Wellness Center for Homeless on Friday, January 21, 2022. 

The Mental Wellness Center for Homeless Building, which costs 26 Million is located at SPMC-IPBM Compound, Claveria St, Poblacion District, Davao City.                                                                              

This building, which started construction in February 2021, not only serves as a facility for mentally challenged homeless individuals but also as an outpatient counseling service center.  

In her speech, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte congratulated everyone behind the completion of the Mental Wellness Center for the Homeless as it helps safeguard the emotional and psychological well-being of the homeless people, who are at higher risk of getting mental illness as they struggle to get through the day in the streets.

“The establishment of the Davao City Mental Health Center for the homeless is a welcome initiative of the local government not only to provide a comfortable refuge for our homeless and mentally ill residents but also to address the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness in the community,” the mayor said.

She added that hopefully, the initiative will inspire everyone to support each other to find ways to overcome difficulties, maintain healthy well-being, and promote the importance of mental health.

The mayor also thanked Dumper Partylist Representative Claudine Bautista for helping the city government with the funding for the building of the Mental Wellness Center for the Homeless.

Meanwhile, Center Head of the Mental Wellness Center for Homeless Building, Dr. Annaliza Malubay also said that the establishment of the Center is an achievement for the City Government of Davao because this is the first of its kind in the country.                                                                                                                

“This facility was created because our local government saw the need for a shelter that caters to those psychotic vagrants or sa mga mentally challenged na latagaw, especially during the pandemic. Although our city has existing shelters for the homeless we cannot just integrate our clients with them because of their special needs and kining mga special needs nila mao ang gihatagan ug pagtagad sa atong local government. (The facility was created because our local government saw the need for a shelter that caters to those psychotic vagrants or the mentally challenged in the streets, especially during the pandemic. Although our city has existing shelters for the homeless, we cannot just integrate our clients with them because of their special needs and these special needs are what the local government is giving focus on,” she said.

Malubay said that providing shelter is not enough, “ We have to give more than we have to make them feel safe and protected.  We have to provide holistic care.”

She added that being assigned to the facility is an eye-opener for mental illness as the most neglected health problem.                                                                                                    

“Hopefully, in the near future, we will be able to establish livelihood programs and other services both medical and non-medical that can benefit not only admitted clients but also outpatients,” Malubay said. CIO

Wednesday, January 21, 2022

Pasilidades nga gisaad sa probinsyal na panggamhanan sa Agusan Norte sa Las Nieves, ipatuman na

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Sugdan na ang konstruksyon sa Manpower Human Resource Development and PhP8 million Productivity Enhancement Center (MHRDPEC) ug usa ka PhP3.5 million nga Day Care Center sa Sitio Bokbokon, Lawan-lawan, Las Nieves ug gipunting nga mahuman kini sa dili pa mahuman ang tuig 2022.

Kini ang gibutyag ni Dr. Tomas O. Tener, ang Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, sa pakighinabi ning semanaha.

Mahimumdoman nga gisaad ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ang maong mga proyekto human kini gihangyo sa mga lumulupyo atol sa gipahigayong “AguSerbisyo” o immersion nga gihimo sa maong hilit nga lugar sa milabay’ng tuig.

Natulog gyod si Gob. Corvera sa Bokbokon sa maong pagbisita aron ipabati sa katawhan sa lugar ang sinseridad sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa pagpadangat og serbisyo alang sa kalinaw ug kalambuan.  

Gawas sa mga pasilidades, ubay-ubay usab nga social services ug mga proyekto alang sa panginabuhian ang gipadangat sa probinsya sa maong komunidad nga kadaghanan sa nagpuyo mga sakop sa Tribung Higaonon.

Ang Sitio Bokbokon usa lamang sa pipila ka hilit nga sitio sa probinsya nga personal nga gibisitahan ni Gob. Corvera, uban ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba, aron mapadangat ang gikinahanglang mga serbisyo. (Karen Kie Decamotan, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Thursday, January 20, 2021

DepEd-Siargao delivers UNICEF response items to HS, elementary school

DAPA, Surigao del Norte -- The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Siargao turned over the learning kits and the temporary learning spaces (TLSs) from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to the two identified badly-hit implementing schools for the limited face-to-face classes in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province, namely the Sapao National High School in Sta. Monica town and Mabuhay Elementary School in Pilar town on January 17-18, respectively.

Sapao National High School received two sets of 72m2 rectangular TLS, 109 sets of student kits, three sets of teacher’s kits, and two boxes of school-in-a-box, while Mabuhay Elementary School received one set of TLS, 47 sets of student kits, five sets of teacher’s kits, and one box of school-in-a-box.

SDO-Siargao tapped the assistance of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and PVT Jaireh L. Donio for the transportation of the said materials and for the installation of the PLSs.

During the on-site visit, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Nelia S. Lomocso asked about the conditions of the teachers and the school facilities after the onslaught of the typhoon.

The school heads of the recipient schools both expressed their sentiments to SDS Lomocso because almost all of their school facilities, including their learning materials and ICT learning resources, were ruined by the perils of ST Odette. A group of 18 teachers in Sapao NHS, who were unable to transact using their new atm cash card, also lobbied their concern to SDS Lomocso.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lomocso called the attention of the finance department for the immediate resolution of the problem.

In a conversation with Dr. Lomocso, Sapao NHS School Principal-I Jonathan Gubantes said that their school is determined to buy a generator to run the necessary school operations since their school, including some schools in other municipalities, has no access to electricity as of the moment.

Mabuhay ES school head Arnel Rosende also said his teachers will do the printing of the modules in Dapa, especially that SDS Lomocso has announced already that all implementing pilot schools for the limited face-to-face classes and those in modular distance setup shall resume immediately on Monday, January 24.

Urgent consultative meetings will be organized for proper coordination with the concerned individuals both from public and private agencies.

Prior to the resumption of classes, Division Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Coordinator Catherine B. Landao informed the field that DepEd-Siargao will deploy its trained personnel for the conduct of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS). (DepEd-Siargao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, January 20, 2021

DepEd-Siargao chief on Typhoon Odette outrage: “This is a true test of our commitment to serve”

DAPA, Surigao del Norte -- Following the ruthless devastation of the Super Typhoon Odette, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Nelia S. Lomocso of the Schools Division Office (SDO) Siargao in the Surigao del Norte province has made an emotional remarks addressed to all DepEd-Siargao employees during the Batch 2 Limited Face-to-Face Classes Orientation held Wednesday, January 19, at Del Carmen National High School that the unprecedented typhoon outrage is a true test of everyone’s commitment to serve the department.

“I know we are all victims of the recent calamity, but our schools need you most this time,” said Lomocso.

“Despite the bad circumstances we have all experienced, I hope that serving our department remains our top priority. Please don’t show to the public that you are tired and unmotivated to work. Instead, let us be the source of hope and inspiration to the people around us most especially to our learners and colleagues,” she added.

To maximize the time for the important school operations, SDS Lomocso stressed that teaching and non-teaching personnel can deviate from the alternative work arrangement (AWA) since the work-at-home arrangement is difficult in areas without access to electricity.

“If we report to our station, there are a lot of things we can help as part of our share for the school rebuilding efforts, and if we will not do these things, then who would?” she said.

SDS Lomocso encouraged the teachers and the school administrators to tap the support of the local government unit, which has been the department’s dependable partners, for the clearing operations. (DepEd-Siargao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Caraga Nutrition Cluster orients BNS on MUAC measurement

BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga Regional Nutrition Cluster (RNC) oriented and demonstrated to the barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) of Barangay Boa in the municipality of Cagdianao, Province of Dinagat Islands on the proper mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement.

MUAC is the circumference of the left upper arm, measured at the mid-point between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow (olecranon process and the acromium) and is used for the assessment of nutritional status. It is a good predictor of mortality and in many studies, MUAC predicted death in children better than any other anthropometric indicator. MUAC is recommended for use with children between six and fifty-nine months of age and for assessing acute energy deficiency in adults during famine or disasters such as Typhoon Odette.

The MUAC measurement requires little equipment and is easy to perform even on the most debilitated individuals. It usually makes use of the MUAC tape, a simple plastic tape used in determining the thinness to weight-for-height of a child through measuring the circumference of an individual’s left upper arm between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow. But due to the wrath of Typhoon Odette, all of the anthropometric tools of the barangay were destroyed or washed out including the MUAC tapes. 

However, although it is important to give workers training in how to take the measurement, the correct technique can be readily taught to minimally trained health workers and community-based volunteers. Nutrition Officer II Raphael Ochavo and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nutrition Officer Pete John Biscarra briefly oriented the BNS and demonstrated the proper use of MUAC tapes, including MUAC tapes for adults for the pregnant and lactating women. The Nutrition Cluster also provided new MUAC tapes to the BNS for their conduct of rapid nutrition assessment and continuous monitoring of the children considered as severely or moderately acute malnourished (SAM/MAM) children in their barangay. (RPOchavo, NNC-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Caraga RNC, tinututukan ang nutrisyon ng ilang vulnerable sectors sa mga lugar na lubhang naapektuhan ng bagyong Odette

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Habang patuloy na isinasagawa ang relief operation sa mga lugar sa Caraga Region na lubhang naapektuhan ng bagyong Odette, nakatutok din ang Regional Nutrition Cluster sa pangunguna ng National Nutrition Council (NNC) sa pagsiguro na naibibigay ang tamang nutrisyon sa mga bata, lactating mothers, at senior citizens.

Sa tulong rin ng mga barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) at nutrition action officers (NAOs) sa mga apektadong probinsya, namomonitor ang kalagayan ng mga vulnerable sector lalo na sa mga evacuation centers.

Ayon kay Dr. Niño Archie Labordo, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator ng NNC-Caraga, tinitiyak ng Regional Nutrition Cluster na naibibigay ang nutrition package intervention kabilang dito ang infant and young child feeding practices, micronutrients supplementation, supplementary feeding, at integrated management acute malnutrition.

“Ibig sabihin, layon ng nutrition cluster na masiguro ang nutritional status ng mga apektadong populasyon lalo na ang mga vulnerable groups – ang mga bata, buntis, breastfeeding mothers, older persons, people with disabilities, at iba pa na kabilang sa vulnerable groups. Ito ay para walang pagbaba ng nutrisyon o hindi gaano apektado ang kanilang nutrsiyon kahit paman sa panahon ng emergency o sakuna sa pamamagitan ng koordinasyon at pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba pang sector na may kinalaman sa nutrition response clusters,” ani ni Labordo.

Nagsasagawa rin ng blanket feeding ang mga lokal na pamahalaan para masigurong may makakain ang mga apektadong residente.

Binigyang-diin din ni Dr. Labordo na kailangan ng malinis na inuming tubig ang mga residente para sa kanilang pang-araw araw na pamumuhay. Malaki ang epekto sa kalusugan ng mga residente kung walang sapat na mapagkukunan ng malinis na tubig.

“Kailangan talaga nila ng potable water, isa ito sa ating naging obserbasyon doon sa mga evacuation centers. May naitalang kaso na rin ng Diarrhea dahil may pamilya doon na uminom ng tubig mula sa spring, kung saan hindi talaga ligtas inumin,” dagdag ni Labordo.

Maliban din sa nutrisyon, tinututukan din ng cluster ang pagtugon sa mental health para maiwasan ang matinding depresyon sa mga apektadong residente. Pinasalamatan din ni Dr. labordo ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan na nakatuon din sa pagpapatayo ng mga bahay sa mga apektadong pamilya. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

DOLE Caraga hinikayat ang mga LGU na lubhang naapektuhan ng bagyong Odette na mag-sumite ng mga panukala para sa sapat na kabuhayan ng mga residente

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Bukod sa tulong mula sa mga programa ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) tulad ng Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa mga Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD), hinikayat din ng ahensya ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa Caraga Region, lalo na sa mga lubhang naapektuhan ng bagyong Odette, na mag-sumite ng mga panukala na naaayon sa kabuhayan ng mga residente sa kani-kanilang lugar.

“Ang Department of Labor and Employment ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), sa lahat ng local government units natin na apektado hindi lamang dito sa hardest hit areas ng Surigao del Norte municipalities and cities, at sa Dinagat Islands kung hindi maging sa ibang areas dito sa ating rehiyon,” ani ni DOLE Caraga regional director Joffrey Suyao.

Binigyang-diin ni Director Suyao na mahigpit ang kanyang utos sa mga PESO managers na magsagawa ng assessment sa mga apektadong lugar ng rehiyon at makipag-ugnayan din sa lokal na pamahalaan para malaman ang kanilang mga pangangailangan at mabigyan ng kaukulang pondo ng DOLE Central Office.

“Maliban sa deployment ng ating TUPAD o Emergency Employment Program, patuloy po ang ibang programa ng departamento lalong-lalo na ‘yung poverty alleviation program natin – kabuhayan or livelihood program. Sa ilalim ng kabuhayan, may tatlong pamamaraan po tayo kung papaano makabenepisyo nito. Mayroon tayong start-up na availment; kung mayroon kang exisiting kabuhayan at nabagyohan, mayroon tayong tinatawag rehabilitation program; at mayroon din tayong pang-grupo, hindi lang pang-indibidwal,” dagdag ni Suyao.

Nagbibigay din ang DOLE ng tulong-teknikal sa mga benepisyaryo katulad ng mga tools o makinarya na kanilang magagamit sa kanilang kabuhayan depende sa ma-a-aprubahang proposal ng DOLE. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Pagdevelop sa nursery sa Nasipit, gisugdan na

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Gisugdan kaniadtong Enero 19, sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang pag-develop sa nursery sa Sitio Balaatan, Camagong, Nasipit, usa sa mga mahimong pundasyon sa proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrashyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. 

Ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant!, gipunting nga makapatanum ang probinysa og high value crops sa 125,000 ektaryas nga underutilized o bakanteng mga luna pag-abot sa tuig 2027 aron makabaton ang probinysa og igo-igong suplay sa hilaw nga materyales nga mahimong panukakaran sa processing activities. Ug usa sa mga requirements aron makatanum sa maong gidak-on nga luna mao ang mga seedlings nga pangtanum.

Aron maka-produce sa gikinahanglang gidaghanon sa seedlings, usa sa gitutokan karon sa mga personahe sa Agusan Up Coordinating Center mao ang pag-develop sa tulo ka nurseries nga kasamtangan gipadagan karon sa programa, usa na niini ang naa sa Sitio Balaatan. Ang laing duha ka nurseries mao ang nahimutang sa Kinabjangan, sa Nasipit gihapon ug ang anaa sa Agusan Up Compound sa kapitolyo.

Ang nasangpit nga nurseries mag-produce og mga semilya sa siyam ka priority high value crops nga mao ang abaka, saging, cacao, kape, rubber, lubi, cassava, kahoy (apil na ang falcatta) ingon man ang magga ug laing prutas.

Target karong tuiga nga matamnan ang 6,000 ektaryas nga bakanteng luna. Niini, nanginahanglan ang probinsya maka-produce og 6 milyones nga seedlings sa nagkalain-laing high value crops.

Mamahimo usab kaabag sa probinsya ang 80% membro sakop sa indigenous people (IPs) o tribung Higaonon sa Sitio Balaatan sa pagpahiluna ug pagdumala nga maong nursery isip mamahimo na usab nila nga panginabuhian. 

Mahinumduman nga gihimo ang ground breaking sa nursery sa Sitio Balaatan niadtong Nobyembre. Partner sa probinsya ang mga sakop sa tribung Higaonon sa pagpalambo sa maong lima ka ektaryang nursery. (Karen Kie Decamotan, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Learning Resource Packages alang sa child development workers padayong giapod-apod sa Agusan del Norte

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Nagpadayon ang pag-turn over sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa mga Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) Learning Resource Packages ngadto sa Child Development Workers. 

Nagsugod ang maong pagpang-apod apod sa mga lungsod niadtong Enero 11 ug ang lungsod sa Las Nieves ang giadto sa mga personahe sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWD) kagahapon. Mosuma sa 33 ka packages ang napadangat sa mga day care workers sa maong lungsod. Ang nasangpit nga learning materials nagagikan sa nasudnong panggamhanan ug gi re-produce sa PSWD aron makadawat ang matag day care workers sa probinsya.

Sa kinatibuk-an, adunay 260 ka mga child development workers ang probinsya.

Sumala ni Jeremie Dagani, personahe sa PSWD, nga pinaagi sa maong mga learning materials mapalapdan pa ang kahibalo sa mga child development workers ug magiyahan sila sa ilang pagtudlo sa mga kabataan sa day care centers o mga preschoolers.

Kining maong suporta sa day care workers daku kaayo ang mahimong kontribusyon sa komunidad ilabina diha sa paggiya sa kanila sa pagtudlo sa mga kabataan, sumala ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Surigao Norte cops nab Top 2 Wanted Person for rape

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDN PPO) arrested the Top 2 Wanted Person of Attempted Rape in the province in Brgy. Cabugao, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte in a joint operation on Sunday, January 16.

SDN PPO provincial director PCol Renato Mercado identified the suspect as Resty Buar Lluca, 58 yrs.old, single, male, farmer and a resident of P-2 Brgy. Bugas Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte who was apprehended by the joint elements of Placer Municipal Police Station and Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of SDN PPO.

Lluca has a standing arrest warrant for the crime of attempted rape under Criminal Case No. 7789 with a recommended bail of PhP120,000 issued by the RTC Branch 29, 10th Judicial Region in Surigao City.

"I laud our police officers' efforts in apprehending this criminal. We assure the public that these individuals will be held accountable for the crimes they have committed," said Mercado. (PNP-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Programang AICS sa Nasipit, gimugna

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- Prayoridad karon sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa lungsod sa Nasipit ang pagtabang sa mga insidente niini pinaagi sa gimugnang programa nga Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation kun AICS isip suporta sa ilang pagbangon. 

Kini ang unod sa bag-ohay pa lamang giaprobahan ug gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Municipal Ordinance No. 005-2021 nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Paterno S. Corvera nga nagtumong nga  mahatagan og daliang tabang pinansyal nga medikal, burial, o transportasyon ug kadtong anaa sa krisis, kalisod o emerhensiya nga kaso.

Ang programang AICS nga subay sa mga probisyon sa Department Of Social Welfare and Development kun DSWD Memorandum Circular No.11-2019 i-implementar pinaagi sa Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office kun MSWDO.

Ang maong lakang giaprobahan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 010-2021 sa SP sa pagpanginahan ni  Bokal Elizabeth Marie R. Calo atol sa ika- 121st sesyon regular. (SVDeligero, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

COMELEC, law enforcement agencies sa Caraga nakahanda na sa Hatol ng Bayan 2022

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Sa kabila ng pandemiya at pagtulong sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong Odette, tiniyak ng iba't-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan ang isang payapa, organisado, at ligtas na pagboto ng mamamayan sa Hatol ng Bayan sa darating na May 9, 2022 national at local elections.

Ayon kay Atty. Geraldine Samson, assistant election director ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Caraga, nagsimula na ang mahigpit na implementasyon ng gun ban sa pagsisimula ng campaign period kaya nais ng ahensya na matiyak ang seguridad ng mga kandidato at ng mga botante.

“Patuloy ang ating koordinasyon sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan kasama ng Philippine National Police para matiyak ang isang tapat, organisado, at matiwasay na eleksyon sa May 9, 2022. Handa na rin ang ating mga provincial at city/municipal COMELEC offices para sa nalalapit na national at local elections,” ani ni Samson.

Hinikayat din ni Atty. Samson ang mga botante na isulong ang kanilang karapatan at bumoto nang maayos sa nalalapit na May 2022 elections.

Umaasa rin siya sa pakikiisa ng mga mamamayan sa pag-monitor ng anumang election-related activity sa kani-kanilang lugar upang masiguro ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng lahat.

Nanawagan din ang PNP sa mga firearm holders na expired na ang mga lisensya ng baril na dalhin ito sa kanilang tanggapan para maayos ang kustodiya nito habang sumasailalim pa sa renewal of license.

"May batas po tayong sinusunod. Sa mga may expired na baril, mahigpit po ang ating checkpoints kaya asikasuhin na po agad ang renewal nito dahil sa oras na makita po ito sa checkpoint na walang sapat na dokumento, makukumpiska po ito at may karampatang penalty po sa mga lalabag. Idulog niyo lang po sa tanggapan ng PNP ang inyong baril at kapag natapos na po ang renewal, pwede na po ito agad makuha,” banggit ni Police Colonel Martin Gamba, dating provincial director ng Police Provincial Office – Agusan del Norte at ngayon ay chief ng Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division ng PNP-Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Pagbalasa ng mga election officers sa SurSur, isinagawa na

LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur -- Epektibo na noong Miyerkules, Enero 19, ang pagbalasa sa pagitan ng mga election officers sa buong lalawigan ng Surigao del Sur.

Sinabi ni provincial election supervisor (PES) Atty. April Joy Balano, karaniwan na ang ganitong hakbang tuwing sasapit ang election period. Paliwanag ng PES, layon nito para maiwasan ang ano mang posibleng impluwensiya o kaya “familiarity” o posibilidad ng “partiality.”

Dahil dito, lahat ng kanilang field officers, ayon sa kanya, ay maitatalaga sa bago at pansamantala nilang place of assignment.

Ang Surigao del Sur na mayroong 19 na LGUs - 17 ay munisipyo habang dalawa ang lungsod ay tig-isa ng election officer (EO). 

Nauna nang nagkaroon ng pagbalasa sa pagitan ng mga PES sa Caraga Region tulad ni Atty. Balano na naitalaga dito kapalit ni Atty. Ernie Palanan na napunta naman sa Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI). (Greg Tataro, Jr., DXJS RP Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

 

Wednesday, January 19, 2021

DENR commits to help fast-track Siargao rehab

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) commits to help fast track the rehabilitation of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

“I will be designating DENR Caraga RED (Regional Executive Director) Nonito M. Tamayo to be the Chairman of the Siargao rehabilitation. I will make sure that he will focus on the restoration of power and tourism in Siargao. We will also ask for the help of other government agencies,” said DENR chief Sec. Roy A. Cimatu during his visit to Siargao Islands on January 15, 2022.

According to Atty. Zander Plaza, chief of staff of Governor Francisco Matugas, during Secretary Cimatu’s courtesy visit at the Siargao Incident Command Center in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, relief operations may last for three to four months due to the problem in livelihood as more than 60% of the people in Siargao are dependent on tourism. Thus, there are numerous displaced workers.

“Indeed, livelihood is our biggest problem. In order to help the residents of Siargao, we will implement the cash for work program in the rehabilitation of mangrove areas and we will be hiring the locals to do the job,” said Sec. Cimatu.

There are a total of 132 barangays in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, of which 92 are coastal and island barangays. The communities located in the coastal areas are most devastated by the typhoon.

To address this problem, the DENR is now conducting an assessment and identification of possible relocation areas. Installation of “no build zone” signages in legal easement areas to prevent residents from building their houses in these high risk areas.

“We will focus on the identification of possible relocation sites for the displaced communities. Rest assured that we will do everything we can to help,” Cimatu added.

A short briefing at the Protected Area Management Office of Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Dapa, Surigao del Norte was also conducted on the same day which was attended by PAMO and DENR Caraga Regional Office personnel.

Secretary Cimatu was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Implementor for Visayas Inter-Agency Task Force Major Gen. Mel Feliciano and Executive Assistant Col. Orencio Jeruta during his visit in Siargao. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Despite the pandemic, NHCP helps shape the future by looking at the past

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) continues to do its mandate despite the current coronavirus pandemic, restoring historical structures and landmarks, and serving as lead organizer in putting up various historical events significant to the nation’s identity.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on January 17, 2021. ROEMARI LISMONERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Reporting the accomplishments of the NHCP to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, Cabinet Secretary and acting Presidential Spokesperson Alexei Karlo Nograles said among the commission’s infrastructure projects include the conversion into a museum of the old provincial jail in Sorsogon.

NHCP’s efforts also include the restoration of the Bacon Church and Belfry in Sorsogon City, rehabilitation of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, the rehabilitation of the Pamintuan Mansion or Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, and the restoration of 430 historical objects.

These historical materials include the La Justitia Mural, Pigafetta and Magellan Memorial monuments, and the material characterization of the La Intendencia Building.
 
The restoration project for the La Intendencia Building in Intramuros is being spearheaded by the NHCP in collaboration with the National Archives of the Philippines.

Once restored, the Intendencia Building will serve as National Archives’ central office and repository for Spanish-period collections.
 
One of NHCP’s successful projects was the restoration of the Manila’s iconic landmark, the Metropolitan Theater.  The project was completed through NHCP’s collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
 
“Completely restored na po ito, Mr. President. After being closed down for 25 years, the Metropolitan Theater has been fully restored, renovated and reopened in October of last year,” Nograles told the President.

“Ang pinakaunang major stage production was the: ‘Lapu-Lapu: Ang Datu ng Mactan’, produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the NHCP, kabilang sa quincentennial celebration of Philippines and the year of the Filipino pre-colonial ancestors.”

The commission’s task of marking historical sites, personages and events are also continuing, the Palace official said.

Last year, among those unveiled were the Bantayog ng GOMBURZA, Guiuan church, Lapu-Lapu statue, Pulilan church, Convention Constitutional 1971, Casa Real in Lingayen, Manuel Quezon, Plaza Miranda, Loon church, Gen. Francisco Makabulos, and many others.
   
The commission also operates 27 historical sites all over the country as museums. But because of the current coronavirus pandemic, these sites have been shut down, and the NHCP resorted to holding online exhibits, webinars and lectures. So far, it has organized or led 120 public programs mostly on Facebook.
Also in 2021, NHCP led the observance of the National Heroes Day, 150th Birth Anniversary of Epifanio de los Santos, 500th Anniversary Celebration of the Victory of Mactan, 200th Birth Anniversary of Jose Felipe Del-Pan, 150th Birth Anniversary of Mamerto Natividad Jr., 50th Death Anniversary of Carlos P. Garcia, and the 75th Anniversary of the Inauguration of the Third Republic and the Philippine-American Diplomatic Relations.
 
At the same time, the commission also kicked off the activities for the commemoration of the 150th Death Anniversary of GOMBURZA, which will be observed by the country this year.
 
This August, it will lead the History Month celebration, and the 54th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Right --- remain steadfast kasi ang NHCP in its mandate amid the challenges brought about by COVID-19 pandemic at siyempre resilient siya because it responds to the changing needs and expectations ng ating mga kababayan,” Nograles said.

“So from marking significant historical sites, to preserving and restoring sites, objects, to maintaining shrines and landmarks, commemorating events, publishing research work and approving seals and logos, patuloy ang pagserbisyo publiko ng NHCP sa gitna ng COVID-19.” PND

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

President Duterte lauds AFP’s disaster response in Visayas, Mindanao

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for assisting communities devastated by Typhoon Odette last month and for fulfilling its mandate of securing the nation from the enemies of the state.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on January 17, 2021. ROEMARI LISMONERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“And I would like to reiterate that in behalf of the people of the Philippines, I would like to commend and salute the AFP for their toil. It was really not --- it was a toil to be there helping everybody,” President Duterte said in his regular Talk to the People aired on Tuesday.
 
“So salamat sa --- for all of these achievements so far that you have gathered throughout the… It’s a never-ending job for you hanggang ngayon, but nagpapasalamat ang tao at ako mismo nagpapasalamat rin. Keep up the good work and you have my snappy salute also.”
 
During the President’s weekly public address, AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino reported the contributions of the armed forces in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the regions affected by the recent typhoon.

General Centino told the President that so far, the AFP has already deployed a total of 9,079 personnel in the five regions affected by the typhoon in the areas covered by Visayas Command, Eastern Mindanao Command, and Western Command of the AFP.

“Our personnel were immediately deployed in order to help in the prevention, mitigation, and response operations before, during and after the typhoon,” Centino said in his report.

Aside from the personnel sent to disaster areas, the AFP deployed about 28 Philippine Navy assets, 30 Philippine Air Force assets, and 769 land assets to provide assistance in the delivery and transport of relief goods, supplies, equipment and personnel.

Summarizing the AFP’s transport missions since the start of its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations, Centino said the armed forces has used its assets to deliver a total of 522,675 kilos of supplies by air and about 4.1 million kilos of supplies and cargoes in 97 sorties by sea.
 
“Likewise, a total of 4.8 million kilos of relief goods were transported by land using our 769 trucks and vehicles,” he reported.
 
At the same time, the AFP used its assets in the transport of 1,514 stranded individuals by sea and 667 individuals by air.
 
Centino said the AFP has also worked with other stakeholders.For instance, the Philippine Air Force tapped the services of its affiliated reserve units like Air Asia and Philippine Airlines in transporting a total of 17,000 kilos of cargoes.

The Philippine Navy also coordinated with its affiliated reserve units, transporting by sea a total of 277,000 kilos of cargoes.
 
The AFP has set off the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), a facility activated during crisis and emergency situation to coordinate with government agencies, non-government organizations, and international humanitarian communities in the delivery of donated goods.

Through the CMCC, the AFP received over 8 million kilos of relief goods from 460 donors.
 
During HADR Operations, AFP’s newly acquired assets were used such as the Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal, shifting from security operations to humanitarian missions for the delivery of relief goods to Palawan. The Navy’s sea asset made two sorties and facilitated the transport of 78,000 kilos of relief goods.

The BRP Ang Pangulo was converted into a floating hospital complete with medical teams and personnel on Siargao Island to provide medical assistance. So far, over 1,600 patients have been provided with medical service.
 
The newly acquired Philippine Air Force’s Black Hawk helicopters were also used during the initial rapid damage assessments, in the rescue of typhoon victims, and the transport of personnel and the delivery of relief goods in over 249 sorties, Centino reported.
 
To help people rebuild their homes, the AFP also deployed carpentry teams.
 
Also, Army engineers were sent to disaster areas to provide engineering support in the clearing roads and removing debris immediately after the onslaught of the typhoon.

The AFP has provided mobile water tanks to give typhoon survivors with potable water. It also facilitated the transport of equipment and supplies of utility companies for them to restore the electricity and communication requirements in affected areas.

Although there was an increased deployment in typhoon-affected areas, Centino assured President Duterte that the AFP still has sufficient forces deployed in other parts of the country to secure communities from communist insurgents and terrorists.
 
Despite the AFP’s various tasks, it recently neutralized Menandro Villanueva aka “Bok,” the longest-serving secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee and the commander of National Operations Command of the CPP-NPA.
 
Centino also reported the neutralization of Norodin Hassan, the head of the DI Hassan Group, who was responsible for a bus bombing in Aleosan, Cotabato.

“We’d like to report also, sir, that we have sufficient forces to be deployed in checkpoints in coordination with the Comelec and the PNP,” he said.  PND