Wednesday, April 13, 2022

BG PARTY-LIST 108 CONGRATULATES NEW BISAYA LAWYERS

CEBU CITY - Nominees of the Bisaya Gyud (BG) Partylist 108 on Wednesday congratulated new Bisaya barristers in the country. 

First nominee Alelee Aguilar-Andanar shared her highest regards to the new lawyers for their determination, diligence, and hard work, saying that they are going public defenders who will stand for the rights of the marginalized sectors.

“Hindi madali ang mga pinagdaanan niyo pero nagawa niyong lampasan ang mga hamon dahil sa inyong sakripisyo at sipag sa pag-aaral. Natutuwa ako na madadagdagan na naman ang mga tagapagtanggol ng batas at sa mga dehado sa ating lipunan. Umaasa ako na sa inyong paglalayag sa larangan ng abogasiya ay uunahin niyo ang kapakanan ng ating mga kapwa Bisaya na inaapi, nilalamangan, at kulang sa kakayahan para ipagtanggol ang sarili,” she said.

“Sana ay magpapatuloy kayo sa pagpapakita ng husay, integridad, at katapatan sa tungkulin upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa mga Bisaya at sa sambayanang Pilipino,” she added.

Second nominee Atty. Mico Clavano also extended his congratulations to his fellow lawyers.

“Inaasahan kong kayo ang magsisilbing gabay at bantay sa ating lipunan, at isusulong ang kapakanan ng mga nangangailangan,” he said.

“Looking forward to working with you as partners in our pursuit to serve the Filipino people, especially the Bisaya Gyud,” he added.

According to the Supreme Court, a total of 8,241 examinees out of the 11,402 takers passed the 2020.2021 Bar Examinations. Th
e said batch whose passing rate is at 72.28% almost surpassed the all time high passing rate in history which was 75.17% in the 1954 Bar. 

The SC also released the top schools with highest exemplary passers, namely the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, San Beda University, University of San Carlos, and Arellano University.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

N/RTF-ELCAC highlights significant accomplishments in Caraga during PRRD’s visit in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- In time with the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, April 12, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) composed of various government agencies also took the chance to report the significant accomplishments of the task force in the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency in Caraga Region.

Regional Director Harold Nacional of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Caraga recalled that when President Duterte took office in 2016, he was faced with a host of national security concerns that challenged his administration’s resolve to protect and serve the people. 

“Illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, terrorism and the 53-year Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) or communist-terrorist group (CTG) scourge, are just some of the issues that had to be overcome to realize the President’s dream for a prosperous and secured life for our people. But, the President knew that in order for him to be able to give Filipinos a comfortable life and guarantee their well-being, he needed to eliminate these obstacles. As he said during his first State of the Nation (SONA) address in 2016, there can never be real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure,” said Nacional, as he recounted how PRRD started to address the pressing issues and concerns in the country.

Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, vice chairperson of NTF-ELCAC and National Security Adviser, also bared that the 2021 intelligence reports have indicated that roughly 83% of rebel returnees were recruited by the CTG from the ranks of the indigenous peoples (IP) sector.  “The Caraga Region has been home to numerous IP communities and as such, has been the focus of the CTG propaganda and disinformation. Due to the geographical and social limitations of the IP communities, they are considered as priorities of the government’s intervention and development initiatives,” he said.

Esperon further revealed that at the start of the Duterte administration in 2016, there were a total of 11 guerilla fronts in Caraga Region. Since then, three of these GFs were completely dismantled while two were significantly weakened. “The remaining six GFs are in the process of being cleared by our security forces. In fact, in less than three years, the combined Armed Forces of the Philippines/ Philippine National Police efforts have neutralized 978 NPA regulars and seized 290 firearms. I wish to highlight the neutralization of 37 high-ranking officials of CTG in the region,” he said.

Another significant accomplishment of the RTF-ELCAC Caraga was the closure of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) and Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) in 2020. These schools were found to be illegally operating with the purpose of indoctrinating and radicalizing the youth/IP sectors for their eventual recruitment as armed combatants of the CTG.

Also, on the status of Barangay Development Program in Caraga region for 2021, 191 barangays were covered in the flagship program with a total of 359 infrastructure and non-infrastructure priority projects. For 2022, another 94 barangays were added as recipients of BDP in the region. In particular, the BDP beneficiaries for 2022 include three in Butuan City, eight in Agusan del Norte, 45 in Agusan del Sur, 20 in Surigao del Norte, and 18 in Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, during the presidency of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, a total of 12 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) were formally approved and recognized by the NCIP Commission en Banc (CEB), the most recent of which are six CADTs during the leadership of chairperson, Secretary Allen Capuyan, which were awarded to the ICCs/IPs of Caraga. 

These six CADTs are the following: 1) CADT R-13-SLU-1220-250 of the Banwaon ICCs/IPs of San Luis, Agusan del Sur comprising a total land area of 38,005.4755 hectares which was approved last December 3, 2020; 2) CADT R-13-BUE-0121-252 of the Higaonon ICCs/IPs of Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen, Agusan del Norte, portions of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, and Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental comprising a total land area of 44,288.26 hectares which was approved last January 15, 2021; 3) CADT R-13-JAB-0221-253 of the Mamanwa ICCs/IPs of Jabonga, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte and portion of Mainit, Surigao del Norte comprising an ancestral land area of 4,364.9027 hectares with ancestral water of 9,891.506 hectares which was approved last February 24, 2021; 4) CADT R-13-MAL-0521-254 of the Mamanwa ICCs/IPs of Malimono, San Francisco, Sison, and Surigao City, all in the Province of Surigao del Norte comprising a total land area of 8,623.88 hectares which was approved last May 20, 2021; 5) CADT R-13-ESP-1021-255 of the Higaonon and Banwaon ICCs/IPs of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur comprising a total land area of 103,484.19 hectares which was approved last October 28, 2021; and 6) CADT R-13-REM-1121-256 of the Mamanwa ICCs/IPs of RTR, Cabadbaran City, and Butuan City, all in the Province of Agusan del Norte comprising a total land area of 4,876.91 hectares which was approved last November 4, 2021. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

 

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Surigao Norte LGU holds first provincewide mining caravan

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The local government unit of Claver town holds its 1st Mining Caravan on April 6, at the Municipal Ground, Barangay Tayaga, Claver, this province.

In his message, Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) Vice President for Operations Engr. Corsino Odtojan encouraged mining companies to continue its support and programs to partner government agencies and stakeholders, especially in the battle of the COVID-19 pandemic and even during the initiative to respond to the calamities and challenges, in support to this year’s theme, “Panaghiusa sa Responsableng Pagmina.”

Engr. Odtojan is optimistic that the kick-start of the mining season will help improve the revenue of the local government and will engage employment opportunities as well as generate more economic activities in the locality.

On her part, Municipal Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee underlined the development of Claver that attributed to the contribution of the mining companies and processing plant that has always been the partner both in economic sustainability and community development.

“Having one of the largest mineral deposits, we were able to transform communities and families that we are proud of in our achievements as partners. Being one of the most competitive municipalities in the entire Philippines in the recent cities and municipalities competitiveness index, we pay tribute and acknowledgement to all mining companies and processing plants that contributed to the livelihood, employment, and infrastructures not just in host mining communities but the entire development of Claver,” she said.

Mayor Gokiangkee also thanked the mining companies and processing plant for the aid and both moral and financial support.

Meanwhile, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-13, Engr. Francis Glenn Suante in his message commended the LGU and the mining companies for the success of the event.

Engr. Suante said the LGU and mining companies are indeed great partners especially during the pandemic and calamity and MGB also recognizes the responses of all mining companies during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the devastation of typhoon Odette.

“Mining companies and the LGU of Claver have always been partners for economic activity, environmental protection, and keeping the community sustainable,” he added.

During the caravan, the PGMC, together with Taganito Mining Corporation and Adnama Mining Resources Inc. showcased their best practices that aim to intensify awareness that there are livelihood programs coming from peoples organizations assisted by its company through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

A job fair was conducted simultaneously in preparation for this year’s mining season.

The said caravan was conceptualized by PGMC’s Communication Relations Office Manager Alex Arabis and was participated by various operating mining companies and processing plants, together with the MGB-13, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Education (DepEd), religious sectors and other stakeholders. (PGMC/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 

Monday, April 11, 2022

DUTERTE SPOKESMAN MARTIN ANDANAR SUPPORTS WIFE’S BID FOR CONGRESS PARTY-LIST SEAT

SURIGAO CITY - Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday has announced his support for his wife’s bid for a seat in Congress through party-list.

Alele Aguilar-Andanar is now vying for a seat as the first nominee of the neophyte Bisaya Byud (BG) Partylist 108,, whose main thrusts are in food security, education, shelter, and security.

Aguilar-Andanar works as a full-time entrepreneur in Las Pinas City, while heading a foundation that his father, former Las Piñas mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, initiated. She is also supporting other affiliated non-government organizations, including the Philippine Cancer Society.

“Saksi ako kung paano magmahal ng Bisaya si Alelee. Mula nang ikinasal kami, nakatali na rin ang puso niya sa mga Bisaya,” Secretary Andanar said as he recalled the pioneer advocacy that his wife has organized for youth in Siargao Islands in early 2000s.

The PCOO chief shared that Alelee’s persistence helped build mini-libraries in barrios where there was little to no access to information and books for young Bisayans to learn from.

“Dito ko nakita ang kanyang malasakit at pagmamahal sa mga kababayan nating Bisaya. Kaya nang magdesisyon siyang tumakbo, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip na suportahan si Alelee,” he said.

“Tiwala ako na ang kanyang pagmamahal sa Bisaya ay tutumbasan niya ng de kalidad na paglilingkod sa bayan. Naniniwala ako na may sapat siyang kakayahan at karanasan para iangat ang buhay ng mga Bisaya at disadvantaged sectors sa ating bansa,” he added.

Secretary Andanar is likewise urging the voting population, especially those coming from the Visayas and MIndanao regions, to support Alelee and the BG Party-list this coming May 9.

“Suportahan po natin si Alelee. Hindi po masasayang ang boto nating mga Bisaya dahil siya ay may pusong Bisaya na kumakalinga sa lahat, higit pa sa isang Bisaya,” he said.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong'' Go also expressed their support for the group. This was the only party-list of which the chief executive has openly given his support.

Monday, April 11, 2022

OWWA Caraga provides small business management training, financial awareness seminar to LPOR applicants

BUTUAN CITY -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - National Reintegration Center for OFWs (OWWA-NRCO) Caraga, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and BDO Network Bank, conducted a seminar about financial awareness, followed by a business management training for the applicants of Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (LPOR) on April 6. 

A total of 29 participants were warmly welcomed by NRCO Regional Coordinator Anne Jane Hallasgo, who also formally introduced the resource speakers from BDO Network Bank, the Area Head Ricky Walawala, and the Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI-ADN Charmaine Jonine Nabio. 

The said seminar and training are prerequisite courses for the applications of the LPOR participants as part of the evaluation procedure before the release of livelihood assistance. Through these activities, the applicants are provided with relevant information that will serve as a guide for their business undertakings, and the training portion shall put their learnings into output-based work by generating an accomplished business model canvas.

The Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (LPOR) is a program of the OWWA-NRCO for returning OFWs, which aims to enable livelihood protection and improve livelihood promotion in aid of OFW reintegration. It comprises two components/interventions: the Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) and the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBHP).

LDAP is a livelihood financial grant to returning undocumented OFWs wherein qualified applicants shall receive a small business start-up kit worth PhP10,000 in the form of cash assistance, whereas, the BPBH is a training cum production intervention for displaced or distressed women OFWs with livelihood assistance of  PhP10,000 to support women OFWs to start and operate livelihood undertaking for self-employment through skills training and distribution of cash assistance for the procurement of starter kits.

As per guidelines under the Livelihood Program for OFWs Reintegration (LPOR), qualified beneficiaries will be required to attend Small Business Management Training (SBMT), Financial Awareness Seminar (FAS), and/or Enterprise Development Training (EDT). It also must be availed within three years from the OFWs' latest arrival in the country.

To know more information about OWWA-NRCO programs, interested OFWs may contact these hotlines: 09503057533 (TNT) / 09551884858 (TM) / 09382312119 (SMART) or visit Nimfa Tiu, Bldg II, J.P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

 

Monday, April 11, 2022

Konperensya pagpalig-on ug pagpaangat sa katakus sa panerbisyo sa mga organisasyon, himoon

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN - Pasiugdahan sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte karong  Abril 11, ang unang hugna sa Consultative Conferences on Organizational Development og Institutional Capability Building (ODICB) Needs sa mga organisasyon nga partners sa AGUSAN UP! pagpatuman sa mga proyekto niini. 

Motambong ang 25 sa 67 ka organisasyon nga inisyal nga mikometer nga mahimong partner sa AGUSAN UP! sa maong unang panagtigum nga himuon sa Gazebo Pool and Restaurant sa Cabadbaran City.

Tumong sa maong konperensya nga maplastar ang mga suporta nga himoon isip suporta sa mga organisasyon aron mahimong takus sa pagpadagan sa mga serbisyo sa AGUSAN UP!, labi na ang magkaluhang mga proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant! ug Process! Process! Process! sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka komunidad.

Unang hisgutan sa maong komperensiya ang updates sa mga programa sa AGUSAN UP! ug ang posibleng mahikong papel sa mga partner organizations sa padayong mga lakang ilabina lambigit sa pagkab-ot nga panglantaw sa probinsya nga mahimong “Agri-Processing Center in the Caraga Region” pag abot sa tuig 2027.

Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. (Agusan up, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)