Friday, September 9, 2022

DPWH finishes 4-story 20-classroom building 

TAGO, Surigao del Sur -- A four-story, 20 classrooms building is now complete and ready for occupancy for pupils from Grades 1 to 6 of Falcon Memorial Elementary School (FMES) in Tago, Surigao del Sur which is in time with the  face-to-face classes  formally opened by the Department of Education last August 22, 2022, two years after suspension due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Said school building was constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering Office, under DepEd School Buildings Fund Fiscal Year 2020. The report said the project construction was completed on December 20, 2021.

With the opening of face-to-face classes, the 20-classroom building is a timely addition to the growing number of pupils of Falcon Memorial Elementary School, as this will provide the pupils and school personnel with spacious and well-ventilated classrooms that are conducive to learning. More than 1,000 pupils will benefit from the said learning facility.

“Seeing our school building projects filled with students is a joyful experience because, now, our work is complete, and the buildings serve their purpose,” said DPWH Region -XIII Regional Director Pol M. Delos Santos, speaking generally, on all DepEd school building projects implemented in the Region.

DPWH continuously partners with the Department of Education to construct more school buildings in the future to address the lack thereof in many public schools and to give Filipino children access to better education. (DPWH-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Friday, September 9, 2022

DSWD releases Educational Assistance to CarCanMadCarLan students

CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released Educational Assistance to the 500 eligible students from the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza (CarCanMadCarLan) on September 4, 2022, at the Cantilan Gymnasium.

Only those who received a text or email confirmation were accommodated during the payout, accordingly.

 

Those qualified students received the cash assistance amounting to:

1. Elementary – 1,000.00

2. High School – 2,000.00

3. Senior High School – 3,000.00

4. Vocational/College – 4,000.00

 

Mr. Neri acknowledged the support of the Local Government Unit of Cantilan in providing the manpower and logistics to ensure the safe and expedited distribution of aid to students.

 

The educational assistance is under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), which provides financial assistance  to students in crisis to pay for their school fees and other educational needs. (Pearl Prado, DSWD/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Friday, September 9, 2022

Port Cops, Plant Quarantine Agents Seizes Smuggled Onions at Surigao Port 

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - At least P6 million worth of smuggled onions were seized at the Port of Surigao City by the Bureau of Plant Industry – Caraga in coordination with port police operatives of the Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office of Surigao.  

In a statement released on Monday, September 05, 2022, the Port Police Division of PMO Surigao said that plant quarantine agents led by Agriculture Center Chief Ricardo Blasé, and Agriculture Product Inspector Levi Cornites busted on September 5 around 12,000 kilograms of smuggled yellow onions which were contained in 1,498 bags bound for Tacloban City intended to be shipped via MV FastCat.  

According to an Inspection Report of the Bureau of Plant Industry, the undocumented yellow onions came from Cagayan de Oro City loaded in a 10-wheeler truck driven by a certain Danilo Martin together with his assistant identified as Kenneth Depatio, who are both residents of Pasacao town in Camarines Sur.

The seized smuggled onions are currently stored at the Port of Surigao Cargo Shed duly-secured by Globalports Surigao Terminals Inc. (PPA- PMO Surigao/PIA- Surigao del Norte)

 

Friday, September 9, 2022

DA Fertilizer discount voucher benefits 10K rice farmers in Caraga

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture - Caraga in coordination with the Local Government Units has been distributing the Fertilizer Discount Vouchers to rice farmers in Surigao del Norte and in the Province of Dinagat Islands from August 18 until September 9.

About 7,903 rice farmers in the Province of Surigao del Norte and 2,198 in the Province of Dinagat Islands benefited from the intervention. 

Each voucher is equivalent to ₱1,131 per hectare for farms planted with inbred seeds, and ₱2,262 per hectare for hybrid seeds.

Fertilizer vouchers are given to farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and encoded in the National Farmers’ and Fishers’ Online-Registry System (NFFRS) or the National Farmers and Fisheries Information System (NFFIS)  and availed of rice seeds from the DA-Caraga Rice Program in the current planting season.

Rice Program Focal Person Marisa Garces of DA-Caraga said that the discount voucher can be exchanged for inorganic and organic fertilizers at accredited merchants in the region. 

"As the prices of inorganic fertilizers continue to increase, the DA promotes the Balance Fertilization Strategy, which combines inorganic and organic fertilizers," she added.

In the Caraga Region, non-Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) areas such as Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands are the beneficiaries through the DA National Rice Program.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average yield of rice production in Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands in 2021 was 3.36 metric tons and 2.72 metric tons, respectively.

As DA-Caraga continues to provide various interventions in the non-RCEF provinces, it is expected to contribute to the increase in production by at least 3-5% for this year. (DA- Caraga/PIA- Dinagat Islands)

 

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Gov't Troops Continues to Empower Youth in AgNor

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion, in collaboration with the Municipal Government of Jabonga and other government agencies, molds another batch of young leaders during the three-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) held at the Jabonga Municipal Gym.

The Youth Leadership Summit is a 3-day camp that aims to gather and empower the youth to become advocates of peace, promote character-based leadership skills, and uplift their awareness of the roles of the youth in nation building. This training will later require them to develop the necessary entrepreneurship skills that would be of great help in their capacity-building and their understanding of their roles in building a just and peaceful society.

YLS is also a part of the sustainment effort on ending the insurgency to effectively address the recruitment of youth into the armed groups as they remain one of the most vulnerable sectors in society.

"Yang-yang", one of the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) participants, said in her message, "Okay kaayo ning Youth Leadership Summit kay mapaabot gyud sa mga bata nga dili basta-basta marecruit sa pikas kay tudluan man gyud mi. Isa pud dako sad matabang sa mga batan-on pareha nako nga makat-on bahin sa negosyo nga makatabang namo sustenir sa among mga panginahanglon. (This Youth Leadership Summit is very practical because we are informed about the recruitment scheme of the CPP-NPA-NDF and because of that, we can't easily be recruited. Aside from that, this will really help us young people to learn about business, which will help us to sustain our daily needs.)

Meanwhile, Hon. Napoleon Montero, Municipal Mayor of Jabonga emphasized in his inspirational message that he extends his gratitude to the 29IB for organizing the youth and that he will support the project proposals of the youth for them to have something that they can practice for their young minds to learn the basics of becoming a good and effective leader.

On the other hand, Col. Jason M Saldua, Commanding Officer of 29IB emphasized the importance of this training, "Kami sa 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion ay nagpapasalamat ng sa inyung mga kabataan dahil wala kami dito sa inyong harapan kung wala ang cooperation ninyo, malakas ang adbokasiya namin para maiwasan o mapahinto na ang recruitment sa hanay ng mga kabataan. Sabi nga ni Dr. Jose Rizal, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan", malay natin isa na sa inyo ang susunod na mamumuno sa bayan natin ito. Kung ano man ang natutunan nyo sa 3-day na activity na ito naway maisapuso ninyo at maituro sa iba. " (We in the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion are thankful for everyone, we are not here in front of you without your cooperation. We have strong advocacy to stop recruitment in the youth sector. As Dr. Jose Rizal said, "The youth is the hope of our nation." Perhaps one of you will be the next leader who will lead our nation. Whatever you learned over the course within  three days, please take it seriously and share it with others.) (29^th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

 

 

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Fertilizer Discount Subsidy for Corn and Cassava Farmers Rolls Out in Caraga Region 

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the Regional Corn Program holds a distribution caravan on the Fertilizer Discount Subsidy for corn and cassava farmers in identified areas in Caraga Region. 

This is after the regional launching held at DA-Caraga Covered Court in Butuan City on September 1, 2022. 

 

The project aims to sustain the fertilizer application of farmer-beneficiaries and increase the yield level of corn and cassava amid the surging and volatile prices of fertilizers.

 

"We know that we are facing challenges, especially the increasing price of fertilizers, so I hope you will use this to continue planting," Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca Reyes Atega said. 

 

During the regional launch, 217 corn and cassava farmers in Butuan City received discount vouchers worth P2,000. 

 

Melody Guimary, OIC of the Field Operations Division disclosed that a total of 1,986 farmers were identified to benefit from the subsidy with an allocation of P3.8 million.

 

"We hear your sentiments regarding your difficulty in buying the sufficient rate of fertilizers for your crop due to its current price. Through this discount voucher, your expenses for fertilizer will be be reduced and there will be an increase in your productivity and profitability," she stressed.

 

Guimary explained that the recipients were endorsed by the local government units and were registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), and part of the identified corn-cassava cluster areas. 

 

Christopher H. Lindo, Chair of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council, encouraged the farmers that despite many challenges, they will continue to support the agriculture industry and become resilient.  

Meanwhile, Butuan City Agriculturist Engr. Pierre Anthony D. Joven assured that the City Government of Butuan will always implement programs in collaboration with DA to uplift the lives of the farmers. 

 

"We are one in your hope that Programs like this will continue, not just now, but also in the future. Please know that our government is working for you," he said.

 

Atty. William Christian Dela Cruz of the Office of Representative Jose Aquino II also echoed the support of the congressman for the farmers in the first district comprising the City of Butuan and the Municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. 

One of the beneficiaries from Barangay San Mateo, Emilio Dapiton was grateful to the DA for the assistance he received. 

 

“I will use this P2,000 voucher as an addition to the fertilizers for my next planting. This is a great help," he said.

 

Meanwhile, another recipient Sarah Ingking of Manila de Bugabos said that the discount voucher will help her reduce the fertilizer expenses for her corn farm.  

 

The discount vouchers are for one-time use only and may be claimed at any accredited fertilizer merchant.

Under the project, the fertilizer discount voucher will be used by the farmer-beneficiaries in purchasing inorganic fertilizers from accredited merchants. 

 

The distribution is being set for the whole month of September 2022, in coordination with the concerned local government units. (Lovely Joy Saludez and Aurelius P. Arais, DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 

Thursday, September 8, 2022

DA fertilizer discount voucher reaches 10k Caraga rice farmers

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga in coordination with the Local Government Units has distributed the Fertilizer Discount Vouchers to rice farmers in Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands from August 18 until September 9.

The intervention benefited 7,919 rice farmers in the Province of Surigao del Norte and 2,918 in the Province of Dinagat Islands.  Each voucher is equivalent to ₱1,131 per hectare for farms planted with inbred seeds, and ₱2,262 per hectare for hybrid seeds.

Fertilizer vouchers are given to farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and encoded in the National Farmers’ and Fishers’ Online-Registry System (NFFRS) or the National Farmers and Fisheries Information System (NFFIS) and availed of rice seeds from the DA-Caraga Rice Program in the current planting season.

Rice Program Focal Person Marisa Garces of DA-Caraga said that the discount voucher can be exchanged for inorganic and organic fertilizers at accredited merchants in the region. "As the prices of inorganic fertilizers continue to increase, the DA promotes the Balance Fertilization Strategy, which combines inorganic and organic fertilizers," she added. 

In the Caraga Region, non-Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) areas such as Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands are the focus of the fertilizer support through the DA National Rice Program. This has been emphasized by Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr.

"Our interventions are strategized to optimize the Department’s funds. This is our approach to aid the rice farmers in non-RCEF areas to increase their productivity and ensure food security in their respective provinces, particularly because they are classified as island provinces," Director Oñate said. 

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average yield of rice production in Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands in 2021 was 3.36 metric tons and 2.72 metric tons, respectively. 

As DA-Caraga continues to provide various interventions in the non-RCEF provinces, it is expected to contribute to the increase in production by at least 3-5% for this year. (Rhea C. Abao, DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

 

Thursday, September 8, 2022

UNICEF, CFSI tap DepEd for humanitarian project in Siargao

BUTUAN CITY -- The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Community and Family Services International (CFSI) teamed up with the Department of Education (DepEd) Siargao Island Division for the Child Protection Emergency Response Project (CPERP), a humanitarian-sponsored project.

CPERP is a joint undertaking of DepEd Siargao, CFSI, and UNICEF for the construction of temporary learning space (TLS) and the provision of repairs to 35 validated classrooms throughout Siargao.

To officially launch the project, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DepEd Siargao, UNICEF, and CFSI was signed recently by Isy Faingold, education chief of UNICEF Philippines; Steven Muncy, CFSI headquarters executive director; Mamerto Certifico Jr., CFSI Surigao sub-office head officer; and Dr. Nelia S. Lomocso, DepEd Siargao Schools Division Superintendent.

Both the UNICEF and CFSI said that the project forms part of their commitment and support to ensure that the basic right to education of Siargaonon learners will not be compromised even in times of emergency. 

Dr. Lomocso thanked the humanitarian organizations for the support that DepEd Siargao has been receiving from them. 

“Thank you most sincerely for taking care of the needs of DepEd Siargao. We truly need partners like you whose hearts are overflowing with sympathy, compassion, and generosity. Indeed, not all is as lucky as we are,” she said. (Edgar R. Gorgonio, Jr., DepEd-Siargao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

 

 

Thursday, September 8, 2022

16 CSU OJT completed 240 hrs at DENR, CENRO-Bislig

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office in Bislig City hosted a Culmination Activity for the On-The-Job Training students from Caraga State University (CSU) last September 3, 2022, held at the DENR-CENRO Bislig Conference Room, Mangagoy, Bislig City.

The 16 students taking up the Bachelor of Science in Forestry completed the two hundred forty hours (240) of OJT, under the supervision of Forester-I Arnel P. Masancay, MMFN Nursery Head.

During their OJT, students experienced and conducted the activities of Nursery Operations such as Seedling production, Potting Media Preparation, Sorting and Grading, and Wildings Collection.

Other activities are Timber Inventory, Log Scaling, NGP Validation, Dendrology, Lawin Patrolling, Bird Watching, and Tree Planting.

Inlcuded in  their field exposure were site and company visits to My Plywood Sustainable Resources Corporation and observed how plywood is being produced, using Falcata logs and at ERDB- MFTSC (Mindanao Forest Tree Seed Center) seed Storage and Wood Science Laboratory.

They were also trained on the Basic Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and Drone Operation.

Meanwhile, the students also participated in the  Information and Education Campaign on ENR Laws, Rules, Regulations, Projects, and Programs of the DENR. (DENR, CENRO-Bislig/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

SSS-RACE Team visited nine establishments in Tandag City

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Social Security System-Tandag Branch, headed by Benigno J. Dagani Jr. successfully conducted the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) in Tandag City today, September 7, 2022, graced by Social Security Commissioner Atty. Ricardo L. Moldez, and SS Commissioner Jose Julio.

The Press Conference was held earlier on the same day as awareness drive and strengthening remittance compliance of employers and employees. Officials from the SSS Mindanao North Legal Department, and Operations Group were also present to answer some queries about the process of dealing with employers with delinquency.

Some nine (9) establishments with delinquent employers were visited by the RACE team. The visitation conducted was accompanied by personnel from the Philippine National Police, Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag, and the Philippine Information Agency.

The conduct of RACE primarily intends to remind the delinquent employers of their legal obligation of remitting their employee’s contributions to ensure coverage of  benefits and privileges.

Meanwhile, based on the Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, employers should register their business to SSS, report their employees within 30 days from the first day they reported for work, maintain true accurate records and submit to SSS for payroll audit, and remit the correct amount of employees contributions regularly. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) 

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Mga sundalong nakatalaga sa Surigao Norte asintado laban sa terorismo

GIGAQUIT, Surigao del Norte -- Nagsagawa ng iba’t-ibang pagsasanay ang himpilan ng 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) para sa mga kasundaluhan nito upang palakasin at patuloy na mapabuti ang mga kapabilidad ng mga tropa. Kung kaya nitong ika-31 ng Agosto 2022, sinimulan ang Annual Marksmanship Training na ginanap sa himpilan ng 30IB.

Pinangunahan ni Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Jerold H. Jale, pinuno ng 30IB, ang pagbubukas at pagsisimula ng pagsasanay para sa pagpapalawig ng kapabilidad sa pagpapaputok ng mga armas lalo na sa matataas na kalibre ng baril. Layunin din ng pagsasanay na ito na mas mapahusay pa ang bawat kasundaluhan ng 30IB sa paghawak ng mga baril lalo na sa mga operasyon na ginagawa ng himpilan kaya naman ang mga tropa ng 30IB ay mas pinahusay sa pagpapaputok ng R4 Rifle, M14 Rifle, T4 Rifle, K3 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) at Pistol.

Bukod sa pagpapaputok ng iba’t-ibang klase ng armas ay pinahusay din ang mga kasundaluhan sa pagpapaputok ng Mortar Gunnery. Tinuruan din sila sa kung paano at ano ang gagawin nila kung may makita silang mga ilegal na pampasabog sa bundok sa pamamagitan ng Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent Training.

Sa pahayag ni Lt. Col. Jale, pinaalam nito ang mga ginagawang patuloy na pag-eensayo ng mga kasundaluhan sa kanilang kapabilidad ay napakahalaga at malaking tulong lalo na sa ginagawang mga operasyon ng 30IB. Ang patuloy na pagpapalawig ng kaalaman ay sinasagawa upang mas maging epektibo sila lalo na sa laban sa terorismo at mabigyan ng seguridad ang mga mamamayan ng lalawigan ng Surigao del Norte.

Nanawagan din ang opisyal sa mga natitirang mga miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) sa Surigao del Norte na ang 30IB ay bukas ang loob na tatanggapin ang armadong nagnanais na babalik na sa piling ng kanilang pamilya at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. (30th Infantry Battalion/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

DTI Dinagat Islands conducts 2nd Tatak Dinagat Provincial Trade Fair 2022 

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands (PIA) -- Eight months after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette, the local Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) demonstrated their resiliency and ingenuity once again by showcasing their products at the Tatak Dinagat Trade Fair held on August 31 to September 2, 2022 at Barangay Sta. Cruz Gymnasium, San Jose town  this province.

The activity highlighted the parade of products during the launching of the trade fair during the opening, featuring food and non-food products. 

Representatives from National Line Agencies, the Provincial and Municipal Government Units, and Cagdianao Mindanao Corporation being the major partner, participated in the product parade.  Their participation signaled institutional and government support for the local  producers.  

A side event - Diskwento Caravan: Balik Eskwela Edition was also held on the first 2 days of the trade fair. 

The entire event was made  possible through the partnership with the Cagdianao Mining Corporation headed by Resident Mining Engineer, Christian Jae Gascon, Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), and Provincial Government Office of Dinagat Islands. (DTI- Dinagat Islands/PIA- Dinagat Islands)

 

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

PAWA benefits goat production project from CNC in Carascal town

CARRASCAL, Surigao del Sur – The Panikian Agricultural Workers Association (PAWA) of Barangay Panikian in Carrascal,  Surigao del Sur received the goat production package worth Php600,000.00 recently.

The Carrascal Nickel Corporation (CNC) through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) provided the project designed to engage  the local community members in agricultural activities as livelihood support. It also aims to improve the status and  condition of the low-income sector by giving jobs and business opportunities.

Accordingly, the interventions were delivered in collaboration with the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) of Carrascal and the Barangay Panikian Council.

Aside from rain-fed upland farming that people regularly do in the community as the primary source of income, the goat production project is a supplementary livelihood resource provided by CNC-SDMP.

The land and topography of Panikian, the place of the beneficiary , are ideal pasture areas for animal raising such as goats, carabaos, and cows.

The LGU-Carrascal through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAAO) gave the beneficiaries technical assistance last October 2021 to help and inform them on how to raise the goats properly.

The Goat Production Project offers a big potential for  PAWA  to generate more income by targeting the local market as goat meat is valued at Php 300 to Php 350 per kilogram. (NGPB, with a report from CNC/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

LGU Bislig City, COUSAB launches activities for month-long 22nd Charter Day Celeb

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The month-long celebration of the 22nd Charter Day of Bislig City has successfully commenced as the LGU-Bislig City in coordination with the City Officials United Spouses Association of Bislig (COUSAB), and the Federation of Bislig Women’s Association (FOBWA) launched its line up activities on September 1.

Anchored on the theme: “Moving Ahead with Perseverance and Persistence towards Prosperity”, the opening ceremony was conducted at Bislig Baywalk graced by City Mayor Florencio Garay together with his first lady, 2nd District Provincial Board Member, and COUSAB chair Margarita G. Garay.

A Trade Fair is on going highlighted with different booths installed in the area and  showcasing different agricultural commodities, local delicacies, and other products. The Trade Fair is open in the entire month of September.

On the same day, participants vied for the grand prize of the Laro ng Lahi; and the 1st Round Singing Contest (Open Category), as part of the celebration.

Series of fun-filled nightly activities and events are anticipated throughout the entire month for the community to participate and deifinitely this will help in the promotion of  the City’s business enterprise and tourism. (CIO-Bislig/PIA Surigao del Sur)

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

1502nd CDC new Director assumes post

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- Colonel Diosdado E Peji, Group Commander of 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG), Philippine Army, presided the Change of Director of 1502^nd Community Defense Center (1502CDC) held on September 3, 2022 at the Headquarters, 1502CDC, Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this province. 

The outgoing Acting CDC Director, Major Jerome G Waclin, who is the current CDC Director of 1504th (Surigao del Sur) Community Defense Center turned-over his duties and responsibilities to Lieutenant Colonel Roy B. Curilan (Signal Corps), Philippine Army. 

LTC Curilan is also the current Executive Officer of 15RCDG. He is a native of Butuan City and a proud product of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). 

The Ceremony was witnessed by the Commander of 2003rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Claro A. Lozada, Philippine Army (Reserve) with key Officers and Enlisted Reservists of 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion spearheaded by its Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ma Teresa P Baylon, Philippine Army (Reserve), and organic personnel of 15RCDG and 1502CDC. (2Lt Apilada, 1502CDC/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

 

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

DOLE prioritizes BOSH Trainings for MSMEs in AgSur

BUTUAN CITY – Some sixty-five employees and employers in Agusan del Sur underwent training on Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) for Safety Officer I at Mabe’s Savory Place, Barangay 1, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. 

The participants were establishments from Low-Risk Safety Classification mostly composed of Multi-Branches, Lending Corporation, Retail and Wholesale, Stall Meat Shop, Banking and Finance, Cooperatives and Food Products as per strict implementation of Republic Act 1105, or the Occupational Safety and Health  Law.

The activity was facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment Agusan del Sur Field Office (DOLE ADSFO) with the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Caraga and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga.

Topics on OSH and its legislation, Safety, and Health Hazards and Control Measures, Emergency Preparedness, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC), COVID-19 Safety, 7S of Good Housekeeping, and Wage Distortion were discussed during the training by speakers: DOLE ADSFO Head Maximo C. Magallen, OSHC-Caraga Engr. II Christian Lee Jaguit, RTWPB Caraga Board Secretary Earl De La Victoria, and RTWPB Caraga Supervising LEO Cornelius Mahinay.  

Emmanuel A. Barreto of Kusina De Grasya, expressed his gratitude as one of the event's participants, “Ako nagapasalamat sa DOLE, OSH ug RTWPB, sa paghatag ug higayun ug pag facilitate na makaattend aning training kay nahibaloan naku unsay buhatun sa pag determine sa safety ug hazards sa among kumpanya, ug para maka comply mi sa OSH na inspection findings. Daghang salamat (I’m thankful to DOLE, OSH, RTWPB for giving us the opportunity to attend this training for us to learn how to manage situations and determine the safety and hazards of our company so that we could also comply with the OSH inspection findings),” he said.

The DOLE ADSFO continues the OSH training initiative in the province to facilitate the certification of establishment representatives as Safety Officers and “OSH CHAMPIONS”. (DOLE-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

 

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Surigao Norte guv eyes provincial ‘Balay Silangan’

BUTUAN CITY -- Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers on Thursday, September 1, said that the Provincial Government will establish a provincial ‘Balay Silangan’.

Following the arrest of high-value targets in Barangay Mabua, Surigao City on August 31, 2022, Governor Barbers affirmed his “more than 100 percent” support to the campaign against illegal drug use and says that he is planning on establishing a provincial ‘Balay Silangan’, a temporary shelter for drug offenders who are undergoing rehabilitation. The program also forms part of the community-based rehabilitation program of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The governor said he is still discussing the details with PDEA Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Randy Pulmano.

“Dili sija kon rehab center but murag ing-ana ang konsepto (It’s not really a rehab center but the concept is similar). We’ll get down to the details with regard to that program,” the official added.

During his stint as the provincial governor in 2007, Governor Barbers created the Anti-Vice Task Force to tackle illegal drug use and abuse in the province. While the official has disclosed that the task force will not be revived during his current term, he says he will continue to support the anti-illegal drugs campaign and the programs of PDEA through the provision of funds and other forms of support.

“It has been my personal advocacy to go against the people involved in drug trade and drug users,” he said.

“Definitely, I will be very active in terms of pagpakgan gajud sa tigpayuhot aning ginadili na droga (Definitely, I will be very active in terms of stopping those who continue to proliferate illegal drugs),” Governor Barbers added. (DMNR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

 

Monday, September 5, 2022

PPOC AgNor supports NCPW celeb, distributes gift, food packs

BUTUAN CITY – In line with the celebration of this year’s National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) with the theme “Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magtulungan: Krimen, Korupsiyon, at Pandemya Labanan", the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the province of Agusan del Norte chaired by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, conducted and supported the different activities in observance of the NCPW.

On Monday, living spacers of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Jail after the traditional flag ceremony held at the facility, received gifts and food packs from the council, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Agusan del Norte led by provincial director Ellen Vee P. Chua with the presence of the  National Police Commission Caraga regional director Johnson Reyes, Philippine National Police Agusan del Norte represented by PSSg Cheffany T. Reuterez, and other agencies’ representatives.

In her message to the living spacers, director Chua emphasized hope to them. “There is still hope and a productive life for you after serving your sentences and time in this facility, be positive and trust God,” director Chua said.

Director Chua also encouraged living spacers to learn and gain skills while still in the facility, for them to have a living when going out.

The visit of the council to the living spacers, is a kick-off of the provincial NCPW celebration that also served as a ‘Maagang Pamasko’, an early Christmas present to them. 

Living spacers entertained the council members with dance and song and conducted a bazaar where they displayed their products and sell them as a  way to earn for a living.

During the NCPW celebration, the council has visited the Missionary Sisters of Mary, Home for the boys, former rebels housed at the 23^rd Infantry Battalion, 29^th Infantry Battalion and Halfway House established by the provincial government. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

 

Monday, September 5, 2022

PSA Caraga chief enjoins support to 2022 OWS, 2021/2022 ISLE surveys

BUTUAN CITY -- To generate wage statistics as critical input to policies on wage and salary administration and wage determination particularly in wage-fixing, price policies and collective bargaining negotiations, the Philippine statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga region will conduct the 2022 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS) and the 2021/2022 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE). The OWS is conducted every two years.

Apura

According to PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda C. Apura, the ISLE is aimed to generate an integrated data set on unionism and collective bargaining, employment of specific group of workers, occupational shortages and surpluses, training of workers, occupational safety and health practices and occupational injuries and diseases.

“The OWS and ISLE will have a regional sample of approximately 279 sample establishments employing 20 or more workers,” Director Apura said.

Director Apura encourages everyone, especially the sample establishments to support and cooperate in the conduct of the 2022 OWS and 2021/2022 ISLE and assured that the information collected by the Statistical Researchers from the sample establishments shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10525.

The distribution, collection and field editing of questionnaires will run from first week of October to December, 2022, Director Apura added. (PSA/NCLM, PIA Caraga)

 

 

Monday, September 5, 2022

Information officers ng DOLE, sumailalim sa Basic News Writing Training ng PIA Caraga

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Habang abala ang mga kawani ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga benepisyaryo ng kanilang mga programa, aktibo ring natuto ang mga Information Officers (IO) ng DOLE provincial offices sa rehiyon ng Basic News Writing sa tulong ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

Matapos matutunan ang mga palatuntunin sa pagbuo ng simple at komprehensibong impormasyon sa pagbabalita, sabik na rin ang mga IOs na ma-post o ma-publish sa social media platforms ang kanilang mga nagawang news stories o balita.  

Para kay Kenneth John Andohoyan, Foreign National Labor Inspector at Labor and Employment Officer III ng DOLE Agusan del Norte Provincial Office na isa sa mga aktibong nakilahok sa nasabing pagsasanay, malaking tulong sa kanila ang matutong magsulat at maghatid balita sa publiko lalo na at marami silang aktibidad sa mga barangay.

“Malaking tulong ito sa aming mga government communicators, lalo na sa amin sa DOLE dahil mas mapapadali na ang aming pagawa ng mga balita dahil alam na naming kung papaano ang tamang pag-organisa ng aming mga isusulat na balita. Mas magiging epektibo na rin ang aming pakikisalamuha sa mga komunidad,” ani Andohoyan.

Ayon kay Anya Pernelle Sollano, Information Officer ng DOLE Caraga Regional Office, layon ng ahensiya na mahasa ang bawat IO sa iba’t-ibang probinsya para sila ay mas maging epektibo sa paganap ng kanilang tungkulin.

“Nagapapasalamat kami sa PIA sapag-facilitate ng training na ito para sa mga IOs ng DOLE. Magsasagawa rin kami sa DOLE ng iba pang communication-related trainings para pa rin sa mga aming IOs na nasa mga provincial offices, at tungkol naman ito sa photography, video editing, social media management, at iba pa,” banggit ni Sollano. 

Samantala, tutulong din ang PIA Caraga sa pag-publish ng mga news stories ng mga IOs ng dole provincial offices sa national at regional websites ng Ahensiya at sa iba pang social media accounts nito para mapalawig pa ang mga programa at serbisyo ng DOLE. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

 

Monday, September 5, 2022

Cong. Corvera bats for one law enforcement agency to keep record on dangerous drugs cases

BUTUAN CITY – Second Congressional District of Agusan del Norte, Representative Dale B. Corvera proposed for a single repository agency of all records on dangerous drugs. 

Corvera

This is in response to the significant variances he observed in the data reported by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency  during the meeting of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs which are used as basis for analysis and planning of programs to combat the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the country.

“The disparity in the data poses a major problem in the effective planning and implementation of drug operations in the country. If erroneous data are indeed used as inputs, it follows that all formulated plans and programs based on the erroneous data are also problematic and irresponsive to our actual drug problem. This could be the reason for the continuous growth and spread of dangerous drugs across the country.” he said.

Corvera, a member of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, also emphasized the additional risks posed by unreliable data to the law enforcers on the field.

“Without reliable data, there could be increased risks in the conduct of drug raids, searches, and buy-bust operations, which would endanger the lives of our law enforcers” he added. (Hala Bira Sa Kongreso/PIA-Agusan del Norte)