(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Sunday, 02 November 2025) Today, November 2, the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), together with local DRRM offices (LDRRMOs), convened for a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Scenario Building meeting to address the emerging threat of Tropical Storm 'TINO,' which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 5:30 AM. 📍 TS Tino is forecast to make landfall over Eastern Visayas or Caraga between Monday evening (Nov. 3) and Tuesday morning (Nov. 4). Wind Signal No. 1 is now raised over Dinagat Islands, with more signals expected across the region. ⚠️ Possible hazards include: -Flooding -Landslides -Storm surge -Strong winds ✅ The public is strongly advised to: -Take precautionary measures and follow pre-emptive evacuation, if needed; -Prepare emergency kits and evacuation plans; -Stay informed via official sources: DOST-PAGASA, RDRRMC, LDRRMOs, PIA, and other government channels. Let’s stay safe and resilient, Caraga! In view of Tropical Storm Tino, which is currently inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and may affect the province of Agusan del Norte by tomorrow morning, the Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC)has recommended the suspension of classes in all levels across the entire province, effective tomorrow, November 3, 2025.


Friday, 24 November 2023

A day of pampering, tribute to men of ‘KATROPA’

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

As a way to recognize men’s positive and valuable contribution to the progress of every community, the member agencies of the Regional Development Council–Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) convened on November 17 (instead of November 19, as it falls on a Sunday) and converged efforts by conducting free services and games with prizes for all the male personnel from various government agencies and media.

These participating men are also active members of Caraga region’s Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) movement led by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), which also chairs the RDC-RGADC.

Agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided free massage, foot spa, and haircuts; Department of Agriculture (DA) provided information, education, and communications (IEC) materials and seedlings; National Nutrition Council (NNC) provided free counseling; Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte provided sacks of rice as prizes for the individual and group games; and the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) provided IEC on anti-VAW, among others.

Dance performances by the representatives of the different sectors also showcased their talents, which caught the attention of the attendees during the event.

Felix Suroysuroy, 59 years old, from the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, joined in the celebration and availed of the free services. 

“This is actually my first time joining and witnessing this kind of activity where men are given the opportunity to enjoy what women also enjoy every month of March in celebration of Women’s Month. I really hope this will continue in the different barangays, so more men will be inspired to do good and feel good without being discriminated,” said Suroysuroy.

Clyde Hikilan, a media practitioner, took the chance to avail of the free services while covering the said event. 

“This event is very useful to us men, as we are able to enjoy what we also deserve,” he said.

Regional director Alexander Makinano, chairperson of RDC-RGADC, shared significant highlights of the KATROPA as an organization, of which members are also known to be Men Oppose to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) in the region.

Topics he discussed were gender and development (GAD), responsible parenting, family planning, a healthy lifestyle, and the ill effects of violence against women and children.

“The KATROPA aims to educate the male population about their responsibilities in the family, especially their roles as son, husband, and father. Members as well undergo training of trainers to have a holistic understanding of their roles and responsibilities in family planning,” said Makinano.

KATROPA was launched under the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program as it was seen that men play a vital role in the community, especially in the family.

The said advocacy campaign also targets an increase in the adoption of family planning methods, especially in non-scalpel vasectomy, an improvement in health-seeking behavior among men, and a decrease in the incidence of gender-based violence. 

Dir. Makinano also led the pledge of commitment of all participating men to prevent any form of abuse and violence against women and children and to be active in the promotion of human rights. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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