Tuesday, 29 July 2025

NCIP strengthens tribal representation in Surigao Norte’s town

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) —  In an effort to further strengthen indigenous peoples’ representation in local government, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Malimono Community Service Center (NCIP-CSC) recently conducted an information, education, and communication (IEC) activity on the Mamanwa Local IPMR Guidelines and NCIP Administrative Order No. 01, Series of 2021, also known as the “Revised National Guidelines for the Mandatory Representation of Indigenous Peoples on the Local Legislative Councils and Policy-Making Bodies.”

The activity was held at the Legislative Hall of the municipality of Malimono and was attended by the members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Robert T. Senaca. 

It was facilitated by one of the NCIP Malimono CSC-IPMR focal persons, Kristine P. Salas.

Salas gave a detailed discussion on the national policy guidelines set forth under NCIP AO 01, s. 2021 saying, “This is the legal basis, including the selection process, and the roles and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) at the local level.”

She added, “The Mamanwa Local Guidelines are cultural specific policies formulated to ensure the meaningful participation of the Mamanwa IP community in local governance.”

The activity reaffirmed the municipality of Malimono’s dedication to the principles of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) and underscored the importance of institutionalizing IP participation in local governance. 

She expressed gratitude for  the positive responses from the members of the legislative body. A significant highlight of the session was the acknowledgment of the contributions of municipal IPMR Dakula Rolando Tiambong.

It was noted that his benefits as an IPMR have already been included in the municipal budget. In a show of commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ rights, the council members proposed the drafting and filing of a resolution to retroactively compensate Tiambong for his services, ensuring that his rightful benefits as municipal IPMR are duly fulfilled.

The NCIP continues to work closely with local government units and IP leaders to advance policies that respect and protect the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from NCIP Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

DICT Caraga pursues PBBM’s digital protection agenda through cybersecurity training

By Nora L. Molde

DICT Caraga empowers the youth in Carmen, Agusan del Norte through a Cybersecurity Awareness Session during the Youth Leadership Summit that promotes digital safety and cyber resilience. 

The 3-day event brings together 60 young leaders, SK officials, out-of-school youth, and children in conflict with the law (CICL) from the eight barangays. Photo courtesy of DICT Caraga.

BUTUAN CITY (PIA)—In a significant step toward building a cyber-resilient society, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga, through its Cybersecurity Bureau, conducted a training entitled, “Cybersecurity Awareness Session for Youth,” during the recent Youth Leadership Summit held in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

The three-day summit with the theme, “Kabantan-onang Carmenanon Alang sa Makanunayong Kalinaw ug Kalamboan (Carmenanon Youth For Sustainable Peace and Development),” brought together 60 young leaders from the town’s eight barangays, including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, out-of-school youth, and children in conflict with the law. The event was held in partnership with the SK Federated Council of Carmen and the Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY), Inc., a youth organization. 

The DICT-led session introduced youth participants to digital safety practices, emphasizing topics such as phishing, online privacy, password protection, social engineering, and safe online behavior. The CIA Triad – Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability was discussed as a core cybersecurity framework. Participants also learned practical ways to safeguard personal data, detect scams, and maintain a healthy digital presence.

This local effort is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national agenda on cybersecurity. In his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President highlighted the urgent need to protect Filipinos from identity theft, phishing, and other online scams, stressing that digital safeguards are critical to the country’s transformation into a modern and efficient digital society. He emphasized that securing internet systems is a key pillar in ensuring public trust and safety in the digital age.

Building on this commitment, President Marcos in his 2024 SONA announced the issuance of Executive Order No. 58, which formally adopts the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023–2028. The plan serves as a strategic roadmap to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, fortify government networks, and protect citizen services. The President also revealed plans to launch advanced cybersecurity training programs, integrating them into the education system and public service to develop a highly skilled digital workforce.

“These directives from the President provide a clear mandate: Cybersecurity is not optional, it is an urgent national priority,” said resource speaker Jovelyn Logarta, planning assistant of  DICT Caraga. “By educating and involving the youth today, we are answering that call and investing in the country’s future cyber defense.”

For Jullie, a 17-year-old participant from Barangay Rojales, the session was eye-opening. “I used to think cybersecurity was only for IT experts. Now I understand that all of us, especially young people, need to protect ourselves online.”

DICT Caraga emphasized that nationwide cyber resilience starts at the grassroots, by empowering communities, especially the youth, with the right tools and awareness to become responsible and vigilant digital citizens.

DICT expressed gratitude to all its partners and youth leaders for their active participation and reaffirmed its commitment to creating safe, smart, and inclusive digital spaces in line with President Marcos Jr.’s vision of a digitally empowered Philippines. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Elderly PDLs in Agusan Sur earn diplomas through ALS

By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In a powerful display of resilience and hope, two elderly persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) aged 57 and 60 from the Agusan del Sur provincial correctional facility proved that age and circumstance are no match for determination.

Through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd), among the 46 PDLs who graduated, one successfully completed elementary education, while another earned a junior high school diploma, both within the confines of the correctional facility.

“You have proven today that being behind bars is not a hindrance toward attaining your education,” said Ivy Claire Morales, ALS focal person of DepEd Agusan del Sur during the ALS graduation ceremony of the Agusan del Sur provincial correctional facility.

“We are looking forward for these graduates to proceed to the next level, and hopefully to have more students in the next batch of ALS learners inside the facility,” she added.

Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. Despite the limitations of incarceration and the challenges of aging, these individuals embraced the opportunity to rewrite their stories—one lesson, one module, one exam at a time.

“I will continue studying so I can achieve my goals in life,” said the 57-year old PDL under the alias ‘Jun,’ who was among the ALS graduates.

“For the elderly, such as myself, it is never too late to continue your education. Getting a degree will be a big help for us to reach our dreams and ambitions in life,” he further encouraged.

The initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Correctional and Security Management Office (PCSMO), which partnered with DepEd Agusan del Sur and other government agencies to bring ALS directly into the jail.

“We believe that even in a controlled environment, every person deserves the opportunity to grow, heal, and start anew,” expressed Christopher Rey L. Bardilas, acting provincial government department head of Agusan del Sur PCSMO.

“With the help of our valued partner, DepEd Agusan del Sur, and the support given by our provincial leaders, Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., Congressional Representatives Eddie Bong Plaza and Alfelito Bascug, we aim to equip our PDLs with the knowledge and skills they need for reintegration into society,” he added.

The program provided flexible, learner-centered instruction tailored to the unique needs of adult learners, especially those who had long been disconnected from formal education. (NJGD/PIA Caraga with reports from PPIO and PCSMO Agusan del Sur)

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Agusan Sur’s soil laboratory PBBM’s accomplishment on food sustainability

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —“We will prioritize the modernization of our farms through the use of advanced technologies for our farmers. All of this will be guided by science to increase agricultural production,” said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. during his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, 2022.

Pres. Marcos Jr. challenged the key agencies in the farming sector and local government units to find solutions to the country’s food security. 

“Today, that challenge is no longer just an idea—we are now realizing that vision. Our efforts are focused on helping our farmers, especially since our province is known for its vast agricultural land. Without food, we are nothing,” said Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr.  to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro during the courtesy visit and tour at the Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Office (PRDIO) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on July 21.

“PBBM’s call to action  inspired Agusan del Sur in building the sole state-of-the-art soil laboratory in the province and in the country as part of their goal of agricultural modernization,” the governor added. 

He shared that the modern  soil laboratory in Agusan del Sur is administered by the province’s newest department, PRDIO headed by Dr. Trishah Fe R. Goloran. Its construction is spearheaded by 2nd district Congressional Representative Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza, with strong support from 1st District Rep. Alfelito “Alfel” Bascug, Gov. Cane, and other local government officials.

With a total project cost of P550 million, the facility is designed to promote a scientific and data-driven approach to agriculture, supporting the backbone of the nation — the Filipino farmers. The laboratory allows farmers to analyze soil conditions, identify the appropriate fertilizers, and select the most suitable crops to plant, ensuring that the right food grows in the right soil.

As part of the first phase of PRDIO’s implementation, the province has begun empowering farmers through soil management training programs conducted at the municipal level. These activities are aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices by enhancing farmers’ knowledge of soil care, fertility, and proper agricultural techniques.

Cane compared the soil to the human body, emphasizing that, just like the body requires accurate diagnosis and proper nutrients to heal from the hospital, soil must also be tested and treated accordingly in the soil laboratory.

“Not all nutrients are good for the body—likewise, soil needs the right balance of nutrients to yield good produce. That’s where the soil laboratory becomes essential,” he said.

DG De Castro, on the other hand, assured the governor of the continued support and collaboration of PIA through communication support across the province, ensuring that the modern facility and its advantages will reach the target beneficiaries, and the good news will be disseminated to the public and the grassroots communities. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)

Monday, 28 July 2025

DTI brings entrepreneurs in Caraga to global commerce

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga elevated the region’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the international market. 

“We have bigger projects, programs, and more assistance to our MSMEs. This time, we are taking our MSMEs to neighboring countries to enable them to experience how their counterparts in neighboring countries are doing business and motivate them to become more competitive to the international market,” said Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga. “Last month, we took local entrepreneurs from Agusan del Norte, Butuan City and Agusan del Sur to China and Thailand.”

DTI Caraga remains committed to strengthening the capabilities of local enterprises through participation in both domestic and international trade fairs or exhibits.

From June 04-07, MSMEs from the different provinces in the region joined a jewelry processing benchmarking mission in Guangzhou, China. The activity was organized by the Guangzhou Panyu Jewelry Manufacturers Association, Guangzhou Market Chamber of Commerce, DTI Caraga and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou.

The mission aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of local jewelry makers by exposing them to high quality jewelry products made through advanced jewelry equipment and processing techniques.

The initiative is very timely specially that the region is rich in mineral resources waiting to be used and converted to high quality jewelry.

Meanwhile, local MSMEs also took part in the ProPak Asia 2025 on June 11-13 in Bangkok, Thailand. ProPak Asia is a premier exhibit on product processing and packaging, organized by Informa Markets, a global leader in fostering industry development.

The exhibit showcased the latest innovations in manufacturing, branding, packaging, and product development. It served as a venue for the participants to see these practices that will help improve their local packaging practices.

“Our participation in the global business engagements helped us realize that good packaging isn’t just about appearance, it extends shelf life, boosts marketability, and minimizes waste, especially for small businesses like ours,” said Rhea Jane Julao of Aquarianne Food Products Manufacturing, as she shared her experience at the ProPak Asia 2025.

Allowing local MSMEs to participate in global engagements broadens their innovative and creative minds and inspires them to elevate product quality and competitiveness. Gaining fresh insights and new perspectives, it empowers them to align with not only local standards, but to thrive and leverage international benchmarks. (MFC, PIA Butuan City with a report from DTI Caraga)