PIA News Dispatch - Sunday, July 31, 2011

Butuan City to celebrate 61st charter day

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 31 (PIA) – The City of Butuan is celebrating its 61st charter day on August 2.

Dubbed “Adlaw Hong Butuan,” the celebration kicks-off Sunday with an “Abayan Festival,” a fluvial parade in Agusan River held in honor of Brgy. San Ignacio’s patron saint – Santa Ana.

Brgy. San Ignacio is one of the barangays within the heart of the city and is located along the riverbank. The fluvial parade is an annual activity of the city that is adopted by the local government as one of the activities of the charter day celebration.

Other activities conducted in line with the celebration include the 1st Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. Cup Air Rifle Open Competition which was opened this morning at Brgy. Leon Kilat riverside.

On Monday, August 1, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. will deliver his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at 1:00 p.m. at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort.
Amante’s SOCA will focus on his administration’s accomplishments as well as the plans and programs for next year.

Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino III declared Tuesday, August 2, 2011 a special non-working holiday here to give time to Butuanons to celebrate the charter day. (PIA-Caraga)


Butuan dad backs establishment of call center

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 31 (PIA) – The city government will give its all-out support for investors who wish to establish call centers here, said Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr.

Amante made this statemetn on the heels of the 17th Caraga Business Conference to be held on August 3 in this city.

According to Mayor Amante said call centers will boost the jobs generation program of the national government.

Mayor Amante further said the government center in Brgy. Tiniwisan which was constructed during the previous administration is a good venue for the call center, “thus, we are ready to accommodate our potential investors for this project,” he said.

However, the city’s chief executive said that there is still a need to improve the internet connection for service providers operating here, based on the assessment of technical experts who have studied the geographical and technical settings in the city.

Meantime, the city will be celebrating its 61st charter day on August 2 that kicked-off this afternoon through a fluvial parade in Agusan River, known as the longest river in Mindanao.

Dubbed “Abayan Festival,” the activity is also in line with the annual feast of patron Saint – Santa Ana in Bry. San Ignacio, one of the barangays located within the heart of this city. (PIA-Caraga)

PIA Dispatch - Saturday, July 30, 2011

Caraga can boost historical tourism says DOT official

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, July 30 – The first US World War II submarine in Mindanao surfaced here in Caraga region.

This was pointed out by Department of Tourism Regional Director Letecia D. Tan in a press conference with the local media in preparation of the forthcoming 17-Caraga Business Conference jointly hosted by the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (BCCCFI) and the Butuan City Government.

Tan said that this is just one of Caraga region's historical treasures that can be developed to boost local tourism.

Dir. Tan explained earlier in the forum that tourism industry encompasses other business or economic activities.

The theme of today’s gathering “Pushing for a Progressive Caraga" should be able to promote this thrust, she said.

Tan said that since 2009, she already had conceptualized and planned to launch in Nasipit town of Agusan del Norte of what she dubbed as “World War II Tourism.” But the concept did not materialize and had been set aside as it seem to fail to gain the attention of the supposed to be stakeholders of the place.

Tan said that she had wanted the project launched at the said municipality as the first US World War II submarine to surface in Mindanao, the USS Narwhal SS-167 happened at the seawaters of the said municipality. The submarine, according to her unloaded arms and logistics to the freedom fighters against the Japanese Imperial Army at that time and was also in a rescue mission of some entrapped American nationals.

Based on the USS Narwhal SS-167 Log for the years 1927-1945 (data gleaned from The Dictionary of American Fighting Ships) in a web site maintained by Harry Kholer, son of Harry F. Kholer, EMIc, of the said submarine; it was mentioned that on November 15, 1943 the USS Narwhal SS-167 loaded with 92 tons of cargoes under the command of Commander Frank D. Latta, USNR, as part of its 7th War Patrol docked at Nasipit, Mindanao to unload some of its cargoes to the tune of “Anchors Aweigh” played by a grateful Filipino band. The submarine then embarked 32 evacuees, including 8 women, 2 children and a baby destined for Darwin, Australia.

And that was not the last patrol that the submarine had engaged itself in this region. During its 8th War Patrol it came back with the usual cargo and 11 Army operatives and sails for Cabadaran, Mindanao. Then again on December 2, 1943 it arrived accordingly in Butuan Bay for disembarking and picking up of 7 evacuees.

And then on its 10th War Patrol on March 2, 1944, it delivered more ammunitions to Butuan Bay and embarks 28 passengers.

These will just prove, Tan said, the richness of our historical heritage which may cater to historical quests of our domestic or foreign tourists. She pushed for the Caraganon’s to exploit such and other historical facts and information which may be tourism attractive.

The official said that after some time of laying aside her “World War II Tourism” she was accordingly surprised that yesterday morning an executive officer of the Veterans Bank from Manila, went to her office together with a consultant and coordinated with her office as they had planned that on August 19, this year they accordingly will place a World War II Exhibit at Butuan City Regional Museum.

Tan said that this development may have a great implication to the region’s tourism industry as they can include this in every regional tourism package. She said that the right time had come for Butuan or Caraga’s history to be related also to the Second World War.

Mayor Amante for his part admitted that we don’t have so much tourism attractive places in the city as compared to the other places of the region. But we have a rich history and aside, also the access to the other places in the region. Visitors who would want to go to Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and even to the other provinces will be through passing by our city as we have the airport here.

So the call will be “One Voice, One Caraga” meaning what will be good to Butuan City will also be beneficial to the other places in the region. (PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Testimonial parade sa 1st woman BGen sa Mindanao area, gilusad

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 30 – Gipahigayon kaganinang buntag ang testimonial parade alang sa bag-o ug unang babayeng heneral sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nga taga Mindanao, dinhi sa Sports Complex sa dakbayan.

Sa eksklusibong pakighinabi sa usa sa mga sibyahan kang 1st Woman Brigader General Charito "Ching" Plaza, gilusad kaganinang alas-8 sa buntag sa Butuan City Sports Complex ang reservists’ assembly kundiin managtagbo ang tanang reservees sa AFP sa Caraga.

Tumong sa nasangpit nga asembliya nga mapakita sa mga Butuanon ug Caraganon ang kapabilidad sa mga reservists atol sa pakigbisog sa giyera og kagubot.

Gawas niini, gipahigayong usab ang testimonial parade isip pagpasalamat ni Brigader General Plaza human napiling pinakaunang babae nga heneral sa Mindanao Area.

Si 1st Woman Brigader General Charito "Ching" Plaza ang gibansagang "Mother of Caraga" atol sa iyang pagpanerbisyo isip kongresista sa Butuan City ug Las Nieves Agusan del Norte.

Siya ang nahimong principal author sa RA 9701, an act creating the Caraga Aministrative Region nga gilagdaan ni kanhing Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos niadtong February 23, 1995. (BR/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Friday, July 29, 2011

PRC exceeds mid-year targets

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 29 (PIA) – The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) has exceeded most of its targets for this year.

During the regular meeting held at the PRC-AdS office at the provincial capitol in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, PRC-AdS administrator Christyll Basan they have exceeded their training targets by as much as 139 percent. These training activities include basic disaster management, standard disaster management, disaster response and community-based disaster management.

The mobilization of disaster response team has also exceeded 50 percent of the target.

Because of floods that hit Agusan del Sur in the first 3 days of 2011, PRC-AdS has extended relief operation twice, and served 155,475 people against the target of only 20,000.

Individual repeat blood donors already reached 111 percent of target, while new donors is on tract, with 52 percent as of midyear. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Agusan Sur now has 22 'model of excellence' schools

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 29 (PIA) – The Model of Excellence schools in Agusan del Sur now reached to 22, while another six are scheduled to be launched until the end of August this year.

Among these are the Sinobong Elementary School and Sayon Elementary School in the Municipality of Veruela, East Bayugan Central Elementary School in Bayugan City, and the Esperanza Central Elementary School in Esperanza town and the Bunawan West Central Elementary School in the Municipality of Bunawan.

The recognition of various elementary schools as model of excellence schools in Agusan del Sur is part of the “Pagtoon Alang sa Masanag ng Kaugmaon Program of the provincial government o Agusan del Sur (PGAS) in partnership with the Department of Education.

The program is an intervention of raising and enhancing the academic performance of the pupils, thus, making them highly performing individuals, according to the local government website.

“Preparation of the future is only part of our main thrust in this Pagtoon program. What we are preparing most here are our children for the future in order for them to be strong, self reliant and empowered. There is no more precious thing we can give our children but the best education. That is why we have this Pagtoon program” Gov. Plaza said.
Aside from upgrading the education system in Agusan del Sur, the provincial government also offers scholarship program. Provincial government scholars has reached 234 for this first semester of school year 2011-2012. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Business summit to provide opportunities for businessmen, entrepreneurs

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 (PIA) – Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCIFI) President Joseph Omar Andaya on Thursday said the 17th Caraga Business Conference will provide opportunities for businessmen and entrepreneurs in developing the business industry in the region.

During the press conference, Andaya said several groups who could offer access to finance without collateral were invited to the the two-day conference.

The 17th Caraga Business Conference is anchored on the theme: “Pushing for a Progressive Caraga” and will be held on August 3-4 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

The conference will tackle concerns of the mining and wood industry in the region, and familiarize participants with the regulatory environment.

Among them is the presentation of existing laws which affects the business industry, but are not known to stakeholders. This includes, "micro-insurance initiatives which will provide social protection for poor people,” Andaya said.

Andaya further said the Caraga Business Conference aims to bring together stakeholders such as legislators, the Central Bank representatives, and institutions that provide access to finance such as the Land Bank of the Philippines, People’s Credit and Finance Corporation, and the National Livelihood Development Corporation.

Furthermore, the chamber prexy of the host city said most of the businessmen participating the conference will be coming from Caraga Region, especially the members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in all the provinces of Caraga, “but there are also businessmen who have operations here and are based in Manila, as well as businessmen whose market is not in Caraga but they are into export in Europe and US.”

Among the speakers in the conference are Cong. Lorenzo Tañada III, Liberal Party spokesperson and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Head of the Blue Ribbon committee of the Senate – Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III; Sen. Ralph Recto; and Central Bank Governor Armando Tetangco, Jr. (PIA-Caraga)


Reg’l winners of speech contest revealed

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 (PIA) – As part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) with this year’s theme: “Makialam. Makiisa. Sa Pagsugpo ng Panganib, May Maitulong Ka,” the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) recently held the Regional Oratorical and Extemporaneous Speech Contest at the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Regional Office, this city.

RDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong bared that said contests were initiated for the following purposes: “to increase and enhance the importance of DRR and climate change concepts; and to increase students’ awareness on the observance of the NDCM”.

There were 14 4th year high school students from both public & private schools from the different divisions of Caraga region competed for the Oratorical Speech Contest while there were 13 4th year high school students from both public & private schools in Caraga participating in the Extemporaneous Speech Contest.

For the oratorical speech contest, the winners were: Ms. Marilou C. Jabines from Dapa National High School, Siargao division, 3rd place with P2,000.00 cash; Mr. Jobin Sabalo of Surigao Norte, 2nd place with P3,000 cash, which was given to National High School from the division of Surigao Norte; and Ms. Hannah Tricia Castilla from Nasipit National Vocational School - Agusan Norte division, 1st place with P5,000.00 cash. Winners all received plaques of appreciation.

Meanwhile, winners of the Regional Extemporaneous Speech Contest are as follows: Ms. Rouithers Perez of Trento National High School, Agusan del Sur received the 3rd Prize with P2,000.00 cash and plaque of appreciation; Ms. Lizel Gulfo of Bislig City National High School, Surigao del Sur received 2nd Prize with P3,000.00 and plaque; and Ms. Quenee Lavern Pongcol of the Caraga Regional Science High School, Surigao City received the 1st Prize with P5,000.00 and plaque.

All contestants also received certificates of appreciation. (PIA-Caraga)


Butuan dad formally opens “Biangon Hong Kamadyawan”

by Malou C. Furia

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 – The recent ribbon cutting and official opening of the Barangay’s Best Agro Products Exhibition signaled the week long celebration of the 61st Adlaw Hong Butuan with “Biangon Hong Kamadyawan” (Pillar of Success), as this year’s theme.

Before a crowd of government workers & officials from the 86 participating barangays, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. officially opened to the public the agro fair stalls at the city hall grounds. Various products from the 86 barangays of this city were displayed and sold at a cheaper price compared to the currect existing market price.

Mayor Amante said he strongly believes that through agriculture as the backbone of economic prosperity, Butuan will attain abundant food supply thus minimizing poverty in the 86 barangays.

The national government's “One Town, One Product” advocacy was extended even further by the local government through the “One Barangay, One Product”. Among the support extended by the city government to the agricultural sector is regularl subsidy of organic fertilizer and palay seeds, techno-demo farming, seminars, rehabilitation and construction of farm to market road, financial assistance and etc.

Meantime, the 86 barangays here were divided into ten (10) clusters with more or less six (6) barangays per cluster. Each cluster presented/diplayed their products ranging from fresh agricultural products like fresh buco, eggplant, yellow corn @ 2.50 each, handicrafts made from buri such as shoulder bags, mats and many more. Assorted Butuanon delicacies abound like palagsing, suman, rice cake, yema, cocunot candies, and lots more till late in the afternoon.

Mayor Amante is thankd the participating barangays for their support in making their products, skills, and expertise available for the people. He added that the event also aimed to promote their products.

Adding glitter and merriment to the activity were the tribal /native dances rendered by ANHS, FSUU, and Caraga State University, while the Senior Citizen Pangabugan Chapter awed the spectarors with their rendition of old time and original favorites of Butuanon songs.

The Barangays Best Agro Products Exhibition will run for one week at the City Hall Grounds, Doongon Road, and will be opened to the public from 8:00 A.M to 5:00P.M. The event was made possible through the joint efforts of Liga Ng Mga Punong Barangay through ABC President Hon. Nestor Amora and Ms. Agnes Carlos, Chief, Public Affairs information & Assistance Division (PAIAD). (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)


DPWH assures tourists of reliable access road Siargao surfing site

by Michael Conte

DAPA, Siargao Island, Jul. 29 (PIA) – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Siargao District Engineer Salvador E. Montil, Jr. has ordered the removal of illegal structures along the General Luna (GL) - Catangnan road, which leads to the surfing site in the municipality of General Luna so as not to delay the improvement road project.

The improvement of the GL-Catangnan road will cost P9.8 million.

“The DPWH assured the tourists of a reliable access road going to prime beaches, resorts and surfing area where the international surfing competitions will be held in September,” Montil said.

“Once the bidding process of the project is completed, the district office will start right away the implementation and complete the project ahead of schedule,” Montil added.

The road improvement project involves widening and gravelling. (DPWH 2nd Engineering District/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


BCPO bats for “Discipline Zone”

by PSupt Joseph B Boquiren

BUTUAN CITY, July 29 (PIA) - In a bid to decongest traffic especially during rush hour, a top police official has proposed to implement a "discipline zone" in specific areas in the city.

Police Senior Superintendent Jose V. Carillo, city director of the Butuan City Police Office, convened local officials on Wednesday to discuss his office’s proposed plan.

“I intend to solve this problem by way of institutionalizing a Discipline Zone utilizing all available personnel and material resources and instilling in the minds of the people of Butuan the values of discipline coupled with the enforcement of laws and ordinances with zero tolerance,” Carillo stated.

The plan is designed to bring significant changes in the enforcement of traffic laws, illegal peddling, garbage problem, anti-littering, and other related ordinances within the “Discipline Zone.”

Traffic decongestion will focus along AD Curato, T. Sanchez, San Francisco Streets, and JC Aquino Avenue, where influx of pedestrians and motorists alike are more pronounced during peak hours on school days.

Ryan Anthony B. Culima, chairperson on police matters of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, motioned for the inclusion of the remaining part of JC Aquino Avenue (from Montilla Boulevard to the foot of Magsaysay Bridge) and was subsequently approved.

He also promised to request from the city government for city-paid security guards if the San Francisco Street gate of Butuan Central Elementary School be opened for purposes of the project’s implementation.

The implementation of “Discipline Zone” is divided into five different phases. First Phase: Preparatory – includes drafting of the proposal, actual survey and pictorials of the situation of the affected areas.

Second Phase: Dialogue with Stakeholders – includes dialogues and coordination with the different agencies involved like LGU, drivers and operators association, business establishments, vendors, PTA and school authorities, and others.

Third Phase: Massive Info Campaign – includes holding of press conference with the tri-media and conduct of public info campaigns, and utilizing the PNP patrol cars with megaphones.

Fourth Phase: Dry Run – covers the implementation of the Discipline Zone on a trial mode including the giving of warning to violators without penalizing them.

Fifth Phase: Full Implementation – is the last and actual phase of the project which covers the issuance of citation tickets to violators with “zero tolerance.”

When implemented, it is expected that areas around the vicinity of Butuan Central Elementary School, Agusan National High School, Sacred Heart Kindergarten School and Father Saturnino Urios University would be decongested and thousands of motorists, students, and citizens will benefit from it.

Carillo is optimistic over the success of its full implementation.

“This project will not only benefit the people of Butuan in terms of safety to their children in going to school. It will also instill in their minds the values of discipline. And lastly, this will greatly enhance the prevailing peace and order in the City of Butuan because I believe that when there is order, peace will reign,” Carillo concluded. (Butuan City Police Office/PIA-Caraga)


Surigaonon News: Lukay-Lukay Festival sa lungsod nan Burgos malampuson

ni Jun Parada

SURIGAO CITY, Hulyo 29 – Nagmalampuson na tagpahigayon an tinuig na "Lukay-Lukay Festival" atol sa ika-44 na katuig na kapistahan sa lungsod nan Burgos, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte niadtong Hulyo 26, 2011.

Ang mga contingents taglangkuban sa unom ka mga clustered barangays sa Poblacion Uno, Dos ug Brgy. Bitaog, samtang laing hut-ong usab sa gikan sa Brgy. Matin-ao, Baybay, San Mateo ug ang Burgos National High School.

Tulo ka mga contingents ang nagpresentar ug tagpakita ang ka-importante sa ilang kinaiyahan na mao ang "lukay" na makita sa ilang palibot og hamok ang kagamitan niini nga nakahatag sa ilang panginabuhian ug labaw sa tanan ang ilang sayaw pahinungod sa mahal na patron Senyora Sta.Ana.

Atol sa maong kapistahan gipahigayon usab ang barangay basketball tournament, municipality basketball tournament, Burgos Got Talent nga gisuportahan sa mga balikbayan ug mga opisyales sa maong lungsod ug ang pa-boxing ni Gobernador Sol Matugas ug Congressman Francisco Matugas.

Ug sa gabii sa Hulyo26 agig pagtak-op sa maong selebrasyon gipahigayon ang Alumni Night Elementary sa Batch 1994 uban sa ilang alumni President former DOLE Regional Director Romeo Cagas.

Si Mayor Rolito Nogaliza nagpasalamat sa mga katawhan ug mga balikbayan ilabina gajud sa dakong suporta nga gihatag nila Gobernador Sol Matugas ug Congressman Matugas sa maong lungsod.

Ug siya mapasalamaton usab sa financial assistance nga P100,000 para sa festival ug P20,000 para sa pa-boxing apil na ang mga proyekto sama sa P2.4 milyon Birthing Clinic and Health Center, P1 milyon nga Women’s Building, rehabilitasyon sa Luneta Park ni Gobernador Matugas ug ang P5 milyon road construction ni Congressman Matugas.

Matud pa ni Mayor Nogaliza iyang ipakita ang tinuod na serbisyo sa lungsod subay sa programang “HEALS” sa gobernador ug tinguha nija na moangat ang bag-ong Burgos ubos sa iyang adminstrasyon kauban ang mga sakop nan Sangguniang Bayan sa pagpanguna ni Vice Mayor Franklin Macaldo. (Surigao del Norte Provincial Information Center/PIA- Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News: Trainor’s training sa pang-agrikultura, gipalapdan

ni Ritchelle F. Encabo

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 29 – Tulo (3) ka kawani sa City Agriculture Office ang mupailawom sa usa ka Trainor’s Training kabahin sa mga utanon ug mga lagotmon sulod sa lima (5) ka adlaw nga didto sa may Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Los Angeles, ni’ng dakbayan.

Tumong niini nga maedukar ang mga trainor arun masangkapan pa sa dugang kahibalo sa pagpalambo sa mga utanon nga maoy ilang pagagamiton sa pagbansay ngadto sa mga mag-uuma, pinaagi niini gilauman nga mas mutaas ang produksyon sa mga lagotmon diin gawas sa barato kining mapalit sa mga konsyumante taas pa gayud ang nutritional value niini.

Kini nga programa gipanghingusgan ubos sa pagdumala sa buhatan sa City Agriculture pinaagi ni Engr. Alberto B. Buca, pinasubay usab sa kamanduan sa Lokal nga Panggamhanan aron mas mapalambo pa ang matang sa programang pang-agrikultura sa atong dakbayan. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Barangay Best Agro & Product Exhibit, gibuksan na

ni Jovelyn C. Mejorada

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 29 – Gibuksan na dili pa lang dugay ang Barangay Best Agro & Product Exhibit sa temang “Biangon Hong Kamadyawan” diin makita ug mapalit ang nagkalain-laing mga produkto gikan sa mga kabarangayan kon One Barangay One Product (OBOP) nga mao’y naghatag kanila ug panginabuhian.

Alayon kini sa kasaulogan sa ika-61st selebrasyon sa Adlaw Hong Butuan diin gitambungan kini ni Rev. John Smithwick isip pinasidunggang bisita ug mga kaubanang misyonaryo gikan sa Power of Life Festival ug ila gayod nasaksihan ang panaghiusa ug pagtambayayungay kon Convergence sa matag Butuanon nga mamahimong magmalampuson ang maong kalihokan sa kabarangayan.

Mipaabot ug mga pahibalo si Leah Amante-Mendoza, City Administrator nga kung gusto mopalit dinhi lang sa OBOP kay sobra ka barato ang paninda dinhi, dihang nag-Welcome remarks kini sa mga bisita.

Sa hamubong mensahe ni Butuan Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., gisaysay niini ang importansiya sa panawagang Convergence kon panaghiusa sa tanan alang sa kaayuhan ug kalambo-an sa dakbayan.

Tubag usab ni Ampayon Brgy. Capt. Samuel Amante, mapasalamaton kini ngadto sa mga nagpasi-ugda niini nga programa kay matabangan ang tagsa-tagsa ka kabarangayan nga madugangan ang ilang panalapia-anong bahin ug ma-promote ang produkto sa matag barangay. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Monthly income report sa City Architecture Office, nitaas sulod lamang sa 6 ka bulan

ni Christopher E. Simogan

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 29 – Adunay pagtaas sa koleksyon sa buhatan sa City Architect pinasubay kini sa Monthly Income Report karong tuiga, sa kasamtangan niabot na sa P6,842,000 pesos ang income sa maong buhatan sulod lamang sa unom ka bulan gikan sa Enero hangtod Hunyo kumpara niadtong nakalabay’ng tuig nga aduna lamang kinatibuk ang suma-total nga P8,626,000.

Sa pakighinabi kang Engr. Welfedo Sagusay nga gilaumang makab-ot nila ang target nga P15 million nga income pinakataas kini kumpara sa nakalabayng katuigan.

Matod pa sa opisyal, nga ang maong pagtaas sa koleksyon resulta kini sa mga daghang nga mga bag ong struktura nga gimugna sa dakbayan ug tungud niini daghan nga mga kliyente ang mudoul sa maong buhatan arun sa pagkuha ug pirmeso sa pagpatukod sa maong mga gambalay ingun man ang pag inspeksyon niini kung nakasubay ba sa ensaktong sumbanan sa National Building Code (PD 1096 2005 REVISED EDITION) ang maong mga estruktura.

Tungod sa kakulang sa ilang mga personahe, nanawagan ang maong hepe sa mga kapitan sa 86 ka barangay ning dakbayan sa pag ayuda sa maong buhatan pinaagi sa pag monitor sa mga illegal structures sa ilang ginsakupan.

Ang maong mga Punong Barangay pagabansayon sa Implementing Rules and Regulations sa National Building Code of the Philippines sa maong paagi pagatudloon sila isip mga Designated Deputy Building Inspectors diin maoy mangunay sa pagpa emplementar sa Notices of Violation sa ingun niana mahatagan sa insaktong pagpatuman ang maong balaod ug mapahamtangan sa tukmang silot ang bisan si kinsang makalapas niini. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Thursday, July 28, 2011

Army’s 401ST Brigade honors 6 newly-promoted soldiers

SURIGAO DEL SUR, July 28 – Six newly-promoted enlisted personnel of 401st Infantry “Unite N’ Fight” Brigade were welcomed and honored recently by Col Romeo G Gan, Commander of the 401st Brigade during the pinning of ranks at Brigade Headquarters, Brgy St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Col Gan congratulated Sgt Neil B Araneta, Sgt Eric R Ceniza, Sgt George H Catipay, Sgt Jerry C Zambas, Cpl Nathaniel O Saldua, and Pfc Archie V Catao for their promotion to the next higher grade; from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, Corporal to Sergeant, and Private First Class to Corporal.

“Promotion is very relevant to our organization not only because it levels up our position but also it boosts our aptitude and competence as professional soldiers and leaders,” Col Gan said.

He further encouraged all enlisted personnel to work harder and comply all the requirements for promotion so that they will be given the chance to be promoted. “Our promotion system is not based on how long you have been serving the organization, but it has standards and prerequisites to follow and to be met by every soldier in order to have a concrete basis of evaluation and appraisal,” Gan said. (401st Brigade, Philippine Army/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Mass feeding program gipahidangat sa nagkadaiyang tulunghaan

ni Amandalyn R. Gutierrez

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 – Ang buhatan sa City Nutrition padayon sa pagtunol sa serbisyong pang nutrisyon ngadto sa mga nagkadaiyang eskwelahan sakop ning dakabayan.

Gani pa man, lain na sab nga hugna sa mass feeding program ang gipahigayon didto sa Butuan Central Elementary School diin kapin kung kulang 400 ka mga kabataan ang nakabenepisyo sa maong programa, alayon kini sa kasaulugan sa Nutrition Month.

Ang maong kalihukan gipanghingusgan sa lokal nga panggamhanan ug gipasabot sa katawhan ang kabililhon sa pagbaton sa maayong panglawas hilabi na ngadto sa mga kabataan.

Mapasalamaton ang mga magtutudlo sa nasangpit nga tulunghaan ngadto sa buhatan sa City Nutrition pinaagi ni Mrs. Nena Loquias ang hepe niini og hilabi na kang 1st lady Ivy Amante ang asawa sa atong Halangdong Mayor nga diin maoy nagpaluyo sa maong programa. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Barangay Food Terminal sa Butuan, gilusad

by Gerry G. Gabiana

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 – Nagmalampuson ang gipahigayon nga paglusad sa Barangay Food Terminal Project sa Sitio Sta. Cruz, Manila De Bugabos ni’ng syudad dili pa lang dugay.

Gihimo ang Cutting of Ribbon ug ang hamubong programa pinaagi sa pagbasa sa rationale diin tumong niini nga matabangan para e-angat ang panginabuhi sa mga mag-uuma. Sanglit dakong suportang financial ang gihatag sa Department of Agriculture (DA) pinaagi sa ilang Regional Director nga si Edna M. Mabeza, Ph.D sa pakigtambayayong sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad ning Butuan. Suportado usab kining maong programa sa mga mag-uuma sa international nga ahensya ang AECID kon Agencia Espanola Cooperacion International Para El Desarrollo.

Mihatag usab ug hamubong mensahe si Mayor Jun Amante, arun madasig ang mga katawhan ug manlimbasog sila nga malahutayon gikan sa pagmugna sa nasangpit nga Barangay Food Terminal Project sa nasangpit nga barangay isip “trading center” ang maong barangay sa mga pang-agrikultural nga panginabuhi-an.

Pinaagi niini, mahatagan usab ug access sa mga presko ug masustansyang produkto ang katawhan. Isa kini ka tubag o solosyun sa kawad-on ug mga kagutom sa katawhan, ug posibling mahalayo sila sa mga nagkalain-laing motakboy nga mga sakit nga di malikayan.

Gitambungan ang maong programa sa pagpanguna ni Mayor Jun Amante, Ms. Rosalinda Golon, OIC sa AMAD kon Assistant Marketing Division-Department of Agriculture (DA), Engr. Alberto Buca, hepe sa City Agriculturist Office, Kapitan Escolastica T. Liguid uban ang iyang
konsehales sa barangay ug opisyalis sa maong kooperatiba sa pagpanguna ni Mr. Antonio Betasolo, Manager sa maong kooperatiba, mga miyembro ug ang daghang panon sa mga lomolopyo sa nasangpit nga barangay diin nagkahiusa alang sa kalampusan sa katukuran niining maong kooperatiba. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Padayon nga kalamboan sa merkado sa Butuan, gihingusgan

ni Gerry G. Gabiana

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 – Makeover ug dugang kalambuan sa pampublikong Merkado kon Salvador M. Calo Premium Market sa Langihan niining syudad sa Butuan padayon ug gipanghingusgan sa lokal nga panggamhanan ubos sa kamando-an ni Mayor Doctor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.

Maaninaw sa kanunay ug sa pagkakaron ang pagpatuman sa kahapsay ug kahinlo ngadto sa mga stall owners arun malikayan ang pagdasok ug conjestion sa mga mamalit’ay ug mamaligya’ay sa mga bisan unsang paninda sulod sa nasangpit nga merkado.

Sigun sa pakighinabi sa Market Supervisor IV nga si Eduardo “Eddie” Escasio, nahimo na karun ug nata-od usab ang parehong karatola (uniform signage) sa mga namaligya sa mga karne ug dressed chicken section. Nahimo kini pinaagi sa Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation kinsa bolontaryo nga misuporta tungod ug alang sa pagkab-ot sa kalambo-an ug kahapsay sa merkado. Gidugang usab sa maong Market Supervisor IV nga bawas gastos na ang gihimo sa maong nasangpit nga korporasyon nga angay usab ikapasigarbo.

Kini nga panagtambayayong alayon sa gimbuhaton ug pagpalig-on sa gitawag nga Public-Private Partnership (PPP) niining lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Butuan ug Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Dugang mga heavy equipment magamit na sa syudad

ni Jovelyn C. Mejorada

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 – Mamahimo nang magamit ang mga bag-ong heavy equipment nga gitumong sa pagpalit sa dakbayan sa Butuan, sa katuyuan nga magamit alang sa kalambuan.

Nahidangat ning nakalabay’ng adlaw ang unom (6) ka mga dumptrucks, duha ka Backhoe, ug usa ka Bulldozer nga anaa karon sa kustodiya sa City Engineer’s Office.

Tumong sa pagpalit sa maong mga heavy equipment aron nga maaksyonan ang dugay nang mulo sa mga katawhan sa kabarangayan. kasamtangang anaa pa kini karon sa buhatan sa City Engineer’s, samtang wala pa kini pormal nga I-turn over sa mga buhatan nga makadawat niini.

Nasayran nga ang mga bag-ong equipment niagi sa tukmang proseso sa bidding, ang upat niini nga dumptruck mupadulong sa buhatan sa CENRO alang sa garbage disposal, ug ang duha alang sa City Housing diin pagagamiton sa relocation sites nga maoy muabag alang sa gravelling ug konstruksyon. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Essential health care project sa mga eskwelahan gilusad

ni Amandalyn R. Gutierrez

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 – Dungan nga gilusad nag-ohay pa lamang ang Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) sa 38 ka mga tulunghaan, ilalom sa Butuan City Division sa Department of Education kon DepEd.

Mahinumduman nga atol sa pagpangandam sa maong programa , gipahigayon una ang Memorandum of Understanding tali na sa dakbayan sa Butuan nga girepresentahan ni Mayor Jun Amante, Aboitez Group of Companies ug sa Departamento sa Edukasyon.

Sa maong kasabutan gipasalig ni Mayor Amante nga mogahin ang syudad ug Tunga sa Milyon ka Pesos, (500,000.00) samtang Dos Syentos Singkwenta Mil (250,000.00) pesos usab ang paga-abagahon sa Kompanyang Aboitiz.

Tumong sa maong kantidad nga magahinan ang Trenta Mil (30,000.00) kapin ka mga kabataang nagtungha sa elementarya, diin ang matag usa gigahinan ug Biente Singko (25.00) pesos, matag package, diin unod niini ang Toothpaste, sabon ug toothbrush.

Sa pagpatuman sa Essential Health Care Program sa matag tulunghaan, hugot kini nga gihangop sa mga school principals ingon man sa mga kabataan nga gikatakdang mudawat sa ilang mga gamit sunod bulan.

Samtang pipila usab ka mga kabataan ang mga nakadawat na sa maong programa, apan ang dakong bulto sa mga niini, pagadawaton pa sa umalabot nga mga adlaw. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Farm home visit sa kabarangayan, nagpadayon

ni Ritchelle F. Encabo

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 – Ang mga kawani sa buhatan sa City Agriculture sa lokal nga panggamhanan ni’ng dakbayan nagpahigayon sa usa ka Farm Home Visit sa kabarangayan sa Brgy. De Oro, Brgy. Mahay, ug Brgy. Ampayon dili pa lang dugay.

Katuyuan sa maong kalihukan nga makonsulta ang kasamtangang kahimtang sa mga mag-uuma sa matang sa pagpanguma, ngadto sa ilang mga produksyon kung aduna ba’y nasinatian nga mga kakulian niini.

Gipa-abot usab kanila ang mga teknikal ug mga bag-ong pamaagi sa pagpanguma sa ingon niana, mas mutaas pa ang produksyon ug malikayan ang pagkalugi sa ilang mga pananum.

Ang nahisgutang programa kabahin lamang sa mga proyekto sa lokal nga panggamhanan alang sa kaugmaran sa mga kaigsoonang mag–uuma nga mabenipisyohan sila sama niini ug aron makab-ot usab ang kalambuan ug dagkong abot sa pang-agrikultura sa dakbayan. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: 15 ka estudyate, bag-ong hugna nga mga iskolar sa Abotizi Foundation

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 28 –- “Those who give their best to achieve more, deserves more.” Mao kini ang giluwatan nga hagit sa tanang kabataang eskolar ni Mr. Jovencio P. Batiquin, Chief Operating Officer sa Therma Marine Inc., sa Aboitiz Foundation, usa ka pribadong kumpanya nga nang-apud-apud og scholarship ug ayudang pinansyal sa mga estudyanteng kabus apan determinadong makalampos sa ilang pagtuon.

Laing 15 ka mga bag-ong mga iskolar sa high school ang gipundohan sa maong kumpanya sulod sa upat ka tuig kansa nakakuha sa 91.6 General Average.

Sa higayon nga maayo ang ilang mga performance sa ilang pagtungha, gipaniguro sa maong opisyal nga mamahimo silang mo-qualify alang sa College Scholarship sa maong kumpanya.

Karon pa lamang nakadawat na sa salapi nga nagkantidad sa P4,000 (mil) pesos ang matag usa sa mga eskolar nga anaa na sa ikaduhang ang-ang(sophomore) lakip na niini ang Aboitiz Laptop Bags ug laing P1,000.00 additional sa Top 5 gikan sa maong grupo. Gidugang pa nga adunay pa’y mga dagkong surpresa nga madawat ang mga estudyante sa higayon nga mas mutaas pa ang ilang mga grado sa sa ilang pagtungha.

Atol sa gihimong programa, gidugang ni Batiuquin nga magpadayon sila sa pagpaningkamot sa pagkat-on sanglit ang tanan nilang makab-ot sa ilang kinabuhi para ra usab kanila ug sa ilang pamilya.

Dayag nga makita sa maong programa ang panaghugpong sa pribadong kumpanya ug lokal nga panggamhanan pinaagi sa liderato ni Mayor Ferdinand Amante ug mga opisyal sa dakbayan nga mamahimong magmalampuson ang damgo sa maong mga kabataan alang sa ilang masanag nga kaugmaon.

Nisaksi sa maong programa ang mga kadagkuang opisyal sa dakbayan sa pagpanguna ni Vice Mayor Law Fortun, mga membro sa Sangguniang Panlunsod Hon. Erwin Dano, Hon Jun Nery, First Lady sa dakbayan nga si Ivy Amante, Therese Fortun, mga hepe ug mga opisyal sa Dep-Ed Caraga. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Aquino gipangulohan ang pagsaulog sa National Science and Technology Week

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, July 28 (PIA) -– Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III maoy nangulo sa pagduot sa ceremonial button senyales sa pormal nga pag-abli sa 2011 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) nga nagtinguha sa pagselebrar sa kaabtik ug kinaiyang talento sa mga Pilipino sa larangan sa siyensiya ug teknolohiya.

Ang Pangulo mipasidungog ug mihatag og mga medalya sa mga outstanding investors karong tuiga sa mga larangan sa research ug development ug science administration.

Ang Outstanding Research and Development Award (Julian A. Banzon medal) gihatag ngadto kang Dr. Lorenza Gonzales-Lirio samtang ang Outstanding Science Administrator Award (Dioscoro L. Umali Award) gitugyan ngadto kang Chancellor,Dr. Luis Rey Velasco sa University of the Phillipines, Los Banos, Laguna.

Ang National Artist award gihatag usab kang Dr. Raul Villasenor Fabella.

Sa iyang pamulong ang Pangulo mipadayag sa iyang matinud-anong pagdayeg ug pasalamat ngadto sa mga awardees sa ilang bililhong kontribusyon sa ilang mga tagsa-tagsa ka mga
larangan sa kaalam.

“Binabati ko po sila Dr. Lorenza Gonzales-Lirio, Dr. Luis Rey Velasco sa karangalan na inyong tinanggap dahil sa inyong husay sa agham at teknolohiya…at si Dr. Raul Fabella na kabilang na ngayon sa ating Order of National Scientists,” ang Pangulo miingon.

“Hindi po sapat ang mga parangal na ito para pasalamatan kayo sa mga ibinuhos ninyong
dedikasyon upang ang larangan na inyong kinabibilangan ay magsilbing instrumento para mabigyan ng pagkakataong makatamasa ng mas maaliwalas na buhay ang kapwa ninyo Pilipino,” siya midugang.

Si Pangulong Aquino mapasalamaton usab sa Department of Science and Technology (DOST) sa ilang kanunay nga pag pursige pagtoon ug mga programa subay sa panglantaw sa
administrasyong Aquino.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa buong hanay ng DOST sa pagtataguyod ng mga adhikain ng
gobyerno para sa tuloy-tuloy na pagsulong ng sektor ng agrikultura, kalusugan, edukasyon, seguridad at iba pa…,” ang Pangulo namahayag.

Uban sa temang, “ Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”, ang NSTW mipataas sa paglaom sa mga Pilipino ngadto sa nasodnong usad ug kalamboan. Ang usa ka semang kalihukan mahuman kutob Hulyo 30 didto sa SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia sa Pasay City.

Nabantog sa tawag nga “Expo Science 2011,” ang maong science and technology nga selebrasyon mopakita sa mga bag-ong nakaplagan gikan sa Philippine science community.

Ang NSTW mopasundayag og science and technology fairs ug exhibits, ug uban pang mga
kalihukan sa mga nagkalain-in nga benyu aron maghatag og updates sa mga goings-on sa
science community.

Kini lakip ang: Tagisang Robotics (July 28, SM Mall of Asia-Music Hall), S&T Summit ug S&T Quiz Bee (July 29, SMX Convention Center), ug In Touch With Excellence (July 29, Landbank Auditorium). (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, July 27, 2011

‘Surigao Shakedown’ civil defense exercise held in Surigao City

ni Annette Villaces

SURIGAO CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The week-long civil defense exercise dubbed “Surigao Shakedown” was successfully held in the city on July 18-22, 2011. July is National Disaster Consciousness Month.

The opening celebration began with the launching of the “Surigao Shakedown” with city mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, chairman of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) as the guest of honor.

On July 22, a citywide simultaneous earthquake drill was led by BFP-Surigao City, QART, and Chinese Fire Brigade Volunteer and participated by 85 schools in the city, national government agencies, private sectors, and employees.

These series of activities were meant to test the disaster preparedness measures among the local populace, and evaluate the actual preparedness levels and capabilities of the city during disasters and calamities.

Other activities highlighting the celebration included a Maritime Search and Rescue Drill at the city boulevard followed by a Bomb Treat Drill conducted by the Philippine Maritime Group, Philippine Navy, Surigao City Quick Action Response Team (QART), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), K-9 Group, Phil. National Police, selected maritime students of Surigao Education Center, and all participating teams of the council at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) terminal.(Surigao City PIO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Free surgical eye care program a success

by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The free surgical eye program here dubbed “Vision 2020-Surigao del Sur-the Right to Sight Program was conducted successfully.

According to Mr. Tomasito “Dongay Pareja, executive Assistant to the Governor, a total of 114 less fortunate people patients with eye defects, especially those with Cataract and Squint, had availed of free Medical-Surgical Operation and Check-up from July 20-22 at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC).

Pareja noted, the average cost of undergoing such surgical operation amounts to P50,000.

With the theme: “Marajaw na Panan-aw Surigao,” the program was a joint project of the Provincial Government and the 1st Congressional District Office here through Gov. Johnny Pimentel and Cong. Pichay in partnership with the Physicians for Peace-Seeing Clearly, a non-government organization based in the US.

The Physicians for Peace headed by Dr. Juan Montero II, a native of this province, came all the way from the United States. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

CRRM, BFP rescues suicidal 26-year old man

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The City Risk Reduction and Management Team (CCRMT) and the City’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)last Monday safely rescued a 26-year old man who attempted to commit suicide by scaling the more or less 60-foot lattice steel tower of the National Power Corporation. The said tower, located at Eminville Subdivision, Brgy. Ambago this city has the capacity of transmitting 69,000 volts of electric power.

The suicide attempt rendered half of the city without electricity for at least two hours as ANECO had to cut off electric transmission leading to the affected area to prevent the young man from being electrocuted. Electricity in portions of Brgy. Ambago and its vicinities were restored only after five hours until the crisis was finally over.

The victim identified by the police as Abel “Bimbim” Apat, 26 years old, and a resident of Paradise, Brgy. Libertad in Butuan City climbed to the top of the tower early morning shouting out his demands. He threatened to jump off, and did acrobatics, executed a yoga exercise and many other things for more or less seven hours. He could have fallen 60 feet down.

Earlier efforts to convince him to come down from the tower failed.

It was then that the CRRMT's help was finally sought, and the city government readily responded. The risk reduction management team was sent by Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante led by Mr. Rodel Lausa, and other concerned agencies also lend their assistance to help abate the crisis, including the police regional office which sent in PCInsp. (Fr.) Marlou Labares, the regional chaplain and PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, the chief PIO.

A crisis management committee to deal with the situation was formed with BCPS3 Precinct Commander PSupt. Manuel Jimenez as the ground commander, Fr. Labares as the chief negotiator and with PSupt. Gamba acting as the information officer under the oversight of Hon. Ryan Culima, the chair of the city council police, peace and order and public safety committee. CRRMT’s Rodel Lausa acted as the operations officer.

It was immediately decided that all means of negotiations to be led by Fr. Labares must be exhausted. Meanwhile, Lausa and his team prepared an alternative plan, which is the forceful extraction of the victim from the tower pinnacle in case negotiations failed. The final option was the granting of Apat’s request for a Pastor to come and talk to him. But when it was sensed by the rescuers that even this would lead nowhere, the plan to use necessary force was implemented.

With the negotiation going on led by Fr. Labares in order to divert the subject’s attention, Lausa commissioned a member of the CRRMT and the BFP to scale up the tower. Below were the rest of the contingents assisted by the PNP personnel and the rest of the agencies under the CRRMC, were so focused on their assigned respective roles, some holding a widespread thick tarpaulin material enough to catch and cushion the impact just in case if the subject may decide to jump or may possibly fall. Medics and two ambulances were also on standby. The two rescuers assigned to bring Apat down reached the subject and successfully attached the harness at 11:30 A.M. Apat did not show any more resistance as the two rescuers made their way down, now bringing him with them to safety.

At 12:40 A.M. the rescuers reached the ground with the subject who was immediately assisted by the medics, and was rushed by one of the ambulances to Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital. (PIA-Caraga)

New approach on info management set by PPIO Agsur

by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 27 (PIA) -- The Agusan del Sur Provincial Public Information Office (PPIO) has spent two days formulating plans and strategies in order to become more effective and efficient in the delivery of information that the Agusanons need to be updated on what the local government units are doing, from the municipal, provincial and national levels.

Speaking before an audience composed of personnel under his direct supervision, Alfredo “Nonoc” Plaza, manager of the PPIO differentiated “oljorn” and “mojorn” in terms of speed and cost of delivering information.

“Oljorn” stands for a old journalism, where a writer spent hours gathering data, and another countless hours typing the news using the old typewriter, before sending the article to base, taking another day before the base could receive the article. On the other hand, the “mojorn” stands for modern journalism, where a journalist spends a little time covering the event or gathering data, using modern equipments and facilities, and in an instant, sending the articles, even with pictures and footages to base ready for printing and airing.

“What I mean on this is, our office has the commitment both to the provincial government, the people of Agusan del Sur and all those who can be reached by our media, (the DXDA and the National Broadcasting Network (NBN) to deliver the information that affect their daily lives, and could trigger participation among them. It is therefore our responsibility to equip ourselves with updated knowledge and capability to deliver the information as interesting and as educational as they are in a very descent and timely way,” Plaza said.

The offices under the PPIO namely the provincial library, radio station DXDA, the NBN and the public affairs and media relations office, were then divided according to their assignments and were subjected to prepare their annual plans, targets and activities based on the strategic planning balance scorecard set by the provincial government.

The workshop outputs workshop will be consolidated by the representatives from the four sections of PPIO and presented to Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza.

The two-day workshop ended on a high note as participants looked forward to providing better service to their customers, especially the people of Agusan del Sur. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

CSC opens Nat’l Photography Contest to public servants

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 27 (PIA) –- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Caraga and all its regional offices nationwide are now accepting entries for the National Photography Contest dubbed “Give it Your Best Shot! Photography Contest", in observance of the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.

The contest hopes to capture through photographs the essence of public service at its best in the Filipino’s everyday life.

The photo contest is open to all public servants/government employees holding permanent positions – except employees of the CSC and all government employees affiliated with the National Press Club (NPC) and Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP).

According to CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres, photographs must have been shot by the entrants since the start of the term of Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III. For a photo in which a person is recognizable, the photographer is responsible for securing permission from that person or, in the case of a minor, from the subject’s parent or guardian.

“The following photographs are disqualified: photographs that are digitally or otherwise enhanced or altered for creative purposes; photographs that have been submitted to or won in any other contests or have been published in print or online; photos that violate another person’s rights, including but not limited to copyright,” Torres said.

The following are the criteria for judging: Relevance to the theme (how well the photo interprets the theme) – 25%; Creativity (how the photographer showed some creative thoughts and how the subject matter is pictures in a unique and interesting way) – 25%; Technique (use of elements of photography, whether the photo showed balance in light, focus, depth of field, ect.) – 25%; Overall Impact (whether the photo was bale to grab and hold the viewers’ attention and made them wish they were when the event happened) – 25%, which total to 100%.

Torres also bared that each of the 16 CSC regional offices, through a panel of judges will pre-screen the entries based on the established criteria for judging. Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, CAR, Caraga and ARMM will select the top three among the entries received.

On the other hand, considering the size and population, regions 4, 7, 11 and NCR will select the top ten entries. Only selected entries will have a chance to compete in the national level to be held at the CSC-Central Office, Manila.

Also, for final screening at the CSC Central Office, the entries forwarded by the regional offices shall be judged by the panel composed of representatives from partner organizations and the commission. The first, second and third prize winners will be chosen from the top ten finalists.

For interested participants in Caraga, Dir. Torres encourages all to complete the entry form from the CSC office and submit the entry/photograph in an 8R size, color print, unmounted and in JPEG format file with a minmum size of 1MB in a Compact Disk (CD).

First prize winner will receive Php 10,000.00 cash; second prize – Php 5,000.00; third prize – Php 3,000.00. The top ten winning photos will be used for various publications and marketing collaterals of the CSC as well as exhibited in selected government galleries, and as incentive to participants, all other entries will have the chance to be featured in CSC materials along with the names of the photographers.

Meanwhile, awarding of winners will be in September 2011 (specific date and place to be announced) within the month long celebration of the 111th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.

For more details on the photo contest, Dir. Torres encourages everyone to contact the Personnel Relations Office at telefax No. (02) 931-4149 or any CSC Regional/Field Offices. (PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: DOST-Caraga nagsagawa ng orientation para sa disaster management team

ni Jerylle Anne Rivera

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 27 (PIA) -- Ang Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Regional Office sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) ay nagsagawa kamakailan ng oryentasyon sa pagtatagubilin sa lagay ng panahon at sa droppler radar para sa Technical Working group (TWG) sa mga konseho ng Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Ang mga nasabing aktibidad ay sa pagsunod sa “National Disaster Consciousness Month, (NDCM). Ang layon sa tema sa taong ito na ay “Makialam. Makiisa. Sa Pagsugpo ng Panganib, may Maitulong Ka.”

Ayon sa RDRRMC action officer of DOST-Caraga at Asst. Regional Director Dominga Mallonga, ang layunin ng nasabing oryentasyon at pagtatagubilin ay ang mga sumusunod: (1) para sa karagdagang kaalaman sa lagay ng panahon sa Caraga region upang makapaghanda sa mga posibling kalamidad sa rehiyon; (2) upang turuan ang mga miyembro ng TWG kung papa-ano gamitin ang droppler radar para sa pag oobserbara at pagsusuri sa takbo nng panahon.

Bago pumunta sa Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, ang mga miyembro ng TWG ay bumisita muna sa opisina ng Philippine Rice (PhilRice) Caraga Regional Office in RTR, Agusan del Norte upang malaman ang mga bagong impormasyon at kaunlaran sa mga serbisyo nila sa mga magsasaka at sa kabuuan ay maging sa pobliko.

Nang dumating ang mga miyembro ng TWG sa estasyon ng Hinatuan, tinuruan sila ng mga tauhan sa DOST, at maging ang mga tauhan ng Philppine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sa pag gamit ng droppler radar at sa mga parte nito.

Sa pagpapatupad at pangunguna nito, umaasa ang mga miyembro ng taga RDRRMC TWG na mas lalong matuto sa mga stratehiya at pamamaraan kung papaano maiiwasan ang mga aksidente sa kalagitnaan ng kalamidad at pagmanman at pag-update sa lagay ng panahon kada oras, upang mapaalam sa publiko at ng silay makapaghanda. (PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Ika-38 anibersaryo ipinagdiwang ng 402nd Brigade

ni Erma Dabalos

BUTUAN CITY, Hulyo 27 (PIA) –- Ipinagdiwang ng 402nd Infantry (Stingers) ang kanilang ika-38 "foundation anniversary" sa isang simple ngunit hindi malilimutang seremonya na isinagawa kamakailan lamang sa Camp D.O. Plaza in New Leyte, Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Sa talumpati ni Bise Gobernador Santiago Cane, binigyang diin niya ang ikahalagahan ng papel ng mga tropa ng gobyerno sa pagsisiguro sa kaligtasan sa lahat ng probinsya ng Caraga Region, lalo na sa Agusan del Sur kung saan ang peace and order ay mahalagang adhikain ng provincial government.

Ani Vice Governor Cane, dahil sa mabuting pamumuno ni Col. Rodrigo Diapana, ang Brigade’s Commander, matatag na ang katahimikan at kaayusan sa Agusan del Sur at patuloy na mas nagiging matatag habang ang kasundalohan ay sinisigurong ang mga tao ay magiging ligtas sa lahat ng oras.

“Ang presensiya ng 402nd Brigade of our Philippine Army sa buong Caraga Region ay
nakapagbibigay ng katiwasayan at kapayapaan lalong lao na sa Agusan del Norte. Sa
katunayan, ang Agusan del Sur at Caraga Region ay idineklarang isa sa mga mapayapang
rehiyon ng bansa,” sabi ni Cane.

Pinuri din ng opisyal ang katapangan at kabayanihan na ipinakita ng mga kalalakihan at
kababaihan ng 402nd Brigade sa pagsasakripisyo nila sa kanilang buhay para makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa Caraga Region.

“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat at utang na loob sa ating mga sundalo mula sa 402nd Infantry Brigade sa pagsasagawa sa inyong trabaho sa pagsisiguro na sa Caraga Region, ang kapayapaan at katatagan ay dapat maging tala sa araw-araw na operasyon,” dagdag pa niya.

Idinagdag pa ni Cane na “Naiintindihan namin na marami nang buhay ang isinakripisyo ng mga sundalo mula sa 402nd Infantry Battalion, para lamang masiguro na ang lahat ng Pilipino sa bahaging ito ng bansa ay makaaranas ng kapayapaan.

Dahil dito, hinimok ng bise gobernador ang komunidad na suportahan ang lahat ng gagawin ng government troops dahil ito ang maghahatid sa kapayapaan tungo sa pag-unlad ng probinsiya. (PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Palasyo misumiter na sa proposed P1.816-trillion budget alang sa 2012 ngadto sa kongreso

ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- Ang malakanyang misumiter na ngadto sa kongreso kagahapong adlawa Martes sa proposed P1.816-trillion budget alang sa 2012, nga mitaas og P171 billion o 10.4 porsyento kaysa kasamtangan P1.645-trillion nga budget.

Ang proposed 2012 national budget nagrepresentar og 16.5 posyento sa projected gross domestic product (GDP) ug binase sa conservative growth assumption nga 5.5 porsyento bisan pa kung ang administrasyon magpadayon pagkab-ot sa 7-8 porsyento nga tubo sa 2012.

Si Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad personal nga mitunol sa kopya sa proposed 2012 national budget kang Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. ug uban pang mga magbabalaod.

Si Abad miingon nga ang budget deficit gikatakdang mokunhod og P286 billion o 2.6 porsyento nga GDP, mas ubos sa target karong tuiga nga P300 billion o tulo ka porsyento sa GDP.
Siya miingon nga kini subay sa tuyo aron kunhoran ang budget deficit og duha ka porsyento nga GDP sa 2013.

"The 2012 national budget is a results-focused budget that is focused on fulfilling President (Benigno) Aquino III’s social contract with the Filipino people," ang DBM secretary miingon.
"We have scaled up funding for programs and projects that lead to direct, immediate and substantial benefits to the poor. At the same time, we scaled down funding for activities which have been ineffective and prone to corruption," siya midugang.

Belmonte said the early submission of the proposed budget to Congress by Malacanang means they will be able to deliberate on this sooner, unlike in the past.

Si Belmonte miingon ang sayo nga pagsumiter sa proposed budget ngadto sa Kongreso nagpasabot nga sila makahimo og sayo nga pagtuki niini, lahi kaysa miagi.

"We will do our earnest to see to it that we follow a schedule to enable the President to approve it before the end of the year," siya miingon.

Si Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, ang chairman sa House appropriations committee, miingon nga ang pagtuki niini magsugod sa Agosto 1, ug siya nanghinaut nga ang maong budget mapirmahan sa Desyembre 15.

Ubos sa proposed 2012 General Appropriations Act (GAA), ang Department of Education (DepEd) magpadayon nga makadawat sa pinakataas nga alokasyon, nga P238.8 billion, pagasundan sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) nga P125.5 billion, ug ang Department of National Defense (DND) nga adunay P107.9 billion. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)