Butuan City News February 2012

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Tree marker’s killing spooks DENR men in Agusan Sur

By goldstardailynews.com


BUTUAN City-Employees at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Agusan del Sur have expressed serious concerns over the recent shooting of their fellow worker last Thursday, fearing the killing could have something to do with his work as a tree marker. Last Feb. 23, at around 5:30 am, 46-year old Jaime Diyes was shot dead inside his house in Purok 14, Barangay Poblacion in Bayugan, Agusan de Sur. Diyes was a DENR tree marker in the town of Esperanza. At the Bayugan Medical Hospital, he died while receiving treatment.

"Jaime was about to have his coffee when the suspect rushed into the house and then shot the victim several times," said SPO1 Melvin Dansanan, investigator of the Bayugan City Police Office. An employee of the forest management office of the DENR who requested not to be named pointed out that the incident has brought concern among workers at the department. "We cannot deny the fact that his death might be workrelated and that the people behind the killing might do the same thing again," said the DENR employee. The Bayugan police is now trying to identify a suspect. It declined to give details due to police reasons. Since 2011, several reports of harassment have been reported by DENR employees in the field.

Authorities and DENR employees have not dismissed speculations that the shooting incident could be due to logging activities in Agusan del Sur and other Caraga places. The last shooting incident involving a DENR employee was in Caraga took place on Jan. 15, 2011. Forest Guard Jacinto Dragas was gunned down by three unidentified men in his house in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. According to the DENR, over 50 DENR employees have been killed all over the country since the '90s.





Community Programs Benefit Highland Villagers

By Mike U. Crismundo


BUTUAN CITY – Thousands of highland villagers from the various ethnic tribes benefited under the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) of the government.

The program implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is a project that will guide natives and even highland farmers on how to properly utilize their ancestral lands and farmlands to make them more productive, in an objective to uplift their living conditions.

Specifically, the CBFMA holders will also guide proper utilization of the lands that they cultivated.

In Caraga Region alone, there at least 127 CBFMA holders utilizing some 210,453 hectares for agriculture.

DENR-133 Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca ordered the community environment and natural resources officers in the Caraga Region to thoroughly guide and support the needs of these CBFMA holders.

He said the CBFMA program is a big help in averting the slash-and-burn techniques previously practiced by highland people.

He said the government already cautioned and warned highland villagers and farmers to stop the slash-and-burn technique to avert disasters.

Slash-and-burn is an agricultural system in which trees are cut, the debris burned, and the land is then used to cultivate crops.

Forest clearings through the so- called “kaingin” method “greatly contributes to deforestation” that can destabilize the soil, and in the long run may trigger landslides and destructive floods during strong typhoons and heavy rains.

“Our chances of survival from disasters, like landslides, are limited in areas where there are forest destructions and denudations” said Sibbaluca.

He said that with the unpredictable weather condition in the Philippines, which is becoming more powerful and disastrous owing to climate change, the villagers should help the government’s action in taking aggressive stance to fight this modern-day threat to humanity.

Meanwhile, to beef up the highland farmers’ production, the national government allocated some P100 million for the various upland development programs (UDPs).

On the other hand, the DENR also encouraged highland villagers and farmers to heed the call of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje for their active participation in the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) that is being carried out “thoroughly and speedily” throughout the country.

Some R6 billion has been set aside for the NGP in 2012 alone.

“We have doubled our target of planting tree seedlings on 200,000 hectares of denuded lands for 2012,” Paje said.

He expressed optimism that the DENR can surpass the accomplishment made last year, where some 69.37 million tree seedlings have been planted in some 117,688 hectares of open and denuded forestlands, which is above the 100,000-hectare target for 2011.

There were about 567,324 individuals who took part in planting the seedlings last year.

The NGP targets to plant 1.5 billion tree seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of land nationwide from 2011 to 2016.





DENR13 urged residents to plant trees to avoid landslides

By Eric F. Gallego


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 13 have suggested that people living in the upland barangays may have good chances of avoiding landslide incidents by planting trees rather than converting their lands to farms using slash-and-burn techniques.

Slash-and-burn is an agricultural system in which a forest is cut, the debris is burned and the land is then used to grow crops.

DENR13 Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said that forest clearings through the “kaingin” method of farming “greatly contributes to deforestation which can destabilize the soil in the long run and can trigger landslides and destructive floods during strong typhoons and heavy rains.”

“Our chances of survival from disasters like landslides are limited in areas where there are forest destructions and denudations,” Sibbaluca said.

He said with unpredictable weather condition in the Philippines which is becoming more powerful and disastrous owing to climate change, the people should help the government’s actions in taking aggressive stance to fight this modern-day threat to humanity.

“It is an advantage to the people when President Benigno S. Aquino III declared a logging moratorium of logging activities in natural and residual forest areas nationwide through the imposition of Executive Order No. 23 on February 2,2011,” he said.

He said the people should realize that instead of cutting trees, they should plant more trees to mitigate climate change. The forests, he said, are good mitigation approach to climate change.

“Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen so that we can breathe clean aid,” he added.

Meanwhile, DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje said the National Greening Program of the government, which is being carried out throughout the country, is expected to increase forest cover. Paje said that P6 billion has been set aside for NGP in 2012 alone.

“We have doubled our target of planting tree seedlings on 200,000 hectares of denuded lands for 2012,” Paje said.

The DENR secretary is optimistic that his agency can surpass the accomplishment made last year in which 69.37 million tree seedlings have been planted in 117,688 hectares of open and denuded forestlands which is above the 100,000-hectare target for 2011. There were about 567,324 individuals who took part in planting the seedlings last year.

Paje said, “That the DENR’s accomplishment in 2011 reflects a very positive scenario for this year’s NGP target as all indication points to positive results since the program went into full swing by the second quarter of 2011 following the issuance of Executive Order 26 by President Aquino last February 24.”

The NGP targets to plant 1.5 billion tree seedlings in 1.5 million hectares nationwide from 2011 to 2016. Priority areas for planting include mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domain areas, civil and military areas, urban areas under the greening plan of LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites, and all other suitable lands for reforestation. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/DENR-13)





RDC, Reg’l leaders expresses satisfaction over developmental gains as Caraga turns 17

by Noel B. Najarro


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- Regional Development Council Chairperson and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas and other regional leaders expresses satisfaction over developmental gains as Caraga Region turned 17-years old on Thursday.

The 17th founding anniversary of the region, which was commemorated under the theme: “Ensuring Food Security Thru Sustainable Resource Utilization,” kicked off with a parade from Butuan City Hall to Agusan del Norte covered court where a holy mass was celebrated. It was attended by the employees of all government agencies and instrumentalities spearheaded by the DepEd Caraga and the DA-RFU 13.

Gracing the affair were Matugas and former Cong. Charito Plaza, who authored the house bill which eventually became RA 7901. The act was signed by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos on February 23, 1995, transforming the cities of Butuan and Surigao and the four provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur to compose the 13th region in the Philippines into what is now known as the Caraga Region.

Other prominent personalities present were Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District Rep. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Teddy Casino, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.; Agusan del Norte Vice-Gov. Enrico Corvera (representing Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante); Butuan City SB Member Jo Marticion-Salise (representing Cong. Jose S. Aquino II), Cabadbaran City Mayor Dale Corvera and the regional directors and officials of the government agencies and instrumentalities operating here in the region.


Giving their respective messages during the opening program were Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.; Vice-Gov. Enrico Corvera; Rep. Teddy Casino, RDC Chair Sol Matugas and Former Cong. Charito B. Plaza. The reading of RA 7901 was done by Mylah Fe Aurora V. Carino, ARD, NEDA-Caraga and RDC Secretary.

The opening rites was followed by an “Agri-Fair” held at the DA Compound RFU XIII. RDC Chair Matugas and other guests present did the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The “Agri-Fair” showcased the various agricultural and fisheries products of the region.

A luncheon came next at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort highlighted by more messages from RDC Chair Sol Matugas, SB Member Jo Marticion-Salise (representing Cong. Jose “Joboy” II), Rep. Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna Party-list and Hon. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba.

Among the program highlights was the recognition and giving of awards to the officials and offices which have contributed to the progress, growth and development of the region. A press forum followed where the RDC leadership and other LGU leaders present interacted with the local media on the regions developmental gains and progress as well as the challenges after 17 years and onward. The celebration will culminate at 3:00 p.m. today at DA-RFU XIII Compound.

In a related development, the 15th Caraga Tourism Council Assembly was held at Balanghai Hotel on February 21-22 and Caraga Culinary Live Show Competition was also held at CSU Main Complex at Ampayon, Butuan City. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)






Breakwater named Best Publication

by Ramil S. Barquin


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- Breakwater was named Best Publication – Magazine Category in the 2011 PAWD Best Publication Award, given during the Awards Night of the 33rd PAWD National Convention held recently at Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City.

Breakwater is the official publication of Butuan City Water District (BCWD).

For five years now, the magazine has been unbeatable by maintaining its position as one of the Top 3 publications of water districts in the country. It was adjudged 2nd Best Magazine in the 2007 PAWD Best Publication Award; 1st in 2008; 3rd in 2009; 2nd in 2010; and 1st in 2011.

Circulating for thirteen years now, Breakwater informs the public the latest developments in the water sector, updates in the water district operation, watershed and environmental concerns, and information related to water supply services.

Since its maiden issue, Breakwater focuses its editorial policy towards the attainment of BCWD’s goals and objectives.

The PAWD Best Publication Award is an annual national search of the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) for the best water districts’ publications. This award encourages more water districts to produce their own publication and recognize the effort of those water districts that are already producing their publication. Moreover, this award aims to elevate the publications of the water districts to the highest quality and standard of print media production.

It has two categories – Magazine and Newsletter. Entries for both categories are judged according to relevance, content, style, form and originality.

Other winners in the Magazine Category include Tubig San Joseno Magazine of San Jose Del Monte Water District, 2nd place; and Spring of Quezon Metro Water District, 3rd place.

For the Newsletter Category, Tuburan of Metro Iloilo Water District won 1st place; Tubig San Joseno Newsletter of San Jose Del Monte Water District, 2ndplace; and Danum Agus Ning Bie, 3rd place.

The entries were evaluated by Liana M. Barro, an Associate Professor post at the Far Eastern University; Maria Carmencita S. Alfonso, Media Relations Officer and Admin Head Department of Transportation & Communication’s Media and Communications Group; and Romulo P. Villanueva, Jr., English professor at the Far Eastern University. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/BCWD)





BCWD conducts 38th anniversary raffle promo

by Ramil Barquin


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- As a treat to its concessionaires after 38 years of serving potable water to the city, the Butuan City Water District (BCWD) will conduct a raffle promo starting February 24 and will end on March 27, 2012, as part of its 38th Grand Anniversary celebration.

BCWD will be giving away big cash prizes on its anniversary raffle draw for concessionaires who have been paying their water bill on time and in full.

The raffle draw will take place on Wednesday, March 28, 10:00 a.m., at the BCWD Collection Lobby. A DTI representative will be present during the draw to validate the result.

Prizes for this year include P9,000 cash for the first prize, P6,500 for the second prize, P5,000 for the third prize, and 38 consolation winners to bring home P 1,000 each.

The BCWD Management is inviting all concessionaires to pay their water bill on or before March 27, 2012 for them to avail of the chance to win the prizes at stake.

To join, concessionaires must secure raffle coupons from BCWD Tellers and fill-up the required information. Drop the coupon at the designated drop box located at the Butuan City Water District Administration Building, Gov. J. A. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City and collecting banks such as DBP or Veterans Bank.

Winners will be announced through the local media (Radio, TV and Newspapers) and will also be posted at the BCWD Bulletin Board. Winners will also be informed through mail and by phone. (NCLM/BCWD)

GSIS vows improved service for members

by (NCLM/PIA 13/GSIS-Butuan)


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Vowing to carry out a pro-active responsive service, the leadership of the state pension fund, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) met with stakeholders here recently.

Daniel Lacson Jr., GSIS chairman of the Board of Trustees and Robert G. Vergara, president and general Manager, held a dialogue with more than 200 of its stakeholders who included local government officials, government employees, pensioners, and retirees.

The consultation forms part of the effort of the new GSIS leadership to “be more consultative, transparent, and member-focused” in line with its new vision and mission.

Lacson said that the current Board is focusing on three areas toward this goal. “First, we are revisiting previous policies deemed unfair by our stakeholders; second, we are reviewing programs that have gone sour in the past such as our direct home lending program; and third, we are re-channeling our investments back to the local market as the opportunities in the country are more conducive and provide better prospects compared to the foreign markets,” he said.

Robert G. Vergara on the other hand, outlined the initiatives launched for the past year and a half by the new leadership to bring its services closer to its stakeholders.

He cited the expanded partnership with the Land Bank to include pensioners and active members; the deployment of 500 additional GWAPS (GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System) kiosks in key cities, clusters of municipalities and big government agencies such as the Education Department.

He also noted the cancellation of the annual renewal of active status for local pensioners; relaxing the entitlement qualifications for survivorship pension; empowering retirees to choose the repayment scheme for outstanding service loans under the Choice of Loan Amortization Schedule for Pensioners.

Likewise he also mentioned the initiatives in improving the terms of the emergency loan program by reducing the interest rate from 8% to 6%, removing the service fee of 1% and extending the grace period for payment of amortization by 3 months to make it more responsive to the needs of members at their greatest time of need; and partnership with the Pag-IBIG Fund for a more efficient implementation of the direct home lending program.

Vergara admitted that even as the posting and reconciliation of members’ accounts is taking some time to fully address, “at the moment, 97 percent of members’ remittances are now being posted accurately”.

He assured that the pension fund is doing everything to address the volume in inaccurate statements including the creation of nine separate task forces and the deployment of all resources to resolve this long-standing issue.

In the next six months, the new GSIS will focus on the following: establishment of a 50-seater, 24/7 call center by May this year; adoption of a one-stop shop set-up in all field offices; design of a new insurance policy with a bigger savings component; review of the premium-based policy; and review of pre-need funeral and educational plans

Vergara pledged that the new GSIS commits to carry out a pro-active responsive service “without need for our members to come to our office to ask about their benefits… we will go to them instead, because that is their basic right.”

Flood affected persons in Caraga up to 15,561

by (PNA)

FFC/BS/mec


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PNA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional office Tuesday reported that the affected people of the flooding due to rains in the region went up to 15,561 or about 3,180 families from 20 barangays, with 2,367 individuals or 429 families from nine villages evacuated to temporary shelters.

OCD Caraga regional director Dr. Blanche Gobenciong said the flooding was caused by continuous rains spawned by the tail-end of the cold front.

OCD updated reports said Barangay San Pablo in Tubod, Surigao del Norte reported 39 persons or 13 families were evacuated to San Pablo Day Care Center.

In Lakeside town of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, 140 families or 888 individuals from Brgy. Quezon, 15 families or 90 individuals from Tapian, Brgy. Mansayao 32 or 192 while Tagbuyawan 92 or 552 sought temporary shelter in different evacuation centers while some opted to stay at their relatives’ houses.

In Alegria, Surigao del Norte, some 162 families or 972 individuals were affected by the flooding.

Jabonga, Agusan del Norte Mayor Glicerio Monton said some 700 individuals who evacuated earlier from four lakeside barangays have remained in different shelters after they opted to stay in the centers installed by municipal and provincial risk reduction and management councils.

“We already distributed relief goods to the evacuees” Monton said.

Some 520 persons or 121 families from Brgys. Poblacion, Bunga, Colorado and Beltran, all in Jabonga municipality, Agusan del Norte were evacuated to Municipal Gym; Senior Citizen Center; Old RHU; School Buildings, Roman Catholic Convent and Barangay Warehouses. Other families opted to stay at their relatives’ houses.

Butuan City mayor sworn in as new RPOC chair

by Mary Christine Anthonette Salise


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., took his oath of Office as the newly-installed Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairman of Caraga Region before Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary and National Peace and Order Council chair Jesse M. Robredo, during the RPOC 13 first regular meeting held recently at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

Robredo graced the occasion and observed the first RPOC meeting for 2012.

In his acceptance speech, Amante said that the problem of insurgency will always be there when there is poverty. According to him, when there is no development there will always be insurgency.

He also added that peace is not the absence of war/anger but the presence of cooperative/collaborative efforts from among us to attain it.

“I will accept the challenge in attaining lasting peace and we will work together, reason together as a committee in addressing these concerns,” he said.

Meanwhile, Robredo gave his keynote speech during the meeting and said the region is identified of having rich natural resources and high poverty incidence at the same time.

“Ang susi sa katahimikan ay maibsan ang kahirapan ng mamayan (The key to peace is to alleviate poverty),” said Robredo.


Robredo also challenged the Peace and Order Council Committee to use all the legal means that are possible to attain peace and order in Caraga Region.

During the meeting, updates on the Peace and Order Situation were given by the representatives’ of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Mindanao Development Authority and Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) to apprise the Honorable Secretary and the members of the Council of the developments in their quest of attaining lasting peace in Region XIII. (NCLM/DILG-13/PIA-Carag






Nipa sugar production to boost Caraga’s economy

by Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- It used to be that all sugars came from cane and nobody knew any better. But with the changing lifestyle and the rise of specific diseases caused by food, there is today a concerted effort to plan what one eats. “The nipa sugar production is a good potential to boost the economy of Caraga Region,” said Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (FREEDOM) Executive Director Antonio Peralta during a recent roundtable discussion with PIA-Caraga personnel.

Peralta said since Caraga Region is a coastal region where nipa tree is abundant, there is a potential of economic development as this can also be a substitute for coco sugar.

The official said the processing of the nipa sugar is the same with coco sugar but some modifications are still needed to produce sugar which has the same quality with that of coco sugar.

Dir. Peralta further said since nipa trees belong to the same family as that of the coconut tree, the produced sugar has low glycemic index, and according to international standards, if the glycemic index is within 50 or below 50, the product is good for the body.

He added that for coco sugar, the glycemic index is about 35 and for the nipa, it is lower than that of the coco sugar. However, he said this has to be verified first by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

According to http://www.glycemicindex.com, the glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly digested and absorbed and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health. Low GI diets have been shown to improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). They have benefits for weight control because they help control appetite and delay hunger. Low GI diets also reduce insulin levels and insulin resistance.

Recent studies from Harvard School of Public Health indicate that the risks of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease are strongly related to the GI of the overall diet. In 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended that people in industrialized countries base their diets on low-GI foods in order to prevent the most common diseases of affluence, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

With these developments, Peralta is hopeful that entrepreneurs will invest on nipa sugar production as sources of nipa trees are abundant in this coastal region of northeastern Mindanao. (PIA-Caraga)

Butuan Mayor takes oath as new RPOC chair in Caraga

by Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. on Friday took his oath as the new chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Caraga, before Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jesse Robredo who administered the oath-taking, during the council’s meeting held in one of the local convention centers here.

In his speech, Amante said he accepted the appointment of Sec. Robredo believing that peace and order could never be attained in the locality without a resolution of the peace and order situation.

“In deference to Gov. Johnny Pimentel of the province of Surigao del Sur, I also would like to concentrate Butuan City first before going regionwide… But then I realized, that we as a people, we could never attain peace and order in our respective places and local government units without a resolution of the peace and order in the region,” Amante said.

The official added he took the challenge after the national government assured of a backup support in all efforts just to attain peace.

“… so I took the challenge but only after I was assured by the national government through Sec. Jesse Robredo that we will be backed-up in all our efforts in the attainment of peace,” Amante said.


Amante further said peace is not merely the absence of war and hatred but it is also the presence of cooperation, compassion and justice.

“In Caraga, we may not have the kind of war we see on television, happening in many parts of the Middle East or Africa, but we have drug trafficking, all forms of gambling, crimes against life, and property in our locality,” he said.

Furthermore, the newly-installed peace and order chair of the region stressed that what affects the region most is the problem on insurgency which threatens foreign investors and businessmen.

Amante also cited poverty as one of the factors of the insurgency problem that is threatening the region.

Also, he said rapid progress and development has to happen to attain peace and development. “There can never be peace without progress and development,” Amante said.

With all these, Amante urged the officials of the region as well as the stakeholders to continue working together for peace while also working together for progress.

Amante said peace can never be attained through waging a war but it can be best attained through understanding.

The city’s chief executive also vowed to Sec. Robredo that with the national government’s support, he will accept the challenge to lead the people in Caraga Region in the attainment of peace and order. (PIA-Caraga)






Double voters' registration can be traced through the NLRV - Comelec

by Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Voters who have registered more than once even in different places can now be traced by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) through the National List of Registered Voters (NLRV), a computer-based system whose centralized database is stored in COMELEC Central Office, Manila.

According to Jeffrey Callo, computerized voter’s technician of COMELEC-Agusan del Norte, a qualified voter who will register in their office will be registered after verifications were made through the system.

“Ang National List of Registered Voters o NLRV usa ka system kung diin atong ma-trace ang mga nagparehistro nga doble bisan og sa laing lugar sila nagparehistro (The National List of Registered Voters or NLRV is a system where we can trace double registration even voters will register from one place to another.),” Callo said.

He added the name of the voter will be entered into the system and the program will determine if said voter had already registered.

Through this, Callo said the system will trace and warns the user should the name entered is already stored in the database.

The official said after verifications found that said voter had really registered twice or more, COMELEC will advise the voter to transfer his/her registration, or his/her current application for registration will not be considered.

The NLRV is a solution to double registration as experienced by the commission during the previous conduct of national and local elections. This will also deter flying voters who are allegedly rampant during the previous elections. (PIA-Caraga)

Number of flood-affected persons up as water level rises in Lake Mainit

by Nora L. Molde


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- Due to the continuous rise of water level in Lake Mainit in the municipality of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, the number of persons affected now reached 9,390 as of 10:00 a.m. today, according to the report of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). Southern Mindanao is currently affected by a low pressure area.

A total of 13 barangays with 9,390 persons are now affected, of which 9,100 came from Agusan del Norte and 290 from Surigao del Norte.

In Agusan del Norte, the RDRRMC reported that only 253 individuals or are housed in the evacuation centers; while in Surigao del Norte, 153 individuals have been evacuated.

Lake Mainit is situated between the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

The RDRRMC through council chair and Office of the Civil Defense Regional Director Dr. Blanche T. Gobenciong has constantly coordinating with the local DRRMCs for the status of their area of responsibility and alerted them for possible landslides and flashfloods.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on standby for relief operation and ready for possible augmentation to the local government units affected with the flooding.

The RDRRMC Operations Center maintains its 24/7 monitoring and continues to disseminate warnings and advisories through text blasts or SMS to member agencies, local DRRMCs, and local media in the region.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency is also assisting the RDRRMC round-the-clock in the dissemination of information in the form of warnings and advisories to its significant number of recipients in the region. (PIA-Caraga)

Butuan City bags Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Award

by (NCLM/CMO-PIO/Butuan-PIO)


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Butuan City was awarded as one of the Top 50 Outstanding Municipalities/Cities of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards for 2011 in a ceremony held last Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila with Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as guest of honor.

According to Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr, who received the award, the P1 million cash award will be spent on the city’s Organic Farming Program to further enhance rice production.

Butuan City’s rice production rose drastically from 2.6 metric tons in 2010 to 5.1 metric tons in 2011.

Joining Amante at the awarding ceremony were DA-13 Regional Executive Director Edna Mabeza, City Agriculturist Alberto Buca, and Gertrudes Fortun of the City Agriculture Office who also received an award as one of the Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers. Fortun received P20,000.

Other awardees from the Caraga Region are the Municipality of Trento and the Provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

POPCOM to youth: Be sexually responsible

by Angie Balen-Antonio


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The campaign on responsible sexual behavior among the youth has been intensified by the Commission on Population on the alarming incidence of teenage pregnancies in the whole country.

The Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey (YAFSS)
 revealed that 29 percent of 15 – 24 years old have had their first sex encounter before the age of 18, about 2.72 million among males and 1.18 million among females, in which 57 percent of the first sex experiences reported by young people were unplanned.

POPCOM Director Camilo S. Pangan is reminding young people to be sexually responsible not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the years.

He also emphasized that the youth should take advantage of all opportunities that may come in order to prepare themselves for adulthood because this will ensure a healthy life for themselves and their future family, including their capability to fully realize their potentials.

“Our campaign slogan: Ang pag-aaral ay para sa hinaharap, huwag ipagpalit sa sandaling sarap.. truly captures our advocacy to stay away from early sexual involvement as this would hamper in reaching their dreams in the future," Pangan stressed.

In its various advocacy activities, POPCOM encouraged parents to give quality time to their children so that sensitive matters like sexuality can be dealt with accordingly instead of getting unreliable or wrong information from friends or other sources, which will destroy the future of their children and their children’s children.

Meanwhile, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 33.9 percent of women age 15 – 24 in Caraga Region began childbearing. Births among this age group will likely to exceed one million annually by 2020 in the Philippines.

Further YAFSS revealed that early pregnancy and childbearing endanger the health of the woman and her child. Biologically and psychologically, the young adolescent is still unprepared for pregnancy and childbirth considering that her reproductive system is still immature to take on such functions. (POPCOM-Caraga)

Butuan drive uses Sendong images

by Ben Serrano


BUTUAN City - City hall has started a campaign, using images of the December Typhoon Sendong disaster in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan as a "boogeyman," to talk nearly 5,000 families to leave areas identified by the government as disaster-prone areas. The local government's housing office launched the awareness campaign to keep people away harm's way starting last week. Over 50 tarpaulins showing photos taken during and in the aftermath of the Dec. 16-17 disaster were set up in strategic areas in 21 villages. City hall's message: "Remember Sendong? This is a danger zone area, let us leave now."

"By [this] week, we will finish putting it all up. We hope that through this, we would be able to convince communities to leave the danger zones. We hope to hasten the relocation process," said Engr. Lorden Vismanos, head of the Butuan's housing development office. Vismanos said the lessons from the recent Sendong tragedy should not be taken for granted and that it should not be repeated in Butuan. Last Jan. 13, city hall created "Task Force Likas" based on Executive Order no. 53. Its prime objective is for the "immediate and complete preemptive relocation and evacuation" of families living near the Agusan River.

The task force started with a "massive information campaign" that included fora in the barangays. Officials said the government would star t dismantling settlements in disater-prone areas by March. City hall said it would prioritize the thousands of houses encroaching on the waters of Agusan River. So far, local officials have identified two relocation sites in Barangay Pagatpatan in the west side and Kilometer 3 Baan in the east side. At press time, there are 174 lots ready and several more are still being cleared.

3 killed in Butuan City road mishap

by Ben Serrano


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 12 (PNA) -- Three persons riding a single motorcycle were killed early dawn Saturday after they bumped into the rear portion of a Fuso Forward truck parked along national highway in Kilometer 6, Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.

Butuan City police identified the casualties as Galiza Versoza Getigan,18, single, resident of Barangay Florida; Ronald Bautista Naparie, 27, single, resident of Purok 2 Brarangay Obrero, also of Butuan City; and the motorcycle driver Sarglen Bautista Hinaniban, resident of Purok 5, Barangay Bading, Butuan City.

Police said the three were riding pn a Honda wave motorcycle bearing plate number LN 4116 when they bumped into the rear portion of the parked Fuso Forwarder (YEK 696).

The truck driver, alyas Martin, and his helper Eric Sajor Castillon, 17, resident of Barangay 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur fled after the incident because they forgot to place a warning device at the rear portion of their vehicle. (PNA) RMA/Ben Serrano/rsm





Red Cross conducts bloodletting activities in schools in Butuan City

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter is set to conduct bloodletting activities in selected schools in Caraga Region.

According to Solgen Robles, one of the medical technologists of PRC local chapter, simultaneous bloodletting activities are to be conducted today at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in this city, and in Northeastern Agusan Colleges (NAC) at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

On Valentine’s Day, the official said same activity will be conducted at Saint Michael College of Caraga (SMCC), also in Nasipit.

Meanwhile, the newest radio station here – Radyo Trumpeta will also be conducting its first bloodletting activity on the afternoon of February 14, Robles said.

Robles added membership for the Red Cross Fun Drive is still open for those who are interested. According to him, regular members will enjoy benefits of a free identification card as well as an insurance benefit.

The official further said this is not the first time that a radio station has sponsored such activity. He added during the previous years, dxBC RMN Butuan and dxBR Bombo Radyo Butuan have also conducted bloodletting activity annually in response to the call of PRC in an effort to collect more bags of blood.

When PRC Governor and Philippine Senator Richard Gordon visited the city early last year for an invitation with the local government, he urged both the public and private organizations and agencies to help PRC in its quest to collect blood as the country is experiencing shortage of blood donors.

In other developments, following the typhoon “Sendong” which has devastated some areas in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities on December 17, 2011, according to PRC website, they have maintained strict 24-hour monitoring of all situations in affected municipalities, with nearly 1,000 PRC staff and volunteers deployed in the field conducting detailed assessments along with relief operations, welfare and first aid services.

PRC also reported that meals have been served to 2,333 persons, food items to 27,896 persons, and non-food items (sleeping mats, mosquito nets, blankets, water, hygiene kits, body bags, dinnerware, slippers and clothing to 18,871 persons. Total cash donations as of December 28, 2011 reached P98,771,839.05. (PIA-Caraga)






DTI-Agusan del Norte to conduct awareness, education seminar to customers, businessmen

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Norte is set to conduct awareness and education seminar to customers and businessmen in the province this year.

According to Win Palma, Consumer Welfare Division chief of DTI-Agusan del Norte, this advocacy campaign aimed to inform the consumers of their rights.

Palma added businessmen are also invited to attend these series of seminars that will be conducted in some primary and secondary schools in the province so that they will also know the consumer and customers’ rights therefore, they will be warned if they have violated such rights.

“Aduna kita’y ubay-ubay nga mga awareness ug education seminars nga gina-conduct sa mga nagkadaiyang eskwelahan sa probinsiya tumong nga mahatagan og igong kahibalo ang mga konsumador sa ilang mga katungod ug ingon man mahibal-an usab sa mga negosyante ang mga nagkadaiyang katungod sa ilang mga customers,” Palma said.

(We have conducted awareness and education seminars conducted in different schools in the province to inform consumers of their rights, as well as businessmen will also know the rights of their customers.)

The official said this activity was realized after some complaints on the behavior of workers and alleged defective products sold by some establishments in the province were received.

Meanwhile, officials and personnel of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Caraga Region have stepped-up preparations for the conduct of Caraga Business Week which is slated on Feb. 23 to 28.

Highlighting the celebration is the conduct of a Business Opportunity Forum where interested would-be entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to know the perspective in establishing or investing business.

Participants of the forum will also be given tips and strategies on how to start their business, as well as on how to sustain it. (PIA-Caraga)

BJMP-Caraga installs CCTV cameras in all jails in the region

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Officials of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) - Caraga are installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to all provincial jails in the region.

BJMP assistant regional director Jail Inspector Dario Campos said that to date, CCTV cameras have already been installed in three out of five provincial jails in the region.

Campos said that with the successful installation of these cameras in three provinces, they will see to it that the remaining two provincial jails will be installed with the same monitoring device within the year.

The official said they have already coordinated with the concerned local government units for their financial support so that installation will be completed as scheduled.

Campos said installation of said cameras will help jail officers monitor what is happening within and around the jail premises. Other than the monitoring function the CCTV provides, it also gives the inmates a sense of security, as jail officers can immediately respond if any untoward incident happens.. (PIA-Caraga)

BJMP to strengthen management strategy

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Caraga is strengthening management strategy to improve their services.

BJMP-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Dario Campos said through this, they can find ways to increase its budget particularly in the improvement of facilities in the jails here in the region.

Specifically, ARD Campos said basic necessities of inmates such as foods and medicines are among that are given priority in allocating budget.

The official further said aside from improving their services to the inmates, they must also strengthen their manpower complement, through skills enhancement trainings and seminars.

Campos further admitted that in terms of security inside the jails, there is still a need for improvement. “With this, our personnel must undergo series of trainings for this matter,” Campos said. (PIA-Caraga)





PESO-Butuan conducts 2-day jobs fair

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of this city recently conducted two-day jobs fair in support to the jobs generation program of the national government.

Dubbed “Oportunidad Pantrabaho sa Butuan,” (Employment Opportunity for Butuan) the program is aimed to assist Butuanons in their quest to get employed in local and foreign companies.

In a radio interview, PESO-Butuan Manager Ronnie Azura said this move of the city government is in response to the increasing number of unemployment in the city especially that this coming March, another batch of college students are expected to graduate, “thus, adding to the unemployment rate of the country,” he added.

Azura further said the activity was a rare opportunity for big companies and agencies as they came here to recruit employees.

With this, Azura urged Butuanons to keep in touch with their office as more jobs fair activities are set to be conducted this year, in line with the jobs generation program of the local government here. (PIA-Caraga)

Caraga DRRMC issues general flood advisory today

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- With continuous rains pouring in all provinces of Caraga Region since Saturday, Feb. 4, the Regional Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) issued flood advisory this afternoon.

In the last 24 hours, rainfall until 8am today in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur measured 60.5 mm while rainfall in Butuan City measured 0.1mm while Surigao del Norte posted 8.44 mm of rainfall.

Moderate to occasionally heavy rains for the next 24 hours is expected.

The region’s disaster risk reduction council said waterways still likely to be affected like rivers and streams, as well as its tributaries in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

With this latest development, people living near the mountain slopes and those in low-lying areas of the above-mentioned river systems and the local DRRMCs concerned are advised to be alert for possible flashfloods and landslides, as RDRRMC emphasized that the government is on proactive action which is evacuation rather than rescue.

As of 10:30 am today, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that a tail end of a cold front will bring mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Visayas and Mindanao. It will be cloudy with widespread rains in Leyte, Bohol, Siquijor, Surigao provinces, Agusan provinces, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon that may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

In a related development, the City DRRMC here reported that despite of the continuous rains, water level at Agusan River remains normal at 1.6 meters. For emergencies, the public is advised to call (085) 345-5940 or through mobile phone at 09298466767 or 09174109609. (PIA-Caraga)

Agusan del Norte PDRRMC enhances its 5-year plan to ensure 0-casualty during calamities

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- Stakeholders of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Governor Erlpe John M. Amante convened Friday to enhance further its 5-year DRRM Plan from 2012 to 2017.

On behalf of Gov. Amante, Provincial Administrator Ms. Percianita Racho presided the meeting and solicited further suggestions from the members to come up with a unified and organized DRRM plan for the province.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Erma R. Suyo bared that PDRRMC’s goal for this plan is to institutionalize and implement measures and mechanisms to effectively reduce the risks and impacts of disasters and climate change for sustainable growth, poverty reduction and environmental balance.

“We visualize our province to be a disaster prepared and responsive with communities that are resilient to climate change,” Suyo expressed.

Suyo further said that the PDRRMC has established DRM teams at all levels – the barangay, city/municipal LGus. These teams are continuously being trained on planning, program implementation, monitoring, early warning and alert systems.

Also, Provincial Administrator Racho also stressed that simulation drills and exercises for safe evacuation due to fire, flooding, typhoon, earthquake and storm surge should be conducted periodically by the Agusan del Norte Emergency Response Team. Technical assistance from the Office of Civil Defense, PAGASA, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Health (DOH) and other entities implementing disaster risk reduction initiatives shall be sought.

It was also learned that monitoring and evaluation will start once the implementation of the DRRMP is in full swing. Monitoring and evaluation will be instrumental in identifying problems, impacts and benefits, as well as in ensuring the effectivity and sustainability of the plan.

With this 5-year plan, PDRRMC hoped to achieve its goals and reduce risks in times of disasters. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DSWD urges LGUs to create PWD offices

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga urged all local chief executives in the region to establish a Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in their respective Local Government Units (LGUs).

According to Golda Pocon of the Technical Services Division, only few LGUs in the region have adhered to the provisions set in Magna Carta for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The official said the social welfare department has been conducting dialogues with the local chief executives regarding the provisions but unfortunately, only few have followed.

Pocon also said the LGUs should designate their respective focal persons who will lead in the implementation of programs and projects set for PWDs.

She added these focal persons will carry out activities intended for PWDs, and in this way, it is assured that these plans will be implemented and supported by the LGUs.

As per Memorandum Circular No. 2010-103 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and DILG Directors are directed to establish PDAO in every province, city and municipality pursuant to Republic Act No. 10070, an act establishing an institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for PWDs in every province, city and municipality, amending Section 40 of RA 7277, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”

Also, said memorandum stated that a PWD Affairs Officer or focal person shall be designated by the local chief executive, with the qualifications such as a Filipino citizen and resident of the city or municipality for at least one year, a registered voter of the concerned city or municipality, someone able to read and write and must be a bonafide member of a duly accredited PWD organization with a track record of at least three years.

The head of PDAO or focal person shall have a term of office of three years and shall be reappointed for another term based on the Sanggunian selection process. In case of death, the remaining term shall be served by the new appointee who has undergone the selection process.

The DILG memorandum circular also emphasized that the PDAO or focal person shall be lodged under the office of the local chief executive (LCE) and as such, they shall exercise supervision over the PDAO operations and activities. (PIA-Caraga)

4 killed, 3 wounded as 10-wheeler truck rams house in Tandag City

By (PNA)

RMA/LAM/Ben Serrano/utb


BUTUAN CITY — Four hitchhikers, two of them high school students, were killed while three others including the dump truck driver were wounded when a 10-wheeler dump truck they were riding rammed into a house situated along the national highway in Barangay Telaje, Tandag City in Surigao del Sur province on Monday afternoon. Surigao del Sur Provincial Police identified the casualties as Jerome Domingues and Roberto Gabe Jr., both third year high school students of Jacinto Elpa High School in Tandag City; hitchhikers Cornelia Mocay and Sherly Acevedo, both residents of Barangay Telaje, Tandag City. High school students Joseph Ramirez and Julius Vellescas, both 15 years old sustained contusions and gaping wounds in different parts of their bodies. Dump truck driver Bolonia Corlit, 52, of Barangay Rosario, Tandag City was also hurt. Investigation showed the dump truck was heading towards Tandag City when it sideswiped a tricycle after its brake reportedly malfunctioned. It then rammed into the house of Constancia Bocario, who was not in the house at the time of the incident. The driver and owner of the tricycle, Ryan Policarpio, was unhurt. Tandag Police impounded the truck.

OFW Training

By Mike Crismundo


BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – More than 200 Caraganon overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially the household service workers, are now ready to make well-informed decisions and are equipped with skills necessary for their work abroad after joining the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) four-day Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar.

The seminar aims to guide, clarify, and equip the Caraganon household service workers regarding but not limited to the following – reality check, values reintegration, basic understanding regarding contracts, and knowing their rights, among others.

DENR 13 to produce 1.4M fruit tree seedlings for NGP this year

By Eric F. Gallego


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Region is set to produce 1.4 million pieces of seedlings of fruit trees and indigenous and premium species for its reforestation activities under the National Greening Program (NGP) this year. DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca said senior forest officials of the PENRO and CENR offices in the five provinces of Caraga region have made the commitment of this large seedling production during a meeting presided over by the Regional Technical Director of the Ecosystem Research and Development (ERDS) Virgilio dela Cruz on Friday at the DENR Training Center in Butuan City. The ERDS, which has been tasked to handle the procurement and production of seedlings for the NGP, has submitted a detailed program on the production and procurement of quality planting materials for 2012 with a total cost of P 22.5 million. Sibbaluca said there are about 13,290 hectares of denuded forest lands and tree parks that were identified and prepared as potential sites for tree planting activities in the different areas this year. He said the production of seedlings will likewise be initiated by the Department of Agriculture which is expected to contribute about 2 million pieces of fruit tree seedlings . Among the kind of tree species that were suggested to be produced are bamboo, banaba, bangkal, coffee, cacao, dao,ilang-ilang, ipil, kamagong, lanipao, lauan, mahogany, molave , rubber, and some of the vanishing species like bitaog, balat-buaya, baitanghol, sagimsim, agoho and lanutan. Last year, the DENR 13 has plated fruit tree and indigenous tree seedlings on a 5,000-hectare unproductive forest land spread over the different areas of the region. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

PNP-Caraga to hold “Takbong Maharlika” on Monday

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 29 (PIA) – Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga Region is once again conducting the “Takbong Maharlika, Tungo sa Pagkakaisa” on Monday, Jan. 30, Police Superintendent Martin Gamba, PNP Regional Public Information Officer said. According to Gamba, the fun run will start at 2 p.m., with a short program at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court wherein local officials of this city and the province of Agusan del Norte will grace the activity. Gamba also said PNP personnel from Police Regional Office-13 and representatives from PNP National Headquarters are also set to participate. Among those who were invited to grace the opening program include Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante, Agusan del Norte 1st District Representative Jose S. Aquino II, and Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos. Gamba said the “Takbong Maharlika, Tungo sa Pagkakaisa” is aimed to encourage and urge PNP personnel and citizens in the region to take on the fitness project and exercise a national culture of fitness, leading to the vision of a healthier Philippines. (PIA-Caraga)

Gov't boosts nature protection drive

By PIA Press Release


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- Deeply concerned regarding the series of calamities that brought flood waters and landslides, the Aquino administration, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), stepped up the government’s environment preservation and forest protection without any preservation, and also pushed the “greening” program in Mindanao. In his directive to all regional directors, city, and provincial environment and natural resources officers, DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, said “environment preservation and forest protection must be redoubled and all violators must be put to jail”. Paje reiterated again Sunday his appeal to all local government officials to revisit the geohazard maps distributed by the agency and institute mitigating measures to shield communities from danger. He also asked the local officials to cease from further issuing small-scale mining (SSM) permits as the DENR no longer issues environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for SSM. Paje sounded off the appeal in the wake of the Pantukan landslide, which has already reportedly claimed 30 lives as of press time while many are still missing. “I want you to close ranks and I also want you to closely coordinate with your respective local officials in the strict implementation of forestry laws, rules and regulations,” said Paje, in his directive to his DENR field officials. Just recently, the anti-illegal logging task force of Region Xlll DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca apprehended 1, 723 pieces of illegally-cut logs of mix dipterocarp and miscellaneous species along the giant Agusan river. The said seized forest products are now deposited at DENR Monitoring Station in Bit-os, Butuan City, ready for donation to Department of Education (DepEd) for school materials. On the other hand, DENR Region-11 Director Jim O. Sampulna also reported the region’s task force confiscated a total of 4,319 cubic meters of illegally sourced or transported forest products with an estimated market value of 19,652,264.97. Part of the seized items were donated to the DepED-11for the manufacture of school armchairs, desks, teachers’ table, and other school facilities. In another development, the Land Management Service (LMS) of the DENR-11 has approved some 4,964 New Residential Free Patent titles covering about 81.49 hectares in the Southern Mindanao region. Following its full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10023 or the New Residential Free Patent Act, LMS-11 has approved a total of 1,332 NRFPs in Davao Oriental, while 1,001 in Davao del Norte. While the approved titles in Compostela Valley reached to 1,429, and there were 1,202 new titles in Davao del Sur and Davao City. The LMS has targeted a total of 6,627 Residential Free Patent titles for the whole region in 2012. Sampulna has instructed Regional Technical Director of Lands Management Service Office to hit their target according to a time frame, and also to coordinate closely with the local government units (LGUs) regarding RA 10023. “The LGUs should help the DENR in informing their constituents about this law so that whoever is qualified to apply can get their land title with a very minimum expense,” added Sampulna. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

LGUs undergo Best Practices Documentation Writeshop for Ecological Tourism Roadmap

By Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Office, in partnership with the Local Government Academy and Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo, conducted a two-day workshop dubbed as “Best Practices Documentation Writeshop: Ecological Tourism Roadmap of Caraga in Focus” on January 25-26, 2012 at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city. Seventy participants from 20 pre-identified local government units with potential best practices on ecotourism that are replicable attended the said workshop which consists of Designated LGU Best Documenters, LGU Tourism Officers/Designate, City /Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, partners from the Academe, representatives from partner CSOs and respresentatives from partner NGAs. The purpose of the writeshop is to capacitate LGU documenters and equip them with necessary skills in the proper documentation of best practices using the GO-FAR template. It also aims to enhance the skills of LGU tourism officers/designate in the preparation of advocacy materials on ecotourism. During her opening remarks, DILG Assistant Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion said that replication of best practices is considered an effective strategy of local government units in the area of good governance. It helps the LGUs achieve effective delivery of basic services as well as achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other national awards and recognitions. “The substantivity of replication of best practices depends on the wealth of information the LGUs can give in their documentation,” she said. The DILG is here to assist the LGUs come up with proper documentation of their Best Practices especially in the area of ecotourism,” she added. During the writeshop, the participants were briefed on the Relevant Environmental Laws on EcoTourism and the Guidelines in Documenting Best Practices. They were also given inputs on the Preparation of Advocacy Materials particularly on Branding Guidelines and Using Catchy Tag Lines to give impact to their next best practices documentation. Jimmy P. Abayon of the Tourism Office of Compostella Valley shared ComVal’s Best Practices on tourism projects. He shared tips on documenting and packaging best practices to make them more appealing to the readers. Rommel M. Oribe of the Department of Trade and Industry discussed the topic on Technical Writing to guide the participants to use simple, direct but concise words in documenting best practices to be able to convey the message clearly to the targeted audiences like the general public. He said that the words used especially in documenting best practices should leave no room for imagination to the recipients so the language used must be plain and in layman’s terms. The writeshop also paved the way for some LGUs to showcase their Best Practice Documents and Advocacy Materials through the Gallery Display and the LGU which bested the other contingents is the Municipality of Esperanza. A number of LGUs in Caraga Region have already demonstrated good local governance performance particularly on ecological concerns. Replication among LGUs is a powerful tool for development and increase the popularization of good practices in ecological solid waste management and climate change adaptation as well as on replicable ecotourism practices. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)

Electrification program for remote communities

By PIA Press Release


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- More households in far-flung communities are expected to benefit under the government’s Sitio Electrification Project (SEP) this year. In the remote villages of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City alone, at least 1,466 household beneficiaries are being targeted to benefit under the SEP program in 2012. The identified 36 sitios and puroks as household (connection) beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City as part of the P589.32 million SEP projects that will be part of the 833 sitios and puroks nationwide this year. “We have already submitted these identified sitio and puroks to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for approval and implementation for the year 2012 up to 2015,” said Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (Aneco) general manager Archetic Horacio T. Santos. It was learned that the government had set aside P1.108 billion to hasten the implementation of two major electrification programs – the SEP and Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP). President Benigno Aquino III has ordered Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for the release of the funds to the NEA to provide reliable electricity in the identified far-flung villages. From the P1.1 billion fund, P518.92 million will be spent for the BLEP to improve electric services in 202 barangays (villages) nationwide, while P589.32 million will go to the SEP to connect 833 sitios to the nation’s power grid. In Mindanao alone, NEA Engineering Division Director Jose Seguban Jr. said that in Mindanao alone, at least P250,181,104.61 are set to be released before the end of this month or early next month for the BLEP project. Agusan del Sur has targeted 12 villages with funds amounting to P30,489,355.95 for the BLEP project. For the SEP project, at least P87,210,400.76 is being allocated in Northeastern Mindanao or the Caraga Region. The SEP and BLEP programs will allow the NEA to provide electricity to off-grid sitios and other un-electrified communities, as well as improve the delivery of basic services in the countryside so that power disruptions and other connection-related problems are prevented. The government seeks to provide electricity to 2,341 villages, and to light up 32,441 sitios by 2015. In the last quarter of 2011, upon supervision of NEA, various electric cooperatives energized at least 1, 154 sitios and puroks in Mindanao, and it is targeting another 376 sitios and puroks in 2012 in the southern island. Meanwhile, massive reforestation activities are in the offing in the five component provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) committed a partial financial package amounting to P49.6 million for the purpose. DENR Secretary Ramon Paje signed an agreement with ARMM newly-installed caretaker governor Mujiv Hataman last January 9 concerning the implementation of national government-bankrolled reforestation project in the autonomous region. Hataman on Saturday said the P49.6 million fund will be used to reforest “2,500 hectares of denuded and open forestland” in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan. The DENR said the ARMM-shared sum is part a multi-billion-peso package for large-scale reforestation under the Aquino administration’s National Greening Program (NGP), which seeks to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of forestlands across the country by 2016. As this developed, former ARMM Executive Secretary Naguib Sinarimbo lauded Paje for pursuing the earlier initiatives of the administration of ARMM acting Governor Ansaruddin Adiong that “gave impetus to greening campaign” in the region. Sinarimbo said the Adiong government had put up last year a 300-hectare agro-reforestation project in Upi, Maguindanao, using a local fund and tapping the free services of Army soldiers and food-for-work rice assis-tance from the United Nations’ World Food Programme. (MUC with a report from Ali G. Macabalang)

‘Be Your Own Rockstar’ as applications for the 9th Parliament of Youth Leaders opens, says NYC

By PIA Press Release


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- “We need your voice! Join us usher in change," said National Youth Commission (NYC) Commissioner Gio Tingson Thursday, marking the opening of the applications to the 9th Parliament of Youth Leaders. With the theme “Revolutionizing Youth Development,” the parliament aims to formulate policy recommendations to address youth issues in the country. These recommendations are then lobbied to government leaders to be considered as proposed bills and administrative policies. It is important to note that during the event, participants also get to share ideas and gain valuable insights and networks to aid them in their youth development efforts. Tingson, who heads this year’s National Youth Parliament (NYP) National Organizing Committee, said that this gathering is the perfect platform for all Filipino youth to get proactive. “Ito na ang pagkakataon n’yo na makibahagi sa isa sa pinaka-importanteng proyektong pangkabataan ng pamahalaan kung saan ang boses natin ay maririnig sa paggawa ng mga policy recommendations para maging batas o polisiya. Ang Kabataang Filipino mula sa lahat ng rehiyon at sektor ay inaanyayahan ng NYC na sumali at makilahok (If you want change in the government – in our society – this is a great place to start. The Filipino youths of different religions and sector are enjoined to participate)," he said. The Commission is also revamping the conduct of the parliament, making it more inclusive and youth-friendly. “We’ll do away with cosmetics like formal clothing and focus on the substance. You can show up in your jeans and rock star shirt, as long as active participation and involvement is there,” said Tingson. Started in 1996, the NYP is slated to be held on the 1st week of May 2012. An estimate of two hundred (200) youth leaders representing different sectors and regions are expected to participate in this event. Download the application forms at the NYC website (www.nyc.gov.ph) or get it from your nearest NYC area office. Following are the qualifications of NYP 9 applicants: ● Filipino citizen, aged 15 - 30 years old as of February 29, 2012; ● Residing at the place of representation for at least six (6) months at the time of submission; ● Must be a member of an organization; ● Of good moral character; ● Can contribute to the objectives of the 9th National Youth Parliament. Deadline of sending of application is February 29, 2012. The NYC reminds that previous NYP delegates are no longer qualified to participate. Other details and requirements are posted on the NYP 9 application form, the NYC website and the NYC Facebook account. For more information, please e-mail nyp9@nyc.gov.ph or call (02) 416-2833, 416-3415, 413-5503 or 416-3570. (NYC/PIA-Caraga)

Siargao world’s 8th best surf spot; braces for more visitors

By Erwin Mascariñas


BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews/23 January) — Days after news got out that the Cloud 9 surfing spot was declared by CNNGO.com as number 8 of the “World’s 50 best surf spots,” surfing organizations and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte are now bracing for more visitors to the island this year. Cloud 9, which is located in the town of General Luna in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte has been named as the major surfing destination in the Philippines and has been hosting both local and international surfing events for the past 18 years. “We are extremely happy to be included in the world’s best surfing spots. Can’t asked for more, at long last all our efforts paid off. With the help of the provincial government it took us 17 long years to promote Cloud 9 in Siargao as a surfing destination. This is a huge accomplishment for us,” said Zeny Pallugna, Secretary General of the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF). Pallugna added that she is preparing to meet Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas and General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon to discuss future plans and how to take advantage of the present “buzz” on the surfing destination. Matugas said they are now working and doing their best to prepare Cloud 9 for the influx of surfers and tourists. “We are very proud and happy for the honor bestowed on Siargao, it has been a long and hard work and so much are still needed to be done. This year we will make it bigger and more published, we are looking at ways in providing better facilities and accommodations not just for our foreign guests but for local tourists as well, she said. Ivonnie Beltran Dumadag of the Provincial Tourism Office pointed out that they are optimistic about the upcoming surfing events. Dumadag said they will launch the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (a surfing circuit) in May. The event will start with the international women’s surfing tournament on May 1-4, and the National Men’s Surfing Tournament will be on May 5-9, she said. “Also this year we will have the 18th year of the International Surfing Cup and 2nd year Billabong Pro Junior Asia Circuit,” she added. (Erwin Mascarinas/MindaNews)

Butuan City gov't to continue PhilHealth contribution payments for 20,000 indigent families

By (PNA)

scs/BS/mec


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. has pledged that the city government will continue to pay the monthly PhilHealth premiums of the city’s indigent families should the government’s sole health insurance agency increase their monthly premium rates.

In a press statement coursed through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office here, Amante said the local government unit will continue to pay the PhilHealth contributions of the city’s more than 20,000 indigent families amid plan of PhilHealth to increase contributions by 100 percent.

Amante was quoted in the press statement that the city government-allotted funds for the indigents’ PhilHealth contributions will also be augmented from the Countryside Development Fund (CDF) of Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino III.

Ceres bags 1st Negros First Football Tilt

By (PNA)

RMA/ajp/CMG/vlo


BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) - Ceres Football Club defeated undermanned Bacolod United Football Club, 11-0 to capture 1st Negros First Men’s Open Football Championships 2011 at Panaad Park and Sports Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here Sunday.

Earlier, San Carlos Football Club clinched 3rd place finish over Sagay FC, 3-2 in a contest decided as early in the first half with San Carlos filing three successive points with San Carlos FC Ramon Gonzales connecting in the 29th minute of the first half. In the resumption, Archie Pamilar did the trick in the 50th, followed by John Marcella in the 60th minute.

Karl De Jesus and Marcelo Desucatan scored for Sagay FC in the 66th and 85th, respectively, to place 4th place.

In just two minutes of play, Aldrin Dolino connected with a header through a pass from right flank followed by Jason Cordova who clearly scored on another header in front of the goalie and Dolino followed with another in the 10th minute before Ruben Doctor sealed, 3-nil in the 26th before the end of the first half.

Ali Go started the second half with a grounder in the 53rd and it was a one-sided play from then as Ceres FC continue to score unmolested with Frederick John Serios in the 58th Aldrin Dolino added another in the 60th, Ralph Layumas made two goals in the 70th and 77th minutes, Eliseo Palomo, Jr., in 75th and Doctora sealed the win in the 81st minute.

Bacolod United FC could have fought a tight game Sunday, but the absence of its key players, the likes of Joven Bedic, Tacusalme brothers, Camelo and Carlo, Jalsor Soriano, and many others who left yesterday morning to suit up with Pachanga Football Club in the United Football League in Manila, including former RP mainstay Norman “Nonoy” Fegidero, Jr., who is coaching the team.

Bacolod United FC got the crack at the title with Ceres after beating Sagay FC, 8-1, with Gino Palomo, Joven Bedic, Carlo Tacusalme, Ed Requiron and Rudenis Palomo scoring for the squad in the crossover semifinals on Saturday. Only Marcelo Desucatan scored for Sagay FC in the 86th minute. Ceres FC, on the other hand, scored against San Carlos city, 7-1 with J. Baguioro, Jake Morallo, Aldrin Dolino, Ali Go, Johnrick Soriano and Rolando Treyes scoring for them. Ryan Hemida saved San Carlos FC scoring at 27th minute.

Ceres FC received individual medals, trophy and cash of P30, 000 for winning the title as majority of its players won the individual awards. Louie Michael Casas was adjudge Best Goalkeeper; Jason Cordova as Best Defender; Aldrin Dolino as Best Midfielder and Ali Go as most Valuable Player. Bacolod United FC Jaime Poderoso won the Best Striker Award for making 16 goals in the tournament.

The individual awardees received trophies and cash each.

Bacolod United FC received individual medals and trophy and cash amount of P20, 000 for placing 1st runner-up; San Carlos City was awarded with individual medals for its players and took cash amount of P10, 000 and trophy; while Sagay FC received individual medals.

Provincial Sports Executive Assistant Angel “Nonong” Verdeflor said that the second league will soon start, probably after the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet hosted by Negros Occidental on March 12 to 16, 2012.

Match Commissioner Warren Concepcion, said they were retaining the top eight teams and would accept other teams from other places, probably carrying corporate names to join the tournament.

The tournament started on Sept. 17, 2011, a four month weekends battle of 16 teams from different clubs and Local Government Units (LGUs) sponsored by the Province of Negros Occidental headed by Governor Alfredo G. Maranon.

Cache of superdyne explosives found in Agusan del Sur town

By (PNA)

LAP/LAM/BS/utb


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 20 (PNA) - Philippine Army operatives conducting patrol operations in the town of Rosario, Agusan del Sur accidentally found and dug up a 30-liter gallon containing 183 pieces of superdyne explosives Thursday morning, the Philippine Army’s 75th IB Civilian Military Office reported.

The area where the explosives was found is in the vicinity of the boundary of Barangays Cusip and Quarry 9 in Rosario town, about 110 kilometers away from here.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga regional office reported that a platoon of Bravo Company under Lt. Anas and Scout Platoon under Solis found the huge plastic container containing high quality explosives.

The explosives are now at the Philippine Army’s 75th IB patrol base camp in Rosario, Agusan del Sur for further investigation and safekeeping.

Authorities suspect the explosives are to be used for small-scale or large scale mining activities.

DENR donates P4.6 million of confiscated logs

By Eric. F. Gallego


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga has disposed some P4.6 million worth of confiscated logs to the the Department of Education (DepEd), local government unit, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and military sector. This represents a total of 1,294 cubic meters of logs and 58,317.73 bd.ft of lumber and flitches products. Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said the DepEd/Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) were given about 967.18 cubic meters of logs and 58,317.73 board feet of lumber and flitches which it manufactured into arm chairs. Several officials of public schools have also requested from the DENR for the confiscated lumber products for the construction of classrooms last year. These public schools are the Isla Heneral Integrated School in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur which requested 21 pieces (1,00.50 bd.ft) of toog species lumber, the Ayoki Elementary School also of Carascal, Surigao del Sur which asked for 181 pieces ( 2,890.50 bd.ft.) of lumber, the Cahian Elementary School in Barangay Kapatungan, Trento, Agusan del Sur which requested 444.32 bd.ft of lumber and 17.83 cubic meter of logs worth P 115,905.40 , and the Antongalon Elementary School in Barangay Antongalon,Butuan City requested 500 board ft of lumber. The officials of the Manobo Tribal School Development Center in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur was also granted by the DENR with their request of 4,859.89 bd. ft. of lumber products and 17.83 cu.m. of logs which they used for the construction of a classroom building. The DENR has also donated 12,608 bd. ft of confiscated lumber products and 123.16 cu.m of logs to the provincial government of Agusan del Sur which it used for the construction of display booth for Naligayan Festival and to the Municipal Government of Lanuza in Surigao del Sur. The DENR likewise donated a total of 191.48 cu.m of illegal logs and 2,643 bd.ft of lumber to the Philippine National Police and the military. (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan brgy celebrates Kahimunan

By goldstardailynews


BUTUAN CITY - The recently concluded 25th Kahimunan Festival in honor of the Santo Nino last January 15, Sunday here was declared an overall success despite the lack of funds and an uncooperative weather. "It was an over-all success but we faced huge obstacle in terms of funding. This year was different since the city tourism turned over the management of Kahimunan Festival to Santo Nino parish," said Vincent Rosario, barangay chairman of Libertad and the chairman of this year's festivity.

From the start, the Kahimunan 2012 festivity was plagued with monetary problems unlike the previous years wherein the local government's full support and huge sponsors swelled the festival budget. The event was downsized to accommodate the short of funds inspite the overwhelming demand to outdo last year's success. Rosario pointed out that instead of inviting contestants for the street dancing competition from other towns, cities and provinces, the executive committee decided to limit the contestants only to those within the barangay, making the event exclusive to barangay Libertad.

Traffic in the entire national highway between Liber tad and JC Aquino of about three kilometers was rerouted by the barangay police, church and community volunteers, students and police personnel from Station 3 and from the Regional Public Safety Battalio to two adjacent barangay roads to accommodate the entire length of the street dancing and parade. Amidst heavy rains, the competition went on as thousands gathered around the Butuan City Sport Complex in Libertad to witness the culminating street dancing battle.

Butuan City Mayor Jun Amante during a speech congratulated the festival's organizer for pulling it off and hoped to be able to provide more next year. The local government through the city tourism shared P200,000 while another P300,000 was donated by Rep. Joboy Aquino for the event.

PNP attrition Starts

By mdb-admin


CAMP Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office 13 is now accepting applications for Police Officer 1 (PO1) attrition quota for calendar year 2012, aside from the Regular Recruitment Program. P/Chief Supt Reynaldo Rafal, Caraga police director said application letters in white folder, properly labelled and tabbed, can be submitted to the nearest city or municipal police stations. Each should be accompanied by duly accomplished CSC PDS (Revised 2005); NSO authenticated birth certificate; eligibility (NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination), RA 6506 (License Criminologist), RA 1080 (Bar and Board Examinations of Baccalaureate Degree); PD 907 (Civil Service Eligibility to college honor graduates); or Civil Service Professional Examination. Other requirements are two pieces 2×2 black and white pictures, with applicant’s name; transcript of scholastic records; and diploma with CAV from CHED duly authenticated by the issuing office; Barangay Police, RTC/MTC and NBI clearances; medical certificate from the local health office; two valid identification cards; and certificate of good moral character from the college or university. (P/Supt. Martin RHQ Public Information Officer/asf)

Libertad Nat’l High School wins Kahimunan Festival 2012

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -– Crowd favorite Libertad National High School (LNHS) bested four other contingents to win the grand championship in the 2012 Kahimunan Festival in a breath-taking performance on Sunday, held at the city’s sports complex. LNHS performance wowed the members of the Board of Judges and captured the attention of the crowd as the contingent performed a neo-ethnic inspired performance, winning all the special awards such as Best in Musicality, Best in Costume and Best in Streetdancing, winning P5,000 each. The contingent received P50,000 for bagging the championship title, while contingent number two from a women’s organization in the said barangay received P30,000 as 2nd place winner. They also won the grand prize in the Higante (Giant) competition and Kiddie Kahimunan. Entry number 3, on the other hand was declared 3rd place and received P20,000. Despite the heavy downpour just before the performance of the first contingent, it did not hinder the crowd at around 3,000 from witnessing the city’s only featured streetdancing competition, held annually in time with the feast of Brgy. Libertad here, in honor of patron saint – Senior Santo Niño. The 2012 Kahimunan Festival was exclusively participated by the puroks and organizations in Barangay Libertad. In an earlier interview, Barangay Captain Vincent Rizal Rosario said this year’s festival is exclusive for Barangay Libertad contingents only. He said this is because they experienced financial and time constraints in the preparation of the annual festival. However, the official said the contingents can hire instrumentalists from the neighboring provinces and cities in the region so that performance will still be colorful, festive and entertaining to the crowd. Kahimunan is the local version of Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival which is also held every 3rd Sunday of January. Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. expressed his elation over the success of the festival as police officers reported no violence during the whole day activity. It was learned that barangay officials have requested the assistance of Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 to ensure peace and security during the celebration. PRO-13’s Camp Rafael Rodriguez is located near the Sto. Niño Shrine, Libertad, this city. (PIA-Caraga)

OWWA-Caraga offers reintegration program to OFWs

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -– The Regional Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Caraga Region continuous to offer reintegration program to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the region. In a radio interview this morning, Ms. Annette Lovete of OWWA-Caraga pointed out that OFWs who are members of OWWA can avail of a loan assistance to be used for investing business. Lovete added the livelihood loan program is open for both active OFWs and those who were former OFWs but has been active members of OWWA. She said if they have at least one membership with OWWA, they can already avail of the program. The program allows the qualified OFW applicants to a minimum of P300,000 an maximum of P2 million. “Thus, with this amount, they (OFW) can really start their business or livelihood,” Lovete said. The official further said the interest rate is only 7.5 percent per annum. “This is lower compared to other finance institutions offering same program,” Lovete added. Lovete stressed applicants should undergo Enterprise Development Training (EDT) and after the training, OWWA endorsed the applicants to its partner state banks: Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development bank of the Philippines (DBP) to ensure that the money borrowed will be used as what it is intended. “The three-day EDT gives inputs to the applicants on values reintegration, financial literacy and how to handle business before the application will be granted,” she said. Lovete also said OWWA will conduct constant monitoring of the business activities undertaken by the grantees to know whether or not the livelihood has helped them improved their lives, and to ensure that they can pay the money they borrowed plus the interest through their improved income. The OWWA official explained further that the approving bank will really have to scrutinize the selection process to ensure that the grantee will succeed in whatever business or livelihood they will establish. She said one of the requirements of the applicants is to submit a project proposal. With this proposal, the OWWA and the approving banks will conduct meticulous process before they will approve the application. With this, Lovete said there is no reason why the grantees cannot pay the money they borrowed as well as the interest because the approving authorities should see to it that the project proposal submitted will be feasible, aside from assuring that the applicant is ready and has the capacity to pay his financial obligations. To date, the official said since the program is being newly-introduced here, OFWs in the region are just starting to avail of the program. She said as per information from LBP, an application from an OFW of this city has just approved and will be granted some P2 million for the establishment of sand and gravel business. (PIA-Caraga)





DOST-Caraga’s Science & Technology Center in Butuan inaugurated

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA) -– The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga headed by Regional Director Lyndo Villacorta has inaugurated Thursday its new Science and Technology Center at the Caraga State University (CSU) Campus, Barangay Ampayon, this city. Regional directors, representatives of the government agencies, and some private stakeholders together with Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. and other officials witnessed the inauguration as well as the groundbreaking ceremony of the DOST Metrology Laboratory. Villacorta expressed his thanks to all government agencies for their support to DOST's programs and services. He also stressed that looking for resources for the construction of said building was not that easy but with hope and hard work, his office were able to build one and soon, the construction of the DOST Metrology Laboratory. "With this new building, we can best do our function and best serve our clientele," said Villacorta. Also, Amante commended the efforts of Villacorta in fulfilling one of their goals so they can give the best service to the public by doing well their science and technology tasks. “I am very happy to know that this infrastructure will become one of the manifestations that Butuan is really developing. With this development, DOST-Caraga assures public that they will continue to provide the programs and services for them. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PPA chief optimistic shipping lines to continue operation in Nasipit port

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) -– Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Port Manager Renato Tolinero on Thursday said he is optimistic that shipping lines will continue their operation in Nasipit Port despite of the less volume of passengers these days. In an interview over a radio station here, Tolinero admitted that ship passengers are getting lesser these past few days compared to the previous years because of the access of air line companies in Caraga Region especially here in the city. However, the official said Shipping Lines are not dependent on the volume of passengers they will have. He added the cargoes are among their transactions where shipping line managements can get more of its income. “Although passengers are getting lesser, it’s not much of the volume of passengers that they are getting their income. In most cases, the basis for their income is not on the passenger’s fees but on the cargoes’ fees,” Tolinero said. This developed after local residents in Nasipit are getting worried of the situation that may result to the closure of the Nasipit port because shipping lines might discontinue their operations. It was learned that more flights are added this year in Butuan City by the two airline companies: Philippine Air Lines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) bound for Manila and Cebu City, while Shipping Lines voyages here are also bound for Manila, Cebu and Bohol.(PIA-Caraga)

BJMP-Caraga conducts literacy, livelihood program to inmates

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) -- In an effort to provide literacy and livelihood opportunities to inmates, Caraga Region’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) continues to conduct trainings and seminars. BJMP Assistant Regional Director Dario Campos in a radio interview here said the program aims to provide the inmates with proper values, skills and livelihood opportunities “so that by the time they will finish serving their sentence, they can still be productive citizens of the country.” “Ang maong mga programa gibuhat aron mahatagan og kahigayunan ang atong mga inmates nga makabaton og maayong mga gawi ingon man kahibalo sa natad panginabuhi-an, aron sa panahong makagawas na sila, mamahimo guihapon silang produktibo sa komunidad,” Campos said. (The programs are intended to give inmates the opportunity to learn good values and skills, as well as livelihood opportunities so that when they are already free, they can still be productive in the community.) Insp. Campos also said the literacy training program is in coordination with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd). Aside from the literacy training program, the official said the livelihood program will enable the inmates to be given business opportunities that can be used in the future. (PIA-Caraga)

Phil. Red Cross AgNor-Butuan City Chapter reports 2011 accomplishments; sets 2012 activities

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte has presented its accomplishments for 2011 and set the activities for 2012 during the regular meeting held recently at the GR Banaag RCY Development Center here. Officers of the following committees also reported its accomplishments as of December 2011 in the following areas: Disaster Management Service; Blood Services; Safety Services; Community Health and Nursing Service; Red Cross Youth; Social Services; and Fund Generation. The PRC had 264 blood donors in December. It also conducted a total of 56 blood services activities within the month in partnership with other stakeholders. Administrator Cairo urged the public to donate more blood. He also stressed that blood donors should be within the age range of 16-65 years old. A 16-year old donor needs parental consent; while 65 years old person may be allowed to donate blood may he is a regular donor. The following activities will be conducted as part of the Red Cross' fund generation: 1) Bingo for a Cause on May 5, 2012; 2) Dinner Date with Acoustics on August 24, 2012; and 3) Raffle Bonanza on December 19, 2012. Meanwhile, Dr. Virgilio Nery Jr, city councilor commends the efforts and active participation of the PRC in the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (PIA-Caraga)

BFAR-Caraga to intensify seaweeds dispersal, production

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) -– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga Region is intensifying seaweeds dispersal and production. According to Rizalinda Abing, seaweeds has been doing well in the market and with the production here in the region, fisherfolks who are beneficiaries of the seaweeds dispersal and production program will now have the opportunity to earn income. Because of this, the official said, BFAR is coordinating with local officials in the coastal provinces of the region whose areas are suitable for dispersing and producing seaweeds. Abing said they have dryer to be used by these fisherfolk-beneficiaries to dry seaweeds, and therefore producing different seaweeds products. “Aduna kita’y seaweeds dryer aron pagagamiton sa atong mga beneficiaries pagpa-uga sa mga seaweeds, ug mahimo na’ng produkto nga pwede na’ng ibaligya,” Abing said. (We have seaweeds dryer to be used by our beneficiaries to dry seaweeds, and will be made into products for sale.) Aside from this, Abing stressed they have been providing technical assistance to the beneficiaries particularly in conducting trainings and seminars for them to be given techniques and strategies on seaweeds dispersal and production. (PIA-Caraga)

DOST grants P1.2M to Butuan City for eco project

By Rio Connie Leah M. Flores


BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- The start of 2012 proved to be bountiful for the city government here after receiving P1.2 million from the Regional Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The amount is intended for one bioreactor unit which will be used to convert biodegradable waste into fertilizer, in support of the city’s Clean Ground, Zero Waste Program (CGZW). DOST-Caraga Regional Director Lyndo Villacorta personally handed over the cheque to City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. and CGZW Program Coordinator Ruth Jugao recently. A bioreactor is a machine that grinds and converts biodegradable solid waste into compost, a good fertilizer for vegetable crops. Biodegradable waste includes spoiled or wilted vegetables, fruit peels, meat/fruit/vegetable trimmings, food leftovers, fish entrails and trimmings, leaves and twigs and seeds. According to Jugao, the Langihan Public Market is one of the major sources of biodegradable waste daily. Currently, biodegradable wastes from the market are distributed to Barangays Ampayon and Bit-os for the vermiculture project. Dr. Villacorta further said he is glad that DOST was tapped to take part in strengthening the campaign on Solid Waste Management as part of the convergence efforts between the city government and Regional Line Agencies for a more efficient public service to the people of this city. (Butuan City PIO/PIA-Caraga)






RDRRMC-Caraga issues General Flood Advisory; alerts local DRMMC

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) -– The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a general flood advisory for the region. According to the advisory, for the past 24 hours as of 8:00 a.m. today, rainfall is measured in Hinatuan at 9.2 millimeters, Butuan City at 16.6 millimeters, and Surigao – 36.0 millimeters. The advisory also stated that moderate to occasionally heavy rains will occur for the next 24 hours, affecting waterways like water and streams and its tributaries in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Dinagat Islands. With this, RDRRMC advised the people living near the mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas of the aforementioned river systems to be alert. RDRRMC also advised the local risk reduction and management councils concerned to be alert for possible flashfloods and landslides. The advisory also pointed out that emphasis should be on proactive action, which is evacuation rather than rescue. As of 5:00 p.m., Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Northeast Monsoon has affected the Luzon area while Tail-end of the Cold Front is affecting the Visayas and Mindanao islands. Because of this, PAGASA said Visayas and Mindanao will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms, becoming cloudy with widespread rains over Eastern and Central Visayas and the Eastern section of Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Meanwhile, the Eastern section of Luzon will experience mostly cloudy skies with light rains while the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains. Also, moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast will prevail over Luzon and Western Visayas and coming from the Northeast and East over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. (PIA-Caraga)

Issuance of permit to single motorcycles for public transport, LGU’s discretion – DOTC

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) –- Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Caraga Assistant Regional Dir. Roman Jumawan recently said it is the discretion of the local government units whether or not to issue permit to single motorcycles that are used for transporting the riding public. Jumawan said that as of press time, DOTC-Caraga does not issue yellow plate numbers to single motorcycles that are used for passenger’s transportation, specifically the “skylab” and “habal-habal” that are used for public transportation in the hinterlands and far-flung barangays and barrios. “Wala pa ta mag-isyu dinhi sa DOTC-Caraga og permit ngadto sa mga tag-iya sa mga single motorcycles nga pagagamiton sa pag-transport sa mga pasahero, gawas sa mga tricycles,” Jumawan said. (We were not able to issue here in DOTC-Caraga permit to owners of single motorcycles to be used for transporting passengers, except for tricycles.) Jumawan added there is no legal basis yet for the single motorcycles to be issued with yellow plate numbers, which is intended for vehicles for public transportation or “for hire”. “Sa pagkakaron, wala pa’y legal basis para i-yellow plate kana sila,” Jumawan said. (Presently, there is no legal basis to issue yellow plate for single motorcycles.) However, the DOTC official of the region said the local government units have the discretion to issue permits to owners of this transport vehicle and it’s up to them if they will grant permit to make the transporting of passengers legal. “Tinuod kana nga adunay lugar dinhi sa Caraga Region kung diin ang LGU naga-isyu og permit sa mga ‘habal-habal’ for hire… Discretion na kana sa matag LGU,” the official said. (It is true that there are areas here in Caraga Region where the LGU has issued permit to ‘habal-habal’ for hire… That is the discretion of every LGU.) Jumawan added that DOTC-Caraga does not issue yellow plate numbers to these type of transport vehicle. (PIA-Caraga)

10 confirmed dead in COMVAL landslide; 150 still missing, Gov says

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) -- Provincial Governor Arturo Uy confirmed reports that a landslide occurred today at Sitio Diat Uno, Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostella Valley. In an interview with Bombo Radyo-Butuan this morning, Gov. Uy said the tragedy occurred at around 3:00 a.m. in the mining area of Diat Uno. Gov. Uy said that as of 10:00 a.m., 25 dead bodies were already recovered. Most of the victims were miners. He added around 150 people are still missing. The official stressed the concerned agencies of the local government unit (LGU) were already mobilized, as well as the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the conduct of rescue and retrieval operations. Uy said the priority of the LGU as of the moment is to conduct rescue and retrieval operations, especially to the survivors so that they will be brought to hospital for treatment. The province’s local chief executive added they are seeking for some assistance in the nearby LGUs and private mining companies. Uy, quoting reports, said that the victims were sleeping when the incident happened. “Umuulan kasi dito these past days (It had been rainting these past days)," the governor said. The continuous rains in some areas in Mindanao were brought about by a low pressure area (LPA). According to PAGASA, as of 2:00 a.m. today, tail-end of a cold front is affecting Southern Luzon and the Visayas regions, and wind convergence is affecting Mindanao. (PIA-Caraga)

Regional Police reports a “gun-free” yuletide

By Noel B. Najarro


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) – The regional police reported a “gun-free” yuletide as its records posted a “zero casualty” and “zero incident” of indiscriminate firing of guns in the region during the Christmas and New Year revelries. During the ceremonial unsealing of the taped muzzles of issued firearms, Police Senior Supt. David Y. Ombao said the Caraga Police has recorded no incident of indiscriminate firing of guns by its personnel during the Christmas and the New Year celebrations. He also said that it was very significant as it means that police personnel in the region had paved the way of using alternative ways of creating noise and merrymaking to celebrate Christmas and to cheer and welcome the New Year instead of firing of their guns. Acting on the instructions of Caraga PNP Chief CSupt. Reynaldo S. Rafal, Ombao conveyed the gratitude of the regional director to other government agencies, the non-governmental organizations and the tri-media for the cooperation, which had led to the success of the PNP’s “IWAS PAPUTOK/IWAS DISGRASYA,” campaign. On the morning of December 27, Rafal led the sealing of the gun muzzles of the issued firearms of the PNP personnel at the front of the administration building. He gave a stern instruction to police to strictly observe the guidelines set forth by the PNP organization regarding the non-use of firearms during the yuletide revelries. The violators, according to him, will be subjected to summary dismissal proceedings. In the case of firecracker and pyrotechnics-related injuries, the police reported only two victims in its regional report: a 46-year old Joseph Dela Cerna of Bayugan City and a 15-year old female (name withheld being a minor) from Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. One sustained a minor injury at the right hand and the other at the right finger. Both were discharged from the hospital immediately right after their treatment. Rafal attributed the success of the campaign to the massive information drive by the various sectors, the creation of ordinances by the local government unit and establishment of “firecrackers display area” and the “firecrackers zone.” Even the PNP in its enforcement effort confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices which violated RA 7183 and the special local law (SP Resolution No.769-99) amounting to P9, 500. (PIA Caraga)

Infra projects in Butuan City to be completed in 2012

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) -– “Infrastructure projects for this city are set for completion this year,” said Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Butuan City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) chief Engr. Nicolas Alameda. Engr. Alameda said their office is determined to finish the projects they started in 2011 before 2012 ends. Specifically, Alameda said the drainage systems which are placed in different strategic areas in the city, as well as the construction of Bancasi-Dumalagan and Ampayon-Sumilihon Roads are among the priority projects set for completion. Alameda said as early as first quarter of this year, they will continue the construction of the said projects. “Thus, it is expected that these will be used as early as possible,” he added. However, Alameda stressed that if these will not be completed on the first quarter, they will see to it that said projects will be finished before the end of this year. (PIA-Caraga)

PAO to distribute palay, corn seeds to Agusan del Norte farmers

By Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- Due to the low production of corn in 2011, the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Agusan del Norte is set to distribute hybrid palay and corn seeds to farmers in the province. According to PAO chief Maria Abastillas, this move is to help the farmers in the province to increase their rice and corn production this year. Abastillas also said this will help the farmers increase their income, especially if the province will experience good weather compared to the previous year. The PAO chief said some 86 bags of hybrid rice and 138 bags of corn seeds are set to be distributed to ensure that farmers will have an early harvest. In an earlier interview, the official said they were not able to achieve their target of planting 4,710 hectares of corn, and instead, they were only able to plant some 4,574.5 hectares due to the series of flooding experienced by the province in 2011. Abastillas also said that out of the 4,710 hectares planted, only 3,467.8 hectares of which were successfully harvested. The official said the distribution of the aid hybrid palay and corn seeds are part of the program of the provincial government on farming and agriculture development. (PIA-Caraga)

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