Butuan City News November 2011

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Agusan Norte gov't approves P5-M budget for public market rehab

By Roselyn G. Exaure and Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -– In support to the 2011-2016 Regional Development Plan (RDP) of Caraga on infrastructure support, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte has recently approved the five million pesos financial support for the rehabilitation of the public market of the municipality of Nasipit. Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante pointed out that the said fund is included in the 20% budget wherein the said project will be implemented in the first quarter of 2012. The official also said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has deliberated and is ready to release the fund by next year. It can be recalled that many vendors of the said public market were complaining because of its wrecked building but the current administration of Nasipit wasn’t able to attend to the problem because the local government of Nasipit has insufficient fund. (PIA-Caraga)

IACAT to spearhead Anti-Trafficking Campaign on Dec. 5-12

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- In observance of the weeklong trafficking in persons (TIP) awareness program of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on December 5-12, 2011, the IACAT will be spearheading the Anti-Trafficking Campaign in schools with the theme “Laban Kontra Human Trafficking, Laban Nating Lahat.” Chaired by Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, said campaign aims to inform the community on the modus operandi of traffickers and to commemorate the accomplishments of the survivors of trafficking. Also, part of the prevention campaign is to educate young students on the issue because of their vulnerability to traffickers. The main strategy is through film viewing on a 40-minute film which can be shown during MAKABAYAN (Social Studies) lessons or any equivalent subject. Meanwhile, the IACAT has identified selected schools to participate in this campaign which will involve Grades 5-6 and high school students on Dec. 5-12, 2011. It was also learned that IACAT representatives nationwide will be coordinating directly with the schools for their visit and information awareness campaign on TIP situation in the country. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DepEd observes 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd), in cooperation with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), is observing the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women with the theme “Unite: Stop VAW, Now!” from November 25 to December 12, 2011. The campaign focuses on information dissemination on violence against women (VAW), especially the services of government agencies and non-government organizations to address the needs of VAW victims and survivors. It also highlights the worldwide call to unite and end VAW. With DepEd’s Memorandum No. 265, series 2011, the schools and offices are advised to hold the following activities for the campaign: 1) simultaneous blowing of whistle on VAW advocacy as a signal to halt VAW in DepEd offices and schools on December 12, 2011 at 8:00 a.m.; 2) conduct of the Anti-VAW Forum for awareness-building among students, teachers and personnel; and 3) posting of campaign streamers in front of schools and offices. DepEd, PCW and IACVAWC are optimistic that with this yearly observance/campaign, more and more women will be informed of their rights and would no longer tolerate violence and abuses from their husbands and men. (PIA-Caraga)

18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women kicks-off in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Government agencies' employees, academe, and partner stakeholders participated in the 'Walk for A Cause' activity at around 5:00 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25 from Rizal Park going to Agusan del Norte Covered Court, where the ‘Hataw’ exercise and short program of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women were held. Said activity is spearheaded by the Regional Development Council - Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC), chaired by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor. The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women with the theme “UNITE: Stop VAW, Now!” is celebrated yearly from November 25 to December 12, 2011. Pintor said the whistle in this year's logo of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women symbolizes that all sectors are united to put a stop on violence and abuses to women and their children. Agusan Norte 2nd Dist. Cong. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba, as the keynote speaker stressed that violence against women cuts across all ages of life. Many women are suffering from abuses not only physical, but also emotional and psychological. "Women should not tolerate such acts of abnormalities, abuses by their husbands and the men in general just to save their marriage and family because it will just worsen the situation. This will also have negative psychological effects to the children if they see mothers/women are tolerating violence," Amante added. Fr. James Michael Abellanosa, secretary to the Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos said that in time with the 18-day campaign is the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) celebration from November 24-20, 2011 with lined-up activities for the stakeholders. Abellanosa further said that MWOP celebration is connected with the campaign to end violence against women because when there is no violence, there is peace. “With this celebration, the Lumads, Christians, and Muslims are united for one cause and that is – to participate in the activities that will strengthen the ties and partnership among other sectors,” Abellanosa added. Meanwhile, Pintor also encourages all government agencies and partner stakeholders to initiate activities in their offices that will raise awareness on said campaign. She also enjoins member-agencies to conduct simultaneous blowing of whistles on December 12, 8:00 a.m. during its flag ceremony to manifest their interest to eliminate VAW. (PIA-Caraga)

DENR13 leaders vow to restore dwindling forests in Caraga

By Eric Fortes Gallego


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- Leaders of the different sectors in the five provinces of Caraga Region have vowed to restore the dwindling forests of Caraga Region by encouraging people to plant 10 tree seedlings every year over the next six years in line with the National Greening Program (NGP) of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III and spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This manifestation of support was made by the more than 200 participants to the one-day Regional National Greening Program (NGP) summit held at the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City last Wednesday, November 23. DENR 13 regional executive director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said most of the participants came from the remote areas of Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. “They are aware of the importance of planting trees in the face of the global climate change which has resulted in destructive floods and landslides and are now experienced in some parts of the country” Director Sibbaluca said. Caraga Region has a forest area of 1,331,491 hectares as of 2008 but reportedly diminishing due to kaingin and unabated logging activities. In her keynote address, the Governor of Surigao del Norte and chairperson of the Regional Development Council exhorted the participants to be active in pursuing the National Greening Program. “ Our endeavors and aspirations would be meaningful only if we see every member of a Filipino family in our respective area actively participating in planting 10 tree seedlings every year over the next six years. The summit participants, who also include tribal leaders of indigenous people in the area, education, local executives, academe, media, business sector and national government and private sectors, have crafted their respective social mobilization and communication plans. These plans aim to motivate and encourage people to participate and plant trees in support of the NGP. The summit was observed and facilitated by experts from the University of the Philippine Los Banos. (DENR-RPAO13/PIA-Caraga)

Lanuza Surfing Festival 2011 to culminate on Nov. 26

By Leo P. Gerona


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- Some 101 surfers converge and compete for this year’s surfing competition in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur which will culminate Saturday, Nov. 26. According to Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, five of the participants came from Switzerland and Australia, the rest from Siargao, Lanuza, La Union, Ilocos Sur and from Catanduanes. At stake is the P200,000 prize for the 9th National Surfing Open for the Wahini, Men and Junior divisions. For the 7thLong Board Invitational, a prize of P100,000 is up for grabs. Part of the weeklong celebration is the holding of the 3rdAgri-Aqua Tourism Trade Fair and the Beach Dancing Competition. The Lanuza Surfing Festival 2011 officially started the weeklong competition last Monday, November 21, through a grand opening ceremony. Adding glitters to the opening salvo were the Beach Dancing Competition, Fireworks Display and the Cultural Show. Some guests in attendance were Director Letty Tan of DOT 13, Director Edna Mabeza of DA 13, Congressman Philip Pichay, Governor Johnny Pimentel and other local officials. The event was done in collaboration of the municipal government of Lanuza, provincial government of Surigao del Sur, Congressman Philip Pichay, the Department of Tourism 13 and the Philippine Surfing Federation. (DOT-13/PIA-Caraga)

Health forum

By Mike Crismundo


BUTUAN CITY – A maternal, child health, and family planning forum is set to be conducted at the city’s convention center here early next month.

The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DoH-CHD) in Northeastern Mindanao is spearheading the 3rd Inter-Agency Advocacy on Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning (MCH-FP) Program on December 6, this year.

DoH Region-13 Director Leonita Gorgolon said this advocacy will focus on the orientation of partners in the Aquino Health Agenda – “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” (Universal Health Care) and its strategic thrusts

Media Forum, Butuan will be contested unyang afternoon after the 2nd anniversary of massacre

By translate.google.com.ph


BUTUAN CITY - after the remembrance of the second year anniversary of ngilngig that crime clan, Maguindanao today held a media forum is this city of Butuan.

According of Butuan City Councilor Erwin Dano, the event naasuyng pahinungod all goes back to school where victims of the nigh-ubayng also lives in the nakalas kondiin tigbalita kaalayon to panggamhanang locally NUJP a still place this city university.

Purpose of this expeditious developments mahatagan og the course of the crime cases as well as that makab-ot justice for the victims.

Alayon it, ghee, urged the council tigbalita all who attend the forum ipahigayong unyang o'clock this afternoon in kondiin pagatambungan nigh-og kahugpungan ubayng officers.

Also he is scheduled to be held a symbolic candle lighting og prayer for the deceased in naasuyng tragedy.

3rd Inter-Agency Advocacy on Maternal & Child Health & Family Planning Program set in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The Center for Health Development (CHD) Caraga is set to conduct its 3rd Inter-Agency Advocacy on Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning (MCH-FP) Program on December 6, 2011 at the Luciana Convention Center, this city. According to Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon, this advocacy will focus on the orientation of partners in the Aquino Health Agenda – Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (Universal Health Care) and its strategic thrusts. Another equally important discussions would be on the reporting mechanism/s and critiquing of forms that will be used in the identification of Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning needs of the agencies’ personnel (if any). “The Aquino Health Agenda – Kalusugan Pangkalahatan is aimed at identifying areas where government agencies together with our development partners can provide technical assistance in MCH-FP program and further strengthen our partnership,” stressed Gorgolon. Gorgolon appealed to all stakeholders to participate and take part on this program. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Joint PNP-BFAR operatives arrest four persons for illegal fishing in Surigao del Sur

By (PNA)

FFC/BS/jsd


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 21 (PNA) - Joint PNP and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) operatives arrested on Saturday afternoon in the sea waters of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur four persons for illegal fishing activities.

Report from Caraga Police Regional Information Office headed by P/Supt. Martin Gamba identified the four suspects as Gerry Balo, Rustom Balo, Carlos Balbares and Rolly Balbares, all residents of Sitio Bongaitan, Barangay Mangagoy, Bislig City.

Hinatuan Police said the four were caught in the act violating Philippine Fishery Law and Hinatuan Municipal Ordinance number AM-267, series of 2004, Art 5, section 27 for illegal transfer of preferential fishery privileges, rights, license, permit and grants.

According to BFAR, the four were also found violating Article 5, Section 14 of Hinatuan Municipal Ordinance AM-267, series of 2004 or for operating in the area without necessary permit.

The police report said arrested persons are now under the custody of Department of Agriculture-BFAR for proper disposition.

Toyo University presents final report on “PPP Possibilities for the Future of Butuan City”

By PIA Press Release


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Toyo University Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Research Center presented recently its final report on “PPP Possibilities for the Future of Butuan City” at the Japanese university’s main campus in Tokyo, Japan. The presentation was attended by the Butuan delegation composed of representatives from the local government unit led by City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., with representatives from the business and academe sectors of the city. The Butuanons were formally welcomed by Dr. Makio Takemura, President of Toyo University, and Prof. Yuji Nemoto, PPP Research Center Principal. Also present to witness the presentation were Mr. Geoffrey Hamilton and Mr. Michael Flynn, PPP experts from the United Nations, and Mr. Froilan Pamintuan of the Philippine Embassy in Japan. The final report contained observations in the fields of agriculture, recycling, renewable energy, economic enterprise and tourism. The most noteworthy recommendations include the mechanization of the agriculture industry, the conversion of waste to energy and the use of wood pellets as biomass fuel. Prof. Sam Tabuchi, team leader of the group that conducted the study, emphasized that Butuan City is rich in timber and has the ability to grow trees, such as falcata and ipil-ipil, in three to five years. He said that this is a major advantage over Western countries which need approximately 40 years to grow trees for biomass fuel production. In his response, Mayor Amante expressed that his administration is serious about the current efforts to strengthen PPP in Butuan, in line with the PPP advocacy of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, and that the city government is committed to work on the recommendations of Toyo University for economic development in Butuan City. The presentation of the report is a component of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Toyo University and the city government of Butuan which allowed Toyo University PPP Research Center to conduct a study on possible Public-Private Partnership Projects in Butuan City. It can also be recalled that a team from Toyo University conducted interviews and site inspections in Butuan City last September. The study marks the first time that Toyo University conducted such study outside Japan, choosing Butuan City as its first non-Japanese LGU subject. The activity also included the signing of the MOU for academic, scientific and cultural cooperation and exchange between Toyo University, Caraga State University, Father Saturnino Urios University, Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, and the City Government of Butuan. Said activity was immediately followed by a business forum wherein Mayor Amante presented Butuan’s investment opportunities to potential Japanese investors, and a reception dinner was then hosted by Toyo University for the Butuanon guests. (CMO-PIO/PIA-Caraga)

DTI & LGU-Butuan conduct E-Bamboo Training

By Cristina Dedel


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte, in coordination with the Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RUMEPP), Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) and the city government of Butuan, conducted training on engineered bamboo entitled “Bamboo Primary Processing & Lamination” from November 7-11 at the Slaughter House Compound and Ronwood Construction Co., this city. According to DTI-Agusan del Norte Officer-in-Charge Gay Tidalgo, the five-day training aimed to introduce and transfer the technology of engineered bamboo to the Caraga region’s existing and potential furniture makers. “It is also expected that this activity would encourage tree farmers and other landed individuals to opt for bamboo plantation,” Tidalgo added. Meanwhile, Elvin T. Dimasuay of the CITC actted as the trainer/resource person of said skill’s training. Beneficiaries of the training are the members of the United Furniture Makers Association (UFMA), Caraga Chamber of Wood Industries Association (CCWIA), tree farmers and other furniture stakeholders of the region. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

LGU-Butuan, DTI-AgNor to hold Christmas bazaar

By Cristina Dedel


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- As part of the city’s month-long celebration for Christmas, the local government is set to hold a Christmas Bazaar on November 22 to December 22, 2011 at the City Hall Complex. Led by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr, in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Butuan City/Agusan del Norte, the bazaar will be joined by micro entrepreneurs and farmers from Butuan City. Wide-array of products from novelty items, to processed foods and farm products are going to be available at low prices. The Christmas Bazaar is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

PhilHealth-sponsored Mindanao Run for Hope launched today

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 17 (PIA) -– The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) here launched Thursday the PHILHEALTH RUN: The Mindanao Run for Hope 2012, the first simultaneous run in Mindanao. The activity started with a motorcade around the city thoroughfares and the program proper followed at the PhilHealth Caraga Regional Office. According to PhilHealth Caraga Regional Vice Pres. Johnny Y. Sychua, the run is slated on February 5, 2012, which shall be held simultaneously in the cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Koronadal, Marawi and Zamboanga; targeting a minimum of 17,000 runners across Mindanao. “For Butuan City, we are aiming at least 2,500 runners who shall assemble outside the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gymnasium,” said Sychua. PhilHealth Run hopes to provide financial assistance to a chosen beneficiary with the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Children’s Cancer Center and Blood Diseases Unit (Kids of Hope), the only facility in Visayas and Mindanao that can deliver multidisciplinary care for children with cancer. Moreover, the event will similarly provide financial assistance to Por Cristo Foundation Incorporated and Lingap Center of Butuan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) a facility for the abandoned elderly and abandoned children, respectively. For more details on the said event, Sychua encourages the public to call their office at telephone numbers: (085) 225-7017 or 341-3359. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Nat’l Greening Program Summit set in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- A one-day National Greening Program (NGP) Summit will be held on November 23, 2011 at the Almont Hotel's Inland Resort in this city. The event is being organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA. According to DENR-Caraga Regional Executive Director Leonardo Sibbaluca, the said NGP summit aims to identify advocates and build partnerships leading to a regionwide commitment and participation of various stakeholders in tree planting and long-term plantation stewards. “Along with poverty reduction, resource conservation and protection, productivity enhancement, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the NGP is significantly given priority pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 of President Benigno S. Aquino III,” said Sibbaluca. Sibbaluca also called on the local officials and employees of government to participate in all the activities related to this program to strengthen the preservation and proper use of the country’s environmental and natural resources. For inquiries and clarification of this activity, the DENR can be reached at telephone numbers: (085) 342-7856; 341-3250; and cellphone number 0910-340-5832. Look for Ms. Jholyvil Cocon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DAR turns over water system to Tubod

By Joie L. Ceballos


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over Tuesday a potable water supply system to Brgy. San Isidro in Tubod, Surigao del Norte. Costing P3.34 million, the project which includes installation of 34 units of communal faucets will provide clean drinking water to about 248 households of Tubod Agrarian Reform Community (ARC). The project is under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project-Phase III (ARISP-III) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tubod, Surigao Norte. DAR Regional Director Faisar Mambuay expressed his gratitude to all partners --- Hon. Congressman Guillermo Romarate Jr., Hon. Gov. Sol Matugas, Hon. Mayor Cristina Arcillas for the support in realizing this project for the agrarian reform beneficiaries. (DAR-13/PIA-Caraga)

Gordon ignites Filipinos’ sense of volunteerism

By Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has set December 4, 2011 for the conduct of “Million Volunteer Run,” which will be held simultaneously in all key cities and municipalities in the country. The activity is in line with the United Nations' declaration of 2011 as the International Year of Volunteers and the annual celebration of International Day of Volunteers every 5th of December. PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon, who conceptualized the event, is also advocating the sense of volunteerism in the heart of every Filipino. Gordon said the volunteer run will be seen as the unity of the nation’s volunteers by running together for the sake of humanity. "It will be the defining moment for a culture of volunteerism in our country--a culture that will save our country and our people from the horrors of disasters,” Gordon said. The registration fee is P500 for professionals and P350 for students. Proceeds of the Run will be used to fund the training program of the 143 volunteers. Each participant will be given Million Volunteer Run t-shirt, 143 ID with Disaster Preparedness Guide, a whistle, race number, and Red Cross Membership with Accident Insurance Benefits or coverage. On the other hand, participants of the Million Run will also be registered as Red Cross 143 volunteers. They will be trained later on disaster management. Meanwhile, the PRC chairman said that since the Philippines is visited with natural catastrophes all year-round, the people must be empowered with humanitarian soldiers equipped with life-saving skills to help others. For this reason, the participants of the Run will be given trainings after the event. Gordon added that the best way to prepare for disasters is to train and immerse the people on risk reduction management. The Red Cross 143 volunteers is a flagship volunteer program that recruits and trains 44 volunteers in every barangay on disaster management including disaster risk reduction and disaster response. In a related development, Teodoro Cairo, Chapter Administrator of PRC Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter is calling all the Butuanons to participate in the said event and make a history. For further details of the Run, visit PRC website: www.redcross.org.ph or visit the Red Cross Chapter at Capitol Site, Butuan City with telephone numbers 342-8521 or 815-9977. (PIA-Caraga)

Provincial Health Office to conduct synchronized posting of IEC materials

By Nora CL Molde


Synchronize health event on posting IEC materials takes place in AgNor

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Agusan del Norte, in partnership with the Educational Discipline in Culture and Arts for Development and Services - Health Promotion Project (EDCADS-HealthPRO), will be conduct a synchronized posting of information, education and communication (IEC) materials on November 14. Provincial health officer Dr. Elizabeth N. Campado said the partnership of EDCADS-HealthPRO and PHO in promoting health has benefited the communities in the province. He also said the health programs are implemented and sustained in the province by the 11 rural health units (RHUs) including its five hospitals. The health programs include Family Planning; Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition program; and Safe Motherhood. The unveiling of IEC materials’ posting on Monday will be held at the Nasipit, Agusan del Norte Municipal Hall ground at 7:30 A.M. It is considered as first in the province and Nasipit was chosen as the pilot municipality for the program. The activity is in line with the Aquino administration’s Universal Health Care or “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” (UHC KP) program with the aims of improving the quality of health care services in the country. (PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga investments

by Mike U. Crismundo


BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Multi-billion-peso investments in agriculture, tourism and power energy are set to go full blast in the Caraga region which is already benefitting from the influx of mining companies spread in various areas in the region, especially in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte. The multi-billion agribusiness investments have already started and are expected to fully take off in 2012 in various areas in the region’s five provinces and six cities. The investments will be in palm oil production and processing, Cavendish banana production and processing, banana chips processing, moringa production and processing, coco sugar production, lemongrass oil production, abaca production and processing, pangasius production and processing and seaweed processing.

PDEA awards anti-drug abuse program partners

by Nora CL Molde


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- In order to reciprocate the efforts of their partners in their anti-drug abuse campaign, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga regional office will give recognition to them in a simple ceremony on November 18. PDEA Caraga deputy regional dir. Agent Christy E. Silvan said the event will be done during the culmination activity of the week long Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program celebration that will start on November 12 with the theme “Global Action for Healthy Communities." Among the partners that will receive awards are: the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Surigao del Sur as Best Anti-Drug Abuse Council; Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office - Best Police Provincial Office; Butuan City Police Office for being the Best City Police Office; La Paz, Agusan del Sur Police Station – Best Municipal Police Station; Regional Special Operations Task Group 13 for Best PNP Special Unit; Father Saturnino Urios University – Best Educational Institution; and the Cities of Butuan, Surigao and Tandag as Most Supportive Local Government Units of the region. Also, during the awarding, PDEA will also recognize other partners in helping them implement anti-drug abuse program and their continuous support on their campaign by giving them plaque of recognition, these include: Police Regional Office; Police Crime Laboratory Office; 402nd Stingers Brigade; SK Federation of Butuan City; Regional Prosecutor’s Office; the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Department of Health; Philippine Information Agency; Butuan Evangelical Ministries Association Inc.; Atty. Nathaniel Talip; Hon. Romanito C. Amante Jr.; Mr. Reynaldo T. Bedrijo; TV 5; and Bombo Radyo. Certificates of recognition will also be awarded to Hon. Vincent Rizal Rosales; Cuartel Football Community; Ambago, Butuan City Barangay Council; Datu Dario Otaza; and Donna Castro for their support to PDEA Caraga’s anti-drug abuse campaign. PDEA is the lead anti-drugs law enforcement agency; responsible for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals within the Philippines. The agency is tasked with the enforcement of the penal and regulatory provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PIA-Caraga)

Demo project

by Mike Crismundo


BUTUAN CITY – The climate change adaptation project demo being implemented by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Region-13 office of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, is now in full swing for testing of its financing schemes.

Initially, three models of innovative financing schemes are almost complete in the four towns of Agusan del Norte, as support to climate change adaptation efforts of vulnerable farming communities.

Public schools in Agusan del Norte receive CFL lamps

by Robert E. Roperos


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Public schools in the elementary and high school levels in Agusan del Norte received compact fluorescent lamps from the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO). ANECO Member Development Officer Roldan Requerme Jr. said the project started last year and is intended for distribution to public schools in the country. He said this is one way of promoting the use of CFL bulbs as it is considered a versatile range of different lamp-ballast configurations that can provide a comfortable, productive, and well-illuminated space if properly used. “CFL have a much longer life – usually 6,000-10,000 hours compared to 750 to 1000 hours for a standard incandescent bulb,” Requerme said. He said media practitioners and government agencies who are members of ConsumerNet-Caraga will also be given with the said bulbs. Meanwhile, the Department of Rnergy said a compact fluorescent lamp will initially cost more than an incandescent bulb, but because it lasts longer and costs so much less to run, it will prove to be a better bargain over time. Accordingly, compact fluorescent lamps use 70 - 80 percent less energy than their incandescent equivalents. When replacing a 100-watt incandescent lamp a 20 to 23 - watt CFL is used. Compact fluorescent bulbs last approximately 6,000 to 10,000 hours, which is 8 to 13 times the life of an incandescent lamp (expected life approx. 750 – 1,000 hours). Most of the compact fluorescent lamps have improved color rendition. The light is a warm tone that is almost identical to that of an incandescent lamp. Most people cannot tell the difference. Compact fluorescents are most cost-effective when used at least 4-5 hours per day. Although compact fluorescent lamps may appear different than the common incandescent, they fit most standard fixtures found in homes today. The screw-in base is the same on both lamps. The typical incandescent lamp wastes 90 percent of the energy it uses, producing heat rather than light. (PIA-Caraga)

PDEA-13 calls brgy officials' support to curb illegal drug activities

by Maria Rebecca C. Ayaton


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- Barangay officials should not be scared in giving information to the office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga relating to smuggling of drugs in their barangays. This is the statement by PDEA Caraga Acting Regional Director Joel Plaza in an interview with a local radio station here. Plaza said information such as this makes it easier for the agency to conduct operations to curb drug smuggling in barangays. The PDEA chief of the region said that the coordination and support of the local officials led to a decline in drug smuggling cases in the region. (PIA-Caraga)

2 trucks torched in Agusan del Sur

by PIA Press Release


CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan city, Nov. 7 (PIA) -– Two log trucks loaded with lumber were burned Saturday evening allegedly by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Libertad, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur province, a report reaching the Police Regional command and tactical operation center here stated. The report from the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) said that about 80 heavily-armed men swooped down at Barangay Libertad and burned the two logging trucks loaded with sawn lumber reportedly owned by a certain “Dodoy” Ginon and Edgar Maglangit, both residents at Barangay Poblacion of Prosperidad town. The Agusan del Sur PPO said the raiders were reportedly led by a certain “Aka Eman.” “Based on Agusan del Sur PPO report, the owners failed to give the amount of money allegedly demanded by the NPA rebels in the area,” PRO 13 regional spokesman Supt. Martin M. Gamba said. On Thursday, unidentified heavily armed men believed to be NPA members also burned one Saddam truck at Purok Mam-on, Barangay Tubo-Tubo, in Cagwait town, Surigao del Norte. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

P17.4M worth of peace, dev’t projects alloted for Caraga's conflict-affected communities

by PIA Press Release


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- At least P17.4 million worth of various peace and development projects are set to be implemented in conflict-affected communities in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga Region in 2012. It was learned on Friday that these government projects are under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or PAMANA program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Initially, a total of 58 conflict-affected barangays will receive funding from the government for community-driven peace-building and development interventions. The PAMANA program will be initially allocating some P300,000 for each of these barangays under Pillar 2 on peace and development efforts, said Regional Community Development Specialist Ester Villamor of KALAHI-CIDSS Caraga. KALAHI-CIDSS stands for Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services. Under Pillar 2, the implementation of PAMANA in these barangays will be tied up with the community-driven development processes of the KALAHI-CIDSS in which people are given control on how they would use the funds they will receive. Community projects for PAMANA will be infrastructure, livelihood trainings, capability-building trainings and other peace-promoting activities such as dialogues and consultations among the volunteers. Aside from the P300,000 grant for each barangay, another P2,000 will also be given to volunteers for the conduct of community trainings in preparation for the implementation of the projects in January of next year. The municipalities that will be given grants for the implementation of their identified projects are Veruela and Esperanza in Agusan del Sur and Tagbina and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

Caravan for Peace campaign to arrive in Manila

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) -– Around ‎200 participants comprising of Muslims, Christians and Lumads from Mindanao are going to travel all the way to Manila by land and sea to campaign for peace. The "Lakbayan para sa kapayapaan, a Caravan for Peace" kicked off Thursday in Cagayan de Oro City. The group also stopped over in Butuan City and was welcomed by local officials led by Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr, with a short program held at the city's Rizal Park. Ms. Norkhaila Mae Mambuay-Campong, Caravan Coordinator bared that with approximately 1352 kilometers of land travel and two sea transfers, the caravan is going to pass by cities of Butuan, Surigao, Maasin, Tacloban, Calbayog, Allen, Matnog, Sorsogon, Legazpi, Naga, Lucena, San Pablo and Calamba. “The caravan, with 35 vehicles, is expected to be in Manila by November 5, 2011. The Muslim participants will join thousands of Muslims in Manila who will pray at Quezon City Memorial Circle on November 6 in celebration of Eidl Adha while a Concert for Peace will also follow as part of the culminating program of the caravan,” said Campong. Mayor Amante, meanwhile expressed his admiration to the efforts of the Muslim community, Christians and Lumads in Mindanao who are campaigning for a genuine 'All out Peace', instead of 'All out War' in the country. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Suspected rapist nabbed in Tandag City

by (PNA)

RMA/FFC/BS/mec


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 4 (PNA) -- One of the most wanted persons in Tandag City in Surigao del Sur province was arrested Thursday by Tandag Police in Moonglow Market, Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City, belated report reaching Caraga Region’s capital, Butuan City said.

Tandag City is about 178 kilometers from Butuan City, the capital of the province of Surigao del Sur.

Caraga Police Regional Information Office identified the arrested as Christopher Portillo Sulapas, 28, single and a resident of Cabugan, Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Cabugan was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by Judge Merlyn B. Pacaro-Cañedo of RTC Branch 40, Tandag City. Cabugan is facing Rape Case docketed under criminal case 5808.

Cabugan is now detained at Tandag City police.

Suspects in Agusan del Sur mining site attack already identified

by (PNA)

DCT/LAM/BS/mec


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Caraga Region has identified suspects in the November 1 attack on a security outpost of the Datu Bulawanon mining company that extracts gold and copper in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Caraga Police Regional Information Office chief P/Supt. Martin Gamba identified the suspects as Alex Macabenta, 22; Ysmael Abubakar, 25; and Inok Abubakar, 27; all residents of Tambongaon in Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

The police said the suspects were the watchmen of VPO Mining Company whose mining site is about 60 meters away from Bulawanon mining area.

The three suspects, who fired an M203 grenade launcher at the security outpost, are now the subject of manhunt operations.

Wounded security guards Fermin Limpot and Ronieto Lopez were already released by the DO Plaza Memorial Hospital authorities in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan de Sur after given medical treatment.

The third victim, security guard Roger Agorto was scheduled to be transferred to a Butuan City Hospital for further treatment, the police said.

9 seriously hurt in vehicular accident in Siargao Island, Surigao Norte on All Saints Day

by (PNA)

DCT/FFC/BS/mec


BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 2 (PNA) -- Nine passengers, including the driver of a pick-up truck, were hurt when the vehicle rammed into the canal while traveling the highway in KM. 2, Barangay Osmeña, Dapa town in Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte on All Saints' Day, police said.

Caraga Police Regional Information Office here, headed by P/Supt. Martin Gamba, identified the four passengers who were thrown off the color white Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck bearing plate number KDA 819, as Jolan Antipasado, Lady Mae Gallardo, Jenny Grace Bonono and Richard Peronio.

Also hurt were four other passengers, who were inside the pick-up, and identified as Janice Plaza, Mary Anne Masangkay, Masminda Lavilla and Ivy Maris Adlao.

The driver, who was also hurt, was identified as Melvin Noel Comahig, 25, a resident of Barangay 1, Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Police said driver Comahog felt drowsy or sleepy while driving causing the vehicle to swerve and rammed into the canal.

The police said the victims were initially brought to Siargao District Hospital but later transferred to Surigao City hospital.

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