(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 29 April 2025) Frontal System affecting Extreme Northern Luzon. Easterlies affecting the rest of the country. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.8 meters).


PIA News Service - Friday, November 28, 2008

DOH orients Tandag for a “Smoke-free City”

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga and Caraga Anti Smoking Team (CAST) conducted recently an orientation-forum dubbed as “Working for no-smoking zone in Tandag” held at Seasons Park Apartelle, this city.

The objective of which is to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in this city and entire province of Surigao del Sur through the concerted efforts of the local government units.

The forum was participated by City Vice Mayor Rosario Ninfa Dumagan II, City Councilors Eleonor D. Momo, Andrie Andresan and Alfredo Cantalejo.

Stakeholders from the different government agencies also took part in supporting this health-awareness campaign of DOH. Among them are Police Inspector Galo Martinez of PNP-Tandag City, and representatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and other national-line agencies, as well as in different organizations.
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Photo shows (from left to right) are Tandag City Vice mayor Rosario Ninfa Dumagan, II, PMA President Dr. Joy Rey Pama, Pol. Inspector Galo Martinez, Arthur Balaan of LTO, CAST Advisor Ptr. Nimrod Saramosing, Jane Lugo, MD from DOH Caraga, and Delma Legazpi as honorary guests during the opening program for the Orientation of Smoke Free City at Tandag on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Seasons Park Apartelle, Tandag City. (City Health Office-Tandag/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)



Also, Dr. Jane Y. Lugo, and Delma O. Legazpi of CAST, along with its adviser, Ptr. Nimrod V. Saramosing, together with the staff were there to clarify issues pertaining to health hazards brought by smoking.

The forum gained support from the participants and commitment form local officials here supporting the program of the Department of Health (DOH). The activity is also in line with the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, particularly in the promotion of proper health-care. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, PIA-Surigao del Sur)



POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania


PNP arrest wanted persons

On Tuesday (November 25) at 5:00 in the afternoon at Barangay Cancawan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, elements of Carmen Municipal Police Station led by PO3 Glen Uriarte Orzales apprehended the suspect identified as Pedro Salipuran Baguis, 66 years old, single and resident of said place.

Suspect was arrested by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) docketed under CC number 08-0891 dated August 21, 2008, issued by Hon Judge Bibiano G Colasito of MTC ParaΓ±aque, Branch LXXVII (77), ParaΓ±aque City for the crime of Malicious Mischief. Arrested person is now temporarily detained at Carmen MPS for proper disposition.

On Wednesday (November 26) at 9:00 in the morning at Barangay 3 Poblacion, Cabadbaran City, PNP elements of Cabadbaran City Police Station led by PCINSP Rolando Cuya Jr apprehended the suspect identified as Isabelo Monel, 34 years old, married and resident of Barangay 1, Cabadbaran City.

Suspect was apprehended by virtue of WOA docketed under CC number 17 dated October 1, 2008, issued by Hon Judge Dax Xenos Gonzaga of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34, Cabadbaran City for the crime of rape with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 120,000.00. Subject person is now presently detained at Cabadbaran City Police Station for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, on the following day, Thursday (November 27) at 9:00 in the morning at Purok-1, Barangay Bading, Butuan City, PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station 2 led by SPO2 Jerry Advincula arrested the suspect identified as Florencio EspaΓ±ola, 55 years old, married and resident of said place.

The said suspect was arrested by virtue of WOA docketed under CC number 39128 and 39129 for the crime of simple slander dated November 19, 2008, issued by Hon Judge James V Go of MTCC Branch 2, Libertad, Butuan City with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 6,000.00. Arrested person is now presently detained at Butuan City Police Station 2 for proper disposition.


Arrest of illegal gambling suspect

On Thursday (November 27) at 7:45 in the evening at the Sidewalk area of G. Flores Avenue, Butuan City, PNP elements of Vice Control Section of Butuan City Police Station 1 led by PSINSP Ronaldo Plaza conducted operations against illegal gambling which resulted to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Arturo Calooy (runner/collector), 43 years old, married and resident of Purok-4, Barangay Humabon, Butuan City.

Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were 10 pieces of filled-up “swertres” tally sheets, two pieces of “swertres” tips, three pieces of ballpen and cash bet money amounting to Php 608.00 in different denominations. Arrested suspect and confiscated items were brought to Butuan City Police Station 1 for recording and proper disposition.


Spot Report on Robbery of surveying equipment

On Thursday (November 27) at 11:45 in the morning at Barangay Caras-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur, a team of surveyor led by Engr William Toca Mirabel, Chief Engr/Team Leader of RASA Surveying Company based in Quezon City, together with other members of the team namely: Jaime Orillaneda; Michael Consigna; Dodoy Aboa and Glen Aboa, all were residents of Tandang Sora, Quezon City were held by 10 unidentified men armed with high powered firearms clad in fatigue uniform believed to be members of Communist Terrorists (CTs) and confiscated equipment like one Top Con Model 329 Transit Equipment; two labeling bubbles; two battery Top Con with case.

Said surveyors were released unharmed by said armed men. The surveying team was hired by PNOC to conduct area survey at Sitio Badjangan, Caras-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur for coal mining. PNP personnel of Tago Municipal Police Station were dispatched and coordinated Barangay Captain of said place to recover said equipments and 58 IB Phil Army to conduct follow-up operation against the suspect. Progress report to follow.


Report on entrapment operation

On Thursday (November 27) at 1:45 in the morning at Purok-6, Baranagay Taligaman, Butuan City, composite team of Butuan City Mobile Group led by PCINSP Manuel Jimenez and Butuan City Police Station 4 led by PSINSP Ferdinand B Dacillo conducted entrapment operation, which resulted to the apprehension of the suspects identified as Pepito Abayata, 49 years old, married and resident of Agusan PequeΓ±o, Butuan City; Alberto Pejules, 38 years old, married; Carlito Paler, 41 years old, married, both were residents of Lopez Jaena extension, Butuan City; Ruffy Baguio, 26 years old, married and also a resident of Lopez Jaena extension, Butuan City; and Rolando Gajudo, 27 years old, married and resident of Lopez jaena extension, Butuan City.

Said suspects were extorting money from the escort of the truck loaded with falcate logs. The apprehending team impounded one unit Delica Van with plate number GNG 180 and one logbook color blue. Further recovered from the suspects were five pieces
Of One Hundred Peso Bill as marked money.

Suspects and marked money were brought to PNP Crime Laboratory Office 13 for ultra violet examination. Case of robbery extortion now prepared for filing in court in an inquest proceedings. Suspects and confiscated items are now at Butuan City Police Station 4 for proper disposition.


58IB conducts joint MEDCAP at San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur - The 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army recently conducted a joint medical and civic action program in Barangay Janipaan, in this municipality with the collaboration of Surigao del Sur Provincial Government Office, Philippine National Red Cross (Surigao del Sur Chapter), Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office, and in coordination with the local government unit of San Agustin.

The humanitarian mission resulted and benefited 113 constituents for medical consultation, 51 patients for tooth extraction, 27 for circumcision and 250 for mass feeding.

The collaboration made by this unit of the Philippine Army with the Provincial Governor’s Office and the close coordination with other agencies made the activity possible and successful.

Indeed, both approach and convergence of efforts are key factors in waging war against the CPP/NDF/NPA that will not only complement the combat and intelligence operations in addressing and dismantling of guerilla fronts but as well as winning the trust and confidence that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have established with the people whom the entire government military force sworn to serve and protect. (S7, 58IB, 4ID, PA/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)


AMRECO holds workshop to Mindanao ECs Info. Officers

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AMRECO) recently conducted directional workshop participated by Information Officers of Mindanao Electric Cooperatives at Chali Beach Resort in Cugman Cagayan de Oro City.

This workshop serves as the venue for Information Officers to refresh their knowledge in their field of work because the speakers were doing their efforts to impart their knowledge regarding the principles of being an effective communicator that might be useful for them and to their respective electric cooperative and the association, in general.

The seminar workshop also aimed to strengthen the AMRECO and the member Electric Cooperatives (ECs) for whatever problems that may arise.

The seminar tackles the creation of AMCAD or AMRECO Media & Communication Affairs Desk which envisions to be the association’s information development and distribution arm that will advocate the group and its members’ significant policies, programs and success stories geared towards promoting and protecting the welfare and interests of member ECs and their respective consumers in Mindanao.

The two-day activity was formally opened by the Executive Director of AMRECO, Mr. Clint DG Pacana. He also welcomed the participants of the different electric cooperatives in Mindanao.

Mr. Pacana also emphasized the reasons why AMRECO holds the directional workshop for Information Officers of Mindanao ECs.

On the other hand, Atty Conchito Oclarit, legal counsel of AMRECO, told the participants of the updates of the action taken by AMRECO and other advocates to counter attack the campaign of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) with NASECORE regarding the ECs conversion.

Atty. Oclarit also shared the events of what was transpired during the lobbying activity in the Bicameral Conference Committee in the House of Congress regarding the proposed amendments of Cooperative Development Act, specifically the House Bill No. 4312 and Senate Bill No. 2264 which originally envision to transfer the registration of Electric Cooperatives under the CDA which all the programs of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) will be at risks.

Also, Dir. Noel Tarrazona of ZAMCELCO in Zamboanga City emphasized to the participants the principles of effective communication which was been called to be the important tools in dealing some issues of their respective ECs, particularly the present issue of conversion and others.

On the second day, Mr. Allan Lariba, the Institutional Services Department Manager of DANECO, imparted the modern approach in dealing a customer.

During the open forum, the group decided to organize an association named as Rural Electric Cooperative Communicators Association of the Philippines or RECCAP in which first election for the Interim Officers was made.

Elected into office are Mr. Eric Barillas of FIBECO in Bukidnon as President, Mr. Wilfredo Evangelista of SUKELCO in Sultan Kudarat as Vice-President, Ms. Sherly Retanal of SURSECO I in Bislig City as Secretary, Mrs. Lydia De La PeΓ±a of LANECO in Lanao del Norte as Treasurer, Mr. Aguinaldo L. Jaluag of SURSECO II in Tandag City as Auditor and Mr. Daniel De La Cerna of ANECO in Butuan City as PIO.

The association will also elect one Board of Director in every region in Mindanao who will later represent their respective region.

Furthermore, this association of communicators aims to spread out their membership to all ECs all over the Philippines. (Aguinaldo L. Jaluag, SURSECO II / PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Cebu Pacific now flies to 19 destinations from Cebu

The country's leading domestic airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), begins its direct flights from Cebu to Ozamiz and Surigao earlier this month.

The former has a thrice weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) service with the lowest all-inclusive Go Lite fare starting from P688. Meanwhile, the latter has a four times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) service, which can be availed at the lowest year-round Go Lite Fare starting from P588. Passengers simply add P200 if they have check-in luggage.

Cebu Pacific Vice President for Revenue Management Alex Reyes (left) and Misamis Occidental Governor Loreto Leo Ocampos join hands in the promotion of both the province and the leading domestic airline's low fares. (Michelle Eve de Guzman, Cebu Pacific/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

These new flights mark the 18th and 19th destination CEB flies to from Cebu, respectively, signifying the importance of the airline's Cebu hub.

CEB continues to be the biggest airline operating from Cebu. It operates 184 domestic flights weekly to and from the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

From Cebu, CEB now services 15 domestic routes and four international cities (Singapore, Hong Kong, Incheon, Pusan) directly from Cebu. Aside from Ozamiz and Surigao, CEB flies to the following domestic destinations from Cebu: Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Clark, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Zamboanga and Manila.

Flights can be booked through www.cebupacificair.com or its reservations hotline (02)7020888 or (032) 2308888.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. It currently maintains four operational hubs in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Clark. (Michelle Eve de Guzman, Cebu Pacific/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Agusan Norte to purchase 6 brand new heavy equipment

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to purchase six brand new heavy equipment to enhance its capability in infrastructure support facilities and various agro-industrial development programs, projects and activities under the Executive Legislative Agenda for 2007-2010.

These equipment include two units brand new 10-wheeler dump truck, one unit brand new motor grader, one unit brand new wheel loader, one unit brand new excavator, and one unit brand new vibratory road roller.

All the heavy equipment cost US $759,200.00 or close to P35 million pesos.

To materialize the said purchase, Gov. Erlpe John Amante was authorized recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte through Sanggunian Resolution No. 312-2008 to open a letter of credit with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)-Butuan Lending Center for the importation of the equipment in favor of Main Empire Company Limited from Singapore. Said company is represented by TKC Heavy Industries Corporation, its exclusive distributor in the Philippines. (Aimee B. Sienes-Sajor, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


PAMB reviews management style to save Agusan Marsh

BUTUAN CITY - Members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) in Caraga Region have reviewed anew its management strategy on lakes in protected areas throughout the region to avert the conversion of marshland into a landscape of agriculture.

The PAMB which is headed by the DENR Regional Executive Director Edilberto S. Buiser has made the move during its last en-banc session held in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Monday last week following public knowledge that the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is slowly changing its landscape because many residents prefer to adopt palm oil, rice fields and fast-growing tree plantations rather than a wet land.

PENRO Sixto Badua of Agusan del Sur in his capacity as Protected Area Superintendent of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary said the onslaught of agricultural crop plantation in some parts of the marshland may affect the ecological system of the existing environment in that area. He urged his colleague to make positive steps while options for improvement are still open for consideration.

“ Let us be guided by the lessons taught us by the destruction of the environment that resulted in floods and landslides that killed many lives of people in Ormoc, Leyte several years ago “ PENRO Badua told his fellow members.

He said that the people must appreciate the importance of the Agusan Marsh to their daily lives to protect it and preserve the biodiversity in it. ‘ It would cost billions of pesos to rehabilitate the marsh” Badua said.

In the en-banc meeting presided over by the Regional Technical Director of Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services Mario Eludo on Monday last week, the board members have sought for a regular operation fund to support its enforcement, advocacy and education campaign in all protected areas in the region

Eludo said the board is resolved to impose fees for movement of forest products passing through the tributaries of the Agsuan Marsh to raise funds for operation.

The PAMB has also reported that several livelihood projects are being considered for approval to generate employment and improve the income of the people in the area.

Eludo also reported the accomplishment of the PAMB this year in which 21 resolutions were made which were mostly focused on prevention, control and protection.

But the most remarkable resolution passed by the board members is the request to Congressman Rodulfo G. Plaza to work on the immediate passage of the House Bill 176 and 1071 which established Agusan Marsh as Protected Area and Wildlife Sanctuary.

The said House Bill which is sponsored by Senators Jamby Madrigal and Pia Cayetano is still pending at the lower house due to political developments. (Herzon F. Gallego, DENR-13/ PIA-Caraga)


Search is on for the best barangay in Agusan del Norte

The Provincial Assessment Team is right now assessing nominated barangays all over the province vying for the Agusan del Norte’s Best Barangay 2008 award.

The assessment will be based upon the following criteria: the number of authored resolutions/ ordinances passed; number of committee meetings conducted; filing system of the barangay; the attendance of the barangay officials during sessions and during special events; community involvements and initiatives with proper documentation; the vision and mission of the barangay; how the segregation of waste materials is being done; the individual household sanitary type of toilet used; potable water supply; presence of communal garden in the area; drainage and pathways; records of the assets and liabilities; list of real property tax payers; the posting of income and expenditures in the barangay hall; barangay budget; the management of barangay facilities like the health ccenters, day care centers, recreational centers and others.

For this year, only the municipalities of Carmen, Nasipit, Buenavista, RTR, Magallanes, Tubay, Jabonga, Santiago and Las Nieves were able to join.

Other categories in the search include the Best Barangay Chairman, Best Kagawad, Best Secretary, Best Treasurer, Best Sangguniang kabataan (SK), Best Purok, both Urban and Rural, and the Best Purok Chairman.

The Provincial Assessment Team (PAT) is composed of the representatives from the different government agencies concerned including Mr. Edgar M. Palarca, Jr., Information Officer-III of PGO-CAD, Mr. Fermin C. Antenorio, Community Affairs Officer II, PGO-CAD, Mr. Gerry Joey S. Laurito, Project Development Officer-III under the office of the Vice Governor, Mr. Conrado Berdin, LGOO-V of the DILG Provincial Office, Major Floriano Salang Ravelo, Jr., Police Chief Inspector of the PNP Provincial Office, Ms. Florita Magdayao from the Department of Education, Agusan del Norte, Ms. Fortunata S. Atega, Supervising Midwife of the Provincial Health Office, Ms. Violeta C. Jamito from the Community Solidarity Against Poverty Organization (CSAPO), a non-government organization, and Ms. Myra R. Ganot, Local Legislative Staff Officer-I, representing the Office of Board Member Raymundo M. Beluan, Jr., Chairman of the Committee on Barangay Affairs.

According to Mr. Antenorio, “the search is conducted every year to evaluate the nominated barangays and puroks on their annual accomplishements and to help them improve more.

This is also the drive of Governor Erlpe John M. Amante to bring the provincial government closer to the people of Agusan del Norte.”

The search for the best barangay is conducted annually since the early 90’s with a yearly modification of the specific guidelines or criteria to perfectly select the worthy winners. This year’s search is conducted recently and the awarding will be done in December this year.

The next search for the best barangay will immediately start on January 2009. (Mary Chery S. Monoy, Agusan del Norte, PIA-Caraga)


Gawad Probinsiya sa Kapaligiran bares winners

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Gawad Probinsiya sa Kapaligiran (GPK) Assessors released the most awaited result after conducted the evaluation to all the municipalities and cities of the province last September 16-26, 2008.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is the lead agency of the annual activity whose program was established under Executive Order number 03-2007 of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, to sustainably implement the program locally in recognizing the positive impact of such program to the component cities and municipalities that institutionalize the value of saving the environment as a way of life among the Surigaonons.

In Category “A”, composed of first to third class municipalities, Hinatuan wins for this year’s race, while Cantilan got the second place, followed by Barobo as the 3rd placer.

For Category “B” in the fourth to sixth class municipalities, Lanuza still grabs the highest tilt followed by Carrascal and Carmen who both tied the second spot.

Meanwhile, in the component city category, Bislig got the highest rank, followed by the newly proclaimed city of the province, Tandag.

This year’s panels of evaluators were: Ms Laarni Beauty C. Sepe (DILG), Ma. Clara M. Ambray of the Tourism Office, Rodrigo S. Gordo and Cicero Donasco from the Provincial Health Office, Nida Grace B. Tranquilan from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Florida Wahing of Department of Education, and Glendel Adlawon of the Department of Environment and natural Resources. (Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, PIA-Surigao del Sur)




POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo


PNP investigates traffic incident

On Tuesday (November 25) at Barangay Pag-antayan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, a red Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle with plate number MT9889 driven by Jonathan Andoy, 32 years old, single and a resident of Poblacion Carrascal of same province with one still unidentified passenger collided with another single motorcycle a black Yamaha Crypton without plate number, driven by Benhur Bragas, 40 years old, married and a resident of Purok-3 Barangay Pag-antayan, Cantilan with one passenger identified as PO1 Homer Guillen.

Both motorcycles were heavily damaged during the incident also seriously injuring both drivers and passengers who were brought to Madrid District Hospital immediately for medical treatment. The motorcycles were both brought to Cantilan Municipal Police Station for safekeeping while the investigation is ongoing.


Spot report on shooting incident

Around 9:30 in the evening of November 25, 2008 (Tuesday) at Purok-2 Barangay 16 Ong Yiu Road, Butuan City, three persons were shot to death by four unidentified armed men. Victims were identified as Maritez Crisostomo, 26 years old, female, married and a resident of Purok-7 Barangay 16 Ong Yiu, Butuan City; Julieto Carumba, 34 years old, Barangay Kagawad of Kulambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur; and one male victim more or less 35 years old, 5'7" in height, medium built.

Victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds resulting to their instantaneous death. Responding personnel from Butuan City Police Station-2 together with Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) Team recovered at the crime scene the items such as 15 empty shells of caliber .45 pistol; one red Crypton Yamaha motorcycle with plate number KT-4181; digital camera; calculator; one cellphone; cash money Php 1,000.00; a ring and some personal documents.

Motive is still to be determined while remains of the victims now lies at Raniel Funeral Homes, Butuan City. A follow-up investigation still ongoing.



Progress Report

The third victim was already identified as Nestor Osabel Sulla Jr., 34 years old, married and a resident of Atega Street, Cabadbaran City , Agusan del Norte, and a credit investigator (CI) of 1st Standard Finance Corporation located at J. C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City.



Solar dryer to boost seaweeds industry

Governor Jade B. Ecleo recently turned-over one unit elevated multi-purpose solar dryer to the seaweeds growers of Barangay New Mabuhay, municipality of Dinagat Islands. The project is initiated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Fisheries Division, under the supervision of Senior Aquaculturist Zenda S. Elago.

In an interview with the Provincial Agriculturist Oswaldo T. Borja, the P33,480.00 worth of solar dryer is one of the priority projects of Governor Jade’s administration in her aim of making Dinagat Islands the seaweeds capital of Caraga Region. He added that this is in support to the promotion of seaweeds production as an alternative livelihood for the fisherfolk. The equipment would ensure quality-dried seaweeds that are fast becoming a lucrative business for both the local and international market. (Lito A. Apelo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)


Dinagat supports organic farming

The Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands under the leadership of Governor Jade B. Ecleo is now pushing for organic farming in this water-locked province to intensify production and mitigate hunger.

A Five Million Pesos (P5M) worth of organic liquid fertilizer is now being distributed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), headed by Oswaldo T. Borja. This project is part of the Provincial Government’s effort to enhance our land resources through organic farming.

The Crops Division Chief Alan S. Azares earlier said that the fertilizer has been procured by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands to augment the basic services intended for the farmers. He added that the Crops Division is now on the process of promoting organic farming in every municipality through information caravans. Each municipality is encouraged to put up demo farms where the liquid fertilizer will be utilized. (Lito A. Apelo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)


Gov. Jade gives away personalized notebooks to 5,573 Grade II and III pupils

Pursuing a legacy endeavor to grade schools, the provincial governor, Hon. Geraldine “Jade” Ecleo, gives away 9,000 pieces of personalized and made-to-order notebooks to all grade 2 and 3 pupils of Dinagat Islands. A total of 105 elementary schools comprising from the seven school districts of Albor, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Loreto, San Jose, Rizal and Tubajon, have benefited from the governor’s generosity.

Dr. Teofila Cabatuan, School Division Superintendent, has provided data that about 2,745 Grade II pupils and 2,809 Grade III pupils within the province have acknowledged and acquired said notebook.

Governor Jade has personally distributed these notebooks to the pupils of such recipient schools as: San Jose Central, Aurelio, Sta. Cruz, Mahayahay, Dinagat Central, DoΓ±a Helen, and Edera Elementary Schools.

In response, the administrators, teachers, and beneficiary pupils showed their warm welcome to the Governor during her visits to their respective schools, and gave her due appreciation and support for her genuine legacy endeavor to the underprivileged pupils of the province of Dinagat Islands. (Conchita M. Macalua, Ang Dinagatnon/ PIA-Caraga)


Php180,000 provincial grant kicks-off People Organization’s livelihoods

Quite good enough to start a community-owned trade, a total of P180,000.00 livelihood assistance were successfully granted by the Provincial Government to two People’s Organizations here in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. Spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Governor Jade B. Ecleo graced the awarding of P125,000.00 worth of check to Jacquez Women SKA and P55,000.00 worth to Golden Apple Association, (a group of persons with disabilities based here in San Jose) to finance their income generating projects. Present to witness the program were San Jose Mayor Benglen B. Ecleo and Vice-Mayor Mario Bagunas together with Barangay Captain Rodrigo Reponte of Barangay Jacquez, and Assistant PSWD Officer Zenaida Lerma Escopete, all shared gladness of the beneficiaries.

The Jacquez Women SKA has become the recipient of the Self-Emplyment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program, a national program created by Executive Order No. 123 in 1994 which was adopted and replicated by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands during the program launching held December, last year. The Provincial Government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD-Field Office XIII agreeing that both agencies shall allocate P500,000.00 each in support to the program. Golden Apple Association, on the other hand, received the grant derived from 1% Elderly and Persons with Disability budget of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, two successive Basic Business Management Trainings were conducted recently by PSWDO with the Women On Work (WOW) Association of Cagdianao and Shining Star Association of San Jose respectively. As part of the program’s strategies, these two were among the nine groups that will be soon funded by the Provincial Government for the same nature of program and/ or activity.

The PSWDO head, Mrs. Virginia Salar, continues to advance the Livelihood Assistance and productivity Skills Program for the empowerment and augmentation of family income of all sectors in our community. The agenda is to cater the needs of the people through capability building, technical and financial assistance on their individual or group income-generating projects. (Maricel Plarios, Ang Dinagatnon/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Mulo sa 3 ka barangay gitubag ni Beluan

Tungod sa mulo sa tulo (3) ka barangay sa lungsod sa Jabonga, dali-daling migawas ug pundo si Bokal Raymundo M. Beluan, Jr. sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan aron matubag ang mga nag-unang proyekto niini.

Ang pundo tubag una sa tanan sa rehabilitasyon sa water system sa barangay San Vicente ug Barangay Magsaysay diin matod pa maoy source sa tubig ilimnon sa mga residente. Samtang aduna usay pundo nga gigahin alang sa paghuman sa barangay center sa Barangay Colorado.

“Importante gayod ang usa ka barangay center sa matag-barangay kay kini mao man ang lugar nga pagahimu-on sa pagmiting sa mga opisyales ug uban pang mga aktibidades sa barangay aron molambo kini,” matod pa ni Bokal Beluan. (Mary Cheryl S Monoy, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Probinsya nangandam sa kalamidad

Sumala sa bantog nga panultihon nga “prevention is better than cure,” ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte nangandam na sa posibleng kalamidad dinhi sa rehiyon matag Disyembre pinaagi sa usa ka kasabotan tali sa National Food Authority.

Unod sa maong kasabotan ang pagpalit og bugas sa pangagamhanang probinsyal sa NFA subay sa terms ug conditions nga gikasabotan aron mapalit kini sa pinakaubos nga presyo sa katuyoan nga makatabang sa katawhan sa probinsya panahon sa kalamidad.

Kini usa lamang ka precautionary measure nga gisagop sa mga opisyales ning probinsya. (Jay Vincent V. Demain, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Corvera ug Ceniza, mihatag og suporta pinaagi sa paghatag og pundo

Isip usa sa mga prayoridad sa Barangay Poblacion 2 sa lungsod sa R.T.R., ning probinsya, gisuportahan ni Bise Gobernador Enrico R. Corvera ang pagtukod sa Manpower Training Center sa Barangay.

Ang tabang pinansyal nga nagkantidad og baynte singko mil (P25,000.00) pagakuhaon sa Provincewide Development Fund share sa bise gobernador pinaagi sa Provincial Resolution No. 325-2008 aron masugdan gilayon ang maong proyekto.

Kini agi’g tubag sa hangyo sa mga opisyales sa barangay nga gipangunahan ni Punong Barangay Consuelo A. Prollo.

Sa laing bahin, makadawat og singkwenta (P50,000.00) mil ka pesos ang Barangay Kauswagan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran para sa pagtukod og usa ka box culvert sa Purok-8.

Nagkanayon si Bokal Ernie M. Ceniza nga mahinungdanon kini aron pagpugong sa baha hilabi na sa panahon karon nga ting ulan-ulan.

Ang maong pundo magagikan sa Support to Legislative Programs and Projects sa SPO para sa tuig 2008. (Ayn Mie T. Carmona and Mary Chery S. Monoy, Agusan del Norte, PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Patubig sa 2 ka barangay ipatuman

Gumikan sa kamahinungdanon sa tubig sa pang adlaw-adlaw nga pamuyo, migahin karon og pundo si Bokal Alan M. Famador og kantidad nga tag-singkwenta mil (P50,000.00) pesos alang sa duha ka barangay sa syudad sa Cabadbaran.

Kini ang unod sa usa ka resolusyon nga gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan dili pa lamang dugay aron masugdan gilayon ang proyekto nga maghatag og igo’ng supply sa tubig sa mga residente.

Tukuron sa Barangay Cabinet ang Water System Level III samtang stainless tank usab ang buot paliton sa Barangay 10 nga magamit isip usa ka reservoir aron kung adunay kakulangon sa tubig, hilabi na sa panahon nga adunay brownout, magapadayon gihapon ang pag-awas sa tubig ngadto sa mga kabalayan.

Sa maong kantidad, nagaplano usab sila nga makapatukod og usa ka kusina sa ilang barangay center. (Chuchi S. Monoy, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: 2 ka barangay makadawat og pundo gikan kang BM Reserva

Tag dyes mil (P10,000.00) pesos ang gigahin alang sa duha ka barangay ning probinsya gikan sa Provincewide Development Fund ni Bokal James T. Reserva.

Una na niini ang tabang pinansyal alang sa lungsod sa Magallanes. Kini gamiton alang sa pagtukod og rest room sa Magellan Shrine aron aduna nay magamit ang mga turista samtang sila nagabisita dinhi.

Samtang ang pundong gigahin alang sa Barangay 2 Sampaguita, Cabadbaran City, gamiton alang sa dugang pasilidad sa barangay hall.

Matod pa ni Bokal Reserva, luyo sa kagamay sa ilang pundo matag tuig, iyang paninguhaon nga matubag una sa tanan kadtong mga mahinundano’ng proyekto. (Jessica O. Mellejor, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Seguridad sa Cabadbaran ug Tubay palig-onon

Palig-onon karon sa probinsya ang seguridad sa duha ka lungsod niini pinaagi sa pagbutang og dugang security force.

Kini ang unod sa usa ka memorandum of agreement tali sa pangagamhanang probinsyal ug 4th Infantry Division sa Philippine Army aron sa pag-aktibo sa Special Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (SCAA) niini sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ug sa lungsod sa Tubay. Ang maong MOA gi-aprobahan pinaagi sa usa ka resolusyon sa pagpangamahan ni Bokal James T. Reserva.

Adunay pagahimoong screening ug enlistment sa mo-qualify sa SCAA ug human sa usa ka pagbansay, I-deploy gilayon kini sila ngadto sa nasangpit nga mga lugar isip dugang seguridad sa katawhan, instalasyon ug uban pang propridad sa gobyerno batok sa mga dautang elemento. (Jay Vincent V. Demain, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Livelihood project gipundohan

Tungod sa kamahinungdanon sa proyekto, migahin karon si Bokal Francisco J. Rosales alang sa proyekto ng panginabuhian sa Barangay Poblacion, Las Nieves, ning lalawigan.

Gituohan nga ang goat raising livelihood project nga usa sa mga prayoridad sa barangay feasible nga proyekto basi na usab sa rekomindasyon sa Municipal Development Council sa lungsod sa Las Nieves. Angayan matod pa ang barangay Pob;acion nga buhian og kanding tungod sa kalapad sa palibot ug kadaghan sa sagbot; sanglit dugang man kining kita sa mga lumulopyo.

Samtang sa laing bahin, aduna usay gigahin nga kantidad si Bokal Rosales alang sa paglambo pa sa health center sa barangay Ambacon, Las Nieves. Ang maong tabang pinansyal gamiton alang sa pagpalit og dugang pang pasilidad sa nasangpit nga health center aron mas daghan pang katawhan ang maserbisyohan niini.

Matod pa ni Bokal Rosales, dako kining oportunidad alang kaniya nga mapalambo ang kahimtang sa katawhan. (Jay Vincent V. Demain, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: BM Tomaneng mihatag ug pundo alang sa mga proyekto

Duha ka barangay ang makadawat og suporta gikan kang Board Member Sadeka G. Tomaneng, isip tubag sa ilang mga prayoridad nga programa. Gisuportahan usab kini ni Bise Gobernador Enrico R. Corvera aron matukod ang manpower Training Center sa barangay Poblacion 2, Remedios T. Romualdez.

Ang lungsod usab sa Santiago, ning lalawigan makadawat og singkwenta mil ka pesos (P50,000.00) para usab sa women’s organization. Nagkinahanglan sila og igong kapital para anaa silay igong kita sa ilang proyekto.

Gihatagan og otoridad si Gobernador Erlpe John M. Amante sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa usa ka resolusyon aron sa pagbalhin sa pundo didto sa panudlanan sa duha ka lungsod. (Jessica O. Mellejor, Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: 6,000 ka mag-uuma nakadawat og libreng Palay seeds gikan kay Mayor Plaza II

6,000 ka mag-uuma sa 60 rural barangays ning dakbayan sa Butuan ang nakadawat ug libreng In-bred Palay seeds gikan kang Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II sa usa ka simpleng seremonya nga gipahigayon sa Lobby sa bag-ong City Hall Building karong buntag, Nobyembre 28, 2008.

Ang maong pang-apod-apod sa palay seeds kabahin sa “Rice Seeds Distribution Program” ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ubos sa Department of Agriculture XIII tumong ug tinguha nga makatanom ang matag mag-uuma sa tibuok Pilipinas apil na ang dakbayan sa Butuan.

Nagkantidad sa 7.2 Milyones ka pesos ang kinatibuk-ang apropasyon sa Butuan nga nagkantidad ug P1,200.00 matag sako.

Ang maong klase sa semilya kusog mutubo ug gibana-bana nga adunay 90 hangtud sa 110 ka sako nga ani matag usa ka hektarya, kusog ug dali motubo ang maong palay seeds, adunay resistensya sa peste ug laing matang sa sakit sa humay.

Giawhag ni Mayor Democrito D. Plaza II sa pagkugi sa ilang pag-uma sama sa Vietnam ug uban pang nasud kung diin ang mag-uuma maoy adunahan. Midugang pa kini nga ang pagkugi sa pag-uuma maoy maglikay sa kagutom sa dakbayan sa Butuan, labaw na gyud ang ilang pamilya.

Mitambong sa maong seremonyal distribution sila Konsehal Rodrigo Dayaday, Agriculture and Natural Resources Chairman; Engr. Bert Buca, City Agriculturist’s Office Chief; mga Barangay Chairman sa nagkadaiyang rural barangay, mag-uuma ug mga empleyado sa city hall. (Malou C. Furia, PIO-Butuan City/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: GPK 2008 - Hinatuan, Lanuza, nanguna

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Human ang hapit duha ka bulan nga paghulat sa resulta sa gihimong Provincial Evaluation alang sa gawad probinsiya sa Kapaligiran, nakapagawas na ang assessment Team niadtong miaging adlaw.

Sa imporamasyon nga nakuha sa Radyo ng Bayan, nakuha na ang ranking sa tulo ka mga categories sa tanang mga kalungsuran sa tibuok probinsiya apil na ang duha ka component cities, ang Tandag ug ang Bislig.

Sa Category “A” kon 1st to 3rd class municipalities, ang nag una mao ang lungsod sa Hinatuan, gisundan sa Cantilan ug ika-tulo mao ang Barobo.

Sa Category B kon 4th to 6th class municipalities, sa gihapon ang lunmgsod sa Lanuza maoy nag-una, gisundan kini sa lungsod sa Carrascal ug ika-tulo mao ang Carmen.Samtang sa Component City Category, Bislig ang gideklarar nga first.

Ang Gawad probinsiya sa Kapaligiran (GPK) evaluation gipahigayon niadtong September 16 hangtud sa 26 kon diin gilangkuban ang nag mga assesors sa buhatan sa DILG isip lead agency sa programa, anaa usab ang provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Health Office, PIA, DepEd ug DENR. (Nerissa M. Espinosa, dxJS Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/ PIA-Surigao)

PIA News Service - Thursday, November 27, 2008

POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo


PNP investigates traffic incident

On Tuesday (November 25) at Barangay Pag-antayan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, a red Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle with plate number MT9889 driven by Jonathan Andoy, 32 years old, single and a resident of Poblacion Carrascal of same province with one still unidentified passenger collided with another single motorcycle a black Yamaha Crypton without plate number, driven by Benhur Bragas, 40 years old, married and a resident of Purok-3 Barangay Pag-antayan, Cantilan with one passenger identified as PO1 Homer Guillen.

Both motorcycles were heavily damaged during the incident also seriously injuring both drivers and passengers who were brought to Madrid District Hospital immediately for medical treatment. The motorcycles were both brought to Cantilan Municipal Police Station for safekeeping while the investigation is ongoing.


Spot report on shooting incident

Around 9:30 in the evening of November 25, 2008 (Tuesday) at Purok-2 Barangay 16 Ong Yiu Road, Butuan City, three persons were shot to death by four unidentified armed men. Victims were identified as Maritez Crisostomo, 26 years old, female, married and a resident of Purok-7 Barangay 16 Ong Yiu, Butuan City; Julieto Carumba, 34 years old, Barangay Kagawad of Kulambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur; and one male victim more or less 35 years old, 5'7" in height, medium built.

Victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds resulting to their instantaneous death. Responding personnel from Butuan City Police Station-2 together with Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) Team recovered at the crime scene the items such as 15 empty shells of caliber .45 pistol; one red Crypton Yamaha motorcycle with plate number KT-4181; digital camera; calculator; one cellphone; cash money Php 1,000.00; a ring and some personal documents.

Motive is still to be determined while remains of the victims now lies at Raniel Funeral Homes, Butuan City. A follow-up investigation still ongoing.


Progress Report

The third victim was already identified as Nestor Osabel Sulla Jr., 34 years old, married and a resident of Atega Street, Cabadbaran City , Agusan del Norte, and a credit investigator (CI) of 1st Standard Finance Corporation located at J. C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City.
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Solar dryer to boost seaweeds industry

Governor Jade B. Ecleo recently turned-over one unit elevated multi-purpose solar dryer to the seaweeds growers of Barangay New Mabuhay, municipality of Dinagat Islands. The project is initiated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Fisheries Division, under the supervision of Senior Aquaculturist Zenda S. Elago.

In an interview with the Provincial Agriculturist Oswaldo T. Borja, the P33,480.00 worth of solar dryer is one of the priority projects of Governor Jade’s administration in her aim of making Dinagat Islands the seaweeds capital of Caraga Region. He added that this is in support to the promotion of seaweeds production as an alternative livelihood for the fisherfolk. The equipment would ensure quality-dried seaweeds that are fast becoming a lucrative business for both the local and international market. (Lito A. Apelo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)



Dinagat supports organic farming

The Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands under the leadership of Governor Jade B. Ecleo is now pushing for organic farming in this water-locked province to intensify production and mitigate hunger.

A Five Million Pesos (P5M) worth of organic liquid fertilizer is now being distributed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), headed by Oswaldo T. Borja. This project is part of the Provincial Government’s effort to enhance our land resources through organic farming.

The Crops Division Chief Alan S. Azares earlier said that the fertilizer has been procured by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands to augment the basic services intended for the farmers. He added that the Crops Division is now on the process of promoting organic farming in every municipality through information caravans. Each municipality is encouraged to put up demo farms where the liquid fertilizer will be utilized. (Lito A. Apelo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)


Gov. Jade gives away personalized notebooks to 5,573 Grade II and III pupils

Pursuing a legacy endeavor to grade schools, the provincial governor, Hon. Geraldine “Jade” Ecleo, gives away 9,000 pieces of personalized and made-to-order notebooks to all grade 2 and 3 pupils of Dinagat Islands. A total of 105 elementary schools comprising from the seven school districts of Albor, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Loreto, San Jose, Rizal and Tubajon, have benefited from the governor’s generosity.

Dr. Teofila Cabatuan, School Division Superintendent, has provided data that about 2,745 Grade II pupils and 2,809 Grade III pupils within the province have acknowledged and acquired said notebook.

Governor Jade has personally distributed these notebooks to the pupils of such recipient schools as: San Jose Central, Aurelio, Sta. Cruz, Mahayahay, Dinagat Central, DoΓ±a Helen, and Edera Elementary Schools.

In response, the administrators, teachers, and beneficiary pupils showed their warm welcome to the Governor during her visits to their respective schools, and gave her due appreciation and support for her genuine legacy endeavor to the underprivileged pupils of the province of Dinagat Islands. (Conchita M. Macalua, Ang Dinagatnon/ PIA-Caraga)



P180,000.00 Provincial Grant kicks-off People Organization’s Livelihoods

Quite good enough to start a community-owned trade, a total of P180,000.00 livelihood assistance were successfully granted by the Provincial Government to two People’s Organizations here in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. Spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Governor Jade B. Ecleo graced the awarding of P125,000.00 worth of check to Jacquez Women SKA and P55,000.00 worth to Golden Apple Association, (a group of persons with disabilities based here in San Jose) to finance their income generating projects. Present to witness the program were San Jose Mayor Benglen B. Ecleo and Vice-Mayor Mario Bagunas together with Barangay Captain Rodrigo Reponte of Barangay Jacquez, and Assistant PSWD Officer Zenaida Lerma Escopete, all shared gladness of the beneficiaries.

The Jacquez Women SKA has become the recipient of the Self-Emplyment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program, a national program created by Executive Order No. 123 in 1994 which was adopted and replicated by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands during the program launching held December, last year. The Provincial Government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD-Field Office XIII agreeing that both agencies shall allocate P500,000.00 each in support to the program. Golden Apple Association, on the other hand, received the grant derived from 1% Elderly and Persons with Disability budget of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, two successive Basic Business Management Trainings were conducted recently by PSWDO with the Women On Work (WOW) Association of Cagdianao and Shining Star Association of San Jose respectively. As part of the program’s strategies, these two were among the nine groups that will be soon funded by the Provincial Government for the same nature of program and/ or activity.

The PSWDO head, Mrs. Virginia Salar, continues to advance the Livelihood Assistance and productivity Skills Program for the empowerment and augmentation of family income of all sectors in our community. The agenda is to cater the needs of the people through capability building, technical and financial assistance on their individual or group income-generating projects. (Maricel Plarios, Ang Dinagatnon/ PIA-Caraga)



VOW to strengthen commitment

A three-day Values Orientation Workshop (VOW) was conducted recently in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

The workshop which aimed at reorienting the government employees, being the frontliners in the implementation of the plans and programs of the government, with the core values necessary in rendering quality services.

About 80 personnel from the different departments of the provincial government have undergone the workshop which enabled them to review ethical and moral values to enhance their sense of commitment and dedication to public service.

Technical people who were experts on training and personnel development from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office XIII served as resource speakers.

The said workshop was facilitated by the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office. (SBRApelo, Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)


Mindanao Week of Peace in Surigao Norte kicks off today

Surigao del Norte (27 November) – Surigao del Norte peace advocates are set to converge today, Nov. 27 for the celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace.

The said observance is in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 127 dated Nov. 26, 2001 which assigns the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December every year as the Mindanao Week of Peace aimed to provide a venue for expression of peace aspirations in various forms and for convergence of peace.

This year, the celebration will commence today, Nov.27 and will end on Dec. 3.

Act for Peace Technical Working Group in Surigao del Norte together with peace advocates and other sectors of society will converge for a ‘WALK for PEACE’ around the city which will start at Km.1 and will end at the Surigao City Hall. A short ecumenical prayer from various religious groups and muslim community will then follow.

The highlight of the weeklong observance is the celebration of the 2nd Surigao Peace Day as declared under Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution no. 148 series of 2007 on Dec. 2 which will start with a caravan at 1:00pm from the different municipalities in the mainland and will converge at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer.

The caravan will proceed to the Provincial Convention Center for an Environmental/Industrial Peace Forum as a manifestation of the provincial government’s commitment to support program’s projects and activities that promotes peace.

The activity said is in collaborative effort of the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau, Department of Labor and Employment with other national line agencies and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Cebuano News : Gov. Ace Barbers mipahigayon ug usa ka Public Consultative Meeting uban sa mga Mamanwa

Surigao del Norte (27 November) - Matalandugon nga ghimo ni Gob. Ace Barbers ang usa ka Public Consultative Meeting sa mga Mamanwa kagahapong adlawa, Nov. 26, 2008, sa PPDO Conference Room sa kapitolyo.

Ang mga nagkalain-laing tribu sa mga Mamanwa sa tibuok probinsya natigum kay buot sa maalagarong Gobernador Barbers nga mapadayag nila ang ilang tanang mga mulo ug mga problema sa tagsa-tagsa nila ka katilingban.

“Angay masayran sa atong mga igsoon nga mga Mamanwa, nga sa akong administrasyon karon anaay dako nga panlantaw, pagtagad ug pagpakabana sa ilang kahimtang karon pinaagi niining atong public consultative meeting. Uban ang ilang mga lideres, dinhi atong matubag ug masolusyunan ang inyong mga gihambin nga mga problema sa dugay na napanahon, ug pinaagi niini nga ato gayud makab-ot ang tinuuray nga kalamboan sa atong mga kaigsuonang Mamanwa,” nagkanayon si Gob. Ace Barbers.

Madasigon nga nagpadayag ang mga nagkadaiyang mga miyembro sa tribu sa ilang mga problema labi na sa ilang “Ancestral Domain” nga ilang katungod nga gikuha gikan kanila. Ug usab ang pagtuman sa mga balaodnon nga subay sa ilang tradisyon ug kultura.

Nagmabungahon ang maong tigum diin napadayag usab ni Gob. Ace Barbers ang pagtinabangay tali na sa pangagamhanan ug mga mamanwa diin dako ug tabang ang mamahimo sa mga IP’s sa pag-amping ug pag protiher sa kinaiyahan nga maoy adbokasiya karon sa probinsya, labi na ang pagpresirbar sa mga mga endangered species sama sa mga Tarsier ug Sea Eagle ug mga tanum nga diri lamang makita sa atong probinsya.

Uban sa maong tigum mao usab ang Regional Director sa NCIP, Atty. Jake Dumagan, IFAD Director Menor ug Fr. Lolong Ramada sa Diocese sa Surigao del Norte.

Tungod sa dakong kadasig nga nakita ni Gob. Ace Barbers, siya mipahibalo nga pagahimuon na niya ang maong Public Consultative Meeting sa mga Indigenous People matag “Quarter”, ug kini gikalipay gayud sa tanang mga mingsalmot sa maong tigum. (PGO-Media Bureau/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Dr. Joven to finish Doctorate Degree in Educational Management

The teaching profession is a painstaking job and taxing on the part of the teachers who usually work more than the eight prescribe hours of the labor law. It could not be denied that the teachers have to work overtime not only within the four walls of the classroom but also at home. Due to their routine activity, they lose precious time for each other during nightfall and more often skip their nocturnal desire.

Education indeed is a continuing process of study in any field of learning to possibly raise the level of the teaching technology adept in this modern time of the millennium. The teaching profession today needs competent educators of unquestioned integrity and valuable experience to achieve its bounden goal for quality education and gradually reduce illiteracy in the community, effectively and efficiently.

In fact some school and universities has offered Doctorate Degree in Educational Management to boost unequivocally the educational development, competency and capability of the student regardless of creed, color beliefs and social standing in the community. Doctorate degree in education is just like specializing doctors of medicine against certain illness and disease. At ant rate, however, despite his age at 61, Dr. Ponciano O. Joven, currently the schools Division Superintendent of Agusan del Norte is a rare breed in the teaching profession that as a career executive service officer (CESO V) will soon finish his Doctorate Degree in Educational Management from the University of San Jose Recolitos in Cebu City.

He took his college degree at St. Joseph College in Maasin, Southern Leyte and postgraduate studies in Mathematics at Cutin University Technology, at Perth Western Australia in 1989. He was sent for study tour for education manager (Probe – AUSAID), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia in 1997. He also attended the DECS Senior Manager Training Program to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in 2002 funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

He was also sent for a course on ASEAN Credit Union forum on good governance in Genting Hightands Resort in Malaysia funded by the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperative in 2003. He also attended in Seoul, a forum on Change Management, funded by the ASEAN Credit Union in 2004.

A recipient of several awards, Dr. Ponciano O. Joven was cited as outstanding teacher in 1983 during the Educators’ Week in Manila.

He is a member of the Knight of Columbus (K of C) Council 11842, a bonifide Rover/ Woodbadge Boy Scout of the Philippines delegate for the national jamboree held in Taiwan, Tainan City in 2006.

The Butuan City Division, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur Division was organized in 1904 and Dr. Ponciano O. Joven is the 33rd Schools Division Superintendent since 2002 to date.
(Vic Goloran, Butuan Press Club/ PIA-Caraga)



Crackdown vs illegal Caraga sawmills

Crackdown on illegally installed wood sawmills sawing illegally cut logs mostly hard wood species in Caraga Region have resulted to the dismantling of an unlicensed sawmill in Sitio Obian, Trento, Agusan del Sur last week, the Caraga Police Regional Office here, showed.

Police said joint elements of Trento Municipal Police Office and selected DENR personnel discovered an illegally installed sawmill in said secluded place. Caught in the act of sawing 455 pieces of lawaan wood fletches were the operators of the sawmill.

The undocumented wood fletches with a volume of 4,296 board feet is estimated to be worth at current market value of P85,920, according to DENR-personnel and Trento policemen headed by Police Inspector Celso Acero, Trento police chief.

Police said investigation is still ongoing as to the identity of the owner of said sawmill. The illegally cut logs and confiscated items were immediately brought to CENRO/ DENR Bunawan Office for proper disposition.

But relatives of the sawmill workers have been complaining about the selective type of seizure and confiscation authorities claiming other many illegally installed sawmills including illegally installed mineral ore processing plants in Agusan del Sur were not being checked neither inspected.

Earlier, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon got irked on reports that illegal logging and mining activities in Caraga were financially aiding communist insurgents in the region from the proceeds of illegal logging.

But the New People’s Army for their part, alleged that police and military personnel including some politicians also make money from illegal mining and logging in the Caraga Region.
Esperon was in Caraga lately to personally turn over cash benefits and financial aids amounting to millions of pesos from hard earned taxpayers’ money to former NPA rebels who returned to the mainstream of society.

Critics claimed that while Esperon is paying P60,000 to P50,000 each for every NPA rebel returnee not including other livelihood packages amounting to millions, illegal loggers and miners on the other hand were giving firearms and money to communist guerillas for the protection of their illegal logging business in the mountains. (Mindanao News Courier/ PIA-Caraga)



Cebuano News: 20TH Provincial Prepared Speech Contest, gilunsad

Surigao del Norte
(26 November) - Ubos sa programa ni Gov. Ace Barbers sa paghatag kabililhon sa “Responsible Parenting”, gipahigayon ang 20th Prepared Speech Contest. Kining maong contest gilunsad sa Provincial Convention Center, niadtong Nov. 20, 2008 ubos sa pag-organisa sa Provincial Social Services Office.

Ug ang migawas nga mga mananaog sa Siargao Division mao sila: Mr. Bargie N. Lim, nakadaog sa 1st place nga mirepresentar sa Gen. Luna National High School; 2nd placer Ms. Anna Marie L. Tiu nga representante SSCT Del Carmen Campus; 3rd placer Ms. Heidie Jahara L. Gelsano nga representante sa Socorro National High School; 4th placer Ms. Jamaica B. Liscano nga representante sa Roxas National High School San Isidro; ug ang 5th placer mao si Ms. Marichu Malinao nga representante sa Burgos National High School.

Sa Surigao Del Norte Division ang mga mananaog mao sila Ms. Trisha Marie P. Senados nakadaog sa 1st place nga representante usab sa SSCT- Malimono Campus; samtang ang 2nd placer mao si Ms. Apple Mae D. Bonite sa Gigaquit National High School Of Home Industries; 3rd placer mao si Mr. Jun Mark R. Galeon sa Surigao Norte National High School; 4th placer mao si Mr. Charlz Jose B. Gipala sa SSCT – Surigao City; ug ang 5th placer mao si Mr. Rogine D. Artigo sa Alegria National High School.

Dako ang pasalamat sa mga estudyante hilabi na ang mga ginikanan kang Gov. Ace Barbers sa dakong suporta nga iyang gihatag sa pag-higmata sa mga kabatan-onan karon sa paghatag importansya sa mga ginikanan. Tungod sa maong programa, labaw nga mapasalamaton ang mga ginikanan sa mga impormasyon sa saktong pamaagi sa pagdala sa pamilya ug mga anak. (PGO-Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)



POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania


Report on alleged suicide incident

On Monday (November 24) at 11:30 in the evening at Purok-6, Resurrection, Barangay 23, Holy Redeemer, Butuan City, a victim identified as Marvin Bantiles, 19 years old, single and resident of said place was found hanging inside their house using belt more or less 3 feet and 5 inches long.

Victim was immediately brought to Provincial Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician. Investigation is still going on by PNP elements of Butuan City Police Station-4. Progress report to follow.


PNP probes fire incident

On Tuesday (November 25) at 2:30 in the afternoon at Purok Narra, Barangay Talisay, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, a residential house owned by a certain Riza Maliksi, of legal age, married and resident of said place was razed by fire.

Estimated cost of damages amounting to more or less Php 8,000.00. No reported casualty of said incident. Case is now under investigation of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.



PPMG conducts Tactical Explosive Entry Training

The 140th Police Provincial Mobile Group (PPMG) of the Province of Dinagat Islands conducted a five-day training on Tactical Explosive Entry held recently at the municipality of San Jose and were participated by 29 members of the said mobile group. The composition of the participants of the training was PPMG personnel from North Cluster Detachment of the municipality of Libjo and South Cluster Detachment of the municipality of Cagdianao.

The 29 participants were divided into four teams and had performed Practical Activities on Rifle Exercises, Static Firing, and Building Entry using explosives, the High Explosives Silhouette Charge, Water Charge, and Linear Charge. Part of the training was the Low Explosives and High Explosives familiarization.

The training was manned by P/SUPT Virgil Taguimon Ranes, OS (Ordinance Service) as the Training Director who made sure that all of the participants were physically and mentally fit for the whole duration through conducting daily reveille, 4-kilometer run, and the PNP dozen exercises.

This Tactical Explosive Entry Training was designed with emphasis on safety and the responsible use of tactics which has proven to be very useful in high risk tactical law enforcement situations. Trainees took further advantage of using Explosive Entry Tactics.

The said five-day training successfully ended at Don Ruben, San Jose, Dinagat Islands by a simulation with a total of 40 training hours.
(PO1 Hazel Canon and PO1 Amor Soriano, Ang Dinagatnon/ PIA-Caraga)



Gov. Jade’s Cup marks another year

The provincial government held recently this year’s month-long 2nd Governor Jads’s Cup Inter-Municipality Basketball Tournament.

During the opening program, Gov. Jade B. Ecleo, the brainchild of the Sports Development Program, said the tournament which had its baptism of fire last year is designed primarily to foster teamwork and sportsmanship between and among the seven municipalities of the province of Dinagat Islands. She added that the tournament recognizes the talents and capacities of the youth as effective players in shaping a better and healthy Dinagat Islands.

Some of the highlights of the program were the hoisting of the banners and the lighting of the Urn of Friendship.

Special prizes were given out to the Best in Team Uniform and Best in Team Muse, in which the adjudged winners were the Municipalities of San Jose and Basilisa respectively.

The ceremonial tossing of the first ball by Gov. Jade marked the start of the tournament. The elimination games took off in San Jose Cultural Center and the single round robins were conducted in Cagdianao, Loreto and Tubajon Gymnasiums. The quarterfinal games were recently done in San Jose Cultural Center. (Joseph E. Marcos, HRMO II/ Member, Sports Committee, Province of Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Members of GADCC answer queries of the media during the press conference held this afternoon, November 25, 2008 at the conference room of Butuan City Hall. The presscon was called by GADCC in time with the kick-off activity marking the opening of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga)


Caraga GADCC kicks-off 18-day campaign to end violence vs women

BUTUAN CITY (November 25) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Caraga, through the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) spearheads the opening of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women in a “Walk for a Cause” signifying the official opening of the activity.

As early as 5:00 this morning (November 25), stakeholders from the private and public sectors gathered around the provincial capitol grounds of Agusan del Norte. 30 minutes after, the “Walk for a Cause” started passing along the city’s only mall and heading towards the Butuan City Hall.

When the group arrived at the city hall, the opening ceremony was held with some of the women personalities of the city and the region giving their messages and insights of the activity.

Meanwhile, a press conference was held this afternoon at the Conference Room of Butuan City Hall with selected members of the GADCC attended as panelists. Among them are Atty. Marilyn Pintor, GADCC Chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga Regional Director; NEDA-Caraga Regional Director Carmencita Cochingco who is also the acting RDC Chairperson; Aldeberan Mordeno, chief of the City Social Welfare and Development Office; PSupt. Cristita dela Cruz, GAD focal person of PNP-Caraga; Atty. Edgar Balansag of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and Atty. Ruth Sanchez of the Office of the Regional State Prosecutor.

The 18-day campaign is a commemorative event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) today (November 25), the International Human Rights Day on December 10, and the Signing of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime including the Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons especially women and children on December 12, 2008 – which is also the culmination of the campaign.

GADCC is an affiliate committee of RDC whose main task is to take the lead in all gender and development-related efforts. The committee is also expected to perform policy and decision-making functions for gender and development mainstreaming and is envisioned to assist the RDC in its coordinating, monitoring and evaluating functions. It also coordinates the integration of gender concerns and issues in short and long-term plans, local and regional development plans, investment programs, physical framework plans and special development plans.

This year’s activity is anchored on the theme “CEDAW ng Bayan: ReMOVE VAW!” CEDAW stands for Convention on the Elimination all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

MOVE on the other hand means Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere. This increases men’s comfort with seeing themselves as responsible, caring, and non-violent partners. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)


DepEd-Butuan hosts Caraga Regional Science Fair and Quiz

BUTUAN CITY (November 25) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division recently hosted the 2008 Caraga Regional Science Fair held at Agusan National High School, this city.

During the press conference held at the school’s newly-constructed Amphitheater, regional winners of the Science Olympics and Quiz Bee meet the press and shared their experience from the time of their preparations until they were proclaimed regional winners in the different categories.

In the Quiz Bee, Jerson Bernados of Jagupit National High School in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte recalled the sleepless nights he and his coach, Mr. Jonivil Vidal had for the review and researches they made in preparation for the regional competition.

“My coach and I have made valuable efforts in doing researches and reviews which are the keys to my success. Being this year’s regional champion, although it’s a pressure on my part knowing that I will be representing Caraga in the national finals, I will really do everything I can to give honor and pride to our region”, Bernados said.

Meanwhile, Jasmin Plaza of Bunyasan National High School of Surigao del Norte Division also shared the experience they have with her teammates as they won the grand prize in the Weightlifting competition.

According to Plaza, the only strategy which she and her teammates applied is teamwork and practice. “Practice makes perfect and this best describes the reason of our victory”, she said.

Meanwhile, Wilver Bacug of the host school – Agusan National High School informs the local media of the techniques that his group has applied that made them won in the Physics Motion Category.

Bacug recalled that during the competition, they were required to make a toy parachute that will carry a raw egg. The parachute was dropped in a ten-meter high and the team whose egg was not broken, was declared winner. This, according to Bacug, also required analysis and teamwork among the members of the team.

Although there is no competition of the Science Olympics in the national level, but with the skills shown by the competitors, it is a clear manifestation that students of today’s generation will play important roles in strengthening science and technology not only in the region, but of the country as well. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, November 24, 2008

Fish Health Lab extended water quality and disease surveillance monitoring

In support to the fisheries industry, the Regional Fish Health Laboratory extended assistance not only to the bureau’s projects but as well as to the clientele and stakeholder in the region.

Water quality assessment and regular monitoring has been conducted on the three Mariculture park/ zone project. This is to have a baseline information on the status of water quality in the area. Comparison of the changes in water quality will prevent water deterioration. This is one of the requirements needed in the application of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by the Environment Management Bureau (EMB). This will also serve as a baseline data for the suitability of the water for culture of different marine commodities.

For the disease surveillance and monitoring, priority was given to all registered farm. Monitoring includes on-site water quality analysis, bacterial test, WSSV detection, plankton profiling and antibiotic residue analysis. Samples for plankton profiling, WSSV detection and antibiotic residue were brought to laboratory for analyses.

Disease surveillance was done because according to fishpond operators White Spot Syndrome Virus and Luminous bacteria jeopardize prawn industry in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. Others claimed that the major factor of the downfall was due to deteriorating water quality plus the increasing price of feeds and other inputs. With this, some of the operators shifted to Vannamei culture with the hope to cope up with the failure on P. monodon culture.

Masao River was also monitored quarterly. Aside from antibiotic residue and water quality analysis, Milkfish samples were also subjected to E. coli and Total Coliform analyses. This is to verify and clarify the issue of bacterial contamination of milkfish in Barangay Masao which scared consumers from eating protein rich meat of milkfish. Four kilos of milkfish samples were collected along Masao River and sent to BFAR XI for analysis. The results showed that the E. coli and Total Coliform content in the fish is within the standard and meets the microbiological requirements for fish and fishery products thus safe for human consumption.

Moreover, the RFHL regularly disseminated RED TIDE updates throughout the region particularly in Bislig City (positive of RED TIDE) thru Shellfish Bulletin Report coming from BFAR-Marine Biotoxins in Manila. (Loida Arreglado, BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)


POLICE REPORTS
By: PO3 Rene Boy Ocares Bernaldez
PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo



Report on Highway Robbery

On Friday (November 21) at 12:15 in the afternoon at Sitio Langgam, Barangay Salvacion, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, an Isuzu Van truck with plate number GTR 905 owned by D'Best Value Product Corporation based in Butuan City, and driven by Saturnino Gonzaga, 34 years old, married and a resident of Purok-3, Barangay Huno, RTR, Agusan del Norte with professional drivers license number KOI-98-636790 together with two sales men namely: Ronald Rosano, single and a resident of Emenville Subdivision, Butuan City and Sherwin Milagracia, 27 years old, single and a resident of Luz Village, Butuan City, were held up by two unidentified men armed with caliber .38 revolvers.

Initial investigation disclosed that while on their way from Cagwait, enroute to Lianga, Surigao del Sur, and upon reaching at the abovementioned place were flagged down by the suspects and declared hold-up. Robbers carted away cash money amounting to P31,000.00. Provincial Special Operations Group and Special Investigation Group of Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) were dispatched to conduct operation at the boundary of San Agustin and Lianga, Surigao del Sur to possibly identify and arrest the suspects.

Meanwhile, on the following day (November 22) at 1:30 in the morning at Barangay Basilisa, RTR, Agusan del Norte, victim of a robbery incident who was identified as Pablo Borja, Businessman reported to RTR Municipal Police Station thru telephone call that his warehouse located at said place was robbed by unidentified malefactors carting away sacks containing rice seeds.

Investigation conducted by the responding policemen of RTR Municipal Police Station disclosed that the suspects entered the warehouse by destroying the concrete wall. Follow-up operation exerted and with the help of residence who witnessed the incident resulted to the arrest of the suspects identified as Inrek Cubijano; Ariel Banate; Joseph Balagola; Armando MeΓ±osa and Jerwin Bantilan. Policemen also recovered seven sacks containing rice seeds from the suspects. Suspects are now detained at RTR Municipal Police Station for filing of appropriate charges in court.


PNP arrests theft suspect

On Friday (November 21) at 11:30 in the evening at the Sanchez KTV Bar, San Francisco Street, Butuan City, PNP elements of Theft and Robbery Unit of Butuan City Police Office led by SPO2 Anthony Gomez conducted investigation and follow-up operation on the reported theft incident victimizing one Asuncion Charita Uygioco, 43 years old, married and resident of Gumamela Street, South Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City, which resulted to the apprehension of the suspect identified as Johnmar Sevilla, of legal age, single and resident of Purok Maguinbuhaton, Agusan PequiΓ±o, Butuan City.

Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were Nokia Cellular phone 3120 and 2170, Rolex Lady's wristwatch, Chinese gold bracelet, Rosary bracelet, silver sterling necklace and cash money in different denomination amounting to Php 26, 538.75 owned by the victim. Investigation disclosed that said suspect had the chance to steal the said items when victim's shoulder bag containing aforementioned items were placed inside her owner type jeep and left unattended for a few minutes purposely to close her internet cafΓ©. Suspect now at Butuan City Police Station-1 while case for theft is now being prepared for filing in court.


Report on vehicular accident involving Phil Army

On Thursday (November 20) at 4:30 in the afternoon at the National Highway of Barangay Oteiza, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, a victim of vehicular accident identified as Cpl Francisco Gako, Philippine Army assigned at 58 IB while riding his Honda XR200 motorcycle from 401st Brigade, Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur to Tandag, Surigao del Sur and upon reaching at said place accidentally fell down to the rice field when a motorized “trisikad” running on the same direction suddenly made a U-turn.
Victim was immediately brought to San Agustin Rural Health Center for medical treatment while the motorcycle incurred less damage and now at San Agustin Municipal Police Station for safekeeping.


Arrests of illegal gambling suspect

On Saturday (November 22) at 11:OO in the morning at Barangay Poblacion, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte, Jose Ruiz Armendares, 25 years old and a resident of Barangay Diaz, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte was arrested by San Francisco Municipal Police Station personnel headed by PInsp Alfredo Magdura when conducting operation against Illegal Gambling that resulted to the apprehension of Armendares.
Confiscated from the suspect's possession were several paraphernalia for Illegal Numbers Game locally known as "suertres". Apprehended person and confiscated items were brought to San Francisco Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.


Apprehension of wanted person

On Thursday (November 20) at 2:45 in the afternoon at Sitio Bingcongan, Barangay Gigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, SPO4 Elmer Dela Cruz and SPO1 Wilbert Sardalla both members of Bislig City Police Station arrested the suspect identified as Alan Francisco Asab, 38 years old, married, farmer and a resident of the abovementioned place by virtue of Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Merlyn Pacarro CaΓ±edo, Presiding Judge dated April 10, 2007 for the crime of Qualified Theft with bail bond recommended at Php 30,000.00. Asab was brought to Bislig City Police Station for proper disposition.


6th Mindanao-wide PAFC Summit spells success

Armed with spirit of volunteerism, officers of provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils all over Mindanao flocked here in the city to attend the 6th Mindanao-wide PAFC Summit eventually made the gathering fruitful and very successful.

It was recently held at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort and Convention Center, which was hosted by PAFC Agusan del Sur under the chairmanship of Mr. Pete Lim, designated as summit chairperson.

Regional Executive Director Ricardo C. Regis of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 13 welcomed all guests and participants as he encouraged AFCs to be more vigilant amidst controversy shaking the agriculture department nowadays.

Participants were PAFC chairmen and coordinators coming from all regions in Mindanao namely Region 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In her keynote speech, Dr. Maria Luz Enriquez, Deputy Executive Director of National Agriculture and Fishery Council, lauded the officers of PAFC all over Mindanao for voluntarily rendering their services and time for the council without counting any return.

The highlight of the summit was the holding of the plenary sessions which focused on the FIELDS interventions and its implementation likewise it also tackled various issues affecting the agriculture sector and possible solutions were presented.

The speakers who talked about various support on FIELDS Program includes GMA Rice Program Coordinator for Mondanao Abner Montecalvo of PhilRice Agusan; National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Caraga Engineering Division Chief Engr. Serafin Gallero Jr., Director Asterio Saliot of Agricultural Training Institute; Bureau of Post-Harvest Research and Extrnsion Project Team Leader for Mindanao Edgardo Testa, Project Development Officer IV Rudy Ungson of Agricultural Credit Policy Council, LBP Butuan Lending Center Head Jose Enedicto Faune, Assistant Regional Director Nerio Casil of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Caraga; Bureau of Soil and Water Management Coordinator for Caraga, Sunny de Guzman and Celebes Agricultural Corporation Plant Manager Romeo Sacro.

Governor Maria Valentina G. Plaza of Agusan del Sur also sent her representative Ferdinand Perez, the Public Information Officer of the province who expressed their great support to the summit.

Also gracing the occasion were RAFC Caraga Chair Reynaldo Gaballo and Agusan del Norte Vice Governor Enrico Corvera as representative of Governor Erlpe John Amante who also greatly supported the summit.

This year’s holding of the 6th Mindanao-wide PAFC Summit has a theme “Mindanao AFCs: Meeting the challenge through FIELDS”.

FIELDS is a banner program of the Arroyo administration to collaborate all efforts on agriculture which stands for F-fertilizer, I-irrigation and other infra, E-education and training, L-loans, D-dryers and other post harvest facilities and S-seeds and other genetic materials. (Aurell Arais, BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)



Trento: Go Organic grabs National Award

It’s unimaginable but it’s really true. A small town became famous because of its effort to pursue organic agriculture and moreover it came from Caraga Region.

This was the case of Trento, Agusan del Sur under the leadership of a woman local chief executive Mayor Irenea Hitgano.

Just recently, Mayor Hitgano formally received the award after the local government unitof Trento emerged as the national awardee for the recently concluded Search for Outstanding Organic Farming Initiative: LGU Category.

Hitgano received the award at Davao Convention Center in Davao City during the 5th National Organic Agriculture Conference initiated by the Department of Agriculture through Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) and Go Organic Mindanao (GOM) and other stakeholders.

The award includes a plaque and cash prize worth P100,000.00.

The search for Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Organic Farming aims to provide due recognition to stakeholders’ initiative in organic farming and compliance to the requirements of organic standards; to document success stories and best practices employed in certified organic farms; to showcase improved technologies that meet the Philippine National Standard for Organic Agriculture Production and processing for competitiveness, increased productivity, sanitation and safety, thereby increasing contribution to economic growth, farmers income and consumer’s welfare; and to promote the full implementation of Executive Order 481 on the Promotion and Development of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines.

The high price of petrochemical based fertilizers and expanding market for organic products eventually prompted President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to issue executive order 481 to promote and develop organic agriculture in the country.

In her speech after receiving the award, Hitgano exclaimed that she did not even think that her advocacy for organic farming will bring the town of Trento into limelight.

“I thank all the stakeholders, my co-officials and my constituents who trusted me and who one way or the toher contributed much to our success”, she said.

She gives also an assurance that the advocacy for organic farming in Trento will continue whoever the next set of officers will be since the program has been adopted by the women’s group that called Pinagbuklod na Lakas Kababaihan ng Trento (PLAKAT).

The organic way of farming in Trento started almost three years ago when a group of farmers approached her to do something so they will be freed from financial burden due to high cost in production input.

The call of farmers paved the way for Mayor Hitgano to equip herself the necessary knowledge in organic agriculture through attending various seminars and trainings here and abroad about the matter.

Her acquired knowledge greatly helps her to persuade co-officials and farmers as well as to adopt organic farming.

As of now, Trento has established various demo sites which includes rice and corn, vegetable gardening, organic fertilizer production area, rice duck farming and organic swine raising.

Aside from LGU category, another category of the search is the farmer category which was won by the Leonie Agri Corporation, a sister of Pascual Laboratories engaging in planting medicinal plants in Region 3.

BAFPS Director Gilberto Layese vowed to improve more the search process and expand the categories to widen the scope of recognizing individuals or groups adopting organic agriculture in the country. (Aurell Arais, BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Tungod sa dakong suporta ni Gov. Barbers, mga Capability Building Trainings sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo malampusong gipahigayon

Surigao del Norte (24 November) - Dako ang pasalamat sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo sa paghatag ni Gov. Ace Barbers ug dakong pagtagad sa mga panginahanglanon labi na ang pagdugang sa mga kapasidad sa mga kawani sa probinsya aron sa paghatag ug kalidad ng panirbisyo sa mga katawhan.

Ang Human Resources Management Office nga maoy namuno sa maong mga pagbansay-bansay anaa na karon sa ika 7th Batch para sa “ATO INI “ Core Competences Seminar karong Nobyembre 20-21, ug mosunod ang ika 8th Batch sa Disyembre 4-5, 2008. Gipahigayon usab ang Supply and Property Management Training sugod Nobyembre 19, 20 ug 21, 2008 alang sa 1st Batch ug magsugod usab ang Supervisory Enrichment Training karong Nobyembre 26,27 ug 28 alang sa 1st Batch ug sa Disyembre 3,4 ug 5 alang sa 2nd Batch.

Ubay-ubay ang nakadayeg sa gihimong mga pagbansay-bansay labi na ang mga hingtungdan nga mga empleyado sa gipakita nga importansya sa administrasyong Barbers alang sa kalamboan sa mga kawani sa probinsya.

Matud pa sa maalagarong Gobernador Ace Barbers dako ang iyang panglantaw sa ikaugmad sa mga kapasidad sa mga empleyado o ang gitawag nga mga “frontline service providers” tungod ka yang pagpangalagad nga may kalidad maoy sumbanan sa usa ka episyente ug epektibo nga pangagamhanan diin maoy gitinguha kanunay sa iyang administrasyon. (PGO-Media Bureau Surigao del Norte/ PIA-Surigao City)


SURSECO II implements Electricity Subsidy of PGMA

Tandag City, Surigao del Sur – SURSECO II is now implementing the Electricity Subsidy Program of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo since last month of October, 2008.

This program “Pantawid Kuryente”, Katas ng VAT aims to help residential consumers to pay their electricity bill due to the continuing price increases of basic commodities and petroleum products that we are experiencing, especially on the second quarter of this year.

The funds for this program is said to be funded from Oil VAT Collections of our government.

There were more than 33,000 Residential Consumers of SURSECO II who are entitled to enjoy this program. The coop had 28, 355 consumer who were already enjoying the subsidy. They were non-BAPAs residential consumers and for this month of November, the BAPAs or Barangay Power Association consumers will be started to enjoy the subsidy.

It was happened that BAPAs were not able to implement last month because their Officials, specially, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for Finance were not able to inform and oriented by the coop personnel on how to implement the program.

Many consumers of our coop are now murmuring why that others were not able to enjoy the subsidy specifically the non-residential consumers that legally, they are also a member consumers? Why is it that only residential consumers may avail the program? The management of SURSECO II is only implementing of what was written in the Guidelines for the implementation of this Electricity Subsidy.

In fact, as far as the guidelines is concerned that only residential consumers with an electricity consumption of between 1 KWH – 100 KWH are entitled to enjoy the subsidy.

For those consumers who were not able to meet the guidelines will not be able to enjoy the subsidy.

To reiterate, the subsidy is only for the residential consumers who are consuming from 1 kwh to 100 kwh on the May, 2008 billing. If you do not meet the requirements, meaning, you are not entitled for the subsidy.

This electricity subsidy is a one-time program. The coop is reflected the amount of P500 to the Account of qualified member consumers. Starting last month of October, the amount was started to be deducted from the present billing until the amount (P500) will be fully utilized.

Although, they were some member consumers of the coop who are dismayed in the sense that they were not able to avail the subsidy, but, the 33,000 plus residential consumers were very thankful to the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for initiating this electricity subsidy, according to some consumers that I’ve interviewed.

Furthermore, they are hoping that there will be another electricity subsidy after this. (Aguinaldo L. Jaluag, SURSECO II / PIA-Surigao del Sur)